It's PluxTIME: 2017-08-06

Breaking: Usain Bolt fails to impress in his final race as he loses due to injury

Breaking: Usain Bolt fails to impress in his final race as he loses due to injury

World fastest athletes that ever lived, usain Bolt fail to impress in his last track race as he was down with injury while in action in the 4*100 men relay final in IAAF. In what is to be his final r…

Buhari: PDP displays love

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a show of love, opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says that it will continue to pray for the full recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, the National Chairman of PDP said on Saturday in Abuja, that it was the desire of the party that Buhari should be well soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“We mean well for our president. We will continue to pray for him, we want him to be fit but that does not mean that we will go to sleep. We will work hard to win the 2019 elections,’’ he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He described the non-elective convention of the party held on Saturday as an affirmation that the PDP was a government in waiting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Makarfi commended the security agencies for ensuring that the convention was conducted in a secured environment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for being unbiased and for demonstrating its independency.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Buhari on Saturday hosted his media team led by information minister Lai Mohammed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buhari in London told the team that he has tremendous improvement but awaiting doctors order to return home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Indeed, I wish to return home, but I’ve learnt to obey my doctor’s orders, rather than be the one issuing the orders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Here, the doctor is absolutely in charge,” he told his media team that visited him on Saturday in London.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other members of the visiting team are Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity; Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity; and Mrs Lauretta Onochie, Personal Assistant on Digital/Online Media.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also there was Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the team expressed delight at the much improved health of the President, he retorted: “I feel I could go home, but the doctors are in charge. I’ve now learnt to obey orders, rather than be obeyed.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On how he felt hearing different conjectures about his health, an amused President Buhari said he followed events at home closely, lauding Nigerian television stations, and the media generally, for keeping him informed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When told that prayers were going on fervently for him, not only in Nigeria, but all over Africa, and round the world, a delighted President said: “What we did in The Gambia early this year fetched us a lot of goodwill on the African continent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“It gave us a lot of latitude. I thank all those who are praying. May God reward them.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">President Buhari sent appreciation to all Nigerians, expressing hope that he would be with them soon.</span></div>
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Buhari: PDP displays love

In a show of love, opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says that it will continue to pray for the full recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari. Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, the National Chairman of PDP s…

Ronaldo shows off baby ahead of clash with Barca

Ronaldo shows off baby ahead of clash with Barca

Cristiano Ronaldo is certainly in love with the latest addition to his growing family as he posts a photograph of his clutching a baby on his Instagram page. The mega football star did not state whe…

Niger Delta youths shut Shell’s facilities

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Angry Niger Delta youths have occupation the flow station and gas plant of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Kula and Belema Communities in Rivers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The company which said it had spent millions of Naira on human and infrastructure development in area decried the occupation of its facilities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mr Joe Obari, the spokesman of SPDC, said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday that the occupation of the flow station an gas plant was illegal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The reports is that some protesting youths on Friday shut the facility over claims of neglect, demanding that the company’s licence be revoked and re-awarded to an indigenous oil firm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Obari described the development as worrisome, saying that the company and its partners had spent millions on human and infrastructure programmes in the communities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“SPDC’s commitment to the welfare of host communities in the Niger Delta remains unshaken and, as such, decries the illegal occupation of Belema flow station and gas plant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“The company has implemented a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) in the area that led to a wide variety of social investment projects including university scholarships award in the communities,” he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Obari said that the Rivers Government, after mediating in a disagreement in the community, created the Kula Project Implementation and Monitoring Committee (PIMC) in 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He explained that the PIMC served as an interim platform for the delivery of social investment initiatives and programmes worth N262 million in a Soku-San Berth project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to him, these projects are separate from the GMoU projects initiated by communities using funds provided by the SPDCJV.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“However, a GMoU was eventually signed in 2014 for the Kula Cluster, but has yet to be implemented due to continuing intra-community disagreement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“As at 2015, there were a total of 11 court cases involving different groups with SPDC as a co-defendant in all of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Sadly, these suits and disputes have rendered it impossible to implement more development projects planned for the affected communities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“SPDC has continued to implement its social investment programmes in the communities despite divesting its equity in OML 24 in Kula and Belema communities,” he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Obari said that the company had already spent N352 million on schools, sanitation, electricity, walkways and health outreach programmes in the communities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He said that more than N600 million had been set aside to drive SPDC development initiatives in Kula, Belema, Offoinama and Boro Communities in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He said that the company had informed the authorities of the illegal occupation and was working toward a resolution and resumption of safe operations in the area. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(NAN)</span></div>
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Niger Delta youths shut Shell’s facilities

