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Venezuela’s president confirms intention to restore ties with US

Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro says "Venezuela will never give up" and will fight for its freedom to the last

Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos

Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro

© AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Venezuela is ready to repair relations with the US if they will be based on dialogue and mutual respect, Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro said in his speech before the National Constituent Assembly that has been broadcasted by the Venezolana de Television (VTV) TV channel.

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"I believe in the diplomacy and, from the stand of this great National Constituent Assembly, confirm to President Donald Trump my desire to restore political relations based on dialogue, trust and the principles of equity," he said.

According to Maduro, it is not Trump, but "the mafia lobby headed by [US Senator from Florida] Marco Rubio and [Republican US Representative from Florida] Mario Diaz-Balart" that shape Washington’s current policy towards the region’s countries. "[Trump’s] hands are tied, and Marco Rubio impresses on him all decisions on Latin America, Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua," the head of state said.

At the same time, Maduro stressed that "Venezuela will never give up" and will fight for its freedom to the last.

The establishment of the National Constituent Assembly was met with disapproval by the global community. A number of Latin American countries stated that they did not recognize the vote results, and the US called the election to the constituent body "a strike over democracy across the world" and imposed sanctions against Maduro. On Wednesday, the US Department of the Treasury declared expansion of sanctions lists, adding eight people to it, including the assembly’s member Adan Chavez. Caracas denounced these sanctions.

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US blackmails other countries at United Nations — Russian mission

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israeli Permanent Representative Gilad Erdan was to address the council after Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour

EU summit calls to continue work on duties on Russian, Belarusian agricultural produce

The European Commission suggested introducing duties on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus earlier

At least 16 Syrian troops killed in terrorists’ ambush in east Syria — TV

According to the Al Hadath television, a military bus was ambushed by members of the Islamic State terrorist group

Israel assesses effectiveness, consequences of strike on Iran — media

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Swiss parliament votes against joining task force on frozen Russian assets

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Iran to review nuclear doctrine in case of Israeli aggression — IRGC

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Vladimir Saldo called on other Ukrainian servicemen to switch to the Russian side and request the corresponding assistance

Israel to not take responsibility for attack on Iran — newspaper

Israeli sources also said that they did not understand why the Pentagon had leaked information about Israel's involvement in the attack to the media

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On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky signed the mobilization law passed by the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) in the second and final reading on April 11

West, Kiev indulge in nuclear blackmail by demanding control of ZNPP — Russian MFA

"Without noticing it themselves, they spoke the language of an ultimatum," Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova underlined

Iran done with retaliation, calls for efforts to stop Israel from reckless steps — MFA

According to the minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in the event that Israel uses force against Tehran's interests, "the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to use its right to give an immediate and decisive response that will make them regret"

Iran intends to bolster military cooperation with Russia — envoy to Moscow

Kazem Jalali noted that Iran had demonstrated its ability to ensure security and nudge the region toward a de-escalation

Tehran’s two major airports cancel international flights — Mehr

Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad International Airport suspended their operations until 10:30 a.m. local time

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Earlier, the media reported, citing a US official, that Israel had launched a missile strike on a site in Iranian territory

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Military base near Iran’s Isfahan hit following attack — newspaper

The sources said that Iranian forces managed to destroy several small drones near the city of Tabriz, about 800 kilometers from Isfahan

Russia can join top three countries by lithium reserves — governor

Infrastructure is required to implement the investment project, both power transmission lines and the railroad, Andrey Chibis noted

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Sounds in Isfahan due to air defense work to repel attacks by suspicious objects — general

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Emmanuel Macron added that Europe’s resources are limited, and the European Union will continue helping Kiev keeping in mind its own reserves

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Hossein Amir-Abdollahian added that prior to the attack, Tehran said that it would not target US military infrastructure in the Middle East "except in a situation where the United States wants to take military measures in support of Israel"

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US veto for Palestinian membership proves Washington’s anti-Palestinian stance — Hamas

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Russia’s defense chief inspects production of tanks, flamethrowers at Siberian enterprise

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Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva welcomed Gustavo Petro’s initiative, "being committed to promotion of Colombia’s candidacy"

Russian Aerospace Forces strike five militant hideouts in Syria’s Homs

Yury Popov said that aircraft of the so-called international anti-terrorism coalition, led by the United States, continue to set dangerous precedents in skies above Syria

Palestinian president says US veto immoral, runs counter to global community’s will

In Mahmoud Abbas' opinion, Washington’s foreign policy constitutes "an outrageous aggression against the international law"

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian command post, two S-300 missile launchers over day

Russian forces improved their frontline positions and repelled a Ukrainian army counterattack in the Donetsk area where the enemy lost roughly 590 troops over the past day, the ministry reported

Ukrainian president admits Russian troops’ advancement

Vladimir Zelensky asked his country’s supporters to provide "everything that helps to hold the frontline," including shells, military vehicles and drones

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China to act over possible US measures for alleged support of Russian defense sector

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