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UN Syria envoy hails Russia's partial pullout

Tuesday, 15 March 2016 1:28 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 15 March 2016 1:26 PM ]

UN mediator for Syria Staffan de Mistura speaks to media on the UN-sponsored Syria peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland March 14, 2016. (Reuters Photo)

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

The United Nations special envoy for Syria says Russia’s decision to partially withdraw its forces from the war-torn country is a significant development to end the conflict. Staphan De Mistura expressed hope that the move could positively affect the ongoing peace talks.
A suspected explosive device has killed a driver travelling down a street in central Berlin. German police say the explosion occurred during peak-hour traffic in the western district of Charlottenburg. They're investigating the incident, checking the car for more explosive material.
Germany reportedly agrees with the sales of arms to Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East. According to a newly released letter, Berlin has authorized the delivery of 23 Airbus helicopters to Riyadh as well as 130 machine pistols and automatic rifles to the United Arab Emirates.
A curfew is declared in parts of Turkey's southeastern city of Diyarbakir. This after heavy clashes erupted between soldiers and PKK militants in the mainly Kurdish city. A police officer and three militants have been killed. Authorities have declared a curfew in several towns across the region.
Israel describes its relations with certain Arab states as dramatically warming. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Arab countries have found out that Israel isn't their enemy. Days ago, he welcomed a decision by the Persian Gulf Arab states to list Lebanon’s resistance movement Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
US presidential contenders hold their final rallies ahead of what is being dubbed as Super Tuesday three. Five key states across the United States will go to the polls to make their picks for the Republican and Democratic nomination for presidency.
Htin Kyaw has been elected as the new president of Myanmar. The 70-year-old writer is a close ally of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Kyaw was picked by parliament members from among three candidates put forth by the upper and lower houses and the military.
Over 600 civilians have been killed by Daesh terrorists in the past six months in Afghanistan. The Defense Ministry says most of the victims were young people who refused to join the Takfiri group. It says 20,000 families have been internally displaced due to the Daesh violence in the past year.