German anti-refugee party makes gains in regional votes

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• Peace activists rally in New York City to protest against US involvement in the war in Syria, as well as NATO's expansion in Europe. The demonstrators gathered near the United Nations Headquarters and chanted anti-war slogans. They also called for an end to the war in Syria and other Middle Eastern countries.
   
• US peace activists have staged a rally in New York City near the United Nations Headquarters. Protesters denounced Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s racist and anti-Islam comments. They also called for end to war in Syria and other Middle Eastern countries.
   
• A far-right, anti-refugee party in Germany has made big gains in three regional elections. The Alternative for Germany (AFD), has secured enough votes to enter state parliaments in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony-Anhalt and Rhineland. The party campaigned on a platform against Chancellor Angela Merkel’s immigration policy.
   
• Over 30 people have been killed and scores of others injured in a bomb blast in the Turkish capital Ankara. The blast was caused by an explosives-laden vehicle at a key commercial and transport hub close to the city’s embassy area. There’s no claim of responsibility.
   
• Syria’s UN Ambassador, Bashar al-Ja’afari rejects a demand by the Saudi-backed opposition group to discuss a political transition without President Bashsar al-Assad. He added that pre-conditions contradict the fundamentals of the upcoming UN-brokered peace negotiations. The next round of Syria talks is set to begin on Monday.
   
• A senior Iranian military commander says Tehran is defending the dignity of all Muslims against the threat posed by the Daesh Takfiri group. Major general Qasem Soleimani described the terrorist acts by ISIL as an attack against humanity. He further accused Riyadh of seeking adventures against Iran as well as Islam.
   
• Saudi Arabia has threatened to punish anyone who belongs to, sympathizes with or supports Lebanon’s resistance movement Hezbollah. The Interior Ministry warned that Saudis and expatriates would be subjected to severe penalties under the kingdom’s anti-terrorism laws. The move comes after the Arab League declared Hezbollah a terrorist organization.
   
• Some three million protesters have held nationwide rallies in Brazil, calling for President Dilma Rousseff to step down. The demonstrators were angry at widespread corruption and recession. They sought to pressure Congress into accelerating impeachment proceedings against the leftist leader. Brazil is facing the worst economic recession in 25 years.

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