Call for global ceasefire during World Cup final
Afp, Vatican City

The Vatican yesterday called for a truce in wars around the globe during Sunday's World Cup final, taking to social media with the hashtag #pauseforpeace as a conflict in the Gaza Strip escalates and killings continue in Ukraine. A tradition of calling for a truce during Olympic dates back to the 9th century BC, and the International Olympic Committee has continued the custom and promotes peace initiatives around the world.

Erdogan vows new charter for new Turkey
Afp, Istanbul

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday vowed to press for a new constitution if he is elected president in August elections, saying the old Turkey was a "thing of the past". Changing the constitution would allow Erdogan to give greater powers to the presidency, until now a largely ceremonial role.  He is expected to win the election August 10 election.

Chinese courts jail 32 in Xinjiang
Afp, Beijing

Chinese courts in the far-western region of Xinjiang have sentenced 32 people to prison terms ranging from four years to life for terrorism-related charges, state media reported yesterday.   The sentences come after China launched a crackdown following several high-profile attacks blamed on militants from the far-western region.

EU adds 11 to Ukraine sanctions list
Afp, Brussels

The European Union yesterday slapped a travel ban and asset freeze on 11 people allegedly linked to separatist violence in eastern Ukraine. The decision brings the total number of people on an EU sanctions blacklist to 72.

Putin begins LatAm tour, arrives in Cuba
Afp, Havana

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday arrived in Cuba on the first stop of a tour of Latin America that will also take him to Argentina and Brazil. The visit is Putin's second to the communist island in 14 years, the agency reported, saying his itinerary includes official talks with Cuban President Raul Castro. He is also expected to meet 87-year-old Fidel Castro.