Author: Matthew Lee
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U.S. dismisses Iran’s uranium claims
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Thursday dismissed Iran’s contention that it is enriching uranium at a higher level than before and accused the Iranian government of mounting an unprecedented crackdown on the opposition to quell protests on the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. Meanwhile, as Iranian security forces fanned out across Tehran to snuff…
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World powers to aid Yemen in fight against terror
LONDON — Yemen risks providing a permanent new haven for al-Qaida without urgent help to rebuild its deteriorating economy, quell internal revolts and bolster work to tackle terrorism, foreign ministers warned at a global meeting Wednesday. Talks in London involving about 20 nations offered backing for plans to bolster Yemen’s fragile government as it…
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U.S. redefines strategy in Yemen
WASHINGTON — The terror incubator in Yemen, birthplace of the Christmas Day airliner attack, is forcing the United States and allies to pour millions of dollars into a shaky government that officials suspect won’t spend the money wisely and isn’t fully committed to the battle against al-Qaida. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and…
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Clinton to press Russia on Iran, arms control
MOSCOW — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton plans to press Russian leaders for “specific forms of pressure” against Iran if the regime fails to comply with international demands to prove its nuclear program is peaceful. Clinton arrived in Moscow from Belfast on Monday, primed for a heavy schedule of meetings Tuesday with Russian…
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Negotiations up next after North Korea’s sentencing of U.S. journalists
SEOUL, South Korea – The sentencing of two American journalists to 12 years’ hard labor in North Korea on Monday sets the stage for possible negotiations with the reclusive nation for their release – perhaps involving an envoy from the United States.New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who helped win the release of Americans from North…
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US inviting Iranian diplomats to July 4 parties
SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras – In a new overture to Iran, the Obama administration has authorized U.S. embassies around the world to invite Iranian officials to Independence Day parties they host on or around July 4th. A State Department cable sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates late last week said that U.S. diplomats could…
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French capture 11 pirates; U.S. offers help to shippers
WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday the Obama administration will try to seize pirate financial assets and work with shippers to improve their defenses, part of new U.S. diplomatic initiatives to thwart sea piracy.The measures outlined by Clinton – which include an exploratory effort to track and freeze pirate assets held…
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Officials: Obama to reverse abortion policy
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to sign an executive order ending the ban on federal funds for international groups that promote or perform abortions, officials told The Associated Press today.The move, long expected in the Democratic president’s first week in office, will be welcomed by liberals and criticized by abortion rights foes.The policy bans…