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EXPLOSION IN BEIRUT

Lebanese opposition urges international probe into Beirut explosion

Earlier, Lebanon’s interior minister said that the government does not think it necessary to engage international specialists to look into the blast

MOSCOW, August 5. /TASS/. Lebanon’s opposition Sunni movement Al-Mustaqbal has called on international experts to take part in the investigation of the deadly explosion in Beirut.

"There are certain doubts related to circumstances of the explosion. We call on the authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. We insist that international experts take part in the probe," the Al Arabyia television channel said on Wednesday citing the movement’s statement.

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Ship whose cargo allegedly exploded in Lebanon belongs to Russian businessman

Earlier, Lebanon’s Interior Minister Muhammad Fahmi said that the government does not think it necessary to engage international specialists to look into the blast, as the authorities are confident about the Lebanese investigators’ competence.

A powerful blast ripped through Beirut’s port located near the Lebanese naval base and generated a shockwave that either destroyed or damaged dozens of houses and cars and shattered glass in even remote districts. According to local authorities, detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which was seized by the customs back in 2014, caused the explosion. According to latest reports, at least 113 people were killed and more than 4,000 injured in the explosion.

The country is in mourning. Beirut was declared a disaster-stricken city and also a two-week state of emergency was declared in Lebanon’s capital.

Conflict in Syria

Envoy expects Iranian president to take part in BRICS summit in Russia’s Kazan

Kazem Jalali also pointed to Russia’s plans to host 250 events at various levels and in various areas as part of its BRICS Presidency

Russia’s UN envoy says IAEA too cautious as it doesn’t name culprit behind attacks on ZNPP

Vasily Nebenzya said Russia was calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency to name the source of attacks

Ukraine suffered substantial power generation losses over recent weeks — minister

According to German Galushchenko, the value of the damage is being verified and could reach billions of dollars

Over 80 Ukrainian drones suppressed, downed in Kherson Region over day

According to Vladimir Saldo, during the night there was a strike on the Ukrainian troops' landing zone on the right bank of the Dnieper River, nine boats and up to 20 militants were destroyed

Russian Su-34 jets destroy Ukrainian command post with high-explosive aerial bombs

"The strike was carried out with ODAB-500 high-explosive aerial bombs with a universal planning and correction module," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Iran has no need to buy Russia’s S-400 missile systems — defense minister

Iran’s Bavar-373 long-range mobile air defense system, believed to be an equivalent of Russia's S-300 systems, will become operational by the year-end

Press TV reports all of Iran's hypersonic missiles hit intended targets in Israel

The report did not specify which facilities in Israel had been attacked with hypersonic missiles

Russian foreign ministry blames Paris for death of French mercenaries in Kharkov

The ministry hopes "that the people of France will ultimately learn the truth about the actual scope of France’s involvement in the conflict"

US House could consider separate bills on aid to Israel, Ukraine this week — report

US House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the plans in a private meeting with GOP lawmakers on Monday, Politico said

Kremlin mum on reports about discussions of Black Sea maritime security pact

It was reported eaerlier that Turkey had negotiated for two months with Russia and Ukraine on a deal to ensure the safety of merchant vessels in the Black Sea

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace eight times in past day

Three violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 linked with the flights by the US-led coalition unmanned aerial vehicles were reported in Syria in the past 24 hours

Construction of future manned spacecraft reached its final stage — Roscosmos CEO

The spacecraft’s first flight is planned for 2028, Yury Borisov said

Israel postpones Rafah operation after Iranian attack — CNN

According to the sources, Israel is now focused on how to respond to the Iranian attack

Russian investigators start inquiry into financing of terrorism by US, NATO officials

Investigators have established that the funds that were received through commercial organizations, such as the oil and gas company Burisma Holdings operating in Ukraine, have been used to carry out terrorist acts in Russia and abroad

