IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Iran

Teheran mulls nuclear deal exit

President Hassan Rouhani warned on Tuesday that Iran will exit the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers if the United States continues to impose new sanctions. Rouhani's comments came with the deal under mounting pressure after Teheran carried out missile tests and Washington imposed new sanctions. Each accuses the other of violating the spirit of the agreement. Iranian officials have repeatedly said their missile program is for deterrent purposes.

United States

Man arrested over bomb plot

A 23-year-old man was "out for blood" when he attempted to detonate what he believed was an explosives-laden van outside an Oklahoma bank, authorities said on Monday. Officials said Jerry Drake Varnell, who was arrested on Saturday, planned to blow up the Federal Reserve Building in Washington, with a device similar to one used in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 people and injuring hundreds more.

Russia

Life expectancy exceeds 72 years

For the first time, the average life expectancy in Russia exceeded 72 years in the first half of this year, Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets was quoted by TASS news agency as saying on Monday. The average life expectancy grew by six months compared with last year, she added. President Vladimir Putin said in March that the average life expectancy in Russia would increase to 76 years by 2025.

South Asia

Monsoon flooding death toll rises

The death toll in flooding and landslides that devastated parts of northern India, southern Nepal and Bangladesh over the past few days has risen to 245, while millions of others have been displaced, officials said on Tuesday. Deadly landslides and flooding are common across South Asia during the summer monsoon season that stretches from June to September.

Venezuela

Maduro calls for international talks

President Nicolas Maduro has called for international talks to resolve differences and counter US aggression. During a meeting with ambassadors from Asia, Europe and Latin America on Monday, Maduro proposed a "dialogue of civilizations" to promote respect for sovereignty in the international community. The call came after US President Donald Trump last week said he would not rule out a "military option" to oust Maduro and his ruling United Socialist Party from power.

France

Car ramming east of Paris kills girl

A car smashed into a pizza restaurant east of Paris on Monday, killing a 13-year-old girl, but investigators said the young driver had tried to commit suicide and the incident was not terror-related. The episode came just five days after a terror-linked car attack on soldiers, the latest assault in France since 2015. The man, who was arrested, said "he had tried to kill himself yesterday without success and decided to try again this way", a source said.

(China Daily 08/16/2017 page11)