Section: San Francisco Chronicle (USA)
France: Europe hurting from Russia sanctions, needs to act
LAS VEGAS (AP) — France’s economy minister says Europeans should work together to pressure Russia for a solution over Ukraine so that all sides can ease sanctions that are hurting European economies. […] he also expressed “concern” about the “economic side effects” of the sanctions on European businesses, such...
Despite pressure, EU’s sanctions against Russia could last
France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine are trying to set up talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, toward easing the tensions behind sanctions that have hit Russia’s economy, sent the ruble sinking and affected European companies like banks, oil companies, machinery makers and food giants. …read more Source: San Francisco...
NATO’s priority in 2015: Setting up reaction force in Europe
The multinational force, often called the “spearhead,” was ordered into existence by President Obama and other NATO leaders in September so it could be deployed to reinforce alliance members feeling threatened by the actions or ambitions of Vladimir Putin’s Russia. With NATO officially out of combat operations in Afghanistan as...
Ukraine rebel ‘Batman’ battalion commander killed
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — A Ukrainian security official says a prominent rebel commander in the separatist eastern region of Luhansk has been killed. A website of the separatist Luhansk People’s Republic said that Alexander Bednov, head of a battalion called “Batman,” was killed Thursday when separatist security forces tried to...
Troubled EU hoping the only way is up in 2015
On Monday, parliament failed to approve a new president, forcing the government to call early elections for Jan. 25 — a poll that could re-ignite Europe’s sovereign debt crisis. An election that may bring to power leftists opposed to Greece’s harsh bailout conditions could dampen the enthusiasm generated by a December EU summit that...
Russians optimistic for 2015 despite it all
A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll showed that Russians who rely on state TV for their news think significantly more highly of President Vladimir Putin than those who tap other news sources. The ruble’s fall, the plunge in world oil prices and the sanctions’ denial of access to Western credit have...
Putin calls annexation of Crimea a historic landmark
Putin calls annexation of Crimea a historic landmark After Ukraine’s former Russia-friendly president was driven from power, Moscow sent troops to overtake Crimea, home to a Russian naval base. …read more Source: San Francisco...
Official: 6 bodies recovered from AirAsia crash
PANGKALAN BUN, Indonesia (AP) — A massive hunt for the 162 victims of AirAsia Flight 8501 resumed in the Java Sea on Wednesday, with six bodies, including a flight attendant identified by her trademark red uniform, recovered. Searchers found the bodies and debris that included a life jacket, an emergency exit door and a suitcase about 10 miles...
Debris spotted off Indonesia coast, possible link to AirAsia
SURABAYA, Indonesia (AP) — Several pieces of debris seen floating in the sea off Borneo island might be linked to the missing AirAsia jetliner, an Indonesia National Search and Rescue spokesman said Tuesday. Yusuf Latif said an Indonesian military aircraft saw white, red and black objects, including what appears to be a life jacket, off the...
Search area expanded in hunt for AirAsia plane
The United States announced it was sending the USS Sampson destroyer, joining at least 30 ships, 15 aircraft and seven helicopters in the search for the jet carrying 162 people, said Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency chief Henry Bambang Soelistyo. A Chinese frigate was also on the way, while Singapore said it was sending two underwater...
