Karzai announced his decree followed last week's killing of 10 civilians in a night raid in eastern Kunar province.

No-one has admitted the abductions but the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, has staged a series of attacks in northern Nigeria.

Three explosions rocked Sadr City targeting civilians and car bombs also went off in Husseiniya, Al Ameen and Kamaliya

The tanker is expected to be taken on tow by another Russian vessel, Georgiy Froier, which is sailing towards the site of the incident.

The film is set in a insular Midwestern town that shoulders a curse that claims the life of one high school senior every year.

"Silver Linings Playbook" has less overall success this awards season, but has dominated at shows that also include separate categories for comedies.

The UN says nearly 70,000 people have been killed in Syria's conflict since the revolt began in March 2011.

The winner will succeed deeply unpopular Dimitris Christofias, who is honoring a pledge not to seek a second five-year term.

The kingdom, base for the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, has been in political turmoil since the protests erupted in 2011, led by majority Shi'ites.

A spokesman for Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a Sunni group, claimed responsibility for the bomb in Quetta.