Attacks on ZNPP raise risks for nuclear safety — IAEA chief

Rafael Grossi reminded the Security Council that last year he outlined the principles of ensuring safety at the ZNPP to avert the danger of a nuclear incident and called on Russian and Ukraine to observe them

Russian, Israeli security chiefs discuss current escalation in Middle East

On the evening of April 13, Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles toward Israel in response to what it called "repeated crimes" from Tel Aviv, including the attack on the consular office of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus ascribed to Israel

FSB prevents terror attack on Trans-Siberian Railway

According to preliminary information, the suspect was interacting with unknown individuals in Ukraine and agreed to set fire to relay boxes on the Trans-Siberia Railway for money

Iran ready for defensive measures if Israel continues escalation — embassy in Russia

"If Israel and its Western supporters want to further escalate the conflict, we are ready to take additional defensive measures to protect our legitimate interests," Hussein Maliki said

Israel considering retaliatory steps following Iranian attack — top brass

According to Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military was well-prepared for the Iron Shield operation to counter the Iranian attack

Israel remains on highest alert as it chooses response to Iran’s attack — senior commander

"Iran will face the consequences for its actions," IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said

Increased partnerships within SCO reflect organization's appeal — secretary-general

Zhang Ming noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has transformed from a regional to transregional multifaceted association at this point

Senior Russian diplomat warns West against aggressive statements about Russia

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that the West "is ignoring elementary and, as a matter of fact, absolutely obvious principles," such as the idea that a nuclear power "can never be defeated"

Freshly mobilized Ukrainian soldiers holding first-line defense in Chasov Yar, says DPR

Igor Kimakovsky said that the Ukrainian combat group in Chasov Yar is suffering heavy casualties

Senior Russian diplomat warns about proportional response to threats coming from Finland

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, many of such measures have already been announced

Police detain 14 people at rally in Georgia

The Georgian Interior Ministry said that one police member was injured

Meeting in Switzerland to not solve Ukrainian issue, intensive work necessary — Kneissl

"There has to be painstaking work from behind the scenes that is not seen or known, then it makes sense," the former Austrian foreign minister

Moscow shooter identified as European boxing champion Nikita Ivanov

This was reported by a representative of law enforcement agencies

Russia, Belarus boosting interaction despite sanctions

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin added that the record-high indicator of mutual trade turnover is $45.2 bln

CEC chairperson hands over presidential credentials to Putin

The presidential certificate is a 100x70mm maroon leather-bound booklet inscribed with the Russian emblem and the words "President of the Russian Federation" in gold on its cover

New generation Amur-LNG rocket to be reused 50-100 times — Roscosmos CEO

Yury Borisov noted that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket was used no more than ten times

Press review: Israel mulls response to Iran's strike and Ukraine plays shot-caller with US

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 16th

France to invite Russia to events marking 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in turn, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet received an official invitation

Russian air defenses suppress up to 400 Ukrainian UAVs in DPR over week

The drones neutralized by the air defenses included a Mavic-3 UAV and three Baba-Yaga drones carrying improvised explosive devices manufactured with the use of anti-tank aerial bombs and mines

Hamas not to make any concessions on Israeli troops’ withdrawal from Gaza

Izzat al-Rishq noted that Israel’s attempts to release its hostages held by radicals in the Gaza Strip have failed and "there is no alternative to a real deal on this matter with Palestinian groups"

Macron draws distinction between Israeli, Russian Olympic participation

The French leader stressed that Israel was responding to a terrorist attack

Olympic flame lit in Ancient Olympia, kicking off 2024 Paris Summer Games journey

The traditional event of lighting the Olympic flame was attended by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, President of the Greek National Olympic Committee Spyros Capralos and other officials

New sanctions against Moscow to push supplies of Russian metal to China up — Bloomberg

The London Metal Exchange’s ban on Russian aluminum, copper and nickel produced after April 13, 2024 leaves the Shanghai Futures Exchange as the only major commodities bourse in the world to accept Russian shipments of the three metals

