NEWS OF THE DAY
From Around the World
_1 Spy poisoning:
Russia’s embassy in London on Saturday sought a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson over the poisoning of a former Russian spy, saying its dealings with Britain over the issue had been “utterly unsatisfactory.” Britain retorted that “it’s Russia’s response that has been unsatisfactory,” as the two countries continued a bitter public feud over the nerveagent attack. The Russian embassy said it was “high time” for a meeting between Johnson and Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko to discuss the investigation into the Sergei Skripal poisoning and “the whole range of bilateral issues.” Skripal and his daughter Yulia spent weeks in critical condition after being found unconscious March 4. Their conditions have recently improved.
_2 Taliban talks:
Pakistan’s prime minister said Saturday that Afghanistan has accepted his offer to revive stalled peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said war is not the solution to the decades-long conflict in Afghanistan. His remarks came a day after he visited Kabul and met with the Afghan leadership. Pakistan has praised Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani’s overture to the Taliban in which he offered to recognize the radical religious group as a political party. The Taliban have not officially responded but have reiterated their demand to talk to the U.S. before holding talks with Kabul.
_3 Venezuela visit:
An influential U.S. senator has pressed for fair elections and the release of a jailed American during his private meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Saturday that he urged Maduro to uphold democratic processes ahead of the upcoming presidential election. He also said his trip included a visit with Joshua Holt, who has been jailed in Caracas for nearly two years on what the U.S. considers trumped-up weapons charges. Durbin’s visit comes as the Trump administration weighs an embargo on Venezuela’s oil shipments. That would accompany sanctions already imposed on dozens of top officials, including Maduro.
_4 Nepal development:
India pledged Saturday to upgrade road and cross-border rail links with Nepal and develop inland waterways to provide sea connectivity to the landlocked Himalayan nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India would also help Nepal in the field of agriculture through organic farming, soil testing and education. Khadga Prasad Oli, who recently took over as Nepal’s prime minister, is on a three-day visit to India. India’s main worry is that Nepal may now lean more toward China as Oli heads a government of communist parties. India surrounds Nepal on three sides and provides oil and other goods to the country.
_5 Crowe auction:
A 128-year-old Italian violin that Russell Crowe learned to play before he starred in the war drama “Master and Commander” stole the show among movie memorabilia on offer at the Oscar-winning actor’s auction Saturday in Australia. The rare instrument by Leandro Bislach sold for $135,000 in Australian funds ($104,000), the highest price for movie-related offerings among 227 lots up for sale in Sydney as part of the actor’s divorce settlement. Also drawing bidders’ interest was the costume Crowe wore in the blockbuster “Gladiator” — the torso armor, expected to fetch up to $30,000, sold for $125,000 in Australian funds. The auction, titled “The Art of Divorce,” took place on the actor’s 54th birthday and the anniversary of his wedding to singer Danielle Spencer in 2003.