State Dept.: Policy against new Israeli settlements stands

The State Department is sticking with a strict no-new-settlements policy toward Israel, its spokesman said Thursday, but he held out the possibility that Israelis and Palestinians might eventually take a different path. “The position that the secretary has stated remains our position,” spokesman P.J. Crowley said at his daily briefing

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Climate protesters ‘swoop’ on London

Climate change activists were converging on the center of London on Wednesday for a week-long protest intended to highlight the dangers of economic growth on the environment. The Camp for Climate Action said it expected about 1,000 people to descend on the location, which was kept a secret until the last moment. The group called on its supporters to gather at six London spots and be prepared to “swoop” onto the site when its location is announced

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Violence mars West Ham clash with Millwall

A man was stabbed in the chest and 13 people were arrested after violence marred an English League Cup tie between Premier League side West Ham and east London neighbors Millwall. The 44-year-old man was stabbed in Priory Road, a few yards from West Ham’s stadium as fans clashed with police before and after the match; police say he is now in a stable condition. During the match, which West Ham won 3-1, fans fought with police and stewards inside the stadium and play was temporarily suspended when numerous supporters invaded the pitch.

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Britain rejects claim that bomber release tied to UK trade deals

Britain on Friday rejected claims made by the son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi that the release of the Lockerbie bomber was linked to trade deals between Libya and Britain. Saif al-Islam Gadhafi made the comments in an interview with Libyan channel Al Mutawassit, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported

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Papers: Bomber’s release ‘a betrayal of justice’

The release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi from prison in due to terminal illness was greeted with wideapread derision from newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic, with few having good words for Scottish authorities behind the decisions. Below are a selection of the opinions that have appeared in newspapers in Britain, which witnessed the 1988 atrocity, and America, where many of the families of victims live. In London, The Times says that the decision to release al Megrahi was taken with “consideration and compassion”.

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Murdoch closes paper as free news squeeze begins

Rupert Murdoch’s News International, which plans to begin charging for online content, said Thursday it was to close its free London newspaper as part of cost-cutting measures. The Londonpaper, which employs 60 editorial staff, will cease publication within a month, according to a statement. “The strategy at News International over the past 18 months has been to streamline our operations and focus investment on our core titles,” James Murdoch, who heads his father’s Europe and Asia operations said

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