Russia to retaliate over US missile systems in East Europe

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow has been left with no choice but to retaliate over the U-S missile systems being deployed in Eastern Europe. He described the installation of such systems in Poland and Romania as a direct threat to Russia, warning both countries that they could find themselves in Russia's sights.
• The Iraqi army continues its efforts to help people escape Fallujah as the security forces push to liberate the city from Daesh terrorists. Daesh terrorists, who took control of Fallujah in 20-14, have prevented people from leaving the city, using them as human shield.
• Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says Riyadh is the biggest supporter of extremism and terrorism. Hossein Jaberi-Ansari rejected the Saudi foreign minister's claim that Iran is interfering in Iraq's internal affairs. He added that Iranian military advisors are in Iraq on an official request from Baghdad to help the Iraqi forces fighting terrorists.
• Hundreds of pro-refugee protesters have rallied at an airport and train station in the German city of Leipzig to protest laws regarding the deportation of asylum seekers. The protesters condemned Germany's plans to make it easier to deport refugees convicted of crimes.
• The International Organization of Migration, I-O-M says some 100 people are still missing after a ship flipped over in the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday. According to survivors of the incident, those still missing were stuck in the hull. They reported that the large fishing ship had 650 passengers on board.
• The Syrian presidential office dismisses reports that Russia has offered a new constitution to Damascus. The office noted that any effort to introduce new laws for the country must be discussed and agreed upon by Syrian people, through a referendum.
• U-S Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders have expressed willingness to hold a debate. On Thursday, Trump managed to secure enough delegates to clinch the Republican presidential nomination. However Sanders, is far behind Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton in delegates.
• An engine fire has broken out on a Korean passenger plane which was about to take off from Japan’s capital Tokyo. The plane has been forced to evacuate all passengers. More than three-hundred passengers and crew members were on board when the incident occurred. Reports say nearly 20 people have been injured.

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