Angry Niger Delta youths have occupation the flow station and gas plant of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Kula and Belema Communities in Rivers. The company which said it had spent mil…

Pres. Buhari says he’s OK and will be home soon

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">President Muhammadu Buhari says there is tremendous improvement in his health, and that he is eager to return home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“But I’ve learnt to obey my doctor’s orders, rather than be the one issuing the orders. Here, the doctor is absolutely in charge,” he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The President spoke while receiving the presidential media team, and the Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, at Abuja House, London, on Saturday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, led the visiting team, accompanied by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity; Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, and Lauretta Onochie, Personal Assistant on Digital/Online Media. Also there was Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the team expressed delight at the much improved health of the President, he retorted: “I feel I could go home, but the doctors are in charge. I’ve now learnt to obey orders, rather than be obeyed.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On how he felt hearing different conjectures about his health, an amused President Buhari said he followed events at home closely, lauding Nigerian television stations, and the media generally, for keeping him informed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When told that prayers were going on fervently for him, not only in Nigeria, but all over Africa, and round the world, a delighted President said: “What we did in The Gambia early this year fetched us a lot of goodwill on the African continent. It gave us a lot of latitude. I thank all those who are praying. May God reward them.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">President Buhari sent appreciation to all Nigerians, expressing hope that he would be with them soon.</span></div>
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Pres. Buhari says he’s OK and will be home soon

President Muhammadu Buhari says there is tremendous improvement in his health, and that he is eager to return home. “But I’ve learnt to obey my doctor’s orders, rather than be the one issuing the ord…

Donald Trump and Chinese's president in crucial Korean Peninsula talk

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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="Trump and Xi Jinping in crucial Korean Peninsula talk" src="http://18694-presscdn.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Trump-and-Xi-Jinping-in-crucial-Korean-Peninsula-talk.jpg" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed during a phone conversation Friday to ensure a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The agreement reached in a phone call between the two presidents was confirmed early Saturday in a White House statement and in a report on Chinese state television.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During the conversation, Xi also requested that the U.S. and North Korea both tone down their recent rhetoric and avoid actions that could worsen tensions between the two nations, Chinese Central Television said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“At present, the relevant parties must maintain restraint and avoid words and deeds that would exacerbate the tension on the Korean Peninsula,” Xi was quoted as saying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A White House statement said “the leaders affirmed that the recent adoption of a new United Nations Security Council resolution regarding North Korea was an important and necessary step toward achieving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“President Trump and President Xi agreed North Korea must stop its provocative and escalatory behaviour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“The Presidents also reiterated their mutual commitment to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The statement added that Trump was looking forward to meeting with Xi in China later this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The trip, announced in April, was recently confirmed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who met in Manila with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trump has urged China to pressure North Korea to halt its nuclear weapons program, which North Korea says is nearing the capability of targeting the United States.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">China is the North’s biggest economic partner and source of aid, but says it alone can’t compel Pyongyang to end its nuclear and missile programs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trump also spoke with Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo, reassuring him that U.S. military forces stand ready to ensure the safety and security of the U.S. territory, a White House statement said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged on Saturday to do everything to the best of his ability to protect his country and its people as tensions escalate over North Korea’s plans to send missiles over Japan toward Guam.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Abe made the comments while visiting his father’s tomb in his ancestral hometown of Nagato, in western Japan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Friday, Japan’s Defense Ministry said it was deploying four surface-to-air Patriot interceptors in western Japan to respond to a possible risk of fragments falling from missiles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The ministry did not confirm whether newly appointed Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera has already issued an order to shoot down incoming missiles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trump on Friday issued fresh threats of swift and forceful retaliation against nuclear North Korea, declaring the U.S. military “locked and loaded” and warning that the communist country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, would “regret it fast” if he takes any action against U.S. territories or allies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Source: <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/08/12/in-phone-call-trump-and-xi-discuss-nuke-less-korean-peninsula.html" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1193f6; line-height: inherit; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-in-out, color 0.1s ease-in-out;">Fox News</a></span></div>
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Donald Trump and Chinese's president in crucial Korean Peninsula talk

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed during a phone conversation Friday to ensure a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons. The agreement reached in a phone call…

3.5m volunteers join N/Korea’s Army to fight U.S.

