Russia’s Putin welcomes Syrian entry to anti-chemical arms convention
BISHKEK (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday welcomed Syria’s announcement that it had joined a global anti-chemical weapons treaty, saying it showed Damascus was serious in its intention to resolve conflict in the country.
Iran praises Syria’s decision to join chemical arms pact
BISHKEK (Reuters) – Iran supports the Russian initiative to put Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal under international control and the decision by Damascus to join a global anti-chemical weapons treaty, President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday.
China welcomes Syria joining chemical arms pact
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it welcomed a decision by Syria to join the global anti-chemical weapons treaty.
Syrian envoy Brahimi to hold joint talks with Kerry, Lavrov
GENEVA (Reuters) – The international envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, will hold three-way talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva on Friday, the United Nations said.
China makes clear full democracy not on cards in choosing Hong Kong leader
HONG KONG (Reuters) – Beijing’s top representative in Hong Kong has ruled out open nominations for candidates to become its next leader, the strongest sign yet that China’s pledge of democracy for the former British colony by 2017 comes with conditions…
At least three killed as insurgents attack U.S. consulate in Afghan west
HERAT, Afghanistan (Reuters) – At least three people were killed when insurgents attacked the U.S. consulate in western Afghanistan’s main city on Friday, detonating a powerful truck bomb outside the front gates and launching a gunbattle with security …
Thai court frees man accused by brother of royal insult
BANGKOK (Reuters) – A court in Thailand has dismissed the case against a man whose brother accused him of insulting the monarchy, letting him walk free after 11 months in prison.
Syria chemical weapons sites being dispersed: Wall Street Journal
Sept 13 () – WASHINGTON (Reuters) – An elite Syrian unit that runs the government’s chemical arms program has been scattering the weapons to dozens of sites across the country, potentially complicating U.S. plans for air strikes, the Wall Street Journa…
China military tells U.S. not to encourage Japan over isles
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s military told the United States this week not to support Japan, nor let it do as it pleased, over a group of disputed islands in the East China Sea, the Chinese Defense Ministry said on Friday.
U.S. public-relations firm helps Putin make his case to America
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – In April 2011, then-Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was asked an unusually flattering question by an American journalist: “Are you the coolest man in politics?”