Russia will respond appropriately to US missile test; EU unites stance on Brexit
(Baonghean.vn) - President Putin ordered a proportionate response to the US missile test; the EU agreed on a unified stance on the 'divorce' with the UK; the Syrian Government Army took control of the northern Hama countryside... are the world's outstanding news in the past 24 hours.
President Putin orders proportionate response to US missile test
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| Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council in Moscow on August 23. Photo: Reuters |
In response to the US military testing a cruise missile with a range exceeding the limits of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty from which the country has withdrawn, President Vladimir Putin said in a speech to the Security Council on August 23 that Russia cannot stand by and do nothing. The Kremlin leader also emphasized that the US's mention of the possibility of deploying new missiles in the Asia-Pacific region "affects our core interests because that area is close to Russia's borders," according to Reuters.
“We never want and will not be drawn into a destructive and costly arms race. However, in light of the increasingly clear circumstances, I am ordering the Defense Ministry, the Foreign Ministry and other agencies to analyze the threat to our country posed by the US embargo and to take comprehensive measures to prepare an adequate response,” Putin said.
Syrian government forces take control of northern Hama countryside
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Syrian Army soldiers in the town of Hama. Photo: Reuters |
For the first time since 2012, the Syrian army has captured rebel-held areas in the northern countryside of Hama province, and has surrounded the Turkish military observation post in the town of Morek. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian government army has captured the key towns of Al-Lataminah and Kafr Zita, along with several other areas in northern Hama.
A Turkish military post has been surrounded in the town of Morek in northern Hama. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Türkiye may demand safe passage for Turkish soldiers in that area.
EU agrees on stance on divorce with UK
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| View outside the British House of Commons in Westminster, London on March 28, 2019. Photo: AFP/TTXVN |
The European Union (EU) maintains a unified stance on Britain's departure from the "common home" - Brexit. The statement was made by a spokesperson for the European Commission (EC) on August 23 after British media reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson could convince German and French leaders to change their stance on Brexit.
The EC spokesperson stressed that the agency’s position on Brexit is clear and remains the EU’s sole and consistent position. The official said the EU is ready to work with the UK on any concrete proposals, but in line with the Brexit deal reached between the EU and former British Prime Minister Theresa May in November last year.
India steps up security in Kashmir to deal with protests
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Indian soldiers tighten security in Srinagar city on August 5, 2019. Photo: AFP/TTXVN |
On August 23, Indian authorities tightened security in Srinagar, the largest city in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir, ahead of the weekly Friday prayers. The move was made in the context of separatists calling for protests in front of the office of the United Nations Military Inspectorate Organization (UNMOGIP) to protest the Indian government's decision to revoke the autonomy of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Police have also blocked traffic around the area, setting up checkpoints at many roads and entrances to the Old Quarter, where protesters often gather. Police cars patrol the streets, announcing a curfew and advising people to stay indoors. Many shops in Srinagar remain closed, except for a few that sell essential goods.
Indonesian passenger ship catches fire with many trapped inside
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| The KM Santika Nusantara train carrying 277 passengers had an accident. Photo: ANTARA |
Many passengers are trapped on a ship that is on fire off the coast of Indonesia's East Java province, officials said on August 23. The KM Santika Nusantara, carrying 277 passengers, was en route from Surabaya city to Balikpapan town on Borneo island on the evening of August 22 (local time). The fire is believed to have started in the engine compartment and has not yet been extinguished.
Rescuers said 245 passengers had been evacuated by smaller boats while 30 others were missing. Rescuers are currently searching for the 30. Unable to enter the ship, rescuers can only search in the sea near the burning ship.
