The world last week in photos

(Baonghean.vn) - Let's review the most outstanding world events of the past week through photos, courtesy of Baonghean.vn.

1. ISIS executes Japanese hostage.

The self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) announced on January 31st that it had executed journalist Kenji Goto, the second Japanese hostage, after a failed attempt to rescue him through a prisoner exchange. Exactly one week prior, IS released a video of Goto holding photographs allegedly showing the body of the other Japanese hostage who had been executed. A few days later, IS announced it was holding Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh captive and would only release him if Jordan released an IS member, Sajida al-Rishawi, who participated in the 2005 attack that killed 38 people at the Radisson Hotel in Amma. Negotiations to rescue the hostages between Japan and Jordan had been underway for days, but these were unsuccessful following Goto's execution.

Japanese journalist Kenji Goto appears alongside an ISIS militant in a video released on January 31. Source: Reuters.

Three individuals linked to the IS hostage-taking incident: Muath al-Kasasbeh, Sajida al-Rishawi, and Kenji Goto. Source: BBC

Following the release of the video of Kenji Goto's execution, the world is strongly condemning the brutal act by IS. US President Barack Obama condemned the "cruel murder" and declared that Washington would continue its campaign to eliminate IS. British Prime Minister David Cameron condemned Goto's execution as a "disgusting and despicable act of murder." "Another reminder that ISIL is the embodiment of evil, disregarding human life," Cameron said. French President Francois Hollande also condemned the "brutal murder."

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to reporters in Tokyo after the video of the execution of hostage Kenji Goto emerged, declaring "we will never forgive terrorists." Source: Reuters

The mother of journalist Kenji Goto seemed speechless at the news of her son's death.

2. Intense fighting in eastern Ukraine

The situation in eastern Ukraine shows no signs of easing, with renewed fighting breaking out on January 30 between government forces and separatist rebels. The new clashes mainly occurred around the government-controlled city of Debaltseve, a crucial railway hub connecting the Lugansk and Donetsk provinces.

The crisis in eastern Ukraine has left tens of thousands homeless. Source: UNHCR

Against this backdrop, relations between the US and Russia regarding Ukraine have also become somewhat strained, with the US providing Ukraine with $2 billion in war aid and accusing Russia of supporting separatist forces in eastern Ukraine against Kyiv's forces.

US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew (left) shakes hands with his Ukrainian counterpart Natalia Yaresko during a joint press conference in Kyiv on January 28. Source: Reuters

Following accusations from the US, Moscow finally responded. Andrei Kelin, Russia's ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), issued a warning after the US signed an agreement to provide a $2 billion loan guarantee to Ukraine. "I want to call on countries with influence over the leadership in Kyiv, especially Washington. This is the time to stop condoning the Ukrainian war faction," Reuters quoted Andrei Kelin as saying. "A major catastrophe could result from such actions."

Andrei Kelin, Russia's ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

3. Greece has a new prime minister.

On January 26, Alexis Tsipras, leader of the left-wing Syriza party, was sworn in as Prime Minister of Greece after winning a resounding victory in the parliamentary elections.

Alexis Tsipras, 40, has become Greece's youngest Prime Minister in 150 years. His top priority is to change the terms of the massive $240 billion bailout package provided to Greece by the troika of creditors: the European Union, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.

Alexis Tsipras after taking office

4. NATO establishes staff units in 6 European countries.

According to NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, NATO will deploy small units in six Eastern European countries to help coordinate a vanguard force being formed to counter Russian actions in Ukraine.

NATO also said it plans to open a training center in Georgia before the end of this year – a move that has caused concern in Russia. The new center is being established to bolster Georgia's defense capabilities.

France has also pledged to maintain its deployment of tanks and armored vehicles to bolster NATO forces in Poland. French military equipment is expected to remain in Poland for another two months.

Mr. Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General. Source: Reuters

5. Malaysia officially announced that MH370 was an accident and all victims had died.

"We officially declare the incident involving Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 an accident... and all 239 passengers and crew on board MH370 are presumed dead," Reuters quoted Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, Director-General of the Malaysian Civil Aviation Authority (DCA), as saying in a statement.

Mr. Azharuddin Abdul Rahman officially announced Malaysia's conclusion regarding flight MH370. Following this statement, relatives of the victims on the missing flight MH370 expressed outrage at Malaysian officials' declaration that this mystery was an "accident" despite providing no concrete evidence.

The families of the victims on flight MH370 were outraged and upset when interviewed about the conclusions of Malaysian officials. Source: Reuters.

Minh Nhat(Synthetic)