[World Affairs Overview]

Russia to send two warships to Syrian coast

RUSSIA: Russia is preparing to send two amphibious assault ships to the Syrian port of Tartus where Moscow operates a strategic naval base, the Interfax news agency reported on Monday.

“Two major amphibious ships -- The Nikolai Filchenkov and The Tsezar Kunikov -- are preparing to be dispatched to Tartus outside of their schedule,” the Russian news agency quoted an unidentified officer from the Russian naval headquarters as saying. The two ships will carry a “large” group of marines, Interfax added.

AFP

Developed nations must lead in Rio- China

CHINA: China said Monday wealthy countries should take the lead in tackling climate change, repeating its long-held stance ahead of a global UN summit on poverty and the environment in Rio de Janeiro. Premier Wen Jiabao will outline China’s approach when he addresses the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio this week, Vice Foreign Minister Xie Hangsheng told reporters at a briefing in Beijing. “The development of the green economy will be a long-term and daunting task, we believe the international community should strengthen cooperation in this area and avoid shortcomings,” said Xie.

AFP

Rock’s patriarch Paul McCartney still going strong at 70

UK: Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney shows no signs of settling back to reflect on his extraordinary past. Fresh from wowing huge crowds at Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee concert and with another headline gig -- the London Olympics opening ceremony -- booked for next month, retirement looks a way off for the British legend. “If I’m really enjoying this, why retire?” the most prolific, most commercially-successful former member of the Beatles told the British music magazine Mojo last year.

AFP