World News Briefs -- March 24, 2014 (Evening Edition)

G-7 Threatens Russia With More Sanctions, Scraps Sochi Summit -- Bloomberg Businessweek

The world’s leading industrial powers threatened further sanctions to deter the Kremlin from invading other parts of Ukraine and boycotted what was to be a Group of Eight summit hosted by President Vladimir Putin.

Meeting for the first time since last week’s annexation of Crimea by Russia, Group of Seven leaders said they won’t attend the planned G-8 meeting which was to have to been held in Sochi, site of the Winter Olympics, and will instead hold their own summit in June in Brussels.

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UPDATE: U.S., other powers kick Russia out of G8 -- CNN

MIDDLE EAST

U.N. Syria envoy says new Geneva peace talks unlikely for now: report.

Turkey shoots down Syrian plane it says violated air space.

Turkish PM defiant after Syrian plane shot down.

Iran says one of five abducted border guards killed: Fars.

US 'could free Jonathan Pollard' to rescue peace talks.

One dead in Beirut gunfight between Assad supporters and opponents. Lebanon calls for support for army to counter Syria fallout.

Yemen checkpoint attack kills 20 soldiers.

Israel steps up warnings of military strike on Iran to return attention to its nuclear program.

Arabs to hold summit on bridging regional divides.

Israel closes embassies all over the world as diplomats go on indefinite strike.

ASIA

Flight MH370 'crashed in south Indian Ocean' - Malaysia PM

Election monitors flee Afghanistan after hotel attack.

Afghanistan alleges foreign hand in hotel attack. Afghanistan says Pakistan behind deadly Kabul hotel attack.

US senator wants decision on Afghan troop levels.

North Korea steps up missile launches.

China demands end to US spying activities after new Snowden leak. Xi calls on U.S. to respect China's sovereignty, territorial integrity.

S. Korea says time not ripe for military pact with Japan.

Police quash mass Taiwan protest against China trade deal.

Japan to let U.S. assume control of nuclear cache.

China's factory activity show further contraction.

AFRICA

Libya releases crew of renegade oil tanker.

Nine killed in further Central African Republic fighting.

Humanitarian crisis looms as refugees from South Sudan pour into Ethiopia.

Nearly 100 dead in DR Congo boat accident.

South Africa deputy president to meet mining firms, unions as platinum strike drags on.

U.S. sending more forces, aircraft to seek Uganda warlord Kony -Pentagon.

Kenya church attack: Two more die in Mombasa.

Egypt sentences 529 Morsi supporters to death.

Detained Mali coup leader Sanogo on hunger strike after move outside capital, lawyers say.

Ebola outbreak confirmed in Guinea, death toll reaches 59.

EUROPE

Crimea crisis: Russia and Ukraine hold first meeting.

Ukraine orders Crimea withdrawal. Acknowledging defeat, Ukraine pulls troops from Crimea.

Ukraine fears Russia 'ready to attack'.

Obama tries to contain Ukraine crisis in Europe trip, as Kiev fears new attack. Obama in Europe with Ukraine high on agenda; Kiev orders Crimea withdrawal.

Western leaders call for NATO show of force amid Russian buildup.

Nato to bolster defences of Baltic states amid Ukraine crisis.

EU states in Russia's shadow fearful about tougher sanctions.

Russian politician proposes new divisions of Ukraine.

Scottish islanders seek votes for own independence.

France election: National Front gains trigger alarm.

Asylum seekers in Europe reach two-decade high.

Vatican Chief Justice: Obama’s policies ‘have become progressively more hostile toward Christian civilization’.

AMERICAS

Obama says crisis in Crimea should not be seen in Cold War terms.

Obama tells Xi U.S. seeks resolution of South China Sea disputes.

Obama, China's Xi pledge cooperation and joke about first lady.

US partially suspends visa issuances in Venezuela.

Venezuela death toll rises to 34 as troops and protesters clash. Venezuela investigates '60 cases of human rights abuse'.

Brazil to order army into Rio slums as violence escalates before World Cup.

US landslide: Rising death toll in Washington state disaster. Authorities: 108 people unaccounted for in deadly mudslide.

25 years after Exxon Valdez oil spill, Alaska retains scars.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

'Lone-wolf' jihadists told to target Queen at high-profile sporting events, including Wimbledon and Cheltenham, in latest chilling threats from al-Qaeda.

Times report on Al Qaeda is censored in Pakistan.

Bin Laden relative helped Al-Qaeda recruit terrorists, U.S. says.

Bin Laden associates show no remorse in statements.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

G7 snubs Russia summit over Ukraine crisis.

Ex-Madoff employees found guilty of conspiracy.

Oil prices flirt with $100 a barrel.

South Korea boosts air defenses with about $6.8 billion budget for F-35s.

Factbox: How EU's eastern members depend economically on Russia.