Russia

Syria: Safe zones to come into force at midnight - Russia

The accord on four zones was reached at Thursday's talks in Kazakhstan between Russia and Iran which back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey, which supports Syrian rebel groups, agreed to act as a guarantor. Moscow says the US, the UN and Saudi Arabia also support the idea.

But some delegates from the rebel forces angrily rejected the plan.

At Friday's news briefing in Moscow, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin said attacks by all sides in the "de-escalation" zones should halt from midnight.

Syria: Rebels storm out as 'safe zones' plan signed

Russia's plan for "de-escalation" zones was backed by Iran at talks in Kazakhstan. Both countries support Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey, which supports rebel groups, also agreed to act as a guarantor.

But some delegates from the rebel forces angrily rejected the plan.

As the three countries were invited to sign the document on Thursday in the Kazakh capital, Astana, rebel delegates angrily shouted that they did not accept it and walked out.

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Russian MP Valery Seleznev said the sentence was "passed by man-eaters" and that his son was "abducted".

Seleznev made millions by selling the data on the dark web, US officials say.

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These officials made clear they don't know whether Page was aware the Russians may have been using him. Because of the way Russian spy services operate, Page could have unknowingly talked with Russian agents.

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    Syria war: G7 seeks united front on Assad and Russia

    Foreign ministers will focus on how to pressure Russia to distance itself from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

    Allies will also be seeking clarity from the US on its Syria policy, after some apparently mixed messages.

    US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson strongly criticised Russia on Sunday.

    He said that it had failed to prevent Syria from carrying out a chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun last Wednesday which left 89 people dead.

    US allies fail to agree sanctions on Russia and Syria

    A meeting of G7 foreign ministers rejected a British plan to impose targeted sanctions on military personnel in Russia and Syria who had been "contaminated by the appalling actions of the Assad regime."

    Britain had hoped to strengthen the hand of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson ahead of his talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.

    Tillerson: Russia 'failure allowed Syria chemical attack'

    Russia had agreed to ensure Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles were destroyed - and its failure to do this enabled the attack, he said.

    G7 foreign ministers are preparing to meet in Italy later on Monday.

    Talks will focus on how to increase pressure on Russia to distance itself from Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad.

    On Tuesday, Mr Tillerson will continue from the G7 to Moscow, where he will meet his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov.

    Russia is the Syrian government's main ally, and helped facilitate a 2013 agreement to destroy Syria's chemical arsenal.

    Russia to blame for Syria deaths

    Sir Michael, writing in the Sunday Times, said the Kremlin was responsible "by proxy" as the "principal backer" of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

    It comes after Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson cancelled a visit to meet his opposite number in Moscow.

    The attack has been widely blamed on the Syrian government.

    Syria war: US 'disappointed' at Russia's Syria stance

    At least six people are reported to have been killed in the US missile strikes early on Friday.

    Syria's ally Russia accused the US of encouraging "terrorists" with its unilateral actions.

    "I'm disappointed in that response," said US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

    "It indicates their continued support for the Assad regime and, in particular, their continued support for a regime that carries out these type of horrendous attacks on their own people.

    "So I find it very disappointing, but, sadly, I have to tell you, not all that surprising," he added.