News Archive - 30 January 2013

1st Half – Highlights 2nd Half – Highlights

>* Case is rare loss for the EU* Multiple sanction cases are ongoing (Adds EU comment)LONDON/BRUSSELS, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Iran's Bank Mellat plans to sue European Union governments for damages after a European court ruled to annul sanctions against the company, lawyers said on Wednesday.Europe's General Court said...

>DUBAI Jan 30 (Reuters) - Iran has called for foreign help to recover a $40 million gas platform from the Gulf seabed, its Mehr news agency reported, in a rare request by an industry isolated by sanctions.The South Pars project to develop Iran's part of the world's largest gas...

>* Decries "horrors" in Syria, urges end to civil war* $1.5 billion pledged aid to cover next six months -Ban* Appeal follows reported massacre of 65 people in Aleppo* Damascenes doubtful necessary aid will reach them* Crisis escalating as more flee, war damage extensive (Adds UN leader Ban's appeal...

>ABU DHABI (Reuters) - A Bahraini princess who works as a police officer is on trial for torturing two doctors while they were in detention during political unrest in the Gulf Arab kingdom in 2011, according to a senior official at Bahrain's Public Prosecutor's office. Sheikha Noura bint Ibrahim al-Khalifa...

>The sources, four in total, all of whom declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, had no further information about what the vehicles may have been carrying, what forces were used or where precisely the attack happened.In the run-up to the raid, Israeli officials have...

>GENEVA/DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's crude oil exports in December leapt to their highest level since European Union sanctions took effect last July, analysts and shipping sources said, as strong Chinese demand and tanker fleet expansion helped the OPEC member dodge sanctions. Exports rose to around 1.4 million barrels per...

>* Decision expected in next few days* Kurds strive for energy autonomyBy Isabel ColesARBIL, Iraq, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Behind the closed doors of their offices in the United States, top executives and lawyers for Exxon Mobil are poring over two sets of contracts, weighing a decision that could shift...

>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama's nominee to lead the Pentagon, prepared to meet with senior New York Senator Chuck Schumer in mid-January, the White House stepped in and ensured that the get-together would take place quickly - and in the West Wing. Some of the loudest...

Whether or not Chuck Hagel is confirmed as our next defense secretary, his nomination has already done serious damage to U.S. credibility on Iran, thereby emboldening the most dangerous regime in the

Japan's industrial production picked up pace in December from the month before, in a sign the world's third-largest economy may be stabilizing thanks to stronger global demand and government spending.

U.S. stocks declined on Wednesday after a report showed that the U.S. economy unexpectedly contracted in the fourth quarter of last year. The Standard & Poor's logged its biggest decline of the year, after rallying close to a...

Chevron was fined nearly $1 million by the state on Wednesday in connection with a fire last year at the company's San Francisco Bay area refinery that sent a cloud of gas and black smoke over residential areas.

Hostess has picked a lead bidder for its famous Twinkies.

Oil prices hovered below $98 a barrel Thursday, consolidating recent gains as traders waited for more economic indicators from the U.S.

The semiautonomous Kurdish region of Iraq has been providing aid and refuge to Syrian Kurds, who are hoping to emerge from the war in their country with a level of autonomy.

A new survey has found that Chinese companies plan to step up investment in Europe, which some see as more welcoming than the United States.

An unexpected contraction in the U.S. economy at the end of 2012 sent Asian stock markets into retreat Thursday.

Pyongyang, January 30 (KCNA) -- The dear respected Marshal Kim Jong Un received congratulatory messages and letters from different countries on the occasions of the 21st anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il's assumption of supreme commandership of the Korean People's Army, the first anniversary of Kim Jong Un's assumption of...

Pyongyang, January 30 (KCNA) -- There took place an open UN Security Council meeting on the Mid-east issue in the UN on Jan. 23.

US Ambassador to the UAE Michael H. Corbin , who has been in the country since July 2011, sat down for an interview with Khaleej Times when he was in town on Wednesday, answering questions ranging from what comes after the US moves away from a dependence on Middle Eastern...

A return to the deep freeze should send a lot of anglers to the ice this week. And they should be conscious of changing ice conditions. Mild temperatures and rain have pounded away at what had been a pretty solid sheet of ice on...

George Schultz served as Secretary of State from 1982 to 1989 in Regan Administration.

