Putin warns of long Syrian civil war

If Assad ousted:

RUSSIA: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Monday of a protracted civil war in Syria should President Bashar al-Assad be “unconstitutionally” removed from power by rebel fighters.

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Obama warns Assad over chemical weapons

US: President Barack Obama warned Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad on Monday not to make the “tragic mistake” of deciding to unleash his stockpile of chemical weapons. Assad's beleaguered regime had earlier threatened to use such weapons,

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Australian PM ‘serious’ about media reforms

AUSTRALIA: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Tuesday she was serious about media reforms, but failed to confirm a report that she was considering stricter press self-regulation over a new watchdog.

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