Putin expresses hope for constraint in Middle East in conversation with Raisi

According to the the Russian presidential press service, "Vladimir Putin said all parties would hopefully show a reasonable degree of constraint to avoid a new bout of tensions"

Japan concerned over Russia-China military cooperation — Foreign Ministry

The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly emphasized previously that similar drills and patrols are held in strict compliance with international law

Russian Armed Forces hit IRIS-T air defense system launcher, Ukrainian ammunition depot

The personnel and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were also defeated in 129 districts

Ukrainian paratroopers surrender in Avdeyevka area — Russian Defense Ministry

Nine Ukrainian paratroopers of the airborne platoon of the elite brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces seized the opportunity to surrender near Vodyanoye, turned to Russian soldiers and laid down their arms, the ministry said

Israeli defense minister holds meeting on preparations for operation in Rafah

Yoav Gallant held discussed with the participants in the meeting a number of measures that need to be taken as part of the preparations for the operation in Rafah with a focus on the evacuation of civilians and expanding activities linked with the delivery of food and medical equipment to the Gaza Strip

Ukraine struggles to garner support for Swiss conference — Russian Foreign Ministry

"There are increasingly fewer people willing to discuss this subject with Kiev’s envoys, let alone going there," Rodion Miroshnik stressed

Official labels Ukrainian claims about Russia hitting nuclear facility 'total lie'

"Undoubtedly, everything that is going on today, carries a direct threat to nuclear safety," Renat Karchaa reiterated

'Iron Dome' can't fully protect from UAV swarms — Chinese expert

According to Wei Dongxu, Tehran's firepower can cover most of the Middle East region, representing a fierce and precise long-range retaliatory means

French mercenaries operate Caesar howitzers in Ukraine — French reporter

According to Christelle Neant, French specialists are engaged to operate these howitzers in Ukraine as Ukrainian mobilized soldiers lack relevant skills and time to learn how to use them

Russia, Belarus sign aircraft production agreement

The complex of measures (plan) to stimulate Russian investment activity in Belarus was also signed

Italy’s minister estimates Israeli capability to defend from Iranian attack at one billion

Guido Crosetto didn’t specify whether the currency he meant was dollars or euros

Ukraine offers to use neighbors' air defense systems to protect its gas storage facilities

According to German Galushchenko, the issue has been discussed, and "everyone is quite positive about it"

Russia’s UN envoy says statements by West expose Kiev’s responsibility for attacks on ZNPP

"They not only completely gave away Zelensky's regime, but also confessed to their own complicity in these irresponsible bombardments," said Vasily Nebenzya

Negotiations on safety of navigation in Black Sea continue — source

The talks are being held within the framework of a letter sent earlier by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to the presidents of Turkey, Russia and Ukraine

US continues to foment new conflicts to save itself from default — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin cited data from the US Treasury Department, according to which the country's budget deficit in March amounted to $236 bln

Avtotor launches production of Jetour Dashing crossover in Kaliningrad

General agreement includes organizing the production of the brand’s products in Russia and gradually increasing the level of localization

Israeli strikes on Iran to do disservice to US ahead of election — former Russian diplomat

"The Biden administration on the eve of the presidential election does not need this at all," Alexander Maryasov noted

Iran’s possession of enriched uranium doesn’t mean it has nuclear bomb — Grossi

The IAEA director general said he plans to visit Tehran in the next few weeks

White House effectively rules out option for US forces to intercept Russian missiles

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Joe Biden had made it clear that the United States would not take on a combat role in Ukraine

Over 40 nations want to join BRICS — Russian lawmaker

According to Grigory Karasin, many BRICS members share the opinion that the association should be in no hurry to adopt a strict charter, "seeing how counterproductively and even provocatively the European Union is acting"

