Russia sanctions

MOSCOW: Russian president Vladimir Putin said it was too early to speak about retaliation against a possible new round of sanctions the US is considering on Moscow.

Earlier this week, the US Senate voted nearly unanimously for legislation to impose new sanctions on Russia and force President Donald Trump to get Congress’s approval before easing any existing sanctions. – Reuters

President dies

REFILE: Vanuatu’s President the Rev Baldwin Lonsdale has died suddenly at the age 67, the Vanuatu Daily Post newspaper reported yesterday.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said he had a heart attack. – Reuters