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Reuters live coverage of events around the world. Follow @ReutersWorld on Twitter for top news and @ReutersLive for live video events.
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Masked Belgian police secure the entrance to a building in Anderlecht while collegues carry out a seach in an apartment the day after the attacks. REUTERS/Bate Felix
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No evidence Brussels attacks linked to Germany - government spokesman
BERLIN, March 23 (Reuters) - There is no evidence yet that the attacks in Brussels were linked to Germany, an Interior Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, but said investigations were moving fast.
"I can disclose no German connection," Johannes Dimroth told a news conference. "It also remains that a link cannot be ruled out given the dynamic situation in Belgium."
German police on Tuesday arrested three people in a car with a Belgian licence plate near the border with Austria and were investigating whether they had planned to carry out an attack.
The three suspects from Kosovo were arrested, after a tip-off, before the attacks that killed at least 30 people at a metro station and the international airport in Brussels.
(Reporting by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
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PHOTOS: Embassy messages of condolence
A message of condolence hangs on the door knob outside the Embassy of Belgium in central London, Britain March 23, 2016 . REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
A message of condolence hangs on the door knob outside the Embassy of Belgium in central London, Britain March 23, 2016 . REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
A black ribbon is fixed to the country's name plate at the entrance of the embassy of Belgium in Vienna, Austria, March 23, 2016. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader
People light candles at the entrance of the embassy of Belgium in Vienna, Austria, March 23, 2016. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader1 of 4
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Federal prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw confirms at a news conference that two brothers carried out suicide bombings at Brussels airport and on the metro on Tuesday. Read more here.
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People of all backgrounds and communities are united to defeat terrorism. - UK Home secretary Theresa May -
UK Home secretary Theresa May says the UK must do more to counter the poisonous narrative pushed by Daesh.
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UK Home secretary Theresa May says following the attacks in Paris in November that the UK is working closely with intelligence networks. She says that fighting terrorism requires a global response and that working in isolation will not succeed.
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UK Home secretary Theresa May discusses 2.5 billion is to be invested in intelligence network with more staff at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ.
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UK Home secretary Theresa May says that the UK is working closely with Belgium on security and that security measures have been raised in London but not in response to any specific threat.
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Forensic police work at the Maelbeek subway station following Tuesday's bomb attacks in Brussels, Belgium, March 23, 2016.
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PHOTOS: Mourning the Brussels attacks
A man reacts at a street memorial following Tuesday's bomb attacks in Brussels, Belgium, March 23, 2016. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
A newspaper with the headline "Hold Fast!" is held up following a minute silence for victims of Tuesday's bomb attacks in Brussels, Belgium, March 23, 2016. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
People observe a minute of silence outside the EU Commission Headquarters in Brussels following Tuesday's bomb attacks in Brussels, Belgium, March 23, 2016. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
A woman consoles her children at a street memorial following Tuesday's bomb attacks in Brussels, Belgium, March 23, 2016. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
A minute of silence is observed for victims following Tuesday's bomb attacks in Brussels, Belgium, March 23, 2016. Front row L-R: French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, King Philippe of Belgium, EU Commissionm President Jean-Claude Juncker, Belgian Queen Mathilde and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
Flowers adorn the Manneken-Pis statue following Tuesday's bomb attacks in Brussels, Belgium, March 23, 2016. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
Floral tributes for the victims of the Brussels attacks, including a picture of the Manneken Pis sculpture in Brussels, are placed on the steps of the Belgian embassy in Berlin, Germany, March 22, 2016. Words read 'I'm going to piss on your bombs.' REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
People observe a minute of silence to pay tribute to victims of Tuesday's bomb attacks in Brussels at the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Spain, March 23, 2016. REUTERS/Juan Medina
People gather around a memorial in Brussels following bomb attacks in Brussels, Belgium, March 22, 2016. REUTERS/Charles Platiau1 of 9
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Belgium confirms brothers were suicide bombers
BRUSSELS, March 23 (Reuters) - Two brothers carried out suicide bombings at Brussels airport and on the metro on Tuesday, the federal prosecutor confirmed on Wednesday, adding that airport bomber Ibrahim El Bakraoui had left a will on a computer that was found.
His brother Khalid blew himself up on a carriage of the Brussels metro at Maelbeek station, Frederic Van Leeuw told a news conference. Two other men captured on CCTV at the airport with Ibrahim had yet to be identified, he said.
(Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; editing by Philip Blenkinsop) -
Not all U.S. citizens yet accounted for in Brussels - State department
WASHINGTON, March 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department is still working to account for all Americans who were on the ground in Brussels during Tuesday's blasts in the city, a spokesman said on Wednesday.
