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Xinhua world news summary at 0030 GMT, Sept. 18

Xinhua, September 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Federal Reserve on Thursday kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, according to a statement released by the U.S. central bank after a two-day monetary policy meeting.

It will assess both realized and expected progress toward its objective of maximum employment and 2 percent inflation in its consideration of when to raise the benchmark interest rate, the statement said. (U.S.-Interest Rate)

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DAMASCUS -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Thursday that there are no Russian troops fighting alongside the Syrian army in the war-torn country.

In an interview with state-run TV, the head of the Syrian diplomacy said the Russian presence in Syria is so far confined to military experts and specialists, refuting media reports that Russian soldiers were fighting alongside the Syrian army. (Syria-Russia)

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SANTIAGO -- At least eleven people have been killed and nine more injured in Chile after an earthquake measuring 8.4 on the Richter scale struck Wednesday night, the country's National Office of Emergencies confirmed Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Interior Minister of Chile Jorge Burgos put the death toll at eight, plus one people missing, but this has since been updated. (Chile-Quake)

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GENEVA -- The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Thursday night said that FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke has been put on leave and released from his duties effective immediately until further notice.

"FIFA has been made aware of a series of allegations involving the Secretary General and has requested a formal investigation by the FIFA Ethics Committee," the association said in a brief statement. (FIFA-Secretary General) Endite