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Added on the 04/02/2022 12:49:49 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
The United States criticizes Israel's far-right national security minister for leading prayers at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound, saying he has hurt efforts for talks toward a Gaza ceasefire. "Not only is it unacceptable, it detracts from what we think is a vital time, as we are working to get this ceasefire deal across the finish line," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
The United States calls for the release of US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, sentenced to more than six years in prison for violating strict military censorship laws. "Journalism is not a crime (...) and we continue to make very clear that she should be released," US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says during a press briefing. SOUNDBITE
On the last day of Russia's presidential elections, set to cement Vladimir Putin's grip on power, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny widow, Yulia Navalnaya, tells the press after voting at the Russian embassy in Berlin that Putin is "a killer" and a "gangster. Crowds had earlier chanted: "Yulia, Yulia, we're with you," as she entered to cast her ballot. Alexei Navalny was Putin's most prominent rival, and died in an Arctic prison last month in mysterious circumstances. SOUNDBITE
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for Western countries to accelerate deliveries of promised air defence systems and fighter jets, on the eve of the second anniversary of Russia's invasion. Zelensky is speaking alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, as Western leaders descend on the country in a show of support for Kyiv as the war enters its third year. SOUNDBITE
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is "shocked by the reported death" of Russia's opposition figure Alexei Navalny. "The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to Mr. Navalny's family and calls for a full, credible, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Navalny's reported death in custody," Stephane Dujarric tells a press conference. SOUNDBITE