Pope Francis urges access for humanitarian aid in Syria

Pope Francis urges access for humanitarian aid in Syria

December 25, 2013 - 19:54 AMT  15:54 GMT
"Too many lives have been shattered in recent times by the conflict in Syria, fuelling hatred and vengeance," said the pontiff.
Iran's hardline MPs seek to increase uranium enrichment to 60%

Iran's hardline MPs seek to increase uranium enrichment to 60%

December 25, 2013 - 19:46 AMT  15:46 GMT
Washington earlier this month also blacklisted 19 more Iranian companies and individuals under sanctions aimed at Iran's nuclear program
Syrian ministry signs offshore oil drilling contract with Russian firm

Syrian ministry signs offshore oil drilling contract with Russian firm

December 25, 2013 - 18:25 AMT  14:25 GMT
Most of Syria's oil and gas fields in the country's east are under opposition control and the country's oil exports almost have stopped.
Sinai-based militants claim responsibility for Egypt police attack

Sinai-based militants claim responsibility for Egypt police attack

December 25, 2013 - 17:32 AMT  13:32 GMT
The Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis group also claimed responsibility for a failed assassination attack on the interior minister in September.
Armenia must use CU accession to get Karabakh issue off ground: expert

Armenia must use CU accession to get Karabakh issue off ground: expert

December 25, 2013 - 17:21 AMT  13:21 GMT
“Armenia’s accession to the Russia-dominated Customs Union might be a forced, though necessary, move," Alexander Tsinker said.
Minister says agriculture share in Armenia’s GDP up 6.1%

Minister says agriculture share in Armenia’s GDP up 6.1%

December 25, 2013 - 17:09 AMT  13:09 GMT
Speaking at a news conference, Sergo Karapetyan said the number of cattle has increased by 10,000 to reach 671,000.
Kazakh leader’s remark on Karabakh, CU serves no practical purpose: expert

Kazakh leader’s remark on Karabakh, CU serves no practical purpose: expert

December 25, 2013 - 16:41 AMT  12:41 GMT
“Nursultan Nazarbayev’s statement was meant to demonstrate concern over Azerbaijan’s position,” Mikhail Alexandrov said.
Third Turkish minister resigns, calls on Erdoğan to quit

Third Turkish minister resigns, calls on Erdoğan to quit

December 25, 2013 - 16:26 AMT  12:26 GMT
Turkey’s Environment and Urban Planning Minister Erdoğan Bayraktar’s son was arrested as part of the corruption investigation.
Russia approves extra $50mln in subsidies for Sochi Olympics

Russia approves extra $50mln in subsidies for Sochi Olympics

December 25, 2013 - 16:01 AMT  12:01 GMT
The organizing committee also draws revenue from sponsorship as well as contributions from state-owned companies.
Taliban rockets hit U.S. embassy compound in Kabul

Taliban rockets hit U.S. embassy compound in Kabul

December 25, 2013 - 14:57 AMT  10:57 GMT
"One impacted near Maranjan hill, about one mile from the presidential palace. There are no reported casualties," Mashal said.
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