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Xinhua World News Summary at 0030 GMT, May 17

Xinhua, May 17, 2017 Adjust font size:

A refugee was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a German court on Tuesday for sexually assaulting two female Chinese students last year, local media reported.

The defendant was arrested by police last December after having been identified by one victim's friend and recorded by camera, the DPA news agency reported. (Germany-Chinese-Refugees)

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BRUSSELS -- The European Court of Justice (ECJ) on Tuesday said that the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Singapore cannot be concluded without the participation of the EU member states, which would have significant implications on its trade policy as a whole.

The Luxembourg court said it was because some of the provisions envisaged fall within competences shared between the EU and the Member States. (EU-Singapore-FTA)

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JERUSALEM -- The controversial new U.S. ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, presented his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Tuesday, officially starting his term.

A ceremony was held at the President's Residency in Jerusalem, a day after Friedman arrived in Israel and days before President Donald Trump's regional visit. (Israel-US-Ambassador)

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TEHRAN -- With three days away from voting day, two major candidates for the presidential post have withdrawn their bids, leaving the race open for four others.

On April 21, out of 1,636 registered candidates, six qualified to compete for the four-year presidential term, including three principalists, better known as conservatives, as well as two centrists and one reformist. (Iran-Elections)

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KHARTOUM -- The Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) on Tuesday said it is about to launch an urgent relief appeal to meet the growing influx of refugees from South Sudan.

"The SRCS is to launch an appeal within the coming two days to provide assistance for the refugees coming to the country from South Sudan," said Osman Ja'far, SRCS Secretary General, at a press conference in Khartoum Tuesday. (South Sudan-Refugee) Endi