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="North Korean leader Kim Jong Un: record executions" src="http://18694-presscdn.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Kim-Jong-Un-e1482998344132.jpg" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">North Korea said on Saturday that nearly 3.5 million workers, party members and soldiers volunteered to join or rejoin its army to fight against the U.S. in the current geopolitical tension between Pyongyang and Washington.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s official newspaper, said the volunteers had offered to join or rejoin the People’s Army after the Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) issued a statement on Monday condemning new sanctions imposed by the UN in retaliation for North Korean missile tests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">North Korea threatened to strike the United States and its Pacific territory of Guam.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">KCNA said on Wednesday a mass rally was held in Pyongyang to support the government. North Korea has previously mobilised large crowds to show its resolve when tensions escalate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In August 2015, one million North Koreans offered to enlist or re-enlist in the army when a mine exploded in the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas, raising additional tensions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">North Korea warned foreign diplomats to leave Pyongyang in 2013 when it suspended work at a joint inter-Korean industrial park and threatened missile strikes on U.S. Pacific bases, notably in Guam and Hawaii.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NAN reports that on Aug. 5, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2371, which further tightens sanctions against North Korea in response to Pyongyang’s recent ballistic missiles tests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">North Korea’s military said Wednesday it was considering a missile attack near the US island territory of Guam after President Donald Trump threatened Pyongyang with “fire and fury.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guam hosts several U.S. military bases.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reuters/NAN</span></div>
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3.5m volunteers join N/Korea’s Army to fight U.S.

North Korea said on Saturday that nearly 3.5 million workers, party members and soldiers volunteered to join or rejoin its army to fight against the U.S. in the current geopolitical tension between P…

30 killed in Ozubulu brothers’ drug war in S/Africa

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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><img alt="By standers after the shooting at St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra state." src="http://18694-presscdn.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/By-standers-after-the-shooting-at-St.-Philips-Catholic-Church-Ozubulu-in-Ekwusigo-Local-Government-Area-of-Anambra-state..jpeg" /></em></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The drug war between indigenes of the Ozubulu caused by mistrust may have claimed 30 lives in South Africa.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The deaths occurred following a collapsed business deal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The deaths resonated in Ozubulu community in Anambra state when the Catholic Church was attacked leaving more than 13 people dead on Sunday, August 6.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to the <a href="http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/ozubulu-30-indigenes-south-africa-killed-since-mistrust-began/" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1193f6; line-height: inherit; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-in-out, color 0.1s ease-in-out;">Vanguard</a>, the quarrel among the indigenes of Ozubulu in residing in South Africa was caused by the suspicion among them over failure to keep to business deals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The theatre of war shifted to Amakwa village, causing last Sunday’s shooting incident at St Philip’s Catholic Church, in which 27 worshippers were also injured.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The shooting took place during 6.00am Mass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Five of its indigenes were killed this year in South Africa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of the villagers revealed to Vanguard which visited Ozubulu after the Sunday killings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“In 10 years about 30 people from this place have been killed in South Africa,” a woman who preferred anonymity for security reasons told us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“It had to do with one deal or the other”, she said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Read more:<a href="http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/ozubulu-30-indigenes-south-africa-killed-since-mistrust-began/" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1193f6; line-height: inherit; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-in-out, color 0.1s ease-in-out;"> Vanguard</a></span></div>
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30 killed in Ozubulu brothers’ drug war in S/Africa

The drug war between indigenes of the Ozubulu caused by mistrust may have claimed 30 lives in South Africa. The deaths occurred following a collapsed business deal. The deaths resonated in Ozubulu co…

