Section: AsiaOne (Singapore)
Australia says hunt for missing MH370 jet may be called off soon
CANBERRA – The search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 cannot go on forever, Australia’s deputy prime minister said, and discussions are already under way between Australia, China and Malaysia as to whether to call off the hunt within weeks.No trace has been found of the Boeing 777 aircraft, which disappeared a year ago this...
Moscow denounces ‘abominable’ Charlie Hebdo cartoon
MOSCOW – The head of the Russian parliament’s foreign affairs committee Alexei Pushkov on Sunday denounced a cartoon published in the latest issue of the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo on the truce in Ukraine as “abominable”.The drawing, entitled ‘Ceasefire: boredom sets in in Donetsk’, depicts the...
“I am not afraid”: Thousands of Russians march in memory of murdered Putin critic Nemtsov
MOSCOW – Holding placards declaring “I am not afraid”, thousands of Russians marched in Moscow on Sunday in memory of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov, whose murder has widened a split in society that some say could threaten Russia’s future.Families, the old and young walked slowly, with many carrying portraits of Nemtsov, an...
West condemns Nemtsov murder as Putin vows to punish killers
MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin vowed to punish the killers of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov as Russian opposition figures denounced what they called a “political murder” and Western leaders called for a full probe.The 55-year-old former deputy premier, a vocal Putin critic prominent at opposition rallies, was shot in the back...
Russians to march in memory of murdered critic of Putin
MOSCOW – Opposition supporters will march through Moscow on Sunday in memory of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov, whose murder has increased concern about Russia’s future among opponents of President Vladimir Putin.Thousands of people laid flowers and lit candles on Saturday on a bridge near the Kremlin where the opposition politician and...
Ukraine’s military reports significant fall in fighting
KIEV – Ukraine’s military said on Saturday there had been a significant decrease in attacks by pro-Russian separatists in the east overnight, but said rebels had fired GRAD missiles at the town of Avdiivka despite a two-week-old ceasefire deal.On Friday, Ukraine reported the first deaths among its servicemen in three days,...
Investigators probe whether Nemtsov murder was meant to destabilise Russia
MOSCOW – Russia’s Investigative Committee is pursuing several lines on inquiry following the murder of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, including the possibility it was an attempt to destabilize the political situation, Interfax news agency said.It said the committee, which answers to President Vladimir Putin, also saw an attack...
Obama condemns ‘brutal, vicious’ Nemtsov killing
WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama condemned what he called the “brutal” and “vicious” murder of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin who was shot dead in Moscow on Friday.”We call upon the Russian government to conduct a prompt, impartial and transparent...
Britain must strengthen defence against Russia, says ex-spy chief
LONDON – Britain must spend more on its defence budget in order to be able to protect itself and its allies from the increasing threat posed by Russia, the former head of the foreign intelligence service said.John Sawers, who left the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) in November, told the BBC Britain must also increase dialogue with...
Obama condemns ‘brutal, vicious’ Nemtsov killing
WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama condemned what he called the “brutal” and “vicious” murder of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin who was shot dead in Moscow on Friday.”We call upon the Russian government to conduct a prompt, impartial, and transparent...
