ABC News Online: Russia says Syria chemical attack staged, calls for emergency UN meeting to 'avert danger of war'
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has claimed the suspected chemical attack in the Syria was staged with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency, while the UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting on Syria.
"Intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russophobic campaign were involved in that fabrication," he said.
US President Donald Trump threatened strikes on Syria after a suspected gas attack on a rebel-held town which a Syrian medical relief group said killed at least 60 people, and a Russian envoy voiced fears of a wider conflict between Washington and Moscow.
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MIDDLE EAST
Threat of U.S.-Russia clash hangs over Syria.
Syria chemical attack 'staged' with help of foreign secret service: Russia. Russia says Syrian 'chemical attack' was staged.
Assad government forces 'take entire' Eastern Ghouta.
Thousands leave Syria's Douma as evacuations wrapping up.
In Damascus, war-weary Syrians unfazed by threat of U.S. military strike.
Assad ally Hezbollah does not see 'total war' over Syria.
Turkey's Erdogan says discussed steps for peace in Syria with Putin, Trump.
Iraqi politicians start election campaigns in earnest.
Israeli forces wound 30 more Palestinians in Gaza-Israel border protests.
ASIA
Taiwan president joins naval drill a day after huge China exercise.
China and India border tensions flare up again ahead of Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit.
Pakistan bars ex-premier Nawaz Sharif from politics for life.
Rodrigo Duterte says he will arrest ICC lawyer if she investigates him.
Anger in India over two rapes puts government in bind.
Thirty-two U.S. embassy workers in Cambodia fired over alleged sharing of pornography.
Myanmar says 'seriously concerned' over war crimes prosecutor move on Rohingya jurisdiction.
AFRICA
Gunmen kill 26 in attacks on herding villages in Nigeria.
DR Congo boycotts its own aid conference.
Thousands of DR Congo refugees escaping violence to Uganda.
Blast at Somalia stadium kills five football fans.
Gambia ruling party wins local elections.
Uganda ‘considering’ Israel’s request to take 500 migrants.
Battle to save Africa’s elephants is gaining some ground.
EUROPE
Germany calls for pressure on Russia over its support for Syria.
Russia spied on Skripal and daughter for at least 5 years: UK.
Russia on Skripal: no confirmation of poison origin in new report.
Russia lawmakers draft list of U.S. imports that could be banned.
Moscow court bans Telegram messaging app.
Italy's president needs more time to resolve political stalemate.
Police blame ultra-leftists for violent standoff in western France.
AMERICAS
Summit of the Americas begins amid regional tumult.
US Republicans will back US President Donald Trump's strike on Syria.
James Comey's FBI memoir: Six claims about Trump.
Trump attacks 'slimeball' Comey after new book likens president to mafia boss.
Trump lawyer tries to prevent use of materials found in FBI raid.
Ecuador gives Colombian insurgents 12 hours to prove captives alive.
Cuba’s ‘lost generation’ prepares to take power next week.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Taliban, Haqqani network enjoy safe havens in Pakistan: Pentagon.
Taliban overruns Afghan district, kills governor.
5 years later, Boston Marathon survivors, responders move on.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Russia to stop exporting titanium to Boeing in counter-sanctions against US – draft law.
China and US in backstage talks to avoid trade war, says OECD boss.
Oil markets tense on military escalation in Syria.
Google loses landmark 'right to be forgotten' case.
