Xinhua world news summary at 1600 GMT, Dec.23

Russia is ready to supply arms to Afghanistan "mainly on a commercial basis," a Russian official said Wednesday. (Russia-Afghanistan-Arms)

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CAPE TOWN -- A high ranking diplomat working for the embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been expelled from South Africa for alleged rhino horn trafficking, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. (S.Africa-DPRK-Diplomat)

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TEHRAN -- Iran's foreign minister said Wednesday that a recent move by the U.S. Congress to practice visa restrictions on people who have travelled to Iran may endanger the implementation of the nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers. (Iran-FM-U.S. Visa)

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TEHRAN -- Iran and Oman began joint rescue and relief naval drills in the east of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, official IRNA news agency reported. (Iran-Oman-Drills)

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NIAMEY -- At least five Nigeriens, among them two soldiers, were killed and several others injured early Wednesday morning during an attack by Boko Haram terrorists in Abadam village in Niger's southeast region of Diffa, security sources said. (Niger-Boko Haram)

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LONDON -- A man was arrested by police officers under Britain's Terrorism Act on Tuesday, local police confirmed Wednesday. (Britain-Man-Arrest) Endi