[World] EU foreign ministers reject arming Syrian rebels

EU foreign ministers reject arming Syrian rebels
http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/president-bashar-al-assad-says-confident-of-winning-syria-war-332564
PARIS - Rejecting a push by Britain, European governments on Monday decided against providing weapons to Syrian rebel forces, expressing fears that more arms would only lead to more bloodshed in a conflict that already has taken nearly 70,000 lives.

Ecuador Re-Elects Correa on Vow to Spend Amid Record Deficit
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/02/17/ecuador-correa-wins-election.html
Rafael Correa was re-elected as Ecuador's president yesterday after pledging to boost spending on the poor while the country runs up its biggest-ever budget deficit.

New details emerge in Pistorius murder case
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/9878616/Oscar-Pistorius-Reeva-Steenkamps-family-desperate-for-answers.html
(CBS News) LONDON - Police believe Reeva Steenkamp, the girlfriend of Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius, was in her nightgown in the bedroom when she was first shot, according to South African media reports.

Britain seeks special ties with India
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/britain-seeks-special-ties-with-india/article4428981.ece
The U.K. is keen to woo Indian investors and is looking forward for enhanced bilateral trade. British Prime Minister David Cameron, leading a 100-member delegation, wants to position his country as the gateway of Europe for Indian companies intending to do ...

Pakistani Shiites demand army protection after bombing that targeted sect, killed ...
http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/108-pakistan-top-news/106648-quetta-protesters-continue-sit-in-with-bodies-of-89-victims.html
ISLAMABADâ€"Thousands of Shiite Muslims staged protests across Pakistan on Monday, demanding that the government and military protect them from Sunni extremists following a bombing that killed 89 people Saturday in the southwestern city of Quetta.

In Australia, anti-Israel rhetoric drowns out speculation over Zygier affair
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/in-australia-anti-israel-rhetoric-drowns-out-speculation-over-zygier-affair.premium-1.504363
Rumors are rife in Australia on Prisoner X, but Jewish leadership remains mum. That silence, however, is being filled with anti-Israel jargon, as questions arise regarding the countries' diplomatic relations and the dual loyalties of Australian Jews.

New political party formed to make 1990s dream reality
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/18/mamphela-ramphele-challenge-anc
The launch of South Africa's newest political party today began with a nod to the past rather than the future. People were asked to remember the "patience and quiet dignity" of the long queues in 1994 when most South Africans got their first chance to vote.

Uncertainty looms for Italians
http://www.euronews.com/2013/02/18/monti-claims-courage/
Italy's election campaign has entered its final week with an increasingly aggressive four-way battle that analysts warn could result in a weak, fragmented government and a prolonged period of political uncertainty.

Russian lawmaker found dead in barrel of cement
http://www.news.com.au/world/body-of-kidnapped-lawmaker-mikhail-pakhomovrussian-found-in-cement/story-fndir2ev-1226580703402
Russian police say they have discovered the body of a local politician reported missing last week, in a barrel of cement in a garage near Moscow.

India Steps Up Probe of Finmeccanica
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/chopper-deal-former-finmeccanica-ceo-giuseppe-orsi-applies-for-bail/373622-2.html
Officials from India will visit Italy this week as the country intensifies its investigations into bribery allegations regarding a helicopter deal worth almost €560 million ($748 million) with a division of Italian defense contractor Finmeccanica SpA.