FACE of SPI

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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On face of spi for this week, i present to you a beauty queen representing Option FM, Akwanga. She is currently the Face of Option FM. She is beautiful and dynamic.  She's currently working on a pet project called "Girl Child Education"</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Ladies and gentlemen, i present to you <b>MISS</b> <b>SARAH LUKA </b>as the<b> Face of Spi </b>for this week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">                                </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nickname…Yemzy……………………………………………………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gender…female
…………………………………………………...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Age……25…………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hobby
(ies)………singing, reading and modeling……………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Occupation……Model…………………………………………………</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like(s)    Honesty ……………………………………………………………...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dislike(s)…dishonesty………………………………………………………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Motivation......Passion
……………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Favorite
food……Rice, plantain, Chicken …………………………………………………........<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Company
name (If any)…Option FM, Akwanga…………………………………….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Phone
number  09027105804…………….............<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Email.     Lukayemi43@gmail.com……………………………………………………….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Facebook……Yemzy
Luka………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Twitter………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Instagram…YemzyLuka</span></span><br />
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FACE of SPI

On face of spi for this week, i present to you a beauty queen representing Option FM, Akwanga. She is currently the Face of Option FM. She is beautiful and dynamic. She's currently working on a pet …

Chibok schoolgirls’ strength inspiring – UN

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img src="http://18694-presscdn.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Amina-Mohammed.jpg" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has described the strength of the rescued Chibok schoolgirls as “inspiring”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mohammed gave the remarks while briefing the UN Security Council on her visit to Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo from July 19 to 27.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The UN deputy chief said: “In Nigeria, we were moved by our meeting with the Chibok girls facilitated by the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs.’’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Their remarkable strength as survivors rather than victims is inspiring. Many are receiving education and psychosocial support to prepare them for reintegration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“But thousands of other young women who have been abducted and returned, subjected to sexual violence and affected by conflict in other ways are still to receive adequate support.’’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She said that after interacting with displaced women and girls who are facing exploitation and abuse in the camps, there was the need to address their mental health and women’s empowerment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She commended the governments of Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria for their efforts to promote stability through the Multinational Joint Task Force within the Lake Chad Basin Regional cooperation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to her, international support will continue to be crucial in addressing the root causes of the crisis in very complex situations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I am pleased to note that since our visit, the Acting President of Nigeria has established a Judicial Commission to investigate alleged violations of human rights by Nigerian security agencies, and to recommend ways to prevent such violations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I commend this initiative and encourage the relevant authorities to include sexual- and gender-based violence within the Commission’s work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“The United Nations stands ready to support this important effort and also to reinforce protection measures for displaced women and girls,” Mohammed, Nigeria’s former Minister of Environment, said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She said in Nigeria, the eight-year conflict in the Northeast has generated a risk of famine, displaced 1.9 million people and left 8.5 million people in need of assistance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“These dire circumstances are being made worse by the large gap in humanitarian funding including meeting the commitments made at the Oslo Humanitarian Conference. There is an acute need for sustained and scaled up funding to avert famine in Nigeria.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mohammed stressed that “one message resounds most: investing in women and girls must be central to our efforts in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond if we are to have sustainable peace and development.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Giving special consideration to the context will be key to responses that deliver the right results.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“We look forward to working with national governments, regional organizations, civil society, women and girls themselves, and international partners to deliver results that will advance peace, development and dignity for all.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mohammed said she was pleased to be joined by the Executive Director of UN Women and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict – both of whom were with her at the briefing, as well as the African Union Commission’s Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“We were four African women, from two organizations, visiting two countries, with one goal: advancing peace by advancing the equality, empowerment and well-being of women,” Mohammed said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (NAN)</span></div>
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Chibok schoolgirls’ strength inspiring – UN

The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has described the strength of the rescued Chibok schoolgirls as “inspiring”. Mohammed gave the remarks while briefing the UN Security Council on her v…