Netanyahu a threat for Israel, opposition leader says

According to Yair Lapid, Israeli allies "smell this weakness," too

Yerevan has no territorial claims to Baku — Armenian representative to UN court

"Azerbaijan increasingly characterizes human rights disputes with Armenia as attempts to challenge Azerbaijani sovereignty or territorial integrity and claims that this case is an obstacle to peace between the two countries," Yeghishe Kirakosyan stressed

Russian security chief urges measures against 'ethnic enclaves' in Russia

The Russian president has ordered that migration policy be overhauled taking into account the national interests and security of the population, and the importance of preserving Russia’s culture and language, Nikolay Patrushev reiterated

Volume of frozen Russian assets in Germany reaches around €3.9 bln

This figure includes frozen assets of individuals and legal entities included in the sanctions list, such as cash, corporate investments, and yachts

Demarche delivered to UK consul general in Yekaterinburg over propaganda work

Alexander Kharlov also specified that the provision of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the bilateral Consular Convention on the need for foreign diplomats to comply with the laws and rules of the host country had been reiterated to Kotecha

Israel may strike Iranian territory to demonstrate its capabilities — TV

"We are continuing our efforts to prevent further escalation," the US official said

Deflecting Iran attack cost billions, Israel, US can't repeat it — former UN inspector

"If Iran ends up with the number of missiles and drones necessary to sustain this level of action for a week, they will have exhausted Israel's ability to defend itself," Scott Ritter said

Slovakia to oppose Ukraine’s NATO membership bid — PM

Meanwhile, Slovakia supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union

Russian envoy calls UN Security Council meeting on Iran strike parade of hypocrisy

"If Western missions were attacked, you would not hesitate to retaliate and prove your case in this room. Because for you, everything that concerns Western missions and Western citizens is sacred and must be protected," Vasily Nebenzya said

Russia’s top brass reports destroying first Khmara jammer in Ukraine operation

According to the Defense Ministry, Russian troops took better positions in the Donetsk area over the past day

Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone found in Moscow office

According to the source, the owner of the drone is being questioned by law enforcement

FSB makes arrest in Ukrainian Security Service officer’s car bombing

According to the FSB, the detainee had departed for Ukraine after the launch of the special military operation where he was recruited by an SBU officer in October 2023

Russian Ocean Way vessel docks at Socotra, captain needs medical aid

Stanislav Beryozkin was taken to a hospital to undergo thorough examination, with all the required tests made

Zelensky irked by US’ request to stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure — media

It is noted that US officials believe the military benefits of Ukraine’s air raids on Russian oil refineries are "of questionable value," since "the strikes do little to diminish Russia’s war-fighting abilities"

Russia to continue boosting cooperation with countries of Global South, East — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister added that these countries "are firmly committed to the principles of the UN Charter, advocate respect for the cultural and civilizational diversity of the world's peoples and their right to determine their own destiny"

US, Europe’s military force insufficient to fight Russia — expert

Previously, former US Secretary of Defense Advisor Douglas Macgregor said that the failure of the US Administration in the Ukrainian conflict has already disrupted the balance in Europe, strengthening Russia’s positions

Georgian protesters end rally in Tbilisi over foreign agents bill

Rustaveli Avenue has been opened for traffic

Russia developing Start-1M carrier rocket as derivative of Topol-M ICBM — source

Like the ICBM, the carrier rocket is intended for launches from a mobile launching platform

Israel Defense Forces announce planned military drills in country’s north on April 16

According to the IDF, "the military exercise was planned in advance as part of the IDF's annual military training program for the year of 2024, and as part of the IDF's increased preparedness for possible threats in all spheres"

Iranian president warns of 'terrible response' to any action against country

Ebrahim Raisi opined that the UN Security Council and the organization as a whole "failed to fulfill their minimum legal obligations to condemn the [Israeli] attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus"

Xi Jinping proposes four principles for resolving Ukrainian crisis

The Chinese leader had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukrainian crisis with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on an official visit to Beijing

