News Headlines - 31 January 2014

▽Syria vows no concessions as first round talks close | Arab News

Syria’s regime Friday vowed not to give any ground in peace talks with the opposition, as a first week of negotiations wrapped up with no concrete progress beyond a pledge to meet again.

▽Britain and France seal armed drone tie-up - Telegraph

The two leaders used their Brize Norton summit to firm up plans for UK defence giant BAE Systems and France’s Dassault to work together on a two-year ￡120m feasibility study into an unmanned combat air system, building on their recent work on future airborne fighter systems.

▽Switzerland, Europe’s leading exporter to Iran: report - Tehran Times

Switzerland was the leading exporter of goods to Iran among European countries in the first 10 months of the current Iranian calendar year, which began on March 21, 2013, ISNA reported on Friday, citing the latest report released by the Iranian Customs Administration. Switzerland exported 2.6 million tons of goods to Iran, valued at $1.9 billion, in the 10-month period, ranking the sixth major exporter to Iran next to the United Arab Emirates, China, India, South Korea, and Turkey.

▽Amanda Knox conviction in Italy could spur lengthy extradition fight | Reuters

Italy's conviction of Amanda Knox for the murder of her British roommate when the two were exchange students together could spur a drawn-out fight over extradition in the United States, where supporters contend she is the victim of a faulty foreign justice system.

▽BBC News - Japan inflation rises at fastest pace in over five years

Japan's consumer prices have risen at their fastest pace in more than five years, marking more progress in the country's battle against deflation. Data showed that core consumer prices, excluding fresh food, rose by 1.3% in December from a year earlier, which was higher than market forecasts.