Mourinho predicts seven-way fight for Premier League title

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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">M</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;">anchester United manager Jose Mourinho expects seven teams to be in the running for the Premier League title in 2017-18.</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkvDPxeTniMgIAce-K_g1mE0ytQaTwXSe6di6_SuMOEjDGbBwwUwlkfO-nfc9FZsX_TzwAlnXhL0UaZVrYsJlMAAGYyFhjzoY3DBcM5IJy5SDfxHWAQerCVEA85wMQPcWX7odTEA0juY/s1600/jose-mourinho-cropped_z4rku1t55nm41mkw7iydfr0u3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkvDPxeTniMgIAce-K_g1mE0ytQaTwXSe6di6_SuMOEjDGbBwwUwlkfO-nfc9FZsX_TzwAlnXhL0UaZVrYsJlMAAGYyFhjzoY3DBcM5IJy5SDfxHWAQerCVEA85wMQPcWX7odTEA0juY/s320/jose-mourinho-cropped_z4rku1t55nm41mkw7iydfr0u3.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Red Devils finished in sixth place in the table in Mourinho's first term in charge as they effectively surrendered their remaining domestic fixtures in order to prioritise winning the Europa League.</div>
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United have invested heavily on the signings of Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof in the transfer window, while champions Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have also spent large sums.</div>
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But Mourinho believes there are as many as seven candidates to challenge for Chelsea's crown in the coming campaign.</div>
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United triumphed 2-0 over Ajax in the Europa League final to claim the trophy for the first time and secure a return to the Champions League.</div>
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Mourinho admits it was a challenge to keep his players fired up to compete for Europe's secondary competition but he does not expect any problems this year.</div>
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"Europa League is not Champions League," he said. "It's obviously more difficult to win the Champions League, also because the motivation is higher. My hard work to motivate people to play in the Europa League with ambition and responsibility was hard. It's not hard this season to motivate them to that level.</div>
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"We have more experience of working together than we had last season. We have confidence levels of a team that won a European competition and is back in the Champions League. I'm really happy to start the Premier League this weekend because our pre-season was very complete and was a pre-season organised in a way where we start playing MLS teams and ended playing against the best teams in Europe."</div>
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Mourinho, who confirmed that Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young are still sidelined with injury, believes his squad is in similar shape to how it was at the end of 20116-17, despite their three marquee signings.</div>
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"We have [bought] three players, as you know. But for the beginning of the season, we lost important players, too [to injury]. We lost Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young, Luke Shaw, Zlatan Ibrahimovic," he said. </div>
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Mourinho predicts seven-way fight for Premier League title

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho expects seven teams to be in the running for the Premier League title in 2017-18. The Red Devils finished in sixth place in the table in Mourinho's first term …

Reports: Coutinho asks to leave Liverpool as Barcelona circle

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUAhJKYZSvSjM9UgphbSCyp_eneyuLzHLL0mBl8rmaEUntdPU5iGV5k3_OIv2MQnGIJYO0Br-G2kA7uIK_C69ZGI6Kqfi6tE_nM2UQlOyj9gYuI8Ua2w9Vg0at_K74EGhVIhfwsiCIOo/s1600/philippecoutinho-cropped_1hwt9n3s1pmac142rsilw6uy14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUAhJKYZSvSjM9UgphbSCyp_eneyuLzHLL0mBl8rmaEUntdPU5iGV5k3_OIv2MQnGIJYO0Br-G2kA7uIK_C69ZGI6Kqfi6tE_nM2UQlOyj9gYuI8Ua2w9Vg0at_K74EGhVIhfwsiCIOo/s320/philippecoutinho-cropped_1hwt9n3s1pmac142rsilw6uy14.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">B</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;">arcelona target Philippe Coutinho has handed in a transfer request at Liverpool, according to widespread reports.</span></i></b></div>
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Coutinho has emerged as a top target for Barca as they look to replace Neymar, following his €222million switch to Paris Saint-Germain.</div>
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The Reds are reported to have turned down two bids from the LaLiga giants, the second worth an estimated £100m, and Fenway Sports Group - Liverpool's owners - released a statement on Friday insisting that further offers for the Brazilian would not be considered.</div>
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However, just a few short hours later, it emerged that Coutinho had reportedly demanded a departure from Anfield.</div>
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The move will boost Barca in their attempts to replace Neymar, after seeing a bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele rejected on Thursday.</div>
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The France winger was sanctioned by Dortmund for failing to report for training on the same day.</div>
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Coutinho will be out of action this weekend when Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign against Watford due to a back injury.</div>
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He scored 13 goals and assisted seven more in 31 Premier League appearances last term, helping Jurgen Klopp's side finish fourth.</div>
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Reports: Coutinho asks to leave Liverpool as Barcelona circle

Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho has handed in a transfer request at Liverpool, according to widespread reports. Coutinho has emerged as a top target for Barca as they look to replace Neymar, follo…

