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Pro-Russian activists 1 in eastern Ukraine have decidedto go ahead with a referendum on self-determination on Sunday, ignoring a call fromPresident Putin to postpone 2 it. Steve Rosenbergreports from Moscow.

“His proposal yesterday to postpone the referendum in eastern Ukraine appeared anadmission that just wasn't practical to organize the plebiscite in the short time remaining, andthat the Kremlin may be prepared now to come to terms with Kiev. Most analysts 3 had expectedthe pro-Russia separatists to heed 4 the president's call, they haven't. But Vladimir Putin couldturn that to his advantage, citing it as a proof that Russia is not orchestrating events acrossthe border as the West has claimed.

Ukrainian government says the proposed vote is illegal and what it calls anti-terroristoperations in eastern Ukraine will continue. Ukrainian border agency says armed men in easternUkraine have attempted to seize control of a border post at Esvarino. The agency said about40 armed men arrived in minivans at a crossing point in the Lugansk region on Thursdayevening, surrounding the post and calling on Ukrainian guards to lay down their weapons. Astatement said the gunmen threw petrol bombs, but fled when the border guards opened fire.There has been no independent confirmation 5 of the incident.

The American Secretary of State, John Kerry has announced that an American specialist teamis joining the hunt in Nigeria to locate and free more than 200 schoolgirls abducted 6 by Islamistmilitants. Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan has acknowledged that the greatest threatfacing his country is terrorism, but he insisted it could be neutralized 7 with international help.Earlier, Mr. Kerry's predecessor 8, Hillary Clinton joined growing criticism of the Nigerianauthorities, saying they had to perform better. The government of Nigeria needs to get seriousabout protecting all of its citizens, and insuring that every child has the right and opportunityto go to school in security and safety. That is a fundamental responsibility of anygovernment. And Nigerians should hold their leaders accountable.

The United States has for the first time imposed sanctions on a Russian bank active in Syria aspart of efforts to step up economic pressure on the Syrian government. The move wasannounced as Syrian opposition 9 leaders are on a visit to Washington to meet senioradministration officials. Barbara Plett Usher 10 reports.

This is the first time America has sanctioned a Russian bank for its dealings with Damascus. TheUS Treasury 11 Department said this build on existing efforts to choke off the Syriangovernment's access to the international financial system. New sanctions were also imposed ontwo Syrian state refineries 12 and six senior officials. The announcement was made shortlybefore the head of the Syrian opposition Ahmad Al-Jarba met the US Secretary of State, JohnKerry, he is on his first official visit to Washington during which he is also expected to seePresident Barack Obama.

BBC News.

The Syrian government has retaken control of the old city of Homs, once known as the capitalof the revolution after the evacuation of rebel troops. Hundreds of fighters and trappedcivilians boarded buses to be taken to a rebel-held town north of the city to join nearly 1,000people who left on Wednesday.

South Africa's governing ANC has won an emphatic 13 victory in the country's general election,extending its 20 years in power. With most votes counted, the party has about 64%. Itsclosest rival, the Democratic Alliance has more than 22%, a marked improvement on itsprevious showing. Andrew Harding reports from Johannesburg.

This election has proved to be about consolidation 14. The governing ANC has shaken offcorruption scandals and an economic slump 15 to hold on to almost 2/3 of all votes. It's likely touse that impressive mandate 16 to try to drive through its national development plan, rejectingnationalization and emphasizing investment and infrastructure 17. The business friendly plan hasalarmed South Africa's powerful unions, some of which may soon break away to form their ownparty.

China has warned Vietnam to withdraw its ships from disputed waters after vessels 18 from thetwo sides collided during a tense confrontation 19. A Foreign Ministry 20 official in Beijing saidVietnam had deployed 21 six vessels and accused it of intentionally 22 ramming 23 them into Chineseships. The Chinese statement came after Vietnam itself accused China of amassing 24 some 80vessels, including warships 25 in disputed waters. United States has appealed for calm.

The Brazilian authorities say a worker has been killed in an electrical accident at one of the threefootball stadiums yet to be completed for the World Cup, which starts inJune. The 32-year-oldman, who suffered a heart attack after an electric shock, was installing a telecommunicationsnetwork at the stadium in Cuiaba. He is the eighth worker to die on World Cup building sites inBrazil.