Six die in Russia hotel fire
MOSCOW, Feb 27: Six people, including three children, died in a fire in a hotel in Russia's western Perm Region Tuesday, a local investigative committee said in a statement. "As a result of the fire, six people were killed: a woman, two men and three children. A criminal investigation was launched into the case," said the statement. According to preliminary information, no visible signs of violence were found. — Xinhua
Afghan Taliban call for direct talks with US
KABUL, Feb 27: The Taliban has called for direct talks with the US to find a "peaceful solution" to the conflict in Afghanistan, in an apparent policy reversal after months of escalating attacks. Civilian casualties surged in recent months as militants from the Taliban, as well as Islamic State group, unleashed a wave of bloodshed in urban areas and on security forces in response to a new open-ended military policy by US President Donald Trump. — AFP
Merkel slams German food charity for migrant halt
BERLIN, Feb 27: German Chancellor Angela Merkel has criticised a food bank for refusing to accept any more migrants, calling the decision "not good". Essener Tafel, a charity that serves free meals to the poor, had come under fire after it said it would now require new customers to produce German identity papers as a huge migrant influx was displacing locals in need. In an interview late Monday with RTL television, Merkel said: "One should not make such categorisations. That is not good." — AFP
Jerusalem holy site stays shut in Christian protest
JERUSALEM, Feb 27: The church in Jerusalem built at the traditional site of Jesus's burial remained closed for a third day Tuesday as Christian leaders protested against Israeli tax measures and a controversial proposed law. Christian leaders closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Sunday at noon in a rare move, leaving thousands of pilgrims and tourists seeking to visit what many see as the holiest site in Christianity locked outside. — AFP
South Korean prosecutors seek 30 years' jail for Park
SEOUL, Feb 27: South Korean prosecutors on Tuesday sought a 30-year jail term for former President Park Geun-hye who was ousted last year amid an influence-peddling scandal as supporters braved the winter cold outside the Seoul court demanding her immediate release. Park, 66, was dismissed in March after being impeached and is standing trial on charges of bribery, abuse of power and coercion in a case that rocked the country's business and political elite. — Reuters
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