Trump spews embarrassing, unpatriotic comments – Ex-envoy

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul on Friday harshly criticised President Donald Trump for his remarks about Russia’s recent expulsion of U.S. diplomats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mcfaul said Trump should have retaliated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Thursday, Trump expressed his gratitude toward Russian President Vladimir Putin for expelling 755 US diplomats from Russia, since the decision would help the government save money in the salary budget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“One of the most embarrassing, unpatriotic, and uninformed comments our president has made (recently) …</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“When Obama kicked out 35 Russian diplomats, Putin — a ‘strong’ leader admired by Trump — retaliated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“In response, Trump did nothing. Weak,” McFaul posted on Twitter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a follow-up tweet, the former ambassador asked why Trump, taking into account his “admiration” for Putin, did not act in a similar manner of his counterpart by responding to Russia’s move.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“If Trump admires Putin, why doesn’t he act like him? Putin didn’t roll over when we kicked out 35 of his, but</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trump did in response to 755,” McFaul wrote on his Twitter page.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In December 2016, then President Barack Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats and banned Russia from accessing two of its diplomatic compounds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The decision came as a response to Russia’s alleged interference in the U.S. election, which Moscow has repeatedly denied.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In late July, Moscow announced that the diplomatic presence of the U.S. in Russia would be cut by 755 people to 455, the same number of diplomatic personnel that Russia currently has in the United States.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Kremlin said it was a response to the 2016 ouster of 35 Russian diplomats and sanctions passed by the U.S.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Congress in July. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Sputnik/NAN)</span></div>
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Trump spews embarrassing, unpatriotic comments – Ex-envoy

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul on Friday harshly criticised President Donald Trump for his remarks about Russia’s recent expulsion of U.S. diplomats. Mcfaul said Trump should have re…

U.S dares China

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<img alt="U.S. South Korea navy against North Korea." src="http://18694-presscdn.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/U.S.-South-Korea-navy-against-North-Korea.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The U.S has dared China as its USS John S McCain Naval warship passed close to an artificial reef created by China in the South China Sea, prompting a protest from China.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The ship entered the Meiji Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands on Thursday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beijing protested on Friday, the official Xinhua news agency reported.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The operation was illegal and carried out without permission from Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He added that the Chinese Navy identified the warship, warned and expelled it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Such a move severely undermines China’s sovereignty and security and severely endangers the safety of frontline personnel of both sides,” he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But Nicole Schwegman, spokeswoman for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, said that US forces operated in the Asia Pacific region on a daily basis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“All operations are conducted in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows,” she said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“That is true in the South China Sea as in other places around the globe.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An international tribunal refuted China’s claim to a large swathe of the South China Sea in 2016 in a case brought by the Philippines, though Beijing has rejected the ruling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The warship spat comes as a war of words between the U.S. and North Korea escalates and President Donald Trump pushes China to do more to reign in Pyongyang’s threats. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(dpa/NAN)</span></div>
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U.S dares China

The U.S has dared China as its USS John S McCain Naval warship passed close to an artificial reef created by China in the South China Sea, prompting a protest from China. The ship entered the Meiji R…

Anguish of Boko Haram’s victims worries UK

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The United Kingdom has said that it was difficult to forget the stories of anguish that Boko Haram terrorists perpetrated against innocent people in the northeast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Permanent Representative of UK to the UN, Amb. Matthew Rycroft, stated this at the Security Council briefing on ‘Peace and Security in Africa’ with focus on Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rycroft recalled the Council’s visit to the Lake Chad region in March, saying “I’m sure that none of us who are on that visit will forget the stories of anguish that we heard there”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“So many of them from mothers or daughters who had lost everything – their children, their families, their homes, their hope – all to Boko Haram. Sadly, it seems that these stories are still being told.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“In spite of the efforts of the UN, and the AU and governments of the region, the suffering continues – with over two million people still displaced in the Lake Chad region; over 96 per cent of them because of the insurgency.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to him, it was high time everything was done to break the cycle of violence being perpetrated by the Boko Haram terrorists in the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Put simply Mr President, we need to break the cycle. And by we, I mean all of us, including this Security Council, but responsibility must fall, first and foremost, to the governments affected,” Rycroft said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“It means governments holding to account those who have committed these crimes; showing that there can be really no impunity and no escape; that the rule of law applies to everyone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“And we need to help them in that effort. And that’s why the UK, together with our UN and NGO partners, are supporting the Nigerian government to re-establish basic social services to areas they have stabilised.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“It’s why we provide training to the Nigerian Armed Forces and to African Peacekeeping contingents on protecting civilians and on preventing sexual and gender based violence,” the UK envoy said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He said at the heart of addressing the huge humanitarian challenges caused by the Boko Haram crisis meant women’s equality in all aspects of politics, government and society.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“It’s unacceptable that women continue to be so poorly represented in formal governance and peace processes when time after time studies show that women’s participation in these processes aids their ultimate success.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“In Nigeria, for instance, women’s participation in the House of Representatives and Senate has fallen since 2011; it now stands at around five per cent,” he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The UK envoy advocated for the full, active participation of women saying “women have spent too long enduring and surviving these crises; it’s long past time for them to play their fullest part in solving them”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I’m looking forward to Amina Mohammed’s briefing on her visit to Nigeria and to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, two crucial countries, including for the Women, Peace and Security agenda which was the reason for her visit that she will be briefing us on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“And on Northeast Nigeria, I was very glad to co-lead the Council there as part of our Lake Chad Basin visit back in March.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“One of the things that we concluded that it was important not to have a one off visit but to have a series of sustained engagement, really getting under the surface of the interconnected problems there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“It’s not just climate change, it’s not just terrorism, it’s not just governance, it’s not just a famine, it’s everything interconnected with everything else,” Rycroft said. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NAN</span></div>
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Commission plans return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon

