Utah boy killed by falling tombstone
A 4-year old boy was killed after a 6-foot tombstone fell on him at a cemetery in Park City, Utah. Three men managed to pull the boy out from underneath the heavy slab and take him to the nearby Park City Medical Center, where he died soon afterwards from injuries to his head, chest and abdomen. The boy’s father, a photographer, was taking a picture of another family standing next to the monument, a family friend said. The boy went behind the tombstone to try to make the children in that family laugh by pretending to be leprechaun.
Moderate earthquake hits Dominican Republic
A moderate, 5.1-magnitude earthquake has hit the city of Barahona in the western part of the Dominican Republic, according to the United States Geological Survey. There have been no reports of deaths, injuries or damage. The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of Hispanola Island, an area prone to strong earthquakes. Neighboring Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake that killed over 300,000 people and left much of the country’s south in ruins two years ago.
Iran to block Hormuz Strait if interests seriously threatened – military commander
Iran will block the strategic Strait of Hormuz if the state’s interests appear to be in danger, the chairman of Iran's Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Hasan Firouzabadi, said on Saturday. "We do have a plan to close the Strait of Hormuz," he said as cited by state media. Earlier, Iranian lawmakers drafted a bill that would close the Strait of Hormuz for oil tankers heading to countries supporting the current economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic. However, Iran's parliament speaker, Ali Larijani, said on Sunday that the proposed bill has not yet been studied by the country's legislature.
India floods death toll climbs to 121
At least 121 people have been killed – and 6 million forced to flee their homes – due to severe flooding in India’s remote Assam state. More than 2,000 villages were submerged as the Brahmaputra River broke banks during two weeks of monsoon rains. The flooding has also devastated the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO site famous for its tigers, rhinos and elephants. Almost half a million people are living in 622 relief camps. Authorities describe the floods as the worst in recent memory.
Russia to ask US to let businessman Bout serve sentence at home
Russia’s Ministry of Justice is drawing up an appeal to the US to allow Viktor Bout, convicted in a New York court on arms smuggling and conspiracy charges, to serve his sentence in Russia. The request is to be sent “shortly.” The ministry is acting on a corresponding appeal submitted by Alla Bout, the businessman’s wife. America is ready to consider the request, US Attorney General Eric Holder said earlier. Bout was arrested in Bangkok in March 2008 and transferred to the US, where he was sentenced to 25 years in prison in April this year. Bout maintains his case is political and “anti-Russian.”
Russia’s Prokhorov sets up new party, but declines membership
The Civil Platform party, set up by billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, has been officially established at its founding convention in Moscow. The gathering elected the governing and audit panels, approved the charter and political program and provided for setting up regional branches. Prokhorov did not attend the meeting, and is not intending to seek membership. According to its mission concept, the Civil Platform is to comprise some 500 lawyers put forward by Russia’s regional leaders. The party’s main goal is to hold a license allowing civil activists to participate in elections.
Russian Knights to skip Farnborough Airshow - organizers
The Russian aerobatics team, the Russian Knights, will not go to this year's Farnborough International Airshow, the show's organizers said. They explained that two planes involved in the show failed to meet the deadline for admission. Earlier Saturday, it was reported that the group was off to the UK. The Russian Knights team was scheduled to perform in Farnborough on July 14.
Serena Williams wins fifth Wimbledon title
American tennis player Serena Williams has won her fifth Wimbledon salver, beating Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska. Radwanska, who was playing in her first Grand Slam final, was suffering from a respiratory problem, but still took over Williams in the second set. The match wrapped up at 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, bringing Williams the 14th major championship title in her career.
Afghanistan to get $16 bln in aid by 2015
Afghanistan is to receive a $16 billion aid package by 2015, declared Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba. The statement comes ahead of the conference on aid to Afghanistan that will take place in Tokyo. He also said that Japan is planning to allocate $3 billion for the development of Afghanistan’s economy and infrastructure. The sums noted are commensurate to what Afghan President Hamid Karzai had expected. Earlier this week he talked to the Japanese media about his financial aspirations.
Russian floods wash oil down to Black Sea
Russian ships are cleaning up an oil spill on the shores of the southern port of Novorossiysk, which has recently suffered from flooding. The extent of damage is currently being assessed. The oil appears to have been swept to sea by land during the recent flooding, authorities say, but the exact source of the contamination is yet to be determined. The floods in the southern region of Kuban have killed up to 99 people.
Japan considers buying islands in China Sea
The government of Japan is considering buying islands claimed by both Japan and China in the East China Sea. Disputes over the islands have been a sticking point in relations between the countries, as Japan arrested a Chinese fishing boat captain there in 2010. China is likely to denounce the idea as illegal, as it did earlier this year when a similar plan was floated in Tokyo. The islands are uninhabited, but rich in natural gas.
Clashes with Yemeni army kill 1
Violence has broken out in the southern port city of Aden between the Yemeni army and demonstrators, killing one and injuring 17 more, say officials. The secessionist protesters were celebrating the anniversary of the capture of the city by forces loyal to the now deposed president Ali Abdullah Saleh during the country’s civil war. There are several reports of demonstrators opening fire on soldiers.
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