Diplomat slams Malta’s refusal to let Russian planes fly through its airspace

“The Maltese authorities’ decision is out of tune with the standard practice and has certain unfriendly implications. We can state that as well. Russia will certainly take this move into consideration in our bilateral relations with Valletta,” she said.
Moscow views Malta’s refusal to allow Russian aircraft to use its airspace to fly to Venezuela as an unfriendly move, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at a press briefing on Thursday. Source: Tass

U.S. Calls On Countries to Deny Airspace to Russian Planes Destined for Venezuela

The U.S. State Department spokesperson has called on countries to “follow Malta’s example” and block Russian military planes en route for Venezuela from using their airspace. Source Moscow Times

Putin and Kim Jong Un will meet in Russia later this month, Kremlin confirms

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet in Russia later this month, the Kremlin announced Thursday. Source: CNN

Western liberal model is losing attractiveness, Lavrov believes

“The Western liberal model of development, which particularly stipulates a partial loss of national sovereignty – this is what our Western colleagues aimed at when they invented what they called globalization – is losing its attractiveness and is no more viewed as a perfect model for all. Moreover, many people in the very western countries are skeptical about it,” Lavrov said. Source: Tass

Facebook bans right-wing groups including BNP, EDL and Britain Firs

Years after the company first dismissed fears it was empowering extremists, Facebook has permanently banned a number of right-wing organisations and individuals including the British National party (BNP), the English Defence League (EDL) and Britain First . Source: The Guardian

Saint-Denis: the alleged (Pakistani) vandal of the basilica will be tried in May

The forty-year-old was arrested Thursday at the detention center in Vincennes (Val-de-Marne), confused by his DNA found in the basilica. A Pakistani national, he arrived in France two months ago and does not speak French. He has already received a reminder to the law for having degraded property twice in February. Source: Le Parisien

Republika Srpska Assembly Today on Reserve Police Force

The authorities of Republika Srpska, with the announcement of the establishment of the reserve police department, have once again stirred the public but also caused the reactions of the international community. This could mean the establishment and arming of police reserves in Republika Srpska. Source: Sarajevo Times