Xinhua world news summary at 0030 GMT, July 15

On the eve of Greek parliament vote for the ratification of the bailout agreement, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras defended Tuesday evening his choice of a harsh deal rather than a disorderly default and Grexit.

The government chose a painful third bailout that allows the country to avoid the risk of Grexit and move forward to restore growth, Tsipras said during an interview with the Greek national broadcaster ERT. (Greece-Parliament Vote)

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BRUSSELS -- The European Union on Tuesday announced to prolong until January 14 2016 the suspension of EU restrictive measures targeting Iran, following the latest agreement reached in Vienna on the Iranian nuclear issue.

"This will allow the EU to make the necessary arrangements and preparations for the implementation of the new Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," said a press release issued by the European Council. (EU-Iran)

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VIENNA -- Iran and six world major countries on Tuesday adopted an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue that will put Iran on the path of sanctions relief but more strict limits on its nuclear program.

"What we are announcing today is not just a deal, it is a good deal ... today is a historic day," European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. (Iran-Agreement)

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UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday "warmly" welcomed "the historic agreement" reached in Vienna on the Iran nuclear issue, calling it a "testament to the value of dialogue."

The secretary-general congratulated the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany and Iran for reaching this agreement, said a statement issued by Ban's spokesman to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York City. (UN-Iran) Endi