SAN FRANCISCO - For the last four months, Chinese hackers have persistently attacked The New York Times, infiltrating its computer systems and getting passwords for its reporters and other employees, the newspaper reported today.

OPENING THIS WEEK BULLET TO THE HEAD: A New Orleans hit man and a Washington, D.C., police officer form an alliance to bring down the killers of their respective partners. With Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.

LONDON (Reuters) - The former head of remuneration at Barclays said she clashed with the British bank's board over former boss Bob Diamond's pay package and described some bonus awards in banking as "obscene". Related Stories Facebook's mobile ad revenue doubles in fourth quarter Chesapeake faces enduring entanglements with departing...

Representatives from member states, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations pose for a group photo at Bayan Palace in Kuwait City, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013. The U.N. chief made a dramatic appeal Wednesday for a major boost in relief aid for Syria, calling for an end to the fighting "in...

We spoke to Ali Lemer and Kent MacCarter, editors of the recently launched Joyful Strains, a collection of memoirs from twenty seven writers who have come to Australia from other countries.

MEMPHIS, January 30, 2013 – The Memphis Grizzlies acquired forwards Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye from the Detroit Pistons and...

This game is over before it even started. China's Ministry of Culture said that it is not considering lifting the nation's ban on videogame consoles. Reports that China might lift its ban on systems like Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation surfaced last week. However, that story appears to be...

A new U.S. government report says that fuel for Afghanistan's security forces, paid for by the U.S., may include Iranian fuel in contravention of U.S. sanctions -- and implies that Turkmenistan may be to blame. The report is by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction...

Israel remains mute over Syrian claims that Israeli warplanes bombed a Syrian military research center and a convoy near Syria's border with Lebanon. Syrian rebels have issued claims that contradict earlier reports.

Editor: Michael Perry + 612 9373 1804 Global Picture Desk: + 65 6870 3775 Global Graphics Desk: + 65 6870 3595 (All times GMT/ET) TOP STORIES Israel hits Syria arms convoy to Lebanon -sources BEIRUT/AMMAN- Israeli warplanes bomb a convoy near Syria'sborder with Lebanon, sources tell Reuters, apparently targetingweapons destined...

(CNN) – When former Sen. Chuck Hagel appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee pn Thursday, don’t expect him to dwell on controversial statements from his past. Instead, allies say, he’ll focus on the present. He will testify that if confirmed to be the next Secretary of Defense, he will...

A test would give US analysts the clearest picture yet on the rogue state's capabilities.

HAVANA (AP) — Two Cuban dissidents who applied for passports to go overseas under recently enacted travel reform reported mixed results Wednesday, as one former prisoner was turned down while a prominent blogger excitedly tweeted a photo of her brand new, bright blue travel document.

By USA Today WASHINGTON — After weeks of hearing from critics that Defense secretary nominee Chuck Hagel is not tough enough on Iran, not tight enough with Israel ...

BEIRUT – Israel conducted a rare airstrike on a military target inside Syria near the border with Lebanon, foreign officials and Syrian state TV said Wednesday, amid fears President Bashar Assad’s regime could provide powerful weapons to the Islamic militant group Hezbollah.

NORTH Korea – and now Iran – are parading and pouting about their kindergarten technology, determined to continue the pretence of being major players on the world stage.

In answers prepared for his Senate hearings, Chuck Hagel says he is committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, even if this means military action.

OUR OPINION: Latin America’s political immaturity on full display

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UPI) Jan 29, 2013 Iran's claim to have lofted a monkey into space atop a Kavoshgar rocket as a step toward a manned space program is making headlines but Western experts worry it's really part of Tehran's quest for more powerful ballistic missiles. The Iranians are...

The vice president points out the cabinet picks' military history and achievements.

Press freedom in Hong Kong worsened for the second consecutive year, according to media watchdog Reporters Without Borders.

While his controversial statements on homosexuals and Israel are more widely known, the Defense secretary nominee may also have to answer for what he has said about the DOD budget.

On Wednesday, United Against Nuclear Iran launched its Turkey gold campaign, and called on both the London Bullion Market Association and Istanbul Gold Exchange

Sen. John Kerry, a long-time Senate expert on Foreign Affairs, is an appropriate choice to take over for Hillary Clinton as secretary of state. Clinton did a terrific job and has set a high bar for excellence.

The worse Assad’s position grows, the more attempts Hezbollah will make to grab whatever weapons it can get its hands on. And it seems Israel, if it was responsible for the air strike, has made its red lines clear.

