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Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, Feb. 26

Xinhua, February 26, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Ukrainian Defence Ministry said Thursday that the country's military forces are starting the withdrawal of their heavy weapons from the frontline in eastern regions, as agreed upon at the Minsk peace deal.

"Fulfilling the agreements reached in Minsk on Feb. 12, Ukraine today (Thursday) begins the withdrawal of 100 millimeter caliber artillery from the contact line," the ministry said in a statement on its website. (Ukraine-Withdrawal)

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BAGHDAD -- A total of 35 people were killed and 44 wounded in airstrikes against positions of the Islamic State (IS) militants and violent attacks across Iraq on Thursday, security sources said.

The deadliest casualties occurred in Iraq's western province of Anbar, when warplanes of the U.S.-led anti-IS coalition struck their positions in and near the town of al-Qaim, some 330 northwest of the capital Baghdad. At least 15 militants and seven civilians were killed, a provincial security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. (Iraq-IS-Strikes)

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BANGKOK -- Eleven passengers and crew members were injured when Thai Airways THAI) flight TG641 from Tokyo to Bangkok hit an air pocket on Thursday evening, THAI president was quoted by Bangkokpost as saying. (Thailand-Airways)

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ATHENS -- Greek government officials admitted on Thursday Greece faces severe liquidity challenge in coming weeks, reassuring that there will not be a credit event, as they were working closely with international lenders to resolve the matter.

"Greek economy faces indeed liquidity issues. We knew this before assuming power. The government is doing anything possible to address the challenge," government spokesperson Gavriil Sakellaridis told a local radio on Thursday, adding that the problem will be tackled in cooperation with partners to the benefit of all sides. (Greece-Economy)

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MOGADISHU -- At least seven mortars landed inside Somalia's presidential palace in Mogadishu Thursday when the prime minister and his cabinet were holding a meeting, police said.

Police said there was no harm caused, and they were still investigating the incident. (Somalia-Attack) Endi