From Washington, this is VOAnews.
A (suicide bombing attack) in Iraq. And in Iran,more talks of nuclear arms. Denials by religious leaders. I’m Marti Johnson reporting from Washington.
Iraqi officials say a suicide bomber has killed a senior military (intelligence) officer. Also killed in the attack two of his bodyguards. The blast took place today in northern Iraq as officials say Brigadier General Ali Aouni was killed in the blast when the bomber set off his explosives as the general left his house in Tal Afar. Iraq has noted an (increase) in such attacks in recent weeks.
Iran’s supreme leader says his country is not seeking nuclear weapons, but if it wanted to, no country could stop it from doing so. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say in all state matters in Iran,said today that Iran supports the (elimination) of nuclear weapons. Khamenei said in comments posted on his website that ‘we believe nuclear weapons must be eliminated. We don’t want (atomic) weapons.’ But he also added that if Iran intended to have such weapons,no country could stand in its way. Iranian officials say such religious decree by Khamenei banning nuclear weapons is binding on the Islamic republic. U.S. suspects Iran is developing a nuclear weapon's (capability) under the guise of a civilian atomic energy program.英语口语培训
A top South Korean diplomat says Seoul is seeking a United Nations resolution permitting military action against North Korea following Pyongyang’s latest nuclear test. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency quotes the (diplomat) as saying his country hopes to persuade the U.N. that the Security Council should adopt a resolution including Chapter 7, Article 42 of the U.N. charter. If a resolution is passed including that (provision), it would allow military ships anywhere in the world to intercept and board North Korean vessels (suspected of) carrying nuclear or missile components prohibited under U.N. sanctions.
Senate Republicans have blocked a vote to confirm Chuck Hagel as the new U.S. defense secretary. The Senate fell two votes short Thursday as Democrats demand to end a Republican (debate) on the Nebraska Republican’s (nomination) and bring it to a final vote. Michael Bowman reports from Washington.
Michael Bowman: “Thursday all but four Senate Republicans voted against ending debate in the chamber dashing Democratic hopes for a swift final vote on the nomination.
‘The motion was not agreed’.
Hagel would replace outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. The Senate will be in recess next week and Democratic (majority) leader Harry Reid said another vote will be held when the chamber (reconvenes). The White House issued a statement describing the delay as a waste of time that is not without (consequence). Republicans say they need more information from Hagel about his past statement and activities and more time to consider his nomination. Michael Bowman, the Capitol.”
A tank at one of the most (contaminated) nuclear site in the world is leaking radioactive liquids raising concerns about the integrity of other storage facilities at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington State in the western United States.Officials say the single-shell tank may be leaking up as much as 1,135 liters per year, creating a long-term threat that could impact (groundwater) or nearby rivers. The state governor said on Friday the state was told this was dealt with years ago. But the cleanup will cost billions of dollars and now stretch on for (decades).易说堂电话英语
Russian Authorities say divers are exploring a lake hit by a (fragment) of huge meteor that streaked across the sky and exploded above the Ural Mountains on Friday. More than 1,000 people were injured in the event. Jessica Golloher has details from Moscow.
Jessica Golloher: “Witnesses describe objects that look like burning rocks racing across the sky for hundreds of kilometers, leaving a long, white (vapor) trail in their wake. The sonic boom and shock that followed early Friday shattered windows and set off car alarms. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry says a meteor exploded over the sparsely populated region east of the Ural Mountains. Hundreds of people ended up in the hospital for minor injuries due to flying debris. Vladimir Basmanikov is a (surgeon).
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He says the wounds that people have received are mainly from windows and window frames. He says his hospital has treated 60 or 70 people. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to host finance ministry officials from the Group-20 nations in Moscow, has been informed of the (incident) in Chelyabinsk. Jessica Golloher for VOA news, Moscow.”
And President Barack Obama says that thriving middle class is the true engine of America’s economic growth. Mr.Obama said in his weekly address today American (manufactures) have added half a million jobs to the economy in the past three years. The president aims to accelerate that.
I’m Marti Johnson, VOA news, Washington.More news at voanews.com.
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