News Headlines Mar. 12, 2013

• US threatens Pakistan with sanctions over Iran gas pipeline The US has threatened Islamabad with sanctions over Pakistan’s partnership with Iran to construct a section of a gas pipeline. Washington said that the much-delayed $7.5-billion project violates sanctions on Iran, a claim denied by Pakistan.  

• Korean armistice still valid, cannot be scrapped ‘unilaterally’ – UN The armistice ending the Korean War in 1953 is still valid, the United Nations has stressed, despite North Korea’s decision to scrap the agreement that has ensured stability in the peninsula for six decades. 57

• Falklands vote to remain part of Britain Falklanders have voted to remain a British Overseas Territory, following months of political tensions between Britain and Argentina over the fate of the islands. Three decades ago the two nations fought a short war over the disputed territory. 103

• Superbug scenario: Antibiotic resistance will be ‘catastrophe’ on par with terrorism Antibiotic-resistant superbugs will push medical science back to the 19th century, with people dying of minor infections says Britain’s top health official. 27

• High cost of cheap energy: Fukushima tragedy 2 years on Two years after the Fukushima disaster, much of the clean-up effort is still ‘theoretical’, survivors go to court for compensation and thousands march against nuclear power, while the government gives up on the phase-out promise. 21

• Captive Ukrainian journalist escapes Syrian rebels After five months of captivity in fear of execution, Ukrainian journalist Anhar Kochneva has safely escaped from Syrian rebels, Kochneva’s ex-husband told RT. 46

• Egyptian ‘missionary’ tortured to death in Libya – human rights lawyer An Egyptian Christian suspected of trying to convert Muslims in Libya was tortured to death while in police custody, an Egyptian human rights lawyer said. 13

• Porcine pollution: Thousands of dead pigs dumped in Chinese river (PHOTOS) Nearly 3,000 dead pigs have been fished out of the Huangpu River in China – a source of drinking water for millions of Shanghai residents. The number is likely to increase as the operation progresses. 34 

•  Over 100 Guantanamo inmates ‘on hunger strike,’ possibly in grave condition Lawyers for Guantanamo Bay inmates have claimed “all but a few men” are on a hunger strike over their Qurans being taken away. The condition of the strikers "appears to be rapidly deteriorating and reaching a potentially critical level," they said. 33

•  Latin oaths and 007 gadgets in Vatican lockdown for pope vote

A mix of high tech gadgetry and old world tradition ensure secrecy as Vatican enforces tight security in preparation for Tuesday’s papal conclave, including a scrambling device under Michelangelo’s fresco and bug sweepers in the Sistine Chapel. 11

News line

• Myanmar probe finds phosphorus used in November crackdown
• Frankfurt airport closed due to snow
• Visa regime with EU could be scrapped by 2014 Olympics – Russia
• China to survey disputed islands
• Some Bolshoi artists express support for soloist suspected in Filin acid attack