Briefly

SYRIA

Damascus, Teheran condemn airstrikes

Syria and Iran have condemned the recent airstrikes by the United States on the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zour that reportedly killed 19 people. In a statement on Saturday, the Syrian Foreign Ministry also urged other countries to join the condemnation. The statement followed an exchange of fire between the US forces and pro-Syrian government, Iranian-backed militias since Friday. The US attacks were "based on lies", the ministry said, stressing the Syrian army's determination to restore all Syrian areas and end the US occupation of Syrian territories. The US has about 900 troops in posts across northeastern Syria. Separately, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said the US troops' presence was "illegal" and a "violation of international law and the national sovereignty" of Syria.

EUROPEAN UNION

Deal to ease row over combustion engines

Germany and the European Union announced on Saturday that they have reached an agreement in their dispute over the future of cars with combustion engines, allowing the registration of new vehicles with such engines even after 2035 provided they use climate-neutral fuel only. An initial proposal by EU member countries on new carbon dioxide emission standards for cars had been postponed amid opposition from Germany. The EU had wanted to ban the sale of all new cars with combustion engines from 2035.

UNITED STATES

Trump dismisses NY probe at Texas rally

Donald Trump staged his first presidential campaign rally in Texas on Saturday, brushing off his potential indictment as he railed against multiple criminal probes threatening his bid for the White House. The Republican addressed several thousand supporters in the city of Waco as he braced for possible charges over a hush-money payout just days before the 2016 election, to an adult movie star alleging a sexual encounter. The 76-year-old — who was impeached for inciting an insurrection — called last weekend for protests against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and claimed falsely that he was about to be arrested.

Chocolate factory blast claims 3 lives

The death toll from an explosion at a chocolate factory in the US state of Pennsylvania rose to three on Saturday with four people missing, officials said, as rescuers raced against the clock to find survivors. Crews were still removing debris and rubble following the Friday afternoon explosion at the RM Palmer Company plant in the West Reading borough of Pennsylvania. The cause of the blast was still under investigation, authorities said. According to its website, RM Palmer has been producing seasonal chocolate novelties — like Easter bunnies and heart-shaped Valentine's Day sweets — since 1948.

Agencies - Xinhua