Russia is fully capable of responding to US power; Syrian President declares he is no longer afraid of NATO

1. Russia is fully capable of responding to any pressure from the US.

Russia is fully capable of responding to any pressure from the US.

Director of the Department of Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Arms Control of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Mr. Vladimir Ermakov, recently affirmed that Russia has full capacity to cope with the pressure of power from the United States.

"The myth of the United States entering an era of exclusive dominance and indivisibility of its interests, which has existed for more than a decade, has now literally shattered into pieces. Russia has returned to its necessary, important historical place as one of the guarantors of stability and fairness in global affairs based on international law," he said.

The diplomat also noted that the US military-technological weight in the world is decreasing. According to him, sooner or later the Americans will have to start negotiations with Russia.

2. Britain confiscated Russian property in Britain

British Prime Minister Theresa May

On April 15, the British Sunday Times reported that British Prime Minister Theresa May is considering all options to deal with the "illegal finances" of Russian businessmen and officials in the country. In an interview with the newspaper, Mrs. May revealed: "We are studying all options to be able to handle this problem."

The Prime Minister has previously threatened to freeze Russian government accounts if evidence is found that they pose a risk to the lives and property of British citizens. She has pledged to allow the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) to continue working to tackle "serious criminals and corrupt elements", including those from Russia.

In addition, since January, UK government agencies have been able to demand explanations about the source of funds of owners and overseas assets worth more than £50,000. If the owner cannot provide information to these agencies, the assets will be seized.

3. North Korea celebrates the birthday of late leader Kim Il Sung

Ceremony to celebrate the 106th birthday of late leader Kim Il Sung at a stadium in the capital Pyongyang on April 14.

According to Kyodo news agency on April 15, North Korea celebrated the 106th birthday of late leader Kim Il Sung.

During this North Korean celebration called the Day of the Sun, national flags and posters appeared on all major streets of the capital Pyongyang. Like every year, from early morning, North Korean people and soldiers laid flowers and bowed their heads in tribute to the statues of the late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on Mansu Hill, the center of the capital Pyongyang. Purple orchids named after the late leader Kim Il Sung were displayed in hotel lobbies and many other places. At the annual Kim Il Sung flower exhibition, there were no models of satellite-carrying rockets or missiles like previous celebrations.

4. Tragic accident in Ghana, nearly 90 casualties

Illustration photo. Source: abnchannel.net

At least 18 people were killed and about 70 injured when a passenger bus collided with two other vehicles on April 15 in northern Ghana.

Local police said the bus tried to overtake other vehicles traveling in the same direction, causing the fatal accident. The accident happened near the city of Tamale, the capital of the Northern region of Ghana.

The injured were taken to the emergency room while authorities quickly diverted traffic and reduced congestion around the accident scene.

5. Possessing an effective defense system, Syrian President declares he is no longer afraid of NATO

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Photo: Reuters

A day after the missile attack by the UK, France and the US on Syria, President Assad met with Russian lawmakers in Damascus. Share withSputnik, a lawmaker said Mr. Assad condemned the Western attack as “an act of aggression.”

According to deputy Sergei Zheleznyak, Mr. Assad praised the defense system that Syria is using, which is a Soviet-made system. “From Mr. Assad’s point of view, the attack was an act of aggression and we have the same opinion. He also praised the Russian-made weapons,” Mr. Zheleznyak said.

Another lawmaker quoted Mr Assad as saying that Syria’s defense systems had proven effective and that the Syrian people were “no longer afraid of NATO”. The Syrian president said Damascus would continue to develop independently “regardless of the agenda imposed by the West”. During the meeting, the issue of Russia considering moving defense systems to Syria was not mentioned.

6. Russia officially exonerated in the poisoning of former spy?

Former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter before being poisoned. Photo: TASS.

RT news agency quoted a report from a Swiss laboratory saying that the poison used in the Skripal poisoning was an odorless incapacitating agent called 3-Quinuclidinyl banzilate or BZ. Russia has never produced this substance, but the US, UK and NATO countries have used it.

“According to analysis, samples collected at the scene showed traces of the poison BZ. BZ is a nerve agent that temporarily incapacitates the victim. The mental and cognitive effects occur within 30 to 60 minutes after it is used and last up to four days. This poison is used by the US, UK and other NATO member states. The former Soviet Union and current Russia do not manufacture or store such poison,” the statement said.

7. Chemical inspectors begin investigation in Syria

A Syrian soldier inspects a damaged building after an airstrike by the US and its allies.

Inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) began an investigation in the Syrian town of Douma on April 15.

AFPSyrian Deputy Foreign Minister Ayman Soussan said that the OPCW investigation team arrived in Damascus on April 14 and the investigation officially began in Douma on April 15. The OPCW team of experts based in The Hague, Netherlands will conduct an investigation into the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma on April 7.

Mr. Soussan also reaffirmed the Syrian government’s commitment that the chemical experts will be able to conduct the investigation without any hindrance. “We will ensure that they can do so professionally, objectively, impartially and without any pressure,” the Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister stressed.

Western powers say chemicals, possibly chlorine and sarin, were used in the attack, which killed at least 40 civilians. However, the Syrian government and Russia have denied this information.