Israel accuses Europe of ‘appeasing’ Iran
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused European leaders of “appeasing” Iran instead of confronting its militant activity. Netanyahu’s remarks, made in a cabinet meeting, feed into his ongoing efforts to sway world leaders to join the US in upping pressure on Israel’s arch foe through sanctions.
Abuse prevention meet: Pope summons bishops
Vatican City: Pope Francis is summoning the presidents of every bishops conference around the world for a February summit to discuss preventing clergy sex abuse and protecting children.
Sharif gets parole to attend wife’s funeral
Lahore: Pakistan’s former PM Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law were released from the high security Adiala Jail on parole to attend funeral of Begum Kulsoom Nawaz.
Sl bans animal sacrifices at temples
Colombo: Animal sacrifices in Hindu temples in Sri Lanka could be banned after the Cabinet approved a proposal on Wednesday to enact laws banning the “primitive” methods of worship, amid calls from the Hindu community to make the ritual a “punishable offence” in the Buddhist-majority country.
Ready for 2nd round of talks with US: Taliban
Islamabad: The Taliban are ready for a second round of talks with the US which is likely to focus on prisoner exchange, confidence building measures, and ways to move from back-door meetings to formal negotiations.