AP, Moscow
President Vladimir Putin has urged Russians to cast ballots in Sunday’s election, which he is certain to win, saying that the vote will shape the country’s future.
Putin said in a televised address Friday that “the will of the people, the will of each Russian citizen will determine the path the country will take.”The Russian leader, whose approval ratings top 80 percent, is set to easily win another six-year term against seven challengers, but the Kremlin has been concerned about voter apathy and has sought to boost turnout to make Putin’s victory as impressive as possible.
Netanyahu to step down if indicted
AFP, Jerusalem
A senior Israeli minister has said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have to resign if indicted on corruption charges or face being dropped by his coalition government.
Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon’s remarks suggest Netanyahu’s right wing coalition remains fragile despite this week surviving a crisis that nearly brought it down.Police in February recommended Netanyahu be indicted on two cases of alleged corruption, while a third investigation regarding supposed favours sought from the head of the country’s largest telecommunications firms is ongoing.
Palestinian kills 2 Israeli soldiers
AP, Jerusalem
A Palestinian killed two Israeli soldiers and badly wounded two others when he rammed his vehicle into them in the West Bank on Friday, the military said.
The Palestinian intentionally ran over soldiers on duty securing routes near the settlement of Mevo Dotan, close to the Palestinian city of Jenin, it said. An officer was killed along with a soldier while another two soldiers were seriously hurt, it added, saying the Palestinian driver was injured and hospitalized for treatment.
HK’s richest man Li to retire
AFP, Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s richest man Li Ka-shing announced Friday he was stepping down as chairman of his flagship company CK Hutchison, marking the end of an era for one of the world’s most storied tycoons. Li, a wartime refugee, got his start in 1950 making plastic flowers and over the years built a sprawling conglomerate that has become part of the fabric of Hong Kong life, ranging from internet services to supermarket chains.
Bilawal to contest poll from Larkana
PTI, Karachi
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party will contest the upcoming general elections from Larkana in Sindh province, a senior party official was quoted as saying by the media today.
Mr Bilawal, 29, will contest from the NA-200 seat in Larkana, The Express Tribune quoted President of the Sindh wing of the PPP, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro as saying.
