WASHINGTON, June 15:  The US has criticised the attack on the Russian Embassy in Kiev, and called on Ukraine to provide adequate security for the diplomatic mission.
“The United States condemns the attack on the Russian Embassy in Kiev, and calls on the Ukrainian authorities to meet their Vienna convention obligations to provide adequate security,” State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
Secretary of State John Kerry also called Ukrainian Prime Minster Arseny Yatsenyuk and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov over the latest developments in the region over the last few days.
During the telephonic conversation with Ukrainian PM Yatsenyuk this morning, Kerry expressed condolences for the loss of life when the Ukrainian transport plane was shot down by Russian-supported separatists overnight, a senior State Department official said.
“He expressed strong concern about the ongoing flow of heavy weaponry and militants across the border from Russia and the contribution to increasing violence in eastern Ukraine,” the official said.
Kerry also reiterated the support of the US for Ukraine’s commitment to defending its border and for President Poroshenko’s peace plan.
“He underscored the commitment of the US and G7 partners to raise the costs for Russia if it does not end the flow of weapons across the border and break with separatists,” the official said, adding that Yatsenyuk also provided an update on the ongoing negotiations over gas prices.
Kerry also spoke with Lavrov yesterday and expressed concern about events over the last few days including the transport of heavy weaponry and militants across the border and the shooting down of the Ukrainian transport flight.
“He pressed Foreign Minister Lavrov to make clear Russia’s commitment to de-escalation and peace by ending the flow of weapons and support to separatists, and actively working with Ukraine for a ceasefire, amnesty, and political dialogue,” the State Department official said.
“He also urged a fair and equitable settlement of the gas dispute. They also discussed the escalating threat posed by ISIL in Iraq and Syria, and the need to remove Syria’s remaining chemical weapons material as soon as possible,” the official said. (PTI)

LONDON, June 15:  Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is reportedly mesmerised by R&B star Rihanna.
Martin, who split from Gwyneth Paltrow in March after 10 years of marriage, had immediate chemistry with the 26-year-old singer when they collaborated on their hit, ‘Princess of China’, in 2012 and allegedly wants to explore his feelings for her further, reported Contactmusic.
“They plan on spending much more time together. Chris felt suffocated by Gwyn because she’s such a perfectionist. But Rihanna is more down-to-earth and carefree and beautiful. He thinks she’s intoxicating,” a source said.
The ‘Stay’ singer, who recently split from Drake, was spotted having dinner with Martin at her favourite restaurant, Giorgio Baldi, in Santa Monica last Sunday. (PTI)

LONDON, June  15:  Model Amber LeBon says her famous parents Simon and Yasmin have always raised her to be a nice person.
The 24-year-old model is the eldest child of Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon and his model wife Yasmin, and says they have taught her to believe good manners don’t cost anything, reported Hello magazine.
“Your parents are always a big influence on you. They help you make you who you are. The main thing my parents taught me is just to be a nice person – to be generous, kind and happy,” Amber said.
“I hope it comes off when I work and meet people. I think it’s the easiest thing in the world to be friendly and say please and thank you. I try and remember it and use it,” she added.
Amber has two sisters, Saffron Sahara, 22, and Tallulah Pine, 19. (PTI)

WASHINGTON, June 15:  US Secretary of State John Kerry has called his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari to discuss the situation in Iraq in the aftermath of the major advances made by Islamist militant group ISIL in the country.
Kerry, during his conversation with Zebari, stressed that the US is committed to supporting Iraq and that US President Barack Obama is examining a range of options that could help the Iraqi security forces push back on advances made by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Kerry said that assistance from the US would only be successful if Iraqi leaders were willing to put aside differences, and implement a coordinated and effective approach to forge the national unity necessary to move the country forward and confront the threat of ISIL.
A day earlier, Obama had said that the US is considering multiple options to tackle ISIS advances, but he ruled out troops on the ground.
Meanwhile, White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest said last night Obama called National Security Adviser Susan Rice to discuss the situation in Iraq.
“The President directed her to continue to keep him appraised of the latest developments, as his national security team continues to meet through the weekend to review potential options,” Earnest said.
Earlier in the day, the US ordered the aircraft carrier USS George H W Bush to move into the Arabian Gulf to to provide President Barack Obama with options for possible military action against militants in Iraq.
“The order will provide the Commander-in-Chief additional flexibility should military options be required to protect American lives, citizens and interests in Iraq,” Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said.
The Bush will be accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun, he said. (PTI)

WASHINGTON, June 15:  The US lauded Afghanistan people for braving threats of violence to vote in a presidential runoff, and said it was looking forward to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement with the new government there.
The BSA, which was negotiated by the two countries last year, would determine the nature and presence of US troops in Afghanistan after the drawdown of America-led military forces.
“The United States will stand with the Afghan people now and in the future, and looks forward to signing the bilateral security agreement in the period ahead,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said.
“Millions of Afghan men and women once again went to the polls today to choose their next president, laying the groundwork for the first democratic transition in Afghanistan’s history,” he said.
Kerry said the brave Afghans defied the threat of violence and voted because they wanted to set the course for a more inclusive, prosperous, and stable future.
“I’ve been to Afghanistan twice since becoming Secretary of State and many times before that. Every time I do, I’m impressed by how much Afghans have sacrificed for their future,” he said.
Pentagon said the election marks another milestone in Afghanistan’s progress toward democracy and a peaceful transfer of executive leadership.
“It also highlights the growing competence and capability of Afghan National Security Forces, who once again took the lead in making safe their fellow citizens’ access to the ballot box,” Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said. (PTI)

ISLAMABAD, June 15:  Over 100 militants were killed as Pakistani fighter jets pounded nearly six militant hideouts in the country’s northwestern tribal region early today.
The air raid targeted the militants hideouts in Degan area of Data Khel in North Waziristan tribal district, Geo News reported.
Meanwhile, Express Tribune reported that the bombing is feared to have caused civilian casualties as well, including women and children.
Following the incident, the local administration has imposed a curfew in the area for an indefinite period.
The latest air strikes come a week after ten Uzbek militants entered the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi from different directions in two groups, resulting in a bloody standoff lasting for about 13 hours that left 37 people dead including 10 terrorists.
Pressure has been mounting on Pakistan to react after the airport attack.
At least 25 militants were killed Tuesday when Pakistani jets pounded targets in the northwestern tribal region.
The US also carried out two drone strikes in North Waziristan the same day in which 16 militants perished, including 10 from the dreaded Haqqani network.
This was the first time the controversial CIA drone strikes were launched this year. (PTI)

LONDON, June 15:  ‘Harry Potter’ star Daniel Radcliffe has revealed his parents would be angry if he gets a tattoo.
The 24-year-old actor is a fan of body art and would love to have a quote by his favourite playwright Samuel Beckett etched across his body, but he thinks his parents would go ballistic if they were to find out, reported Contactmusic.
“I want the line from Beckett, ‘Try, fail, try again and fail better’, either on my arm or chest. Although I shouldn’t really talk about tattoos in case my mum and dad hear about it,” the actor said. (PTI)