VOA慢速英语2014 叙利亚要求帮助对抗伊斯兰国家

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Syria Asks for Help to Fight Islamic State

An Islamic State militant¹ announce to residents of Taqba city that Tabqa air base has fallen to Islamic State militants², in nearby Raqqa city August 24, 2014. Islamic State militants stormed the air base in northeast Syria on Sunday,

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem says his nation is willing to work with the international community in the fight against Islamic State militants. He also appealed to others to end their support for the militants. The official spoke³ Monday; the day after Syria lost a major airbase in the northern Raqqa province.

Mr. Moallem said, “My government is ready to cooperate and coordinate⁴ both regionally and internationally to fight terrorism.”

He said that the Islamic State militants and Jabhat al-Nusrat, another jihadist group, are more dangerous than the Taliban or al-Qaida. The two groups have fought against the U.S. and its NATO allies since 2001

But, Mr. Moallem warned against U.S. airstrikes in Syria. He said any action in Syria must be approved by Syria. He warned that Syria could attempt to shoot down U.S. warplanes that take action without approval. The Syrian foreign minister also accused both Qatar and Turkey of supporting the militants.

Ukraine Says Russian Military Has Crossed Its Border

A top Ukrainian official said Monday Russian tanks and other military vehicles had crossed into southeastern Ukraine.

A spokesman for Ukraine's National Security Council, Andriy Lysenko, said the group of 10 tanks, two armored vehicles and two trucks crossed the border near Shcherbak.  He said the Russian military vehicles were flying flags of separatist Donetsk rebels.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters he had not heard about the border crossing.  He said "there is plenty of misinformation" about invasions.

Thousands Attend Teenager’s Funeral in Ferguson

Mourners sang, clapped and danced on Monday at funeral services for Michael Brown.  A white police officer shot and killed the unarmed teen August ninth. His death led to several days of protests in Ferguson, Missouri. Some were violent.

Brown’s father appealed for calm before the funeral. He said, "All I want is peace while my son is laid to rest. Please, please. I'd like a day of silence so we can lay our son to rest. Please. That's all I ask. And, thank you."

New Prime Minister in Thailand

The army general who led the May 22nd overthrow⁵ in Thailand has officially taken office as prime minister.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha bowed before a large photograph of King Bhumibol Adulyadej after an order from the King was read.  The order inaugurated the general as Thailand’s 29th prime minister.

Fighting Continues in Gaza

Israeli airstrikes killed eight more people in Gaza on Monday.  It was the 49th day of the conflict in Gaza. The Israeli army said Hamas militants fired 80 rockets across the border into Israel.  No one was hurt in those attacks.