September 2, 2022

*) UN experts to stay at Ukraine nuclear plant to 'continue with assessment’ UN inspectors will be "staying" at a Russian-held nuclear plant in southern Ukraine — at least till the weekend. The Chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency described their first visit to the facility as productive. Today we were able, in these few hours, to gather a lot of information," IAEA director general Rafael Grossi told reporters outside the plant after the inspection. *) Hundreds of flights cancelled in Germany as Lufthansa pilots go on strike Pilots at Lufthansa have gone on strike, forcing the German airline to cancel hundreds of flights and leave holidaymakers stranded. Friday's walk out has led to the cancellation of nearly 800 flights, affecting around 130,000 passengers. The strike began at midnight local time and is set to continue for 24 hours, according to a statement by the pilots' union. *) Iran sends 'constructive' response to US offers on nuclear deal Iran has sent a "constructive" response to US proposals aimed at reviving Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said "The text that was sent (by Iran) has a constructive approach aimed at finalising the negotiations." The report said Iran's response was sent to EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, who has been coordinating the negotiations. *) Sri Lanka's deposed president Rajapaksa 'to return home' from Thailand Sri Lanka's deposed former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa is expected to end his self-imposed exile in Thailand and return home, a top defence official has said. "He has been living in a Thai hotel as a virtual prisoner and was keen to return," the defence official, adding that the ex-leader is expected to return early on Saturday. The 73-year-old fled the island under military guard in July after a huge crowd stormed his official residence, following months of public protests over an unprecedented economic crisis. *) NASA readies for Moon rocket launch attempt The stars appear to have aligne