SOCHI, Russia – Vladimir Putin’s chosen candidate for next month’s presidential election seized the opportunity to emphasize the continuity of power at an event on Sunday in Russia’s future Winter Olympics capital.

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s presidency council said on Sunday a measure that would give thousands of former members of Saddam Hussein’s Baath party their old jobs back had become law, finalizing a key piece of legislation sought by Washington.

RIYADH – The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), which comprises 57 Muslim countries, said on Sunday it would step up action at the United Nations to stop Israel’s blockade of Palestinians in Gaza.