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In the News 03-03-15
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to United States lawmakers Tuesday. He told Congress that the negotiations between the U.S. and Iran would “guarantee” that Iran would get nuclear weapons. He called that a threat to the Middle East and the rest of the world.
Mr. Netanyahu added that Iran’s government was, in his words, "as radical as ever." He said it could not be trusted. He said the deal being worked out with the United States would not block Iran's way to a bomb. He said it instead, "paves its way to a bomb."
Republican politicians invited Mr. Netanyahu to address Congress. U.S. President Barack Obama did not support the visit because of the closeness to Israeli elections.
Nearly 60 Democratic members of Congress stayed away from the event. President Obama did not attend the event, either. He was at the White House taking part in a video conference with European leaders. They discussed Ukraine and other security issues.
Kerry, Zarif continue nuclear talks
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif are meeting for a second day in Switzerland to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.
Mr. Kerry and Mr. Zarif met for two hours Tuesday morning in the Swiss city of Montreux.
Iran and the five members of the UN Security Council and Germany, the so-called P5 + 1, are working to reach a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program by March 31.
The Security Council is seeking to limit Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities and its resources for developing nuclear weapons. Iran, which says its nuclear program is peaceful, is seeking an easing of international sanctions.
Russia blocks European leaders from Nemtsov funeral
Thousands of mourners honored Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov Tuesday. The politician was buried after being shot to death in Moscow Friday night.
Also Tuesday, the European Union strongly condemned Russia for barring Polish and Latvian officials from entering Russia to attend Mr. Nemtsov’s funeral. The Russian government also barred several opposition leaders from the funeral.
Mr. Nemtsov was a former deputy prime minister. Gunmen shot him in the back four times as he was walking across a bridge with his girlfriend.
Russian President Putin has promised a full investigation into the murder. Many activists say Mr. Nemtsov was targeted because of his criticism of Mr. Putin’s government.
North Korea says joint military exercises could spark war
North Korea’s foreign minister warned Tuesday against the U.S.-South Korea military training that began this week. The official said the exercises could lead to war in the Korean peninsula.
The foreign minister spoke in Geneva, where he was attending the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament.
On Monday, North Korea fired two missiles into the sea to protest the exercises. The training started on Monday and will continue through April.
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Words in the News
radical – adj. having extreme political or social views that are not shared by most people
sanction(s) – n. an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country
peninsula – n. a piece of land that is almost entirely surrounded by water and is attached to a larger land area