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11:51 19/06/2017

MOSCOW, June 19 (RAPSI) The Council of Europe (CoE) has extended sanctions against Russia until June 23 of 2018, a statement from the organization reads on Monday.

The restrictive measures imposed by the European Union are related to reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia, deemed illegal annexation by the Council.

The measures apply to EU citizens and companies registered in the EU member states. They are prohibited to import products from Crimea or Sevastopol into the EU territory, as well as to invest in the region, in particular, to acquire real estates or finance local enterprises, and supply related services. Cruise ships of EU member states should call at the peninsulas ports only in cases of emergency.

In a separate paragraph, the European Councils decision prohibits to export a number of goods and technologies to regional companies or for use in the region in the transport, telecommunications and energy sectors, as well as those related to the prospection, exploration and production of oil, gas and mineral resources. The Council of the European Union has also banned the provision of all kinds of technical assistance, brokering, construction or engineering services related to infrastructure in the said sectors.

These sanctions were first imposed in March of 2014 and was repeatedly extended. Last time the restrictive measures were extended on June 17 of 2016.

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European Union extends sanctions against Russia for yet another year - RAPSI

By Robin Emmott | LUXEMBOURG

LUXEMBOURG The European Union may send a new security mission to help stabilize Iraq after the expected recapture of Mosul from Islamic State, diplomats said, cautioning that plans were at an early stage.

EU foreign ministers will hold a first discussion on Monday in Luxembourg and consider the deployment of an EU Security Sector Reform Advice and Assist Team which could train Iraq security officials, according to a draft statement seen by Reuters.

Iraq has formally requested EU help, diplomats said.

While a small step, any such effort could signal an end to France and Germany's aversion to European Union involvement in Middle East wars in the wake of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, which Berlin and Paris opposed.

Both countries are involved separately in the fight against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, but the EU's militaries have struggled to work as a bloc despite broad know-how in non-combat training roles.

An EU mission in Iraq in 2006 to help train judges and police was widely regarded as a failure because it was too small and too limited in duration, an EU official said.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has backed a greater role for the bloc abroad, seeking to develop a common EU defense alliance to match its economic clout.

Any EU mission might dovetail with similar planning at NATO, which this month joined the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, and is considering training more Iraqi soldiers.

Islamic State is on the verge of defeat in its Iraqi stronghold of Mosul and bracing for an assault against its de facto capital in Raqqa, Syria. But U.S. officials are concerned tribal groups may fight for control as the militants flee.

"We cannot afford to allow a vacuum to develop," said one EU diplomat briefed on the EU discussions. "We and others are ready to step in. Just how we do that is to be decided."

The EU's foreign service, the European External Action Service, is expected to present proposals soon.

French diplomats say an EU mission could build up Iraqi counter-terrorism forces, establish functioning justice and interior ministries and give strategic security advice to the Iraqi government, as well as train police.

Another EU diplomat said the bloc had a duty to help in a non-combat role, partly to avoid even greater flows of refugees to Europe.

(Reporting by Robin Emmott; editing by Andrew Roche)

PARIS President Emmanuel Macron's government on Monday promised to reshape France's political landscape as final results showed he had won the commanding parliamentary majority he wanted to push through far-reaching pro-growth reforms.

LONDON London police said 79 people were dead or missing presumed dead after a devastating tower block blaze last week.

See more here:
EU considers Iraq security mission after Mosul falls: diplomats - Reuters

New York Times

As US Adds Troops in Afghanistan, Trump's Strategy Remains Undefined New York Times WASHINGTON When President Trump made his first major decision on the war in Afghanistan, he did not announce it in a nationally televised address from the White House or a speech at West Point. Instead, the Pentagon issued a news release late one ... Afghanistan: It's Too LateThe New York Review of Books The Pentagon plans to send nearly 4000 additional troops to AfghanistanSalon Trump is setting up his generals as fall guys for AfghanistanLos Angeles Times Economic Times -NPR -MWC News -The Independent all 369 news articles »

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As US Adds Troops in Afghanistan, Trump's Strategy Remains Undefined - New York Times

The Indian Express

Afghanistan pride as Test status beckons The Indian Express Afghanistan's fairytale rise in world cricket could this week see them acquire coveted Test status, a massive boost for a nation long divided by war and riven by ethnic rivalries. Asghar Stanikzai's team are up for consideration following their ... and more »

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Afghanistan pride as Test status beckons - The Indian Express

Family and friends gathered at the VFW Post in Baltimore County on Sunday to celebrate the life of Sgt. Eric Houck.

Houck, the dedicated soldier and father of two killed last Saturday in Afghanistan, just eight months into his first overseas deployment. Military officials say Houck along with two other soldiers died of gunshot wounds.

At the vigil, Houcks father shared some memories of his son to get an idea of what type of man he was. He mentioned how his son was a huge sports fan. "He loved sports, I mean sports was his life. Him and I we bonded over the eagle games. Win or lose we just loved it. Every Eagles game I watch for now on he's going to be by my side." Mike Houck, father of the soldier.

Houck who was 25, was supposed to come home next month.

A special honor is also being planned. His name will be added to the Baltimore County War Memorial in Towson, Md. according to organizers.

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Family and friends celebrate the life of Baltimore soldier killed in Afghanistan - ABC2 News