World News Briefs -- March 11, 2014

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Ukraine Parliament Delivers Ultimatum To Crimea Over Referendum -- The Guardian

Crimean assembly told to call off independence referendum or face dissolution, as US attempts at diplomacy stall

Ukraine's parliament has warned the regional assembly in Crimea that it faces dissolution unless it cancels a referendum it has called to join the region to Russia.

A resolution, supported by a parliamentary vote, gave the Crimean parliament until Wednesday to call off the referendum, due to take place on Sunday. The Crimean parliament on Tuesday passed a motion stating that it would become independent in the event of a yes vote and then seek to join the Russian Federation, arguing that "the unilateral declaration of independence of part of a state does not violate any international laws". Increasing their isolation from Kiev, the pro-Russian authorities have closed Crimea's airspace to commercial flights.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria among 'most dangerous places on earth' for children-UNICEF.

Syria's unknown victims: the thousands missing or dead in regime custody.

Israeli air strike kills three Gaza militants: Islamic Jihad.

Judge shot dead at border after trying to strangle soldier, Israeli army says. Israel says regrets killing of Jordanian judge.

Israel attacks 'hypocrisy' of international community on Iran.

Death of Turkish boy hurt in protests triggers fresh unrest.

Turkey PM backtracks on social media ban.

ASIA

Even now, Japan’s 2011 earthquake remains an ongoing disaster.

Malaysia Airlines MH370: Plane 'changed course'. Search widens as Malaysia plane still missing. Military says last tracked plane hundreds of miles off course.

Front companies, embassies mask North Korean weapons trade - U.N.. North Korea circumventing sanctions claims UN report.

Indian Maoists kill 16 in attack on police.

India to slash Iran oil imports to meet nuclear deal parameters - sources.

Thailand to lift state of emergency as business suffers.

Philippines protests China stopping troop resupply. Philippines lodges protest over China ship blockade.

Swedish journalist shot dead in central Kabul.

New Zealand to hold referendum on national flag.

AFRICA

Tens of thousands flee violence in Darfur.

Christian militias take bloody revenge on Muslims in Central African Republic.

UN begins inquiry into CAR abuses.

Ship leaves Libya rebel port carrying oil, official and gunmen say.

Egypt ex-general alleges assassination bid.

South Sudan's Pagun Amum treason trial starts.

The looming battle for Uganda's gold.

EUROPE

Ukraine’s ousted leader urges military to resist new government.

Ukraine's Crimea moves towards independence.

Ukraine crisis: John Kerry rejects Vladimir Putin talks.

Ukraine forms new defense force, seeks Western help.

Ukraine crisis: Russia sanctions could start this week, says France. EU to impose sanctions on Russia Monday: Polish PM Tusk.

Scotland's Salmond talks independence, but plays politics.

Spain marks 10th anniversary of Madrid train bombings.

AMERICAS

US senator attacks CIA over interrogation, detention documents.

El Salvador vote recount under way as both candidates claim victory.

Chilean woman first foreign fatality in Venezuela unrest.

Chile's Bachelet to be sworn in again as President.

With South Korean deal, Canada secures free-trade foothold in Asia.

Boston plans to tighten security at Marathon.

Colorado collects $2m in marijuana taxes in January.

US-Russian crew returns safely from space station.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Probe identifies suspects over Lockerbie bomb.

Militant Islamist website calls for attacks on France and Hollande: SITE.

Al Qaeda hijacks spirit of Syria revolt three years on.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

OECD: Emerging economies holding back global recovery.

One billion at risk of extreme poverty.

Fannie, Freddie could send $179.2 billion to taxpayers: White House.