world news

Libyan official says truck overturns, kills 19 migrants

BENGHAZI, Libya –  A Libyan official says at least 19 illegal migrants have been killed in a truck crash near the town of Bani Walid, about 180 kilometers (112 miles) southeast of Tripoli. The chief of Bani Walid hospital, Mohamed…

Germany's Merkel tells politicians: Get back to real work

BERLIN –  German Chancellor Angela Merkel says that after months-long negotiations to form a new government, the country's politicians should now get back to real work. In a traditional Ash Wednesday address in Demmin in eastern Germany, Merkel referred to…

Frenchman admits killing girl who vanished from Alps wedding

PARIS –  French authorities say a man in custody has confessed to "unintentionally" killing a 9-year-old girl whose disappearance from a wedding party in the Alps prompted nationwide concern. Grenoble prosecutor Jean-Yves Coquillat said that investigators found some of Maelys…

Longest-serving Dutch premier, Ruud Lubbers, dies at age 78

AMSTERDAM –  Ruud Lubbers, the Netherlands' longest-serving prime minister who guided his country through economic turmoil to prosperity and helped shape the foundations of the European Union, has died at age 78. The Dutch government announced that Lubbers died Wednesday…

Taliban letter addresses 'American people,' urges talks

KABUL, Afghanistan –  The Taliban are urging the "American people" to press their government to withdraw from Afghanistan and reminded Americans that the Afghan war is the longest conflict in which they have been embroiled — and at a cost…

French court acquits man accused of hiding Paris attackers

PARIS –  A French court acquitted a man charged with harboring Islamic extremists after they carried out the 2015 Paris attacks, bringing a surprising end Wednesday to the first criminal trial from the country's deadliest extremist violence since World War…

Talks to restore Northern Ireland government break down

LONDON –  The leader of Northern Ireland's biggest political party says talks to restore the collapsed Belfast government have failed. Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster says negotiations with Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein to restore the power-sharing government "have…

UN envoy: This is most dangerous moment in Syria in 4 years

UNITED NATIONS –  The U.N. envoy for Syria says this is the most "violent and worrying and dangerous" moment in the country in four years, pointing to escalating violence on multiple fronts that undermines prospects for peace and regional stability.…

The Latest: Man acquitted of harboring Paris attackers

PARIS –  The Latest on the trial of a man charged with harboring terrorists from 2015 Paris attacks (all times local): 4:40 p.m. A French court has acquitted a man charged with harboring Islamic extremists after they carried out the…

Macron's office closes press room, moves reporters off-site

PARIS –  French President Emmanuel Macron's office is closing the press room inside the presidential palace amid broader efforts by the French leader to control his public image. Advisers for Macron announced Wednesday that journalists will be moved to a…

Warzone burn pits found by court to cause lung disease

A Judge under the U.S. Department of Labor ruled last month that open-air burn pits -- in which thousands of chemicals were released into the air after trash and other waste were incinerated at American military bases in Iraq and…

German govt urges UK PM May to present concrete Brexit plans

BERLIN –  The German government has called on British Prime Minister Theresa May to present her government's plans about the future relationship between Britain and the European Union after it leaves the bloc. A spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel…

Mexico admits government spies tail candidates

MEXICO CITY –  Mexico's Interior Department says the federal intelligence agency sent a plainclothes agent to tail an opposition presidential candidate, even though the candidate never asked for and apparently did not want a tail. There have long been fears…

The Latest: Syria says it has no chemical weapons

BEIRUT –  The Latest on Syria related developments (all times local): 4:25 p.m. Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister says allegations that Syria is using chemical weapons are an attempt to "justify hostile acts." Faisal Mekdad denied Wednesday in comments published on…

EU top official: Good chance for closer views with Poland

WARSAW, Poland –  Top European Union official says there's a "good chance" for a better understanding with Poland, some of whose policies have led to an unprecedented dispute with EU leaders. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was upbeat Wednesday about…

Bolivia official says explosive caused deadly Carnival blast

LA PAZ, Bolivia –  Bolivia's defense minister says an explosive was used in a blast that has killed at least four people during Carnival celebrations — the second deadly explosion to hit the city of Oruro during the celebrations. Javier…

Amnesty slams new anti-migration bill in Hungary

BRUSSELS –  Human rights group Amnesty International has slammed Hungary's new anti-migration bill, saying it would allow the government to target any non-governmental organization working with migrants if it becomes law. Amnesty said Wednesday that the bill could suspend, disband…

NATO chief urges defense budget hike amid command expansion

BRUSSELS –  NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is urging European allies and Canada to keep ramping up defense spending, as the alliance expands its command headquarters in response to a more assertive Russia. Stoltenberg said Wednesday that "to keep our…

Iranians celebrate Valentine's Day, despite its being banned

TEHRAN, Iran –  Some Iranian youth are celebrating Valentine's Day even though authorities have banned the celebrations as part of "decadent Western culture." Coffee shops and restaurants are crowded with boys and girls celebrating with their loved ones and exchanging…

Ukrainian opposition leader Saakashvili flies to Netherlands

THE HAGUE, Netherlands –  Ukrainian opposition leader Mikheil Saakashvili has flown to the Netherlands, his wife's home country, after being ejected from Ukraine into neighboring Poland. It was not immediately clear how long he will stay and what he will…