Russia Prepares for Opening Olympic Ceremony -- Voice of America
Russia is preparing for a glitzy opening ceremony for the Winter Olympic Games in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi on Friday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will attend, along with some 40 other heads of state and leaders from around the world.
However, President Barack Obama and a number of other European Union leaders will be conspicuously absent, as Russia battles criticism of its new law banning the spread of so-called "gay propaganda" to minors, which critics say could be used to crack down on gay rights in general.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria starts evacuating civilians from besieged Homs center. UN evacuation of Homs civilians under way. Russia says three-day Homs ceasefire agreed.
Syria chemical weapons: Delay claims denied by regime.
Syria conflict spurs growing Jihadist threat in Lebanon.
Group: Iraq holding thousands of women illegally.
Houthi rebels advance on Yemeni capital.
Israeli demolition of Palestinian homes at five-year high: aid groups.
Report: Iranian President donates $400,000 to Jewish hospital.
ASIA
In Putin meeting, China's Xi praises Russia ties.
Japan's Abe backs Putin with visit, in contrast to China, Korea ties.
S. Korean President urges North not to cancel family reunions.
Pakistan government, Taliban hold three-hour talks.
Kazakh leader may drop the 'Stan' in Kazakhstan.
China offers Russia cooperation on Japan disputes: report.
Thai protesters seek to win over disgruntled rice farmers.
AFRICA
Bombs explode near police checkpoint on outskirts of Cairo. Two explosions rock Giza district near Cairo.
UN urges CAR to probe sectarian attack. Central African Republic's Muslim civilians 'at risk'.
Libyan PM urges all sides to avoid violence in standoff over parliament.
Humanitarian situation remains fragile in Mali.
Bodies of Westgate gunmen 'with FBI': Kenya.
Official: Cash-strapped Zimbabwe needs $27B to fund revival.
South African elections set for 7 May.
EUROPE
Sochi 2014: Russian city prepares for Olympic opening ceremony. Ready or not, Sochi Olympics now on the world stage. All eyes on Russia as opening ceremony marks start of Winter Olympics in Sochi. Sochi 2014 Olympics: 2410 days of waiting over as games begin.
Sochi says 65 world leaders coming to Olympics. Sochi Olympic Games 2014: Barack Obama, many world leaders will not attend Opening Ceremony.
Olympic opening ceremony is just a few hours away... but Twitter is awash with more and more evidence of Sochi disasters.
Leaks, barbs, dirty tricks as Russia, West feud over Ukraine. Victoria Nuland gaffe: Angela Merkel condemns EU insult. US apologises to EU for leaked barb.
Ukraine's currency pays price for confrontation.
Clashes break out at Bosnia protests. Bosnia rocked by third day of anti-government unrest.
ECB rejects deflation fears as it holds rates at 0.25%.
Cameron to Scotland: Don't break away and erode UK's global clout. Scottish independence: Seven months to save UK, Cameron says.
AMERICAS
US adds 113,000 January jobs but unemployment rate slips to 6.6%.
Whiteout, then blackouts as frigid U.S. Northeast digs out of snowstorm.
Biden says U.S. presidential decision will come next summer.
Brazil: Rio protest over transport fare rise ends in violence.
Mexico police find mass grave and severed heads in Michoacan.
Canada weighs revoking citizenship of convicted terrorists.
Uruguay’s president nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for legalizing marijuana.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US adds 4 Qods Force operatives to terrorism list for supporting terrorism in Afghanistan.
Pakistani sectarian leader added to U.S. global terrorist list.
Al Qaeda infighting complicates convoluted Syrian crisis.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
As Treasury hits debt limit, default on hold - for now.
Stocks rally as growth worries fade; Dow posts best day of the year.
Google doodle swipes at Russia's gay rights clampdown.
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