China, US set for ‘vigorous’ talks on trade, South China Sea issues

Washington, United States | AFP – The United States is vowing not to “paper over” differences with China at key talks this week weighed down by thorny issues of trade, cyber spying and tensions in the South China Sea.

Kerry hails Morocco reforms, regional security efforts

Rabat (AFP) - Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday pledged US support for Moroccan reforms and efforts to promote regional stability, while also highlighting the social challenges faced by Rabat.

US boosts maritime security aid to Vietnam

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — The United States will boost maritime security assistance to China's smaller neighbors amid rising tensions over disputed territories in the South China Sea, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced on Monday during a visit to Vietnam, where he also pressed the communist government on human rights and democratic and economic reforms.

Kerry: spying row shouldn't cloud U.S.-EU trade talks

(Reuters) - European concerns about alleged electronic eavesdropping by U.S. intelligence should not be allowed to cloud trade talks next week between the United States and the European Union, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday.

U.N. Could Agree on Syria Chemicals Resolution by Friday

American officials expressed great optimism Thursday night following a high-level meeting at the United Nations headquarters to begin the process of disarming the Bashar Assad regime of its chemical weapons stockpiles.

Israel seeks to negotiate on planned EU sanctions

(Reuters) - Israel appealed to the European Union on Friday to rethink planned sanctions against its organizations in the occupied territories and called for talks, a shift in tone from previous Israeli anger and retaliatory measures.

Kerry urges 'compromise' in Egypt, pledges $250 mn in aid

CAIRO: US Secretary of State John Kerry told Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi on Sunday to work harder to bridge the political divide in the country, as he pledged an initial $250 million in US aid for Egypt.