From Washington this is VOA news.
South Korea’s president says (sanctions) against the North are not enough. An Olympic star suspected of killing his girlfriend appears in court. I’m David Deforest reporting from Washington.
Russian officials say a (meteor) streaked across the sky above Russia’s Ural Mountains today, causing explosions and shattering windows.
"Bang!"
That was the sound. Officials say more than 750 people in the Chelyabinsk region were injured, many by broken glass. Local authorities say a wall and the roof of a zinc factory were (damaged). For more on this story, take a look at our website voanews.com.
South African Olympic star Oscar Pistorius appeared today in a Pretoria court after being charged with (murder) over the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Anita Powell reports.英语口语培训
Anita Powell: “The man known as the blade runner for his high-tech-artificial legs entered his bail hearing with a drawn face. He blinked rapidly as (prosecutor) announced the murder charge. The 26-year-old then dropped his face into his hands and wept silently. His family said after the appearance they dispute the murder charge and extend (sympathies) to the Steenkamp family. Reeva Steenkamp's family had also come to Pretoria to help identify her body. Her autopsy was conducted Friday. Chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel said the (prosecution) will argue the murder was (premeditated). Pistorius will be held at a Pretoria police station until his hearing next week. Anita Powell, VOA news, Pretoria, South Africa.”
The Somali insurgent group, al-Shabab, says it has executed the captured Kenyan soldier and is threatening to kill five other hostages if Kenya does not meet its demands. In a statement, the group said it executed a Kenyan army private after the Kenyan government did not meet a deadline for releasing prisoners. The group says it will kill five remaining Kenyan (hostages) in 72 hours if its demands are not met. Kenya says it will not negotiate with the group and that none of its soldiers are believed to be held by al-Shabab.
Kenya’s High Court has cleared the way for presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William Ruto, to run in the country’s March 4th presidential election despite the fact that both men are facing charges of crimes against (humanity). Mohammed Yusuf reports.
Mohammed Yusuf: “Kenya’s High Court has dismissed a petition filed by five non-governmental organizations seeking to block presidential hopeful Kenyatta and his running mate from taking part in the election. The men are charged by the ICC with crimes committed during inter-tribal fighting that swept across Kenya in early 2008 following the disputed 2007 election. Their trial is due to begin on April 11th at the Hague. Both men denied the ICC charges. The Kenya High Court say it has no (jurisdiction) over the eligibility matter and say the petitioners should have first taken their case to the Independent Election Board. Mohammed Yusuf for VOA news, Nairobi.”易说堂电话英语
Outgoing South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is warning dialogue and sanctions will not be enough to convince North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program. Speaking at a meeting of high-level (dignitaries) in Seoul, President Lee said only a change in North Korean leadership could remove the threat of a nuclear armed North Korea. International support is mounting for the United Nations to conduct a formal (investigation) into the human rights situation in North Korea where conditions are believed to be among the worst in the world. The United States Thursday said it will support a U.N. probe into what State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland called the (deplorable) human rights condition in the secretive communist state.
Authorities in Bahrain say a policeman in the capital Manama died today after being hit by a (homemade) explosive. The incident came as protesters marked the second anniversary of a Shi’ite uprising against the country’s Sunni rulers.
Thousands of Sunnis rallied across Iraq calling for Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to step down. That comes amid (accusations) of unfair treatment by the government. The latest round of protests began today after Friday prayers in several (predominantly) Sunni cities and Baghdad.
India says its troops has shot and killed a Pakistani soldier along the de facto border in the disputed Kashmir region. Officials say the soldier was killed in a gun fight Thursday when he crossed the line of control.
The passengers from a crippled cruise ship that ducked in Alabama Thursday are finally on dry land. The carnival cruise ship carrying about 4,000 people was towed by tug boats arriving late Thursday at the port of Mobile on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Passengers reported flooded rooms and (sewage) in hallways.
I’m David Deforest, more news at voanews.com.
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