In the past, Israel has mapped out its 'red lines' for all sides that are stirring the pot in Syria, but Assad’s ailing regime is prompting renewed concern that these unwritten laws could be violated. The most unknown variable in this equation is Hezbollah.

Each year, the World Press Freedom Index ranks the world’s nations – 179 of them – on how easy they make the work of journalists, scoring them in categories like media independence, the physical safety of reporters, free speech laws, and transparency. The resulting list reads much like a primer...

LONDON (Reuters) - Business minister Vince Cable said on Wednesday he could see some merit in incorporating growth into the Bank of England's objectives, adding his voice to an emerging debate over the bank's mandate. Related Stories Facebook's mobile ad revenue doubles in fourth quarter Chesapeake faces enduring entanglements with...

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Facebook Inc's advertising business grew at its fastest clip since before the company's May initial public offering, helping the company's revenue expand 40 percent to $1.585 billion (£1 billion). Related Stories German unions resigned to closure of Opel plant World Bank chief says finger-pointing not...

>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Chuck Hagel has told Congress that if confirmed as the next defense secretary he would ensure America's military is prepared to strike Iran if necessary but stressed the need to be "cautious and certain" when contemplating the use of force. Hagel's views were detailed in 112 pages...

[Video] Malavan – Damash Gilan Malavan 3 – 1 Damash Gilan (W24) 10′ [1-0] Jalal Rafkhaei 77′ [2-0] Mohammad Nozhati 90′ [3-0] Jalal Rafkhaei (P.K.) 90′ [3-1] Saeed Hallafi Match Highlights...

[Video] Paykan Tehran – Esteghlal Tehran Paykan Tehran 0 – 3 Esteghlal Tehran (W24) 21′ [0-1] Vicente Arze 61′ [0-2] Farzad Hatami 78′ [0-3] Farzad Hatami Match Highlights...

Syria's Assad regime appears to be investing all it has in the battle for Daraya to insure its grip on power. Sixty percent of Army troops are deployed in Damascus.

The Associated Press reports that " Syrian state TV has confirmed that Israeli warplanes bombed a military research center northwest of the capital, Damascus."

BEIRUT — Israel conducted a rare airstrike on a military target inside Syria near the border with Lebanon, foreign officials and Syrian state TV said Wednesday, amid fears President Bashar Assad’s regime could provide powerful weapons to the Islamic militant group Hezbollah.

The UN atomic agency said on Wednesday that it had no indications that an explosion took place at an Iranian nuclear facility, as reported by Israeli and US media.

Christian Pastor Saeed Abedini, an American imprisoned in Iran on charges of evangelizing, was recently sentenced to eight years in prison. Abedini was sentenced by Judge Pir-Abassi to eight years in prison for supposedly threatening the national security of Iran through his leadership in Christian churches, reports Fox News and...

After griping for weeks about how the mainstream media gives the Obama administration a free ride – and using words like “swooning” and “fawning” to describe the recent 60 Minutes interview with Hillary Clinton and President Obama - Greta Van Susteren’s interview with Clinton last night was surprisingly subdued. Van...

Israeli forces have attacked a convoy on the Syrian-Lebanese border, sources told Reuters, after Israelis warned their Lebanese enemy Hezbollah against using chaos in Syria to acquire anti-aircraft missiles or chemical weapons. read more

Remarks at Final Town Hall Meeting With Department of State Personnel Remarks Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Dean Acheson Auditorium Washington, DC January 30, 2013 Thank you. Thank you. Oh, boy. This is an incredible experience for me. I thank you for joining me and I know that other...

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel said the "window is closing" on Iran and the possibility of diplomacy if it continues to ignore international demands to end pursuit of a nuclear weapon.

LONDON [MENL] -- Iran's proxy has significantly enhanced the leading Alawite militia of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Copyrights 2008, Middle East Newsline.

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- Yemen has seized a shipment of surface-to-air missiles believed sent by Iran. Officials said the Yemen Navy captured a ship that contained a large cache of weapons believed to stem from Iran. They said the ship, which was not registered in Iran, was transporting surface-to-air missiles.

SIENA, Italy (Reuters) - A probe by Italian magistrates into scandal-hit bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena concerns only the lender's previous management, Siena public prosecutor Tito Salerno said in a statement on Wednesday. Related Stories OFT says British petrol market "working well" Barclays ex-pay chief disagreed with Diamond's bonus...

