Yang said China hopes to “inject new and strong impetus to the growth of the comprehensive strategic partnership" with Russia.

Orinats Yerkir party also announced joining the elections, with Emergency Minister Armen Yeritsyan heading the list.

In several cities officers have refused to protect the Muslim Brotherhood saying they do not want to favor any particular faction.

Organizers told journalists that the ceremony had been canceled. Afghan officials declined to give a reason for the cancellation.

Ahmet Davutoglu said he discussed the embargo barring delivery of all arms to Syria with Britain and Germany.

Although he did not address specific accusations, Yang described the claims as a politically motivated smear campaign.

Signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the deal was brokered by former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

The law's backers say it will prevent mass school shootings like a December massacre in Connecticut that killed 26.

Beyond combing through their weapons, French forces are using DNA tests to identify some of the slain Islamist fighters.