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Alasdair Sandford

World News

NATO military spending continues to dwarf that of Russia

Figures from NATO and the research institute SIPRI show Russia spent less on defence spending in 2017, while NATO expenditure rose for the third consecutive year.

Armenia

Armenia protesters block roads after opposition leader calls for strikes

Nikol Pashinyan urged protesters to shut down transport systems after the ruling Republican Party's parliamentary majority rejected his candidacy for prime minister.

Australia

Vatican Treasurer Cardinal Pell to stand trial on sex assault charges

Cardinal George Pell, Australia’s top Catholic and a senior Vatican official, denies charges of historical sexual assault as a court rules he must face trial.

Australia

Australian scientist, 104, to fly to Switzerland for assisted death

David Goodall has reignited a national euthanasia debate by seeking to put an end to his life even though he has no terminal illness.

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Armenia

Armenia opposition leader Pashinyan formally nominated PM candidate

The Armenian parliament, due to elect a successor to ex-prime minister Serzh Sargsyan on Tuesday, is expected to choose protest leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan: journalists among 25 dead in Kabul rush hour blasts

Several journalists are among at least 25 people killed as two explosions hit the Afghan capital during Monday morning rush hour. Dozens have been injured.

Armenia

Armenia's parliament to vote for new prime minister as protests continue

Armenia's parliament will vote on May 1 for a new prime minister, as anti-government protests continue despite the resignation of Serzh Sargsyan as premier earlier this week.

Spain

Spain: more woe for Rajoy as Madrid head quits over shoplifting video

Cristina Cifuentes has resigned as head of the Madrid region after video emerged of a shoplifting incident in 2011, adding to pressure on her PP party and the Spanish prime minister.

USA

Trump hosts Macron at gala dinner as leaders hint at new Iran nuclear deal

On his state visit to Washington, the French president is battling to stop his US counterpart from walking away from the table altogether on the Iranian nuclear issue.

USA

Trump and Macron raise question of new Iran nuclear deal

US President Donald Trump said he had "substantive talks on Iran nuclear deal" with Macron and is looking forward to doing something.

United Kingdom

Life support ‘withdrawn’ from toddler Alfie Evans as parents lose appeal

The parents of a boy with a degenerative neurological condition have been locked in a legal battle in the UK as they seek further treatment to keep him alive.

Canada

Toronto van attack: what we know so far

A 25-year-old man has been charged with ten counts of first-degree murder and 13 of attempted murder after ramming a white van unto pedestrians on Monday. Authorities said the incident does not appear to be connected to terrorism.

Canada

Police probe motive of Canada van attack which left 10 dead

A 25-year-old man is being questioned after a van rammed into pedestrians in Toronto, killing 10 pedestrians and injuring 15.

Armenia

How 11 days of protests brought down Armenia's leader Serzh Sargsyan

Armenia’s long-standing leader Serzh Sargsyan resigned as prime minister after more than 10 days of demonstrations against him which saw tens of thousands take to the streets.

Armenia

'I got it wrong': Armenia prime minister to resign

The prime minister of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, said in a statement on Monday he will resign from his post.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua journalist shot dead covering unrest live on Facebook

At least 24 people are said to have been killed in protests which began last Wednesday against the government's social reforms.

World News

Afghanistan: dozens killed and hurt in Kabul voter centre blast

More than 30 people have been killed and over 50 wounded in Kabul in a reported suicide blast at a voter registration centre.

Armenia

Mass detentions in Armenia as police fail to quell anti-Sargsyan protests

Armenia protest organiser Nikol Pashinyan is among nearly 200 reportedly held by police as demonstrations continue against the former president's appointment as prime minister. Earlier the opposition politician had secured a meeting with premier Serzh Sargsyan, who promptly walked out.

Hungary

Second Saturday protest tackles Hungary government on media freedom

Tens of thousands rallied for the second successive Saturday in Budapest, this time against against media controls and the proposed clampdown on civic groups by Viktor Orban’s government.

USA

Starbucks to close 8,000 US cafés for an afternoon’s racial bias training

The move by the world’s biggest coffee company follows the arrest of two black men at a Philadelphia café last week.

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