Europe

Ukraine, austerity and gas

The IMF imposes austerity on Ukraine as Russia jacks up gas prices. Meanwhile, the global industry exploits the crisis to fast-track exports of fracked gas as a "lever against Russia."

Europe

UN invalidates Crimea referendum

The UN General Assembly approved a resolution declaring the Crimean referendum to secede from Ukraine invalid, and calling on UN member states not to recognize it.

Southeast Asia

Philippines: Moro autonomy deal signed

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) officially ended four decades of armed struggle in the Philippines, when it formally signed a pact on regional autonomy.

The Andes

Venezuela: Wayúu protest militarization

Leaders of the Wayúu indigenous people in Venezuela's La Guajira region are protesting ongoing army exercises taking place in their traditional territory.

The Andes

Peru to loosen oversight on energy projects

Peru's Energy and Mines Minister Eleodoro Mayorga said the government is considering dropping the requirement for environmental impact studies of oil exploration projects.

The Andes

Peru: artisanal miners block highways again

Informal miners have for days been blocking the Pan-American Highway on Peru's coast to protest the end of the "formalization" process for titling their claims.

Greater Middle East

Egypt court releases blogger on bail

Blogger and activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, imprisoned for violating Egypt's controversial protest law, was ordered released by a Cairo court—but still faces charges.

Mexico

Michoacán cartel boss ‘killed’ —again!

For the second time in four years, Mexican authorities announced the death of Michoacán's top drug lord Nazario Moreno AKA "El Chayo" in a shoot-out with federal police.