Russian forces pummel Ukrainian army, equipment in 133 areas over past day

Russian troops took better frontline positions in the Donetsk area over the past day, the ministry reported

US, UK strikes harm Yemeni settlement prospects — Russian mission to UN

"Such actions harm the intra-Yemeni settlement, undermining the efforts of international and regional mediators," Dmitry Polyansky noted

Russian paratroopers seize Ukrainian stronghold on tanks, combat vehicles

Russian troops suffered no casualties, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Lavrov sees no chance of Germany, Japan becoming permanent UNSC members

The Russian foreign minister also said the two countries would bring absolutely nothing new to the Security Council discussions as they "obediently do Washington's bidding, just like virtually every other Western country"

Iran to retaliate for any new Israeli attack 'within seconds,' senior diplomat warns

Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani described the Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy’s consulate department in Syria on April 1 as a strategic mistake

Israel plans to send 'painful message' to Iran in response to attack — newspaper

According to the report, Israel’s war cabinet will meet on April 16 for a third straight day

IAEA chief slams attack on ZNPP dome as 'very dangerous precedent'

Rafael Grossi calls for attacks on ZNPP to stop as they raise safety risks

Envoy reports dozens of Russians killed in Ukrainian attacks in past week

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik, over that period, Ukrainian troops fired "at least 1,362 munitions" at civilian facilities

Israeli response will likely targets outside Iran — NBC

The report said the Israeli retaliation will be "limited in scope"

China’s Jetour plans to sell up to 50,000 cars in Russia this year

Sales volumes depend on the demand for it, Liang Bin stated, noting that this refers not merely to sales of the Jetour Dashing crossover but also to other brand models, including X70 and X90 crossovers and the T2 SUV

Ukrainian troops hunker down in abandoned apartments in Kherson — governor

Vladimir Saldo added that troops use at their discretion the possessions of the people who used to live in these apartments

Russian forces find coordinates of DPR churches at former Ukrainian positions in Avdeyevka

It was possible to establish that the Ukrainian servicemen were tasked with hitting Orthodox sites in the region aide to the head of the Donetsk People's Republic Igor Kimakovsky said

Iran has warned US that Israeli response would set off harsh retaliation — minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the statement as he spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

Turkish-mediated Black Sea security pact crumbles as Ukraine backs out — Reuters

According to the draft agreement, seen by the agency, the parties would have extended security guarantees to merchant vessels in the Black Sea, as they committed not to strike or search them as long as they had declared a non-military cargo

Press review: Iran fires back at Israel and Russia, West spar over AI rulebook

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 15th

Ukrainian armed forces attack Belgorod Region with four drones over past day

According to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, more damage was detected in the Dubovskoye rural settlement where two private residences, three apartment buildings and two outbuildings were damaged

China's approach to Ukraine balanced, constructive, Russia welcomes it — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that China "maintains quite high diplomatic activity" on the Ukrainian track

Servicemen of Russia’s battlegroup West receive certificates for destroyed Leopard-2 tanks

The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that immediately after the award ceremony, the servicemen returned to their units to continue performing their assigned tasks in the special military operation zone.

Moscow follows meeting between Scholz, Xi — senior Russian diplomat

The German chancellor is in China on an official visit from April 14-16

Russian finance ministry considering abolition of export duty on gold

Earlier, the Federation Council’s budget and financial markets committee recommended that the amendment on an increase in MET on gold from June 1 to December 31, 2024 be approved

Georgian parliament passes bill on foreign agents in first reading

The hearing took place amid a heated debate between representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party and the opposition

Kiev recognizes Russia's tenfold superiority in artillery shells

Vladimir Zelensky admitted that Ukraine had no chance of winning victory without support from the West

Roscosmos committed to continued collaboration with NASA — CEO

"We, both sides, and you can take it from me - as I meet with colleagues from NASA, would hate to lose this cooperation," Yury Borisov noted