Abbas, Putin discuss Israeli-Palestinian disputes over phone

RAMALLAH, Dec 31 (XINHUA): Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that Israel's economic and security steps cannot be an alternative to a political track.During a phone conversation, Abbas and Putin exchanged congratulations on the occasion of Christmas and New Year holidays, wishing peace and stability...

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Tutu's body lies in state for second day in S.Africa

CAPE TOWN, Dec 31 (AFP): The body of Archbishop Desmond Tutu lay in state on Friday for a second day, giving South Africans a final chance to pay tribute on the eve of his funeral.A church band, which included a preschooler trumpeter, performed outside the church as the cortSge pulled...

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Former Afghan president says he fled nation to 'save Kabul'

Former President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan said he fled the country to prevent the destruction of Kabul as Taliban fighters advanced on the capital, offering the most detailed defence of his actions since the government's collapse in August, reports The New York Times.Ghani, speaking to the BBC in an interview...

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