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Iran nuclear talks suffer setback

 
Published May 17, 2014

Iran nuclear talks suffer setback

A crucial round of negotiations over Iran's disputed nuclear program ended abruptly Friday in Vienna with Western diplomats acknowledging a setback and blaming Iran for holding up the effort to seal a deal in the next nine weeks. The snag did not derail the talks, however, and officials said an agreement was still possible by the July 20 deadline. Further meetings are planned next month. Still, the atmosphere in Vienna after three days of talks was far from positive. Iranian officials told domestic news agencies that the talks had produced no progress and that differences remained on core issues. Iran and six world powers are trying to negotiate a comprehensive deal that would curb Iran's nuclear development program in exchange for easing international economic sanctions.

San Diego

Investigators look for arson in wildfires

A 57-year-old man was charged with arson Friday in one of at least 10 wildfires that erupted in Southern California this week, and investigators were working to determine whether other blazes in the unusually early and intense outbreak were ignited by something as ordinary as sparks from cars or something more sinister.

Alberto Serrato pleaded not guilty to arson in connection with one of the smaller fires. All together, the wildfires have raced through an estimated 20,000 acres about 30 miles north of San Diego, causing more than $20 million in damage.

Little Rock, Ark.

High court suspends gay marriage ruling

Arkansas' highest court halted the distribution of marriage licenses to same-sex couples Friday as it suspended a judge's ruling that struck down the state's same-sex marriage ban.

The state Supreme Court granted a request to put on hold Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza's decision voiding a 2004 constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Piazza struck down the ban last week, and expanded that ruling Thursday to include all state laws preventing gay couples from marrying.

Washington

Clinton sounds populist themes

Hillary Rodham Clinton used a Friday speech on income inequality to lay out populist themes that have been increasingly embraced by the Democratic Party base whose support she would seek if she runs for president.

In the remarks, among the most specific Clinton has offered on domestic policy since she stepped down as secretary of state, she lamented the strain the middle-class and the luxurious position of the super rich.

Elsewhere

Kenya: Twin explosions hit a market area in downtown Nairobi on Friday afternoon, killing 10 people and injuring 76 others, officials said, adding to a series of deadly attacks in the country in recent months.

Nigeria: A first visit by President Goodluck Jonathan to the village from which nearly 300 girls were abducted by Boko Haram was abruptly canceled Friday because of security fears, according to an official in the president's entourage.

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Cuba: Colombia's government and main rebel group on Friday announced an agreement in Havana to combat illicit drugs in the South American country, which was long the world's top cocaine producer.

Times wires