DW: US, UK accuse Russia of interfering in OPCW Douma investigation
Russia has been accused of obstructing an investigation into alleged chemical weapons use in Syria. Moscow fired back, saying a team from the OPCW were expected to arrive in Douma on Wednesday.
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) held a closed-door session on Monday morning in the Hague, which it had called after the alleged chemical gas attack in Douma, Syria, on April 7. The meeting is also the OPCW's first since the retaliatory airstrikes by the UK, France and US on Saturday that targeted suspected chemical weapons sites in Syria.
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MIDDLE EAST
Russia and Syria block chemical weapons inspectors team from accessing site of Douma gas attack.
Syrians rally in Damascus in support of Assad's military.
Syria: Trump still favors timely withdrawal despite Macron assurances of long term engagement.
EU urges relaunch of Syria talks after strikes.
Russia's Artek youth camp hosted Assad children.
Arab leaders call for probe into Syria chemical attacks, condemn Iran.
EU: Turkey's membership hopes at an all-time low.
ASIA
Japan and China revive long-stalled talks with pledge to reset economic ties.
Japan's Shinzo Abe tipped to resign in June as cronyism scandals take toll.
N.Korea, China 'discussing Xi visit to Pyongyang'.
Koreas working on final details of North-South summit.
S. Korea promotes New North policy in China.
Kim Jong Un's wife, Ri Sol Ju, just had her status upgraded as North Korea tries to show it has a normal "first couple".
China launches website to report foreign spies.
Bangladesh rejects Myanmar claim that Rohingya family was repatriated.
Sri Lanka arrests ruling party dissident as political crisis deepens.
AFRICA
UAE plane blocked from leaving Somalia's Puntland region.
Trump to host Nigerian president April 30: White House.
Nigeria’s Boko Haram extremists hamper polio eradication.
Zimbabwe heads to Commonwealth summit to 're-engage'.
Kenya electoral board commissioners resign over leadership fight.
Ghana asks mosques to turn down the noise and use WhatsApp for call to prayer.
Tanzania law for online content 'threatens free speech'.
EUROPE
Trust between Russia and US nearly lost, but not zero – Lavrov to BBC.
Syria strikes: May tells MPs Britain could not wait for UN approval.
Theresa May grilled in UK parliament over Syria airstrikes.
Divided EU foreign ministers meet to discuss Syria plan.
US to hit Russia with new sanctions for aiding Syria’s Assad.
Syrian strikes boost French president’s action man image.
Kremlin says U.S. sanctions amount to asset grab.
Russia 'will not delay' in response to US sanctions: Deputy FM.
Russia's telecom watchdog starts blocking Telegram messenger.
Police, protesters clash in Armenia as leader stays in power.
AMERICAS
White House says Russia sanctions still under consideration.
Trump says Russia, China playing 'currency devaluation game'.
Washington and Cuba butt heads over Venezuela at heated Americas summit.
Ex-FBI chief James Comey says Trump 'morally unfit to be president'. Comey speculates Russians may have damaging info on Trump.
Trump lawyer forced to reveal another client: Sean Hannity.
Seven inmates killed and 17 injured in South Carolina prison fighting.
Ecuador and Colombia hunt for reporters' killers.
Raul Castro leaves Cuba with new freedoms, deep problems.
Rain, ice, record snowfall blanket northern U.S..
Canada's Liberal party considers decriminalization of all illicit drugs.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
IRGC-controlled Syrian militia declares jihad against US forces in Syria.
ISIS threaten to bomb New York's subway in chilling poster showing a militant with sticks of dynamite at High Street Brooklyn Bridge Station.
Afghan mission releases district-level assessments.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Tech, health care stocks are big gainers as US indexes rally.
Global shipping in 'historic' climate deal.
Chinese exporters in race to maximise sales before US tariff increases.
Starbucks apologises amid backlash over arrest of black men.
