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Friday's global agenda: Sudans search for peace
Your morning global affairs speed-read
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton travels to South Sudan, the world's newest country, to press for a peace deal with Sudan after months of clashes over oil and borders. The visit comes one day after a United Nations Security Council deadline for the two countries to settle their differences or face sanctions.
Clinton is the highest-level official yet to visit the country. South Sudan was seen as a potential close friend of the United States when it was created last summer, but President Salva Kiir is alleged to have lied to President Obama on several occasions about his country's support for rebels north of the border, straining ties. [McClatchy Newspapers]
Syria showdown: The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution Friday reprimanding Syria for its use of heavy weaponry against civilians and domestic insurgents, one day after Kofi Annan decided to step down as special envoy amid the failure of his peace plan. [The Wall Street Journal]
In other news, Russian defense officials said some 360 marines on three warships are bound for the port of Tartus, Russia's sole access to the Mediterranean. [The New York Times]
In other news:
Prime Minister Hishan Qandil of Egypt unveiled a 35-member cabinet that includes representatives of many of the country's rival political forces – including top general Hussein Tantawi as minister of defense. [The Wall Street Journal]
Britain vowed to step up “practical but non-lethal support” for rebels in Syria after Annan's decision to step down as peace envoy. [The Telegraph]
What you might have missed on Global Affairs:
Lawmakers ask State to refocus anti-terror efforts on Iran, Pakistan
Casey calls for creation of special envoy for Syria
Annan quits envoy role in Syria
Note to readers: This morning roundup will be published at 8 a.m. during the summer recess and will go dark the week of Aug. 13.
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