US declares end to soft policy towards Russia; Russia sends more troops to Syria
(Baonghean.vn) - The nominated foreign minister announced the end of the "soft policy" with Russia; Russia sent more troops to Syria; British submarines were deployed near Syria, air strikes were about to happen?;... are the outstanding international news of the past 24 hours.
1. Russia sends more troops to Syria
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| Lieutenant General Viktor Poznikhir, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Photo: TASS |
Lieutenant General Viktor Poznikhir, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, said that Russia has sent military police to the town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Syria to ensure security there.
The Daily Mail quoted Mr. Poznikhir as saying that a total of 41,213 people, including 3,354 rebel gunmen and 8,642 of their relatives, had left Douma to seek refuge with the help of Russian soldiers.
The Russian military announced on April 11 that samples taken from the area where the catastrophic chemical attack in Douma on April 7 did not contain any toxic substances.
Russia and the Syrian government have consistently denied accusations by the United States and its Western allies that President Bashar al-Assad’s government used a gas bomb that killed at least 60 people and injured hundreds more in the Douma attack last weekend. Moscow has even denounced the incident as a plot orchestrated by the Western-backed opposition in Syria.
2. British submarine deployed near Syria, air strike imminent?
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| British submarines have been deployed near the Syrian coast. |
According to Sputnik news agency, British military submarines have been deployed near the Syrian coast, while airstrikes against Syrian government forces are expected to be carried out on the night of April 12.
The Daily Telegraph (UK) reported that the order to mobilize the submarine was approved by British Prime Minister Theresa May after she called the Ministers for an emergency meeting to discuss response plans for the chemical attack that occurred in Douma, Eastern Ghouta (Syria).
Sky News also reported that May and her cabinet have discussed taking part in US-led military action against Syria. Ministers are likely to agree with May’s decision, and she will have to discuss it with the US and France before making a final decision. May and her cabinet are expected to meet on April 12.
3. Russia sets date for Putin's inauguration as president for the 4th term
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| Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Sputnik |
The Kremlin confirmed on April 11 that the inauguration ceremony for Vladimir Putin's new term as president will be held on May 7.
The press secretary of the Russian President, Mr. Dmitry Peskov confirmed the above information.
Also today, April 11, at the Government's annual press conference, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said this was the last meeting of the current government members. After the inauguration of the President, according to the Federal Constitution, the Government will resign en masse.
In the Russian presidential election held on March 18, 67.54% of eligible voters cast their ballots. Russian President Vladimir Putin won 76.69% of the total votes, equivalent to more than 56,400,000 voters.
This is Mr. Putin's fourth term as President of Russia. Previously, Mr. Putin was President from 2000 to 2008. After that, he served as Prime Minister for the next four years. In the 2008 election, Mr. Putin was re-elected as President of Russia.
4. Syrian government takes full control of Douma and Eastern Ghouta
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| Syrian soldiers. Source: Inside Syria |
On April 12, Russian news agencies quoted Major General Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, saying that Syrian government forces had taken complete control of the town of Douma, the last rebel stronghold in the Eastern Ghouta region, on the outskirts of the capital Damascus.
Major General Yevtushenko said the Syrian flag was raised on a building in the town of Douma, signaling the control of Syrian government forces over the site, and thus over the entire Eastern Ghouta region.
5. Secretary of State nominee declares end to “soft policy” towards Russia
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| Mike Pompeo, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, has been chosen to become the next US Secretary of State. |
Mike Pompeo, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency and the nominee to become the next US Secretary of State, will declare to the US Senate that the US soft policy towards Russia is “now over”.
AP news agency quoted a senior official of President Donald Trump's administration as revealing that from some quotes in the speech that Mr. Pompeo had prepared, he would call for sanctions against Russia for its "aggressive" actions; at the same time, emphasizing that Washington considers Moscow a "threat to the United States".
However, Mr. Pompeo is expected to insist that diplomatic efforts with Moscow “must continue.” He will also highlight America’s obligation to lead the world, even though President Trump has vowed to pursue an “America First” policy.
“If we don’t lead the call for a world of democracy, prosperity, and human rights, who will?” Pompeo wrote in his speech. “No other nation has the same power and principles as America.”
6. China conducts military exercises in the East Sea to warn US aircraft carrier
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| Chinese warships sailed into the East Sea during a military exercise in March. Photo: Reuters. |
The Chinese navy conducted a new exercise this week as the US aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt was scheduled to sail through the South China Sea.
The South China Morning Post reported that the new Chinese Navy exercise took place over three days, from April 11 to 13, near the country's main submarine base off the southern coast of Hainan province.
It runs parallel to another five-week naval exercise, involving the aircraft carrier Liaoning, taking place east of Hainan Island.
7. Syrian President moves planes away from bases before G-hour
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| Syria's Shayrat air base was hit by dozens of US Tomahawk cruise missiles last year. Photo: AP |
Amid threats from the United States and its allies, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ordered his military to move aircraft and military vehicles away from military bases that could be targeted by missiles, several U.S. officials told Reuters on April 11.
The development was also confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor. The group said pro-Syrian government forces were removing military equipment from major airports and air bases in Syria.
The officials declined to provide further information. However, according toReuters, Syria may move aircraft and military vehicles closer to Russian military assets in Syria to limit damage. Because the US will have to consider more if it wants to attack a target with a Russian presence./.