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BEIRUT — Russia and the U.N called Thursday for the resuscitation of a peace initiative for Syria that never got off the ground when it was proposed months ago because both parties to the conflict rejected it.

The plan, unveiled by world powers at an international conference in Geneva in June, called for an open-ended cease-fire, a transitional government to run the country until elections, and the drafting of a new constitution. The plan was a non-starter for the opposition because it did not explicitly ban authoritarian President Bashar Assad and other members of his regime from taking part in the transitional leadership.

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Israeli PM meets Jordanian king on Syria: Media.


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China tightening controls on Internet.

India gang-rape victim flown to Singapore hospital.

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Central African Republic appeals for French help against rebels, Paris balks. Central African rebels advance on capital.

South Sudan accuses Sudan of air attack, killing 5.

Bashir ready 'any time' to meet S. Sudan leader.

Christian politician quits Egypt upper house as tensions persist.

Nelson Mandela "not yet fully recovered": spokesman.

Mubarak to be moved to Egyptian army hospital.


Russia attack: N Ossetia Muslim leader shot dead.

France needs more leeway to meet deficit targets, suggests IMF.

Berlusconi allies fire barbs at Monti, ending Christmas truce.

Russia's Putin suggests he will sign U.S. adoption ban.

Russian ex-defense minister to be questioned in fraud case.

Tymoshenko daughter urges sanctions on Ukraine.

Paris hit by wave of street muggings and grave robberies.


Reid: Time has run out on U.S. ‘fiscal cliff’.

Obama returning to Washington to seek fiscal cliff deal.

U.S. will reach federal debt limit on New Year’s Eve. US Treasury warns of 'extraordinary measures' amid fiscal cliff deadlock.

Severe snowstorm hits US, bears down on East Coast.

Canada's energy boom draws skilled Americans looking for work.

FBI considered Occupy movement potential threat, documents say.

Ex-President George H.W. Bush in intensive care.


Is al Qaeda’s attention now turning to United Arab Emirates?

France moves on al-Qaeda.

Yemen fears backlash as drone strike victims side with al-Qaeda.


Marvell faces huge patent fine over hard disk chips.

Apple and Google still in the hunt for control of mobile market.

The top 5 tech startup trends of 2013.