Israel calls up 60,000 reservists
GAZA, Aug 20 (BBC/AFP): The Israeli military says it is calling up about 60,000 reservists ahead of a planned ground offensive to capture and occupy all of Gaza City. A military official said the reservists would report for duty in September and that most of the troops mobilised for the...
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Russia dismisses Ukraine security talks without its involvement
MOSCOW, Aug 20 (Reuters): Russia said on Wednesday attempts to resolve security issues relating to Ukraine without Moscow's participation were a "road to nowhere", sounding a warning to the West as it scrambles to work out guarantees for Kyiv's future protection.Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov particularly criticised the role of European...
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Iran to use more effective missiles ‘if Israel attacks’
TEHRAN, Aug 20 (BSS/AFP/Reuters): Iran said Wednesday it was prepared for any new Israeli attack, announcing it has developed missiles with greater capabilities than those used during their recent 12-day war."The missiles used in the 12-day war were manufactured... a few years ago," Defence Minister Aziz Nassirzadeh said, quoted by...
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China, India pledge to resume flights
BEIJING, Aug 20 (AFP): China and India announced they would restart direct flights in a string of diplomatic breakthroughs, state media reported Wednesday, as Beijing's foreign minister wrapped up a visit before heading to Pakistan.Following Wang Yi's trip to India, Beijing and New Delhi also agreed to advance talks on...
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Mosquito-borne diseases outbreak in Europe
STOCKHOLM, Aug 20 (BSS/AFP): Europe has registered a record number of outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses such as chikungunya and West Nile virus this year, the EU health agency said Wednesday, saying climate change was contributing to a "new normal".Europe is experiencing longer and more intense transmission seasons for mosquito-borne diseases,...
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