March 16, 2022

*) Ukraine sees room for compromise in talks with Russia Ukraine has said it sees possible room for compromise in talks with Russia despite Moscow's stepped up bombardment of Kiev and new assaults on the port city of Mariupol. After delegations from Ukraine and Russia met again via video, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia’s demands were becoming "more realistic". The two sides were expected to speak again. The fast-moving developments on the diplomatic front and on the ground came as Moscow's offensive neared the three-week mark. *) Ukraine says another Russian general killed in fighting Ukraine has said a fourth Russian general has been killed in fighting. Major General Oleg Mityaev died during the storming of Mariupol, said Ukrainian Interior Ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko, who published a photo on Telegram of what he said was the dead officer. 46-year-old Mityaev commanded the 150th motorised rifle division and had fought in Syria, Gerashchenko said. There was no confirmation of the death from Russia. *) Syrians mark uprising anniversary with message for Ukraine Thousands of protesters in Syria's opposition and rebel enclave of Idlib have marked 11 years since the start of an anti-regime uprising. Gathered on the main square in the northwestern city of Idlib, more than 5,000 people took part in one of the largest rallies the beleaguered region has seen in months. Many of the demonstrators hoped the attack launched by the Syrian regime's main backer Russia in Ukraine would rekindle interest in their cause. *) UN declares March 15 International Day to Combat Islamophobia The UN General Assembly has adopted by consensus a resolution declaring March 15 as International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The resolution, introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, recognises "with deep concern" what it said is an "overall rise in instances of discrimination, intolerance and violence". It marks the day when a gunman entered two mosques in Chris