Briefly

IRAN

Teheran says it will continue nuclear work

Iran said on Friday its experts would continue nuclear development activities, despite sanctions imposed earlier this week on two of the country's scientists by the United States. State TV cited a statement from the country's nuclear department saying the US decision to impose sanctions on the two nuclear scientists indicate continuation of a "hostile" attitude. It said the sanctions would make them "determined to continue their nonstop efforts more than before". The statement said the sanctions violate international law.

SYRIA

Govt condemns EU's extension of sanctions

The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned the European Union's extension of the sanctions against the Syrian government, according to the state news agency SANA. In a statement, the ministry said the EU's renewal of the sanctions on the Syrian government for another year underscores the bloc's support of "terrorist groups" in Syria. It said the "unjust" sanctions directly affect the Syrian people and their livelihoods as well as the medical capability of the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier on Thursday, EU foreign ministers decided to extend sanctions for one more year against the government of President Bashar al-Assad and its supporters. The restrictive EU measures have been in place since 2011.

AFGHANISTAN

14 soldiers killed in Taliban attack

Taliban fighters stormed an Afghan border post on Friday, killing at least 14 security force members, the insurgents and officials said, the latest in a series of attacks since the end of a brief three-day truce offered by the militants officially ended late on Tuesday. Despite the clashes, Afghan authorities have vowed to press on with efforts to help reduce violence following the temporary pause in fighting.

Xinhua - Agencies