Russia releases details of Il-20 downing; Macron's approval rating at record low

Russia releases details about Il-20 reconnaissance plane shot down

Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft. Source: RT

On September 23, the Russian Ministry of Defense held a press conference to announce details related to the Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft shot down by the Syrian air defense system over the Mediterranean Sea on the night of September 17, killing 15 Russian soldiers.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov asserted that the blame for the downing of the Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft in Syria lies entirely with the "Israeli Air Defense Forces." The Russian defense official stressed that objective data showed that the actions of the Israeli fighter pilots were unprofessional or at least irresponsible. Accordingly, the Israeli air defense forces deceived the Russian military aircraft about the attack position of the F-16 fighter, preventing the Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft from flying into a safe area.

At the press conference, the Russian defense official also affirmed that the country has never violated the bilateral agreement with Israel on preventing incidents in Syrian airspace and has not activated the defense mechanism even when Israel created potentially dangerous situations that threatened Russian forces.

Israeli security arrests 18 Palestinians on suspicion of terrorism

Israeli soldiers. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

Sputniknews reported that the Israeli online newspaper Jerusalem Post reported on September 23 that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and security agencies arrested 18 Palestinians suspected of carrying out terrorist activities against civilians and the Israeli army. According to the newspaper, the arrests were made on the evening of September 22 in a joint operation by the IDF, the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and the police.

The information was released a day after the IDF said Palestinian gunmen threw a homemade pipe bomb into the Israeli settlement of Beit El in the West Bank on the evening of September 21, but caused no casualties.

Iran accuses US of seeking to destabilize

Speaking before leaving for New York, the US to attend the UN General Assembly, Mr. Rouhani accused Arab countries backed by Washington of providing financial and military support to anti-government Arab ethnic groups. According to Mr. Rouhani, the US has instigated and facilitated these Arab countries. The Iranian leader declared that Iran's response to this attack will comply with the legal framework and respect Iran's national interests.

British Labour Party Annual Conference 'heats up' on Brexit issue

British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at a session of Parliament in London on September 5. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

In an interview with Sky News, a representative of the Labour Party affirmed that in case Prime Minister May cannot receive support from Parliament or even from within her own Conservative Party to promote an agreement with the EU, if all party members wish, the party leadership will respect the decision to hold a second vote or referendum.

12 Swiss cargo ship crew kidnapped by pirates off Nigeria

Pirates kidnapped 12 crew members of the MV Glarus in Nigerian waters on September 22, according to Massoel Shipping, owner of the MV Glarus. The ship was carrying wheat and was traveling between Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, and the oil hub of Port Harcourt in the Niger Delta. Pirates kidnapped 12 of the 19 crew members. A Massoel Shipping representative said: "The company is working with the authorities and experts to ensure the quick release of those detained."

The Swiss Foreign Ministry has been informed of the situation, saying none of the crew members are of Swiss origin. The nationality of the hostages has not been determined.

Attack in DR Congo, at least 16 people killed

Soldiers of the Democratic Republic of Congo during a campaign to sweep rebels in Beni, North Kivu. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

At least 16 people, mostly civilians, were killed in a rebel attack on the village of Beni, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where land conflicts between the Hema herders and Lendu farmers have been frequent.

A doctor at a local hospital confirmed the bodies of 12 civilians and four soldiers or rebels. In addition, eight people, including five civilians, were injured in the attack on the evening of September 22.

China shuts down thousands of websites

AFPFrench President Emmanuel Macron's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since the start of his term, according to a major poll released on September 23, with only 29% of respondents saying they are satisfied with his leadership. The survey was conducted between September 14 and 22 among 1,964 people.

The survey by the Ifop research group, published in the journalJournal du Dimanche, showing that Mr. Macron's approval rating dropped 5 points in September compared to August. The French president's approval rating has plummeted following a scandal involving a security guard in July.

British supermarkets stop using plastic bags

UK supermarket chain Co-op will start banning single-use plastic bags from 2023. Photo: iwcp.co.uk

In a statement on September 23, Co-op retail director Jo Whitfield said: "The cost of plastic-wrapped food has become too high, and from today, Co-op will phase out non-reusable packaging. The first step to eliminating single-use plastic bags will be to start using eco-friendly bags in our stores. They are a simple but effective way to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bags."

The move will eliminate 60 million plastic bags, Co-op said. The lightweight paper shopping bags, which can then be reused as bin bags, will be rolled out in the next few weeks to around 1,400 Co-op stores across the UK, and will then be extended to all 2,600 of its stores. All bags will be easily recyclable by 2023. The company has also pledged to use at least 50% recycled plastic in its bottles, jars, trays and baskets by 2021.

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