Negotiators seek truce in Ukraine war
MINSK, Belarus – The warring sides in the eastern Ukraine conflict have called for a cease-fire Sept. 1, the day that the new school year is to begin.
Speaking after a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group in the Belarusian capital Minsk, Organization for Security and Cooperation representative Martin Sajdik said Wednesday that the sides “agreed to jointly verify the fulfillment of this initiative.”
The group, which is seeking an end to the conflict that has killed more than 6,400 people, includes representatives from Ukraine, Europe and Russia. Representatives of the Russia-backed eastern Ukraine separatist rebels also take part.
‘Insider attack’ kills two in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – A man wearing an Afghan security force uniform opened fire Wednesday inside a base in southern Afghanistan, killing two U.S. soldiers in what appeared to be the latest so-called “insider attack” to target foreign troops or contractors in the country.
NATO said two men in Afghan uniforms were shot in return fire and wounded, correcting an earlier NATO statement that said two gunmen attacked the soldiers before being shot dead.
NATO said the gunman opened fire on a vehicle carrying international troops inside the base in Helmand province. Afghan authorities believe the shooting took place during an altercation.
Colombia, Venezuela discuss border closing
CARTAGENA, Colombia – The foreign ministers of Colombia and Venezuela were meeting Wednesday in a bid to reopen a major border crossing after a weeklong crackdown on migrants and smugglers that has heightened tensions between the South American neighbors.
Even as the diplomats met in this Caribbean coastal resort, motorists in the Colombian city of Cucuta complained of long gasoline lines as Venezuela’s security offensive cuts off trade, legal and otherwise, between the two nations.
Across the border, scores of Colombians packed their belongings into suitcases and prepared for an army escort out of Venezuela.
Associated Press
