Reuters: Britain expels 23 Russian diplomats over chemical attack on ex-spy
Britain will expel 23 Russian diplomats in response to a nerve toxin attack on a Russian former double agent in southern England, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday, adding it was the biggest single expulsion in over 30 years.
May said Britain would also introduce new measures to strengthen defenses against hostile state activities, freeze Russian state assets wherever there was evidence of a threat and downgrade its attendance at the soccer World Cup in Russia this summer.
Russia, which has repeatedly denied any involvement in the nerve agent attack, said Britain should expect retaliation for its actions.
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MIDDLE EAST
Turkish army surrounds Syrian city of Afrin.
Turkey's Erdogan says hopes Syria's Afrin town to be captured by Wednesday evening.
As Turkey draws near, Syria's Afrin braces for siege, tough fight.
Syria war: accusations of torture and executions.
Baghdad ends air blockade on Iraqi Kurdistan.
Saudi Arabia turns to nuclear power to curb oil addiction.
UN Palestinian agency in urgent search for cash at global gathering.
Israel avoids snap polls but Netanyahu's fate awaits.
ASIA
More troops sent to west Afghanistan as Taliban step up attacks.
Top US commander sees peace possibilities in Afghanistan.
Pakistan, India trade barbs over 'harassment of diplomats'.
Duterte moves to withdraw Philippines from International Criminal Court.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's visit to Sydney stirs up anger in expat community.
New Zealand diplomat tells US Democrats to organise against Trump or 'we all die'.
Chinese reporter's spectacular eye-roll sparks viral memes and censorship.
AFRICA
25 killed in fresh clashes in central Nigeria: police.
Sierra Leone election: Julius Maada Bio beats Samura Kamara in first round.
Kenyan president's pick for top prosecutor draws criticism.
Zimbabwe businesses want Western sanctions lifted.
Mauritius President Gurib-Fakim refuses to resign over expense scandal.
Egyptian authorities call on citizens to report on the media.
Tuaregs celebrate culture in Niger Sahara festival.
EUROPE
UK expels 23 Russian diplomats over spy poisoning.
Russia calls UK bluff as nerve agent attack deadline passes. Russia hits back as Britain gains support over poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal.
EU promises solidarity with Britain over Russian spy poisoning.
Russia hopes for constructive ties with U.S. after Tillerson firing: Kremlin.
Brexit negotiations accelerating, German official says.
Angela Merkel elected to fourth term as German chancellor.
Italy bomb: World War Two device forces mass evacuation in Fano.
AMERICAS
PA race tighter-than-tight; Dem claims win, GOP hangs in.
Trump demands answers as Russia ignores Britain's spy deadline.
Intense security on both sides of border for Trump's visit to wall prototypes.
U.S. students to abandon class for 17 minutes to protest gun violence.
Venezuela’s hyperinflation is breaking deli scales.
Belgian royal King Philippe and his wife Mathilde are stood up by Justin Trudeau on state visit to Canada… because the leader was too busy touring a steel plant.
Caribbean volcano Kick 'em Jenny: Ships warned off area.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
U.S. braces for return of terrorist safe havens to Afghanistan.
Al-Qaida in Syria losing ground in battles with insurgents.
Al-Qaeda operative born in Texas sentenced to 45 years for conspiring to murder Americans, supporting terrorism.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Trade war could derail global economic recovery, warns OECD.
Trump pressure scuppers $140bn chipmaker takeover.
Donald Trump eyes massive tariffs on China tech sector.
Fighting 'bad ads,' Google targets cryptocurrency advertisements.
YouTube, Wikipedia team up on conspiracy videos.
