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Russia bans Nobel-winning rights group, raids independent newspaper, in one day

Russia bans Nobel-winning rights group, raids independent newspaper, in one day

Russia banned the Nobel Prize-winning human rights group Memorial and raided the offices of the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta Thursday, in fresh blows to already diminished civil liberties in the country.

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Pentagon denies giving Vatican envoy 'bitter lecture'

Pentagon denies giving Vatican envoy 'bitter lecture'

The Pentagon on Thursday denied a report that the Vatican's US envoy was summoned in January for a "bitter" dressing down over remarks by Pope Leo that were seen as criticizing the Trump administration’s use of military force.

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Watkins propels Villa towards Europa League semis, Forest hold Porto

Watkins propels Villa towards Europa League semis, Forest hold Porto

Ollie Watkins scored twice as Aston Villa beat Bologna 3-1 in their Europa League quarter-final, first leg on Thursday, while Nottingham Forest held Porto 1-1 thanks to a comical own goal from Martim Fernandes.

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Aston Villa on verge of Europa League semis after beating Bologna

Aston Villa on verge of Europa League semis after beating Bologna

Aston Villa have one foot in the Europa League semi-finals after a hard-fought 3-1 win at Bologna on Thursday.

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Venezuela police clash with protesters demanding salary rises

Venezuela police clash with protesters demanding salary rises

Venezuelan police fired tear gas on Thursday to disperse around 2,000 protesters who marched towards the presidential palace to demand salary and pension increases, AFP reporters saw.

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CAF president rejects corruption claims by Senegal

CAF president rejects corruption claims by Senegal

The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Thursday rejected accusations of corruption by the Senegalese government after the body's shock decision to strip Senegal of its AFCON title and award it to Morocco.

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Israel and Lebanon set for ceasefire talks next week, says US official

Israel and Lebanon set for ceasefire talks next week, says US official

Israel and Lebanon will hold talks next week in Washington, a State Department official said Thursday, as concerns grow that fighting involving Hezbollah could cause the fragile US-Iran truce to unravel.

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US stocks extend gains, shrugging off ceasefire worries

US stocks extend gains, shrugging off ceasefire worries

Wall Street stocks finished higher Thursday after a shaky start, adopting an optimistic view of the Middle East ceasefire despite largely stalled traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which boosted oil prices.

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IMF chief urges nations to 'do no harm' in fiscal response to Iran war

IMF chief urges nations to 'do no harm' in fiscal response to Iran war

The International Monetary Fund's chief urged governments on Thursday to "do no harm" as they face the massive economic shocks caused by the Middle East war, calling for "targeted" and disciplined fiscal actions.

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Sixers' Embiid to have surgery for appendicitis - team

Sixers' Embiid to have surgery for appendicitis - team

Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with appendicitis and was scheduled for surgery in Houston on Thursday, the team said hours before their NBA game against the Rockets.

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