"A dozen or so" Americans were injured, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in an interview on CNN, adding that he could not yet confirm any deaths of American citizens.
"Obviously it's a very fluid situation on the ground there," Toner said. "We're still getting information, we're still trying to seek out the whereabouts of American citizens."
(Reporting by Megan Cassella; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) -
The Queen and Prince Philip have sent their most sincere condolences to all affected by the #BrusselsAttacks https://t.co/KdkZjGE8Qc
10:49 AM - 23 Mar 2016- Reply
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Belgian federal prosecutor says bomber on Metro in Brussels was Khalid El Bakraoui
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Belgian federal prosecutor says police found suicide bomber's will on computer
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French Interior Ministry Bernard Cazeneuve walks through a full-body scanner at a security check point during a visit at the Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Roissy, near Paris, France, March 23, 2016.France has decided to deploy 1,600 additional police officers to bolster security at its borders and on public transport following the bomb attacks in Brussels.
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A minutes silence is observed for victims following Tuesday's bomb attacks. On the front row, L-R are French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, King Philippe of Belgium, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Belgian Queen Mathilde and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.
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Belgian media say Brussels prime suspect not arrested
BRUSSELS, March 23 (Reuters) - Belgian media which earlier reported the arrest on Wednesday of a prime suspect in Tuesday's bomb attacks in Brussels said the person detained was not, in fact, Najim Laachraoui.
La Libre Belgique newspaper said another person had been arrested. DH, which first reported the story, also said the man detained in the Anderlecht district had been misidentified.
11:20 AM - 23 Mar 2016- Reply
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Police and prosecutors have been declining all comment but will hold a news conference at noon GMT.
(Reporting by Alastair Macdonald)
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Tuesday was a day of blood, torn limbs and official “shock”. But why shock, now? Battle has been joined. As it intensifies, the dream of an ever-closer Union becomes ever more remote. People, frightened, turn to the authorities they know: their own national leaders and security services. And they see Europe, with its generosity, liberality and military weakness not as the answer, but as the problem, even the threat.
- John Lloyd, Reuters opinion columnist
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Belgium cancels soccer friendly with Portugal after bombsThe Belgian football association cancelled next Tuesday's international soccer friendly against Portugal in Brussels over security fears after the Islamic State attacks in the city."The Red Devils match against Portugal, scheduled for Tuesday evening at the King Baudouin Stadium, will not take place," it said on its website.
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1 minute of silence with #brusselsairport staff present today. #BrusselsAttacks https://t.co/cmVhGqPWWi
11:21 AM - 23 Mar 2016- Reply
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The Belgian government warned at the weekend that there might be an attack after the security services captured their most wanted man. It came swiftly.
Tuesday's explosions, which killed at least 30 people at the main Brussels airport and an underground rail station, came just days after Belgium's security services caught the last surviving suspect in November's attacks on Paris.
Belgium has announced 400 million euros ($450 million) of extra spending to upgrade its security capabilities since it emerged that the country of 11 million people served as the base for the Paris attackers who killed 130 people. But Tuesday's bombings at home show how much further it still has to go.
Security experts say squabbling layers of government, under-funded spy services, an openness to fundamentalist preachers and a thriving black market in weapons all make Belgium among the most vulnerable countries in Europe to militant attacks.
One U.S. government official told Reuters that Tuesday's attacks showed Belgian authorities still "have not upped their game".
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Belgian media say suspect arrested in Brussels on Wednesday not prime suspect Laachraoui
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There will be no passenger flights into and out of #brusselsairport tomorrow Thursday 24 March. Contact your airline for flight information.11:05 AM - 23 Mar 2016
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Futures little changed the day after Brussels attacks
- U.S. stock index futures were little changed on Wednesday as investors remained cautious a day after the attacks in Brussels and ahead of the Good Friday market holiday.
Signs of improving business sentiment at the world's major economies helped European markets recover, but Asian shares fell as investors backed away from risk.
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People join hands in solidarity near the former stock exchange in Brussels:
REUTERS/Francois Lenoir -
Men place candles on a street memorial for the Brussels attacks:
REUTERS/Francois Lenoir -
Empty cafe tables in Brussels following yesterday's attacks on the city:
REUTERS/Francois Lenoir -
11:00 AM - 23 Mar 2016
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Brussels correspondent for Euronews James Franey is periscoping from Place de la Bourse:
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Members of the public applaud following a minute's silence to honor the victims of the attacks in Brussels.
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Brussels bombing prime suspect arrested - media
A man, who police have issued a wanted notice for on suspicion of involvement in the Brussels airport attack. REUTERS/BELGIAN FEDERAL POLICEBRUSSELS, March 23 (Reuters) - A prime suspect in Tuesday's Brussels bombings, Najim Laachraoui, was arrested on Wednesday in the city's Anderlecht district, several Belgian media said.
