Venezuelan opposition leader 'could face 30 years in prison'; Wave of violence continues in Nigeria
(Baonghean.vn) - The official US-North Korea Summit in Hanoi; Russia and Syria request the US forces to withdraw from Syria; The wave of violence continues in Nigeria, nearly 30 people died; Venezuelan opposition leader "could be sentenced to 30 years in prison"... are the world's outstanding news in the past 24 hours.
Trump and Kim's second meeting in Hanoi
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| The first handshake between Mr. Trump and Mr. Kim in Hanoi |
On the evening of February 27, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong-un had their first meeting within the framework of the 2nd US-North Korea Summit. Here, the two leaders shook hands, took photos and had a quick exchange before holding a private meeting. In response to questions from some international reporters, US President Donald Trump said he expected the Summit to be "very successful".
Meanwhile, Chairman Kim Jong-un said: "We were able to overcome all of that and today we are here."
Also in a brief conversation before the private meeting, President Trump told Chairman Kim Jong-un: "I think your country has tremendous economic potential. I think you will bring a brilliant future to your country. You are a great leader. We will help that happen."
President Trump also said that he and Chairman Kim Jong-un have a very good relationship. For his part, Chairman Kim Jong-un said that North Korea and the US have overcome "many obstacles" to be able to hold the summits, and he believes that the conference will bring positive results.
After the meeting, US President Donald Trump and North Korean President Kim Jong-un had dinner together at the Metropole Hotel in Hanoi. The dinner was considered quite intimate and cheerful as both sides were always smiling.
During dinner, Mr. Trump once again emphasized his "very special" relationship with the North Korean leader. According to Kim Jong-un, during their 20-minute private conversation, he and the US President "shared many interesting stories." After the meeting and dinner that lasted about two hours, the two leaders left the Metropole Hotel and returned to rest to prepare for the summit on February 28.
Pakistan, India restrict airspace amid tensions over Kashmir
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| Close-up of an Indian MiG-21 shot down by Pakistan. Screenshot from SAMAA TV |
Pakistan on February 27 announced the closure of all airspace, while India restricted air traffic in the north of the country after both countries said they had shot down each other's fighter jets. Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on Twitter the decision to "officially close the airspace until further notice", while a military spokesman said the move was in line with the ongoing situation. AFP quoted a CAA source as saying that all airlines operating in the country had been notified.
Hours earlier, Pakistan announced that it had shot down two Indian Air Force planes that had violated its airspace, escalating the conflict between the two neighbors and rivals in South Asia. Pakistan said it had captured two Indian pilots, one of whom had to be hospitalized. According to NDTV, the Indian Air Force shot down a Pakistani F-16 that had violated the Line of Actual Control at the border between the two countries.
Russia, Syria demand US forces withdraw from Syria
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Russia and Syria on February 27 issued a joint statement calling on the US to leave Syria. Photo: Reuters |
Russia and Syria on February 27 issued a joint statement calling on the US to leave Syria, creating conditions for the two countries to evacuate people in a refugee camp in southeastern Syria. The statement issued by the Russian Defense Ministry emphasized that Russia and Syrian forces have prepared buses to resettle people in the Rubkan refugee camp and will create a safe corridor for people to start a new life. Russia called on the US and armed units operating illegally on Syrian territory to leave this Middle Eastern country.
In early February 2019, the US announced that it would leave a small force of about 400 soldiers in two areas of Syria. Specifically, 200 soldiers will join a force of about 800 to 1,500 soldiers from European allies to establish and monitor safe zones in northeastern Syria. Another 200 soldiers will stay at the US military outpost of Al-Tanf, near the border with Iraq and Jordan. The US statement is considered to be contrary to the announcement of the withdrawal of all 2,000 soldiers that US President Donald Trump made in December 2018.
Venezuelan opposition leader "could face 30 years in prison"
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| Mr. Guaido meets supporters in Bogota, Colombia on February 25. Photo: AFP |
Sputnik news agency on February 27 quoted the deputy chief justice of the Venezuelan Supreme Court, Juan Carlos Valdez, saying that Mr. Guaido could face a 30-year prison sentence for violating the exit ban.
Mr. Guaido arrived in Colombia on February 22 to find a way to bring aid back to his country, leading to violence breaking out in the border area after the Caracas government refused to accept the aid, claiming it was a US "plot" to intervene militarily.
“He is a fugitive from the law. What happens to fugitives who return and are discovered by the authorities? They must be arrested and imprisoned. He could face up to 30 years in prison,” Valdez said, adding that prosecutors were looking into Guaido’s alleged violations.
Nigeria: Wave of violence continues, nearly 30 people killed
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An attack occurred in the Nigerian state of Kaduna. Photo: Reuters |
Nigerian police confirmed on February 27 that at least 29 people, including one policeman, were killed in a series of attacks in Kaduna state. Local police sources said that at least two policemen were injured and 40 houses were set on fire in the attacks launched against four villages in Kajuru area of Kaduna state. The gunmen moved from village to village, setting fire to many houses and killing innocent civilians. Security forces were immediately deployed to control the situation.
The Kaduna State government also confirmed the series of attacks in a statement on February 26, stressing that Nigeria's security agencies are working hard to contain the wave of violence in the country. This is the second attack in Kaduna State this month. Previously, unidentified gunmen attacked eight villages in the Kajuru area on February 15, killing more than 130 people.
