Russia and Ukraine fight on despite WW2 celebration ceasefire proposal

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Russia and Ukraine launched major attacks on each other Friday, with a two-day unilateral ceasefire that Moscow had declared around its World War II commemorations appearing to be in tatters. Ukraine never said it would abide by Moscow’s call to halt strikes and lambasted Russian leader Vladimir Putin for only wanting to pause fighting so he could stage a grand parade on Red Square on Saturday. Kyiv said Moscow ignored a Ukrainian call to halt fighting earlier this week — a counter-proposal for a short-term ceasefire that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cast as a test of whether the Kremlin was serious about providing a brief respite in the four-year war. Russia has threatened a massive strike on the heart of Kyiv if Ukraine disrupts the Victory Day parade on Saturday, repeatedly urging foreign diplomats to evacuate the Ukrainian capital ahead of time. “On the Russian side, there was not even a token attempt to cease fire on the front,” Ze...
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Iraq welcomes first European flight to Baghdad in 35 years

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A flight operated by Greece’s Aegean Airlines touched down in Baghdad on Tuesday, the first European passenger plane to land in the Iraqi capital in 35 years.

The milestone marks Iraq’s return “as a safe and reliable aviation hub after years of challenges”, the Transport Ministry said.

The government plans to further “develop the civil aviation sector, enhance openness to the world, and position Iraqi airspace as a bridge for global connectivity,” the statement added.

Aegean Airlines plans to initially operate two flights per week between Athens and Baghdad.

The number of connections could increase depending on demand.

Oman Air also intends to offer flights from Baghdad to destinations in Europe in the future.

Following the invasion of neighbouring Kuwait in 1990, the UN Security Council imposed an economic embargo and comprehensive sanctions against Iraq.

This led to a near-complete halt of international flights to the country.

With the overthrow of dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, many sanctions were lifted, and the country gradually reconnected to international air traffic.

With the overthrow of dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, many sanctions were lifted, and the country gradually reconnected to international air traffic.

SOURCE: DPA AND AGENCIES



from The Times Of Earth https://ift.tt/rVPZ7Xb

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