UK judge: Putin ‘probably approved’ killing of ex-agent

UK judge: Putin ‘probably approved’ killing of ex-agent

LONDON

Almost a decade after former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko lay dying in a London hospital bed, a British judge has concluded who poisoned him: two Russian men, acting at the behest of Russia’s security services, probably with approval from President Vladimir Putin.

That finding prompted sharp exchanges Thursday between London and Moscow, and a diplomatic dilemma for both countries. With Russia and the West inching closer together after years of strain, neither side wants a new feud – even over a state-sanctioned murder on British soil.

Kerry: Some Iran relief likely to go to terrorists

DAVOS, Switzerland

It’s likely that some of the billions of dollars in sanctions relief granted to Iran under a landmark nuclear deal will go to groups deemed to be terrorists, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday. But, he added, he doesn’t believe Iran will be able to use the freed-up cash to boost funding of malign activities if it is serious about revamping its economy.

Kerry said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum the U.S. or others can do little to prevent the now-unfrozen assets from getting into the hands of the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps or “other entities” that Iran has supported in the past. But since nuclear-related sanctions were lifted on Iran last weekend, Kerry said, there is no evidence yet to suggest such transfers have occurred.

US announces plan for new visa rules for some Europeans

WASHINGTON

The Obama administration tightened restrictions on European and other travelers who have visited Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan in the past five years, even as it said the new rules may not apply to those in certain occupations who have traveled for business.

The move quickly angered Republican lawmakers who accused the administration of circumventing the will of Congress.

The administration said Thursday that people who traveled to those countries as journalists, for work with humanitarian agencies or on behalf of international organizations, regional organizations and provincial or local governments may still be eligible to visit the United States without first obtaining a visa. People who have traveled to Iran since July 14, 2015, or Iraq for “legitimate business-related purposes” also can apply to come to the United States under the visa waiver program.

Group’s leader speaking to FBI

PORTLAND, Ore.

The leader of an armed group that for nearly three weeks has occupied a wildlife refuge in eastern Oregon has begun speaking with the FBI.

Standing outside the municipal airport in Burns, Ore., Ammon Bundy spoke by phone Thursday to an unnamed FBI negotiator. The federal agency has used the airport, about 30 miles from the refuge, as a staging ground during the occupation.

The FBI did not comment on the conversation, though it was streamed live online by someone from his group.

Bundy said he went to the airport to meet with FBI officials face to face, but they declined to meet him. Bundy said the FBI had called him 14 times in a row earlier this week, but he couldn’t pick up the phone because he was in a meeting.

Associated Press