EU names Tusk, Mogherini to top jobs, ready Russian sanctions

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union leaders on Saturday chose Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk to chair their Council and named Italian Federica Mogherini to run the bloc's foreign relations, as the EU prepared to threaten Russia with new sanctions over Ukraine.

Iraqi and Kurdish forces bid to break Islamic State siege of town

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi army and Kurdish forces closed in on Islamic State fighters on Saturday in a push to break the Sunni militants' siege of the Shi'ite town of Amerli, army sources said.

Modi seeks Japan's help for 'inclusive vision' on first big trip

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Japan on Saturday seeking to capitalize on his affinity with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe to strengthen security and business ties on his first major foreign visit since his landslide election victory in May.

Heavy fighting in Libya's Benghazi city; airport hit

BENGHAZI Libya (Reuters) - Heavy clashes broke out between the forces of a renegade general and Islamist fighters in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi on Saturday, killing at least 10 people and showering the airport with rockets, medical and military sources said.

Bahrain detains Shi'ite rights activist on arrival at airport

MANAMA (Reuters) - Bahraini authorities detained prominent human rights activist Maryam al-Khawaja on Saturday on her arrival at the Gulf state's airport, her mother told Reuters.