BBC: Putin is inaugurated for fourth term as Russian president
Vladimir Putin has been sworn in for a fourth term as Russian president and pledged to harness the country's talents to "achieve breakthroughs".
Some 5,000 guests attended the lavish ceremony in an ornate Kremlin hall.
He has been in power for 18 years, as president and prime minister, and opponents have likened his tenure to the reign of a tsar, or emperor.
Russian TV showed Mr Putin, 65, leaving his Kremlin office and walking to the ceremony, down long corridors.
He then took a short ride in a new, Russian-made limousine, called Cortege, in the Kremlin compound. Previously he and his entourage have used foreign luxury cars.
In previous years a bigger motorcade drove the president across Moscow to the ceremony.
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MIDDLE EAST
Israeli minister threatens Bashar al-Assad over any Iranian attacks from Syria.
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Turkey's Erdogan says will carry out new military operations after Syria offensives.
Turkey says it will retaliate if U.S. halts weapons sales.
UAE says military presence on Yemen's Socotra 'distorted'.
Yemen army storms Kataf district in Saada, expels Houthi militia.
Hezbollah and allies set for majority in Lebanon elections.
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Fate of Iran nuclear deal at stake as UK foreign secretary heads to Washington.
Israel doesn't know if Trump will pull out of Iran deal: source.
ASIA
More than 50 casualties from blast at mosque in east Afghanistan.
Six Indian engineers kidnapped in Afghanistan: officials.
Japan, China, South Korea to urge complete denuclearization of North Korea.
Seoul, Tokyo differ on trilateral talks for Pyongyang denuclearization.
North Korea says denuclearization pledge not result of U.S.-led sanctions.
North Korea says US ruining mood of detente ahead of summit.
Xi Jinping likely to make official Japan visit next year as two sides try to mend fences.
Protesters killed as Indian troops move on militants in Kashmir. Rebel professor among 10 killed in Indian Kashmir.
Pakistani interior minister shot by man linked to new religious party: report.
Islamic nations seek global pressure on Myanmar over Rohingya.
Sri Lanka gives green light for Chinese LNG plant near Hambantota port.
AFRICA
At least 45 dead in attack on Nigerian village, police say. 45 dead as militia, bandits clash in northern Nigeria.
Six killed in Boko Haram attack on Lake Chad island.
West Africa: Fulani conflict getting worse.
7 Kenyan soldiers killed in Somalia IED blast.
Tunisia's Ennahda claims victory in landmark local elections. Tunisia: Low turnout as Ennahda party claims victory.
Libyan coastguard prevents NGO boat from rescuing migrants: AFP.
Amnesty accuses Egypt of 'torture' in solitary confinement.
EUROPE
Russia's Putin sticks with same prime minister for new term.
Russian protest leader Navalny out of jail, faces 2 charges.
Italy makes last-ditch effort to form government.
New hope for young Armenians as opposition hero set to take power.
Anger in France, Britain over Trump's gun law speech.
Viktor Orbán: our duty is to protect Hungary's Christian culture.
New German mayor gets broken nose, tooth in victory rally assault.
Paris warns Air France's survival in the balance.
AMERICAS
NAFTA talks enter critical week with U.S. still pushing hard line.
Republican House Armed Service chair warns Trump against leaving Iran deal.
Trump backs CIA nominee Gina Haspel after she offered to quit.
Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani does not rule out payments were made to other women.
Carville: Clinton unlikely to run again but she's 'always gotten the most votes'.
Nicaragua sets up commission after protest deaths.
Hawaii volcano destroys 26 homes, spews lava more than 60 metres into the air.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
ISIS claims Afghanistan attacks.
Iraqi air strike targets Islamic State position in Syria: PM.
Trump's CIA nominee sought to withdraw over interrogation role.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
China insists on airline demands after US dismisses 'Orwellian nonsense'.
Vanilla price rise proves chilling for ice-cream makers.
Conoco moves to take over Venezuelan PDVSA's Caribbean assets: sources.
Nestle pays Starbucks $7.1bn to sell its coffee.