An Iranian news agency reports that local journalists linked to British news media have been arrested but gave few details. Iran regularly cracks down on foreign media outlets it considers hostile.

LAGRANGE PARK — Rick Steves pushed the idea of open-mindedness, of broadening one’s horizons through travel. Steves spoke to residents and visitors at Plymouth Place Senior Living center in LaGrange Park Jan. 28 in two packed sessions. Globetrotters, savvy travelers and novices who haven’t yet ventured abroad were eager to...

Argentina has rejected a request from Israel to explain about its recent deal with Iran to investigate a 1994 bombing in Buenos Aires which killed 85 people.

Israeli forces attack a convoy on the Syria-Lebanon border, unconfirmed reports say, amid fears that Syrian weaponry might fall into the hands of militants.

Frida Ghitis says a signature achievement of Hillary Clinton's tenure as Secretary of State was the promotion of equality for gay people as a core value of U.S. foreign policy.

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities could cause "significant damage" but only a US attack could halt their operations, a newspaper said on Wednesday.

Maria Baraghamyan voiced confidence that effective programs are being developed to benefit the tourism sector.

By Amer Taleb - One day during George W. Bush’s presidency, a group of men walked into the White House Situation Room and dumped a pile of rubble on the conference room table. The debris was the aftermath of a new computer worm, one that could literally make machines explode.

KUWAIT CITY (AP) - The U.N. chief appealed Wednesday for a major boost in international relief aid for Syria and called for the fighting to end "in the name of humanity" even as more refugees poured into neighboring Jordan and its leader warned resources were strained to the limit.

A group claiming responsibility for a string of cyberattacks against several major U.S. banks over the past four months today said that it has suspended its campaign in response to YouTube's apparent removal of a controversial anti-Muslim video.

Argentina’s government rejected the Israeli government’s summons of its ambassador in order to explain the memorandum of understanding signed between Argentina and Iran advancing the investigation of 1994 AMIA bombing case. Click here for the rest of the article...

>While the race to win best film at the February 24 ceremony was shaken up by "Argo" stealing the thunder of "Lincoln" at two award ceremonies last weekend, the best director statuette was deemed destined for one man.Spielberg, 66, who has been nominated seven times for best director at...

>KUWAIT (Reuters) - Denouncing "unrelenting horrors" in Syria's war, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appealed on Wednesday for an end to the violence and more aid to address a situation he said was catastrophic and worsening by the day. "How many more people will be killed if the current situation...

>* Banks irked due to Turkey's booming gold trade with Iran* Traders in Dubai edgy over possible local government probeBy Humeyra PamukDUBAI, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Trade in Turkish gold bars to Iran via Dubai is drying up as a growing number of banks and dealers refuse to buy the...

More than 2,000 people gather on outskirts of Tehran to mark Sadeh.

The prominent Nashville chamber ensemble, ALIAS, will be holding a Winter Concert benefiting Park Center. Park Center offers a unique approach to mental health recovery focused on the individual’s needs, choices and strengths.Nashville, Tenn. (PRWEB) January 30, 2013 In keeping with its tradition of supporting area non-profits, the Grammy...

SEOUL: South Korea on Wednesday succeeded in thrusting a satellite into orbit for the first time, achieving its ambition of joining an elite club of space technology leaders, seven weeks after the successful launching of a satellite by rival North Korea.

WASHINGTON - Iran's elite Quds Force and Hezbollah militants are learning from a series of botched terror attacks over the past two years and pose a growing threat to the U.S. and other Western targets as well as Israel, a prominent counterterrorism expert says. Operating both independently and...

TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) –NBC news reports that two people are injured in a fire at an oil storage facility in East Texas as firefighters work to prevent the blaze from spreading.

By United Press International UPI Almanac for Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013.

Reuters will issue this diary daily at around 1000 GMT. All times in GMT unless otherwise stated. Items marked ** denote new or amended listings. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -...

Iran's elite Quds Force and Hezbollah militants are learning from a series of botched terror attacks over the past two years and pose a growing threat to the U.S. and other Western targets as well as Israel, a prominent counterterrorism expert says. Operating both independently and together, the militant...

Iran’s Minister of Science, Research and Technology Kamran Daneshjou says the West uses sanctions as a tool to monopolize science and dominate the world, Press TV reports.