Section: US & Canada
Harper encouraged by Ukraine peace agreement, but remains skeptical
VICTORIAVILLE, Que. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he is encouraged by a comprehensive peace deal reached today between Ukraine and Russia, but says he is being cautious about whether Russia will honour it. The peace deal was hammered out today following all-night negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany at a summit in...
Ash Carter confirmed as new U.S. defense secretary
The Senate on Thursday confirmed President Barack Obama’s choice to run the Pentagon, handing Ash Carter the unenviable task of steering the military as the United States confronts Islamic State militants, conflict in Ukraine and other worldwide threats. The vote in the Republican-controlled Senate was 93-5. Carter will replace Chuck Hagel,...
WATCH: Another wild brawl erupts in the Ukrainian Parliament
Another wild brawl erupted on Thursday in the Ukrainian parliament between two lawmakers whose argument over a bill ended in fisticuffs. …read more Source: Global...
News Analysis: Ukraine Cease-Fire Leaves Control of Eastern Border Unsettled
The Minsk accord sets no deadline for the withdrawal of Russian forces, weapons and equipment from eastern Ukraine. …read more Source: The New York...
Senate Confirms Ashton Carter As Secretary Of Defense
WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to confirm Ashton Carter as President Barack Obama’s next secretary of defense. Carter, 60, who was approved in a 93-5 vote, served as deputy defense secretary, the Pentagon’s No. 2 position, from 2011 to 2013. He was also the Defense...
Senate Confirms Ash Carter As Defense Secretary
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday confirmed President Barack Obama’s choice to run the Pentagon, handing Ash Carter the unenviable task of steering the military as the United States confronts Islamic State militants, conflict in Ukraine and other worldwide threats. The vote in the Republican-controlled Senate was 93-5. Carter will...
Ukraine Ceasefire Agreement: Who Came Out On Top In Minsk?
A 17-hour negotiating marathon in Minsk, Belarus, among Russian, Ukrainian, German and French leaders over the crisis in Ukraine ended Thursday morning with both Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists giving concessions to end the fighting in the east of the country. Doubts over how long the new Minsk agreement will last, including its ceasefire set...
Senate Confirms Ashton Carter as Defense Secretary
The Senate confirmed Ashton Carter as defense secretary Thursday in a vote 93 to 5. He is replacing Chuck Hagel, who announced his resignation in November. Carter’s first day at the Pentagon will be Tuesday, according to an official associated with the confirmation. It’s been widely assumed Carter would face an easy confirmation since...
Ukraine Ceasefire Deal Just ‘A Glimmer of Hope’; U.S. Says Fighting Escalating
Negotiations orchestrated by France and Germany in Belarus over the war in Ukraine ended this morning with a deal between Russia and Ukraine to end the months-long fighting in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russian-backed rebels. The ceasefire is supposed to start on Sunday. A previous ceasefire deal ended when rebels blew through...
The Minsk Agreement Can Only Work If Power Is Balanced Between Russia and the West
MOSCOW — In the little more than a year since 2013, when Moscow first grew nervous over Ukraine’s desire for European integration and President Vladimir Putin presented a set of initially fair and reasonable claims to the West, the world has watched as the Russian leader has put this country into an increasingly deplorable position....
