Russian President Vladimir Putin
Here is a round-up of global news developments:
- Russia strongly warns Washington against attacking Syrian army forces, saying it could plunge the entire region into total chaos. The Kremlin said an attempt to topple the Syrian government would not help a successful fight against terrorism. This comes as above 50 US State Department diplomats demanded targeted airstrikes against Syrian forces.
- The Iraqi army, backed by volunteer forces, has recaptured a main government compound in central Fallujah. The army has also liberated several districts from the terrorists near the city center. The offensive to liberate Fallujah has been slowed down in part due to the large number of civilians trapped in the city.
- International medical charity, Doctors Without Borders, says it will no longer request funds from the EU in protest at the EU-Turkey refugee deal. The aid group denounced the EU for pursuing what it called damaging deterrence policies and pushing back asylum seekers to other countries. The MSF warned that such measures undermine international refugee law.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin calls for restoring ties with the EU after the bloc announced anti-Russia sanctions would be extended for another year. Putin said that Moscow does not hold a grudge against the EU and seeks a two-way process to enhance relations. Anti-Moscow sanctions were imposed over Crimea’s integration into Russia in 2014.
- Campaigning for the June 23rd European Union membership referendum remains suspended after the murder of a Labour Party lawmaker. Jo Cox was a supporter of Britain staying in the EU. Police is investigating reports that the suspect shouted “Britain First” during the attack, in reference to the far-right political party.
- France's Labor Minister Myriam El Khomri says she’s reached no agreement with the head of the country’s main union over controversial labor market reforms. CGT secretary general Philippe Martinez demanded that several key articles of the reform bill be withdrawn or rewritten. The unresolved deadlock has led to months of protests.
- An Indian court has sentenced eleven people to life imprisonment for their roles in the massacre of Muslims in 2002. More than 1000 people were killed as Hindus went on rampage across the western state of Gujarat after right-wing groups blamed Muslims for a deadly blaze on a train carrying Hindu pilgrims.
- Brazil's tourism minister has resigned amid allegations of involvement in a massive corruption case. Henrique Eduardo Alves said his resignation was an attempt to help focus on defending himself against the accusations. He is the third minister to leave the month-old government of interim President Michel Temer.
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