Japan emperor expresses 'deep remorse' on WW2 anniversary

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Emperor Akihito marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two with an expression of "deep remorse" over the conflict on Saturday, a departure from his annual script which could be seen as a subtle rebuke of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Death toll from China blasts rises to 85: Xinhua

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - The death toll from two huge explosions that tore through an industrial area in the northeastern Chinese port of Tianjin has risen to 85, the official Xinhua news agency said on Saturday.

Kerry urges 'genuine democracy' in Cuba as U.S. raises its flag

HAVANA (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called for political change in Cuba on Friday, telling Cubans they should be free to choose their own leaders, as he watched the U.S. flag fly at the American embassy in Havana for the first time in 54 years.

Euro ministers give blessing to Greek bailout, wooing IMF on debt

BRUSSELS/ATHENS (Reuters) - Euro zone finance ministers agreed on Friday to lend Greece up to 86 billion euros ($96 billion) after Greek lawmakers accepted their stiff conditions despite a revolt by supporters of leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Kerry urges 'genuine democracy' at U.S. flag ceremony in Cuba

HAVANA (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry declared a new era in relations as he celebrated restored diplomatic ties in Havana on Friday, but he also urged political change in Cuba, telling Cubans they should be free to choose their own leaders.

Syrian planes strike hospitals in rebel northwest, killing 11: MSF

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian warplanes have killed 11 people in strikes against hospitals in rebel-held Idlib province in the past week, the international charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said on Friday.

Exclusive: Scandal-tainted U.S. Secret Service to hire 1,100 staff - sources

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Facing accusations that it cannot adequately protect the White House, the U.S. Secret Service plans to hire 1,100 more officers and agents for an agency besieged by embarrassing scandals and security lapses, two law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the plans said.