Briefly

RUSSIA

Putin, Lukashenko set to meet in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko have agreed to meet in Moscow in the coming weeks, the Kremlin said on Sunday. In a phone call on Sunday, the two leaders agreed they should strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation. Meanwhile, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday that a complex tactical military exercise in the Western Grodno region had entered an active phase over fears of a possible invasion. Last month, citing concerns over foreign interference in the country's internal affairs, Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin ordered the large drills. Following mass protests, Lukashenko has repeatedly warned of an invasion from countries that border Belarus in the West.

LEBANON

Diplomat tapped to be PM in crisis-hit nation

A Lebanese diplomat was appointed to form a new government on Monday after winning the backing of major political parties in the crisis-hit country, which is still reeling from devastating explosions last month that killed and wounded thousands of people. President Michel Aoun asked Mustapha Adib, Lebanon's ambassador to Germany, to form a new government after he secured 90 votes among the legislators in the 128-member Parliament. The consultations were being held hours before French President Emmanuel Macron was due to arrive for a two day-visit, during which he is expected to press Lebanese officials to formulate a new political pact to lift the country out of multiple crises. At least 190 people died and 6,000 were injured in the Aug 4 blasts.

SUDAN

Govt, armed groups reach peace deal

The Sudanese government and armed groups on Monday signed a comprehensive peace deal in South Sudan's capital Juba to end armed conflicts, the official Sudan TV reported. South Sudan President Salva Kiir, Chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok atteded the signing ceremony. The Sudanese government signed the deal with nine armed movements under the Revolutionary Front Alliance. The peace deal included protocols of security arrangements, power and wealth sharing, compensation for the displaced people and refugees, land ownership and realization of justice and development.

Agencies - Xinhua