Russia signals its support for a Syrian peace plan. And Coptic Christians in Egypt they are to their deceased patriarch. I’m Terry Win reporting from Washington.
Russia says it’s ready to support a United Nations resolution (endorsing) Kofi Annan’s plan for settling the crisis in Syria. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today the Security Council should support Annan’s continuing efforts to achieve agreement between all Syrians. But he also said any resolution should not impose an (ultimatum) on Russia’s long-time ally, Russian… eh, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Few details of Annan’s peace plan for had been announced. Russia and China have twice (shielded) Mr. Assad’s regime from U.N. sanctions over its year-long crackdown on protesters in which more than 8,000 have died. For more on this story, please visit our website, www.voanews.com.
A series of near simultaneous bombing in nearly a dozen Iraqi cities has killed at least 38 people and wounded 160. Iraqi police say car and (roadside bombs) went off early today in a number of places including Baghdad, Kirkuk, and the holy Shi’ite city of Karbala. It’s unclear who is targeted by the bombs and no one has yet claimed responsibility.
A Pakistani parliamentary committee has issued a report listing recommendations for mending (fractured relationship) between the United States and Pakistan. As we hear from VOA’s Brian Padden in Islamabad. The report also demands an end to U.S. drone strikes in the country.
Brian Padden: “Committee Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani read the report Tuesday to a (joint session) of both houses of parliament. It calls on the U.S. to review its activities and cease all drone attacks in Pakistan. While U.S. officials have sought for months to repair relationship with Islamabad, Washington sees the drone strikes as (crucial) to success against al-Qaeda and Taliban. Pakistani officials regularly condemn the drone strikes as a violation of the country’s (sovereignty). But the attacks are believed to be carried out with the help of Pakistani intelligence. Brian Padden, VOA news, Islamabad.”
Similarly, U.S. and Afghanistan officials are negotiating the term of a (pact) which would define the U.S. presence in Afghanistan after American combat troops leave that country. One major obstacle that remains are night raid conducted by coalition troops. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called for an end to such operations saying it resulted in civilian casualties and are (invasion of privacy). U.S. officials say night raids are crucial in targeting the Taliban and other insurgent groups. Today, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan General John Allen said ties between coalition and Afghan forces remain strong. Another military campaign is on track despite recent setbacks.