Ukraine unwilling to accept Russia aid
Kiew: Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk Wednesday signalled that his Government will not accept humanitarian assistance directly from Russia. “Ukraine may get any kind of humanitarian assistance solely within the framework of international law and exclusively from the Red Cross,” Yatsenyuk said in a cabinet meeting, according to Xinhua.
Russian convoy rolls towards Ukraine
Moscow: A convoy of nearly 300 trucks carrying what Russia says is humanitarian aid for victims of fighting in eastern Ukraine moved slowly towards the border on Wednesday despite concerns by Kiev and the West over the shipment, Russian officials said. But Kiev again insisted it would not allow the convoy on its territory.
Pakistan braces for major protests
Islamabad: Nearly 25,000 police and paramilitary forces were deployed, barricades were put on major roads and mobile phone service shut down in the Pakistani capital as the Govt braced for Thursday’s opposition rallies demanding resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and fresh elections.
‘39 killed in clashes in north Syria’
Beirut: At least 39 fighters were killed on Wednesday in fierce clashes between Syrian rebels and jehadis from the Islamic State in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo, an NGO said.
24 killed in heavy rain in China
Beijing: The death toll from heavy rain and landslides in parts of China has risen to 24, officials said. At least 17 people have been killed due to heavy rains in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, whereas seven people were killed after downpours triggered landslides last evening in Jiangxi. Downpours have drenched most cities and counties in Guizhou leading to surging river waters and frequent traffic blockades.