Police and prosecutors could not be reached for comment, but federal prosecutors announced they would hold a news conference at 1200 GMT.
Police were hunting Laachraoui as being a man seen with suspected suicide bombers at Brussels airport.
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En mémoire des victimes des attentats de Bruxelles, le centre de crise observera une minute de silence à 12h.10:39 AM - 23 Mar 2016
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Translation: In memory of the victims of the bombings in Brussels, the crisis center will observe a minute's silence at 12 noon (local time). -
Brussels observes a minute of silence for victims at 1200 local, 1100GMT, 0700ET.
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Turkey is Europe's only partner for regional security - Turkish PM
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Europe had no other partner than Turkey to provide security for the region, and reiterated demand for a safe zone in Syria, a day after twin bombs hit Brussels, killing more than 30 people.
"Europe's security starts from Turkey, and for Turkey's security, a safe zone in northern Syria is a must," Davutoglu told members of his ruling AK Party in Ankara.
(Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Humeyra Pamuk)
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Pope denounces "abominable cruelty" of Brussels attacksVATICAN CITY, March 23 (Reuters) - Pope Francis urged the world to unite in denouncing the Brussels attacks, saying those responsible for the bloodshed had been blinded by "cruel fundamentalism".
"I appeal to all those of good faith to join together in unanimous condemnation of this abominable cruelty which causes only death, terror and horror," the pope said on Wednesday at his weekly general audience in front of St. Peter's Basilica.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb attacks on Brussels airport and a metro train in the Belgian capital on Tuesday that killed at least 30 people.
The pope said he hoped God would "convert the hearts of these people who have been blinded by cruel fundamentalism".
(Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
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Belgian troops search people entering a subway station following Tuesday's bomb attacks in Brussels, Belgium, March 23, 2016:
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Shaken residents in Brussels head to work on the morning after deadly attacks in the Belgian capital.
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Head of the Syrian government delegation Ja'afari at peace talks says that some of the Brussels attackers had been fighting in Syria before returning to Belgium.
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European markets recover from Brussels driven losses
LONDON (Reuters) - European stock markets bounced back on Wednesday from the concerns over security that have dominated the past 24 hours, helped by a handful of more positive signals on the health of the world's major economies.
Some Asian markets fell earlier in subdued trading as investors pulled back on positions ahead of the long Easter weekend, opting for caution following the suspected Islamic State suicide bomb attacks in Brussels.
But the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index rose half a percent as all of its major markets gained solidly, helped by a vote of approval from investors for cost cuts announced by one of Switzerland's two big international banks, Credit Suisse.
A handful of better-than-expected readings of business sentiment in Europe on Tuesday had already helped markets resist deeper falls following the bomb attacks in Brussels.
There was also further support overnight from Federal Reserve policymakers for the U.S. central bank being able to plough ahead with rises in interest rates this year.
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MT @POTUS observed a moment of silence for victims of #Brussels attacks in Havana https://t.co/bOrMeeiZPh via @nytimes10:11 AM - 23 Mar 2016
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Will observe minute of silence today at noon to honor the victims of #Brussels
attacks. #UnitedAgainstTerrorism w/ #Belgium @CharlesMichelRetweeted by usembbrussels10:17 AM - 23 Mar 2016- Reply
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Global markets react to deadly attacks in Brussels
- Asian shares slipped in subdued trading on Wednesday as investors pulled back on positions ahead of the long Easter weekend, opting for caution following the suicide bomb attacks in Brussels.
- European shares rose on Wednesday after a dip in the previous session following the deadly Brussels attacks, with Credit Suisse stock climbing after news of more cost cuts.
- European travel and leisure shares underperformed for a second straight session post-attacks.
- The dollar rose to a one-week high against a basket of major currencies on Wednesday, boosted by hawkish comments by U.S. Federal Reserve officials and safe-haven demand following the Brussels blasts.
- Sterling had been the biggest loser among major currencies on Tuesday, with events in Brussels seen as boosting the "Brexit" campaign.
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BRUSSELS, March 23 (Reuters) A prime suspect in Tuesday's Brussels bombings, Najim Laachraoui, was arrested on Wednesday in the city's Anderlecht district, Belgian newspaper DH said on its website.
Police were hunting him as a man seen with suspected suicide bombers at Brussels airport.
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Belgian newspaper DH says Brussels bomb suspect Najim Laachraoui has been arrested in Brussels
Netanyahu's main election rival, Gantz, says it appears prime minister lost
JERUSALEM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in a battle for political survival after exit polls following Tuesday's election showed the race too close to call and the Israeli leader's decade-long grip on power weakened.
