Nigeria willing to talk to girls’ kidnappers

ABUJA, Nigeria – U.S. reconnaissance aircraft flew over Nigeria in search of the nearly 300 kidnapped schoolgirls Tuesday, a day after the Boko Haram militant group released the first evidence that at least some of them are still alive and demanded jailed fighters be swapped for their freedom.

A Nigerian government official said “all options” were open – including negotiations or a possible military operation with foreign help – in the effort to free the girls, who were shown fearful and huddled together dressed in gray Islamic veils as they sang Quranic verses under the guns of their captors in a video released Monday.

Ukraine cool toward new peace proposal

KIEV, Ukraine – An insurgent ambush killed six soldiers Tuesday in eastern Ukraine as Germany moved to jumpstart a possible plan toward peace that includes launching a dialogue on decentralizing the government in Kiev.

Ukraine’s leadership appeared cool to the plan and U.S. officials view its prospects for success skeptically. But some analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin is more likely to accept a deal that doesn’t come from Washington.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is in Ukraine to try to broker a quick launch of talks between the central government and pro-Russia separatists.

EU invites Moldova to sign agreement

CHISINAU, Moldova – The president of the European Council on Tuesday invited Moldova to sign an association agreement with the European Union on June 27, saying the 28-nation bloc would help defend the former Soviet republic from threats by Russia.

Herman Van Rompuy said Moldova was “a key player called to restore peace and stability in this part of Europe.”

Associated Press