Friday, March 21, 2014

World News Briefs -- March 21, 2014

Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to sign a law on ratification of a treaty making Crimea part of Russia, during a ceremony in Moscow's Kremlin in Moscow, March 21, 2014.

Putin Signs Law Officially Annexing Crimea -- Voice of America

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed into law legislation completing the annexation of Crimea, calling it a "remarkable event."

The Kremlin signing ceremony took place after the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia's parliament, voted unanimously to incorporate the Crimea region into Russia. The lower house ratified the treaty on Thursday, just four days after Crimean residents voted in a referendum to break away from Ukraine and join Russia.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria tops the world as source of refugees.

Gun battles flare in Lebanon's Tripoli. Five killed in north Lebanon in spillover from Syria war.

Gunmen ram explosives-laden tanker into Iraq police HQ.

Turkey blocks Twitter days before vote as PM fights scandal. Twitter ban sparks outrage in Turkey. Turkey blocks Twitter after PM's threat to 'wipe out' service.

Twitter ban: Turkey's President Gul challenges PM's move.

Israel 'uncovers longest Gaza tunnel'.

Iran bought luxury cars with medical funds.

US nixes Persian Gulf summit amid divisions among allies.

ASIA

Malaysia Airlines MH370 debris hunt: India turns down China's request to enter its waters to prevent 'sniffing around'.

Foreigners among dead in Kabul hotel attack. Taliban gunmen kill nine civilians in attack at Kabul's Serena hotel.

Bold attacks raise security fears as Afghan election nears.

Thailand in limbo after election annulled; economy suffering.

Japan confirms meeting of PM Abe with South Korea president.

Burma tries to overhaul its iron-fisted police.

Tamil doctor 'was pressured to recant war reports by Sri Lanka'.

US first lady meets Chinese president Xi and wife.

AFRICA

Libya seeks world's help to fight terrorism.

Rockets hit Libyan capital airport runway.

No justice in CAR, says UN human rights chief.

In Darfur, new fighting leads to new displacement.

Nigerian army facing questions as death toll soars after prison attack.

Murder leads to tension between South Africa, Rwanda.

UK 'must do more' to tackle Sahel-Sahara terror threat.

Case shows hurdles in fighting Morocco corruption.

EUROPE

Putin signs Crimea annexation into law. Putin signs laws annexing Crimea as Russia investors take fright. Crimea, Sevastopol officially join Russia as Putin signs final decree.

Ukraine envoy warns of more Russian incursion.

US, Russia impose dueling travel bans; Obama opens door to energy sanctions.

Russian stocks tumble, banks suffer amid sanctions. Putin orders Russian CB to help sanctions-hit bank.

Putin: No need for further retaliation against U.S.. Russia will respond in kind to U.S. sanctions: Kremlin. President Putin mocks US sanctions, vows not to retaliate.


European Union signs landmark political deal with Ukraine. Ukraine crisis: EU signs association deal.

EU leaders accelerate quest to reduce energy reliance on Russia.

Italy rescues more than 4,000 migrants, operations ongoing.

AMERICAS

Putin’s quiet Latin America play.

Meeting between Pope Francis and President Obama has promise, carries risk, advisers say.

Venezuelan agents arrest opposition mayor; high court orders another jailed. Venezuela moves swiftly against opposition.

Venezuela's U.S. dollar shortage puts health sector in intensive care.

Rio asks for federal troops after gangs attack police in slums.

Rights group alarmed by Colombian port killings.

7 men fatally shot in Mexico near Arizona border.

California leads states in identify fraud and computer hackings, report says.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Missing radioactive material may pose 'dirty bomb' threat: IAEA.

U.S. may free suspected Osama bin Laden bodyguard at Gitmo.

Uruguay accepts US request to take five Guantanamo inmates.

Saudi jihadi recounts his time with ISIS.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Visa, MasterCard freeze cards at sanctioned Russian banks.

All big U.S. banks but one pass Fed's health test.

EU, China end wine dispute ahead of Xi's European tour.

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