World News – General – Russia opposes tougher sanctions against Iran

Russia opposes tougher sanctions against Iran
Defying U.S. pressure even as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton begins a visit to Moscow, Russia’s top diplomat promotes negotiation over punishment to persuade Iran to halt its nuclear program.

Further sanctions against Iran would be “counterproductive,” Russia’s top diplomat said today, pushing back pointedly against U.S. pressure for a tougher stance against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Iran launches investigation of prominent opposition cleric
Mehdi Karroubi has accused security forces of raping and torturing protesters detained after the disputed reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The probe could spark new street demonstrations.

Iranian authorities launched a provocative attack on the opposition movement today by announcing a special investigation into prominent cleric Mehdi Karroubi over his accusations that security forces raped and tortured protesters demonstrating against the disputed June reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

In Egypt and Saudi Arabia, succession looms
Egypt President Hosni Mubarak and Saudi Arabia King Abdullah, both in their 80s, have long played leading Mideast roles. Some worry that successors will complicate relationships.

They are a desert king and a military officer-turned-president. Drive through their capitals and their images glow from billboards and painted walls, old men with their eyes fixed everywhere, even as whispers grow about who will rise to replace them.

Czech PM proposes deal to appease Klaus
The Czech government tells the European Union that it hoped to ensure ratification of the bloc’s Lisbon treaty by drafting a declaration that would satisfy last-minute objections raised by Vaclav Klaus, the Czech president

Koreans defy rift to find unity in matrimony
One matchmaker in the suburbs of Seoul has found himself in a booming industry as women flee the North and go in search of a husband

ECB challenged by rising euro
Just when eurozone economic prospects have turned for the better, a new policy challenge is facing the European Central Bank: an unwelcome appreciation of the euro

UC Berkeley professor a winner of Nobel in economics
Oliver Williamson shares the award with Elinor Ostrom of Indiana University for their work in economic governance.

STOCKHOLM — Americans Elinor Ostrom and Oliver Williamson won the Nobel economics prize today for their analyses of economic governance — the way authority is exercised in companies and economic systems.

German investor sentiment slips
The business mood in Germany unexpectedly becomes deflated this month as optimism about the recovery in Europe’s largest economy loses some of its fizz

Eni wins Iraq oil field deal
Iraq has given a consortium led by the Italian oil group the right to develop its giant Zubair field, in a deal that signals the country’s desire to attract more of the world’s biggest oil companies

Attacks highlight Pakistan’s vulnerability to militants
The country is being hit with symbolic and deadly blasts as its military prepares an offensive against the Taliban in South Waziristan. One attack shows collaboration with Punjabi factions.

Dressed in camouflage and armed with automatic rifles, grenades, mines and suicide vests, the 10 militants who shot their way into Pakistan’s army headquarters were driven by a chilling goal: seize senior military officers as hostages and demand the release of more than 100 prisoners held by the government.

France opens way for Moscow ship sale
Paris has given the go-ahead to the possible sale of a helicopter- and-troop-carrying ship in a move likely to prove controversial with France’s Nato partners and Russia’s neighbours

Resignation of Afghan election official raises anxiety level
The disgruntled member of the Electoral Complaints Commission cites ‘foreign interference,’ adding an acrimonious new element to the controversial election at a crucial moment for Afghanistan.

The disarray surrounding Afghanistan’s presidential election deepened Monday when an Afghan member of the vote-reviewing commission quit, citing “foreign interference.”

Russian foreign minister opposes threatening Iran with sanctions
After meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Clinton, Lavrov says the move would be counterproductive. Clinton agrees diplomacy is important, but wants Iran to come clean on its nuclear activities.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today that the threat of sanctions against Iran would be counterproductive, resisting U.S. efforts to win agreement for measures if Iran fails to prove that its nuclear program is peaceful.

China and Russia in $3.5bn trade deals
Russia sought to strengthen ties with China as Vladimir Putin, prime minister, signed off on $3.5bn ( 2.4bn, 2.2bn) worth of deals during talks with Wen Jiabao, the Chinese premier, in Beijing

North Korea test-fires five missiles, reports say
North Korea reportedly launches five short-range missiles and may fire others. Analysts believe the government is trying to improve its bargaining position ahead of possible talks with the U.S.

North Korea reportedly test-launched five short-range missiles Monday, and may fire more, in what analysts called an attempt to improve its bargaining position ahead of possible talks with the United States.

Mexico electrical workers fight disbanding of utility
Union threatens legal action to save jobs lost with Calderon’s order to dissolve Luz y Fuerza del Centro, which supplies electricity to Mexico City and several neighboring states.

Angry electrical workers on Monday asked Mexico’s Congress to help them reverse the government’s decision to disband the state-run utility that supplies electricity to Mexico City and several neighboring states.

Record drought takes its toll on Arizona
Lack of rain and rising temperatures are making life tougher for the state’s ranchers, writes Anna Fifield

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