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<img alt="Refugees and stateless persons. Photo Source: http://www.crossculture.com/" src="http://18694-presscdn.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Refugees.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The</span></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> Nigeria, Cameroon Tripartite Commission is planning for the safe repatriation and reintegration of 58,000 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A communique issued at the end of its inaugural meeting on Thursday in Abuja, emphasised that such repatriation should be safe and dignified</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Tripartite Commission is comprised of Nigeria, Cameroon and the UNHCR,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is meant to ensure the voluntary and dignified return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon in line with international best practice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Communique was read by Hajia Sadiya Farouq, Federal Commissioner, National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and representatives of Nigeria, Cameroon government and the UNHCR.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“The Commission directed the Technical Working Group to conclude concrete operational modalities and‎ support measures, including setting timetable and procedures to ensure the safe, dignified, voluntary return and sustainable reintegration of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Commission also directed the Technical W‎orking Group to develop a phased-approach for organised return of the refugees based on the security situation in the North-east.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It also stressed the need for various bilateral and multilateral development partners to raise the necessary funds to facilitate the repatriation and restoration programme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earlier, the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, expressed joy at the inauguration of the Commission as it will bring succour to the refugees.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />‎‎<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />“I am very delighted and honoured to be here today to inaugurate the meeting of Tripartite Commission for the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees living in Cameroon.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />‎<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />”It could be recalled that it was in June 2016 at this venue the agreement was drafted by Nigeria, Cameroon and the UNHCR along with other stakeholders.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />‎<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />”However, we have not been able to implement the agreement, more than 12 months after it was drafted and over four months after it was signed on March 2, 2017 in Yaounde,” he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The communique was signed by Dambazau; Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Cameroon, Mr Rene Sadi; and‎ the UNHCR representative in Nigeria, Mr Antonio Canhandula.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (NAN)</span></div>
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Commission plans return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon

The Nigeria, Cameroon Tripartite Commission is planning for the safe repatriation and reintegration of 58,000 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon. A communique issued at the end of its inaugural meeting …

