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G-7 to impose fresh sanctions on Russia
Afghan Prez election set for second run-off
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South Korea, US pledge firm response to North Korea
MH370: Obama offers support as search enters 50th day
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G-7 to impose fresh sanctions on Russia
Slaviansk, April 26 The pro-Western Kiev government said a Russian special forces operative was behind what it called a kidnapping in the eastern city of Slaviansk that is under the separatists' control, and said the detainees were being used as a "human shield". Ukraine's state security service said the observers for the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) were being held "in inhuman conditions in the basement of the terrorists' headquarters," and that one needed medical help. "Russian authorities never condemned these terrorists and this is the clear sign that the Russian regime supports these gangsters," Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said. Russia denies it is to blame for the crisis in eastern Ukraine, where armed pro-Russian separatists have taken control of about a dozen official buildings. The Russian foreign ministry said it was working to resolve the observer crisis, which it blamed on Kiev for failing to ensure the mission's safety in "areas where the authorities do not control the situation and where a military operation against residents of their own country has been unleashed". The observers, including nationals from Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Poland and the Czech Republic, along with several Ukrainian army officers accompanying them on the German-led monitoring mission, were held on Friday. The European Union will name 15 more Russians subject to asset freezes and a travel ban on Monday and senior EU diplomats will meet the same day to discuss the next steps, EU sources said. Putin acknowledged for the first time this week that sanctions were causing difficulties for Russia, though he said the impact was not "critical". Standard & Poor's cut Russia's sovereign long-term debt rating on Friday, making it more expensive for the government to borrow money. That forced the central bank to raise its key interest rate to limit a fall in the rouble. — Reuters
US troops land in Lithuania amid crisis
Siauliai: US troops arrived in Lithuania on Saturday, part of a US contingent of 600 sent to the region to reassure NATO allies amid the escalating Ukraine crisis. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite hailed the arrival of American forces as a "deterrence measure" in the region where alarm has risen over Russia's actions in Ukraine. Washington said it was sending the 600 troops to the region to increase its presence in the region and reassure its NATO allies and partners.
Ukrainian PM: Russian jets violated airspace
ROME: Russian military aircraft repeatedly crossed over into Ukraine's airspace overnight, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said on a visit to the Italian capital. "Russian military aircraft on Friday night crossed and violated Ukrainian airspace seven times. The only reason is to provoke Ukraine ... and to accuse Ukraine of waging war against Russia," Yatseniuk told reporters. |
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Afghan Prez election set for second run-off
Kabul, April 26 Abdullah finished top with 44.9 per cent, followed by Ghani with 31.5 per cent, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) said. Zalmay Rassoul was a distant third with 11.5 per cent. The final result will not be known until May 14, as authorities investigate up to half a million votes suspected of being fraudulent. And even if they are counted, it is highly unlikely they would lift Abdullah over 50 per cent. — Reuters |
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South Korea, US pledge firm response to North Korea
Seoul, April 26 In March, the North warned it would not rule out a "new form" of atomic test to boost its nuclear deterrent after the UN Security Council condemned Pyongyang's launch of a mid-range ballistic missile into the sea east of the Korean peninsula. Recent satellite data shows continued work at the nuclear test site in North Korea, although experts analysing the data say that preparations do not appear to have progressed far enough for an imminent test. "When North Korea is threatening further provocations and publicly discussing the possibility of a further nuclear test, President Obama's visit to South Korea will send a firm message that North Korea's provocations will not be tolerated," Park said. The two presidents were speaking after a summit in Seoul, the second stop of a four-nation Asia tour for Obama. Obama hopes his tour will reassure allies in the region that Washington will keep its promise of rebalancing some of its resources toward the fast-growing countries of East Asia. — Reuters |
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MH370: Obama offers support as search enters 50th day
Kuala Lumpur/Perth, Apr 26 Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, leading Malaysia's efforts to determine the fate of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 that disappeared on March 8 with 239 people on board, said he spoke to Obama briefly after he arrived here for an official visit. "He said he knows it is a tough, long, road ahead. We'll work together. There is always support," Hishammuddin said, adding: "I'm very happy to hear (this) because it is a long journey." — AFP |
Toll in Afghan floods tops 100
Protest leader arrested Titanic letter sells for $200,000 Ferry disaster |
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