News in Brief-(2023-09-18)

Kim discusses arms cooperation with
Russian defence minister
SEOUL, Sep 17: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held discussions with Russia's defence minister on strengthening "strategic and tactical coordination" between the countries' militaries, the North's state media said Sunday, as Kim continued a visit to Russia's Far East that has raised concerns about an arms alliance that would fuel Moscow's war on Ukraine. The talks with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu came after Kim on Friday was shown some of Russia's most advanced weapons systems deployed for its war on Ukraine, including nuclear-capable bombers and hypersonic missiles, and a key warship of its Pacific fleet, the Korean Central News Agency said. — AP
Prepare for a long Ukraine war: NATO chief
FRANKFURT, Sept 17: NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has warned there will be no swift end to the Ukraine war, in an interview published Sunday, as Kyiv pushes on with its counteroffensive against Russia. "Most wars last longer than expected when they first begin," Stoltenberg said in an interview with Germany's Funke media group. "Therefore we must prepare ourselves for a long war in Ukraine." — AFP

Atlantic storm delivers high winds, rain
BAR HARBOR, Sept 17: Atlantic storm Lee made landfall at near-hurricane strength Saturday, bringing destructive winds, rough surf and torrential rains to New England and Maritime Canada. But officials withdrew some warnings for the region and predicted the storm would disappear early this week. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said early Sunday that the post-tropical cyclone was about 35 miles (55 kilometers) west of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and about 225 miles (360 kilometers) west of Channel-Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland. — AP
Poland imposes ban on Russian cars
WARSAW, Sept 17: Poland began to enforce a European Union ban Sunday on all Russian-registered passenger cars seeking to enter the country the latest in a series of sanctions on Russia in punishment for its war against Ukraine. Under the EU's decision, motor vehicles registered in the Russian Federation are no longer allowed to enter the territory of the 27-member bloc. — AP