Anti-Buhari group planted to derail corruption war

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Presidency has described the “Return or resign’’ group as an illegal assembly formed to frustrate the on-going campaign against corruption in the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, stated this when he addressed members of the Centre for Civil Society and Justice (CCSJ), at the precincts of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Members of the Centre, a civil society coalition, staged a rally in support of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on medical vacation in London.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shehu dismissed the “return or resign” agitation as an illegal assembly stealthily organized to deliver a body blow to the war against corruption.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to the presidential aide, any attempt to derail the war against corruption using subterfuge and bluff will not succeed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shehu praised members of the coalition and other Nigerians for rising against “the chaotic rout of protesters’’ who assembled at the Unity Fountain demanding the return of President Buhari, dismissing such demands as unlawful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">”It might be taken for granted that the beneficiaries of the old order are fighting back. We have been warned that corruption will fight back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“In a country where just one woman for having the opportunity to serve as minister has N47.2 billion and 487.5 million dollars of public resources in cash and property traced to her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) you don’t expect the beneficiaries of that order to allow the Buhari administration some peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">”They want to distract us. But what the Presidency wants to assure patriotic citizens is that the government will not bend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“As far as the President is concerned, he has done the needful by handing the reins of authority to the Vice President. Since the law of the country does not give a time limit for the President’s return, it cannot be imposed by a saber-rattling musician,’’ he added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Presidential spokesman commended the CCSJ for being orderly in their demonstration and urged them to shun all provocations by opponents of government.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He said: “By divine intervention, Muhammadu Buhari unexpectedly got elected with the ostensible mandate of reversing national decline and securing its future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“He got into the Villa through democratic victory at election. Anybody desiring to replace him, whether you are wrestler, a hairdresser or a musician, you should go through that process. “In a democracy, threats don’t work.’’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, the convener, Comrade Prince Goodluck Obi said his group had “absolute faith and trust in President Buhari’s administration not machinations of corruption and destabilization.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“We are saying from today, Aug. 10, we will be holding a rally/protest march here at Unity Fountain for the next one month and beyond in order to send clear and unambiguous message to agents of chaos and unity, that Nigerians are solidly behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration based on our democratic mandate entrusted to him on March 28, 2015.’’</span></div>
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Anti-Buhari group planted to derail corruption war

The Presidency has described the “Return or resign’’ group as an illegal assembly formed to frustrate the on-going campaign against corruption in the country. The Senior Special Assistant to the Pres…

Americans and Japanese pay for underground bomb shelters amid North Korea's threat

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More Americans and Japanese are paying for underground bunkers and bomb shelters  amid the growing tensions between USA  and North Korea,  US media have reported.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to TMZ, The South California-based Atlas Survival Shelters said it had sold more than 30 units in the last few days – as many as the company sold in 1 year, 6 years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The price for products range between $10,000 and $165,000. Orders have been coming not only from the United States but also from Japan, TMZ said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Texas-based Rising S Company, offering underground shelters at a price between $45,000 and $8.35 million, reported a 90% surge in its sales in the past two weeks, Fox News said citing company owner Gary Lynch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other  players on the US bomb shelter market are Vivos and Safecastle. The first company offers to dig 30 feet underground at a starting price of $35,000. However, its bunkers can be customised at extra cost to include a full size kitchen, spa and pool tables. The Safecastle manufacturer offers bunkers at the starting price of $19,000.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The situation on the Korean Peninsula has remained extremely tense amid Pyongyang’s vigorous efforts to develop its missile program. In July, North Korea tested ballistic missiles twice, which sparked criticism from the US, Japan and South Korea. Washington has repeatedly stated that it does not rule out any options to solve the North Korean problem, including the military one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Tuesday, Trump told reporters that North Korea should not make any more threats to the US. He vowed that Pyongyang’s threats “will be met with fire and the fury like the world has never seen.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) later reported that the Korean People’s Army is drafting a plan for a preemptive missile strike against US military facilities in Guam, including the Andersen Air Force Base where B-52 strategic bombers are deployed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile the sabre rattling has also made Japan order a review of its missile defence system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TASS news agency quoting Yomiuri newspaper reported that  the Japanese government is considering the possibility of deploying Patriot PAC-3 air defence systems in three of its prefectures and sending ships with the Aegis Combat System to the Pacific Ocean following North Korea’s warnings of a possible missile launch toward the US island territory of Guam.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Japan relies on a two-layered system in its missile defenses. Four Congo-class and two Atago-class destroyers are equipped with Aegis SM-3 missiles, designed to engage missile in the mid-course phase. If this system fails, three battalions of land-based Patriot missiles will intercept missiles during the terminal phase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Following Pyongyang’s claims of planning to launch four Hwasong-12 missiles that would fly in the Japanese airspace and splash down some 30-40 km from Guam, the Japanese government may send the Aegis-equipped destroyers to the Pacific Ocean, while land-based Patriot PAC-3 systems will remain on alert along the projected path of the missiles if the North Korean launch fails, Yomiuri reported.</span></div>
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Americans and Japanese pay for underground bomb shelters amid North Korea's threat

More Americans and Japanese are paying for underground bunkers and bomb shelters amid the growing tensions between USA and North Korea, US media have reported. According to TMZ, The South Californ…

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