Thursday, March 20, 2014

World News Briefs -- March 20, 2014

Armed men, believed to be a Russian servicemen, walk as they change shifts near a military base in Perevalnoye, near the Crimean city of Simferopol, March 20, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Baz Ratner

Russia Races To Complete Crimea Annexation, EU Ponders Sanctions -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Russia raced to complete its annexation of Crimea and built up its forces in the region in defiance of Ukrainian and Western condemnation, as EU leaders gathered to consider imposing tough economic sanctions against Moscow - but not yet.

The State Duma lower house of parliament approved a treaty on Thursday incorporating the Black Sea peninsula, captured from Ukraine, into the Russian Federation, even as U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was in Moscow for talks on the crisis.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian army retakes Crusader castle from rebels.

Nearly half of chemical stockpile taken out of Syria – OPCW.

Syria closes Lebanon border amid clashes.

First U.N. aid trucks cross from Turkey into Syria.

Iraq: Baghdad bombings kill 13 at busy café.

Report: leaked documents show Hezbollah gave assurances to Israel.

Russia says Iran, world powers far apart on uranium enrichment.

Iran's Zarif 'sees signs of comprehensive nuclear deal'.

On Persian holiday, Obama calls on Iran to forgo nukes. Obama: Iranians 'deserve better' from leaders. President Obama records video message for Iranians to commemorate Nowruz.

Israeli defense chief wounds relations with U.S. ally.

Jerusalem holy site visit sparks riots.

ASIA

Is floating debris found off Australia coast wreckage from Malaysian jet?

At least 18 dead in Taliban suicide attack on Jalalabad police station. Officials: Taliban lay siege to police station.

Afghan presidential hopeful Abdullah warns supporters over fraud.

Bangladesh opposition's Khaleda Zia faces corruption trial.

China: Two dead in Xinjiang violence.

China opens door further to foreign stock investors.

New Zealand economy sees growth of 2.7%.

Australia's relative poverty above OECD average – report.

AFRICA

International community running out of patience with South Sudan.

Libya asks U.N., world for help after wave of bombings, violence.

US Army team to travel to Libya ahead of troop training in Bulgaria.

Ivory Coast to send Ble Goude to face charges at the ICC.

Oscar Pistorius to sell Pretoria home for legal costs.

Jacob Zuma told to repay cash spent on private home.

Jet sale puts Malawi's government under scrutiny.

EUROPE

A New Cold War: U.S., allies have all but kicked Russia out of Group of 8.

Ukraine crisis: Russia lawmakers vote to fold in Crimea; Kiev defiant. Russia's lower house votes to bring Crimea into Russia.

Ukraine crisis: EU set to extend Russia and Crimea blacklist. Europe weighs Russia sanctions, energy security at summit.

Russia says it will build up military presence in Crimea.

Ukraine envoy warns of more Russian incursion.

Russia to build bridge to Crimea.

Putin’s rating climbs to 5-year peak.

U.N. chief Ban tells Putin he is 'deeply concerned' over Ukraine.

Greek opposition leads in opinion poll before EU elections.

AMERICAS

Venezuela mayor arrested for 'civil rebellion' over violent protests.

Venezuela’s government, opposition still under shadow of Hugo Chavez.

Bogota mayor loses fight to stay in office.

French FM to visit Cuba in sign of warming EU ties.

Guatemalan President says diplomatic bribes a thing of the past.

More than 100 immigrants rescued from Texas 'stash' house.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda magazine calls for car bombings in U.S., specifically in NYC. Al-Qaeda mag lists Premier League, FA Cup matches as 'ideal' UK terror targets.

Al Qaeda spokesman recounts 9/11 aftermath.

Kenya, Uganda on alert for possible terror attacks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Spain's wine surplus overflows across globe following year of unusual weather.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner design is safe says US air authority.

Heatwaves could threaten food crops, study warns.

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