Merkel urges unity

BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday urged countries which imposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme to keep a unified approach to removing them, following Russia’s decision to prepare to deliver missile systems to the Islamic republic.

Welcoming this month’s agreement with world powers including Russia to curb Iran’s nuclear programme, Merkel said in response to a question about Moscow’s move: “I urge people to lift those sanctions together.”

She said there was still much to do in finalising the nuclear deal. – Reuters

Berlusconi free to travel

MILAN: Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was free to travel abroad after a court in Milan declared yesterday that he had fully served his sentence for tax fraud, although he would still be prevented from running for election.

A judicial source said the court had filed the declaration that Berlusconi’s sentence had been completed, meaning his passport will be returned to him.

However, he remains ineligible for public office under an anti-corruption law passed by the last government. – Reuters

Russiannavyon themove

MOSCOW: Russian navy vessels entered the English Channel yesterday on their way to the northern Atlantic for anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defence drills, the Northern Fleet said.

The squadron, led by the Severomorsk anti-submarine ship, had carried out drills in the Bay of Biscay and would be heading for the north- eastern Atlantic, a Northern Fleet spokesman said.

Russia’s Interfax news agency had reported that the squadron would hold drills in the English Channel, but the fleet did not confirm that. – Reuters