World Roundup: Russia-Ukraine standoff; Swiss cow initiative; EU urge to back May

Following is a summary of current world news briefs.

Russia and Ukraine involved in the Black Sea naval standoff

Russia and Ukraine accused each other of breaking the international law on Sunday after Russian border guards tried and failed to stop two Ukrainian armoured artillery vessels circumnavigating Crimea en route to a Ukrainian port. The incident in the Black Sea reflects rising tensions between Moscow and Kiev around the Sea of Azov which both countries have the right to use.

Swiss voters reject an initiative to end cow horn removal: media

Swiss voters look set to reject a proposal to subsidize farmers who let the horns on their cows and goats grow rather than removing them, Swiss broadcaster SRF said on Sunday. The initiative to preserve "the dignity of livestock" was led by farmer Armin Capaul, who has sparked a national debate on animal rights following a campaign which began nine years ago after he "listened" to his herd.

EU urges Britons to back May, says no better Brexit deal

European Union leaders warned the British parliament not to wreck Theresa May's Brexit deal, describing a package agreed with the prime minister at a summit on Sunday as the best that Britain will get. "Those who think that, by rejecting the deal, they would get a better deal, will be disappointed," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters after the 27 other EU leaders formally endorsed a treaty setting terms for British withdrawal in March and an outline of a future EU-UK trade pact.

Swiss voters look set to reject 'Swiss law, not foreign judges' initiative

Early projections suggest Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to give the country's laws clear priority over international law, a move that opponents claim would damage the neutral country's global standing. Some 67 percent of voters in a national referendum voted against the "Swiss law, not foreign judges" measure, according to early projections by Swiss broadcaster SRF.

China lauds voters after the defeat of Taiwan's ruling party

China on Sunday welcomed the defeat of Taiwan's pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at local elections, saying it showed people wanted peaceful relations with Beijing. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who faces re-election in a little more than a year, on Saturday resigned as chairwoman of the DPP, taking responsibility for her party's massive defeat at the mayoral and county elections.

America targets the Middle East as it fears Islamic strengthening: Iran leader

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday the United States is targeting the Middle East because it fears Islamic "awakening" in the region, according to his official website. Tension has increased between Washington and Tehran since May when President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions after pulling out of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six major powers.

Pakistani woman police commander led the defence of the Chinese mission

Pakistani policewoman Suhai Aziz Talpur heard of the attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi while driving to work. She rushed to the scene to find two of her colleagues dead and a trio of insurgents attempting to blow their way into the building. Her fast response and actions during the nearly two-hour assault on the diplomatic mission in the southern port city have been praised for saving countless lives, turning 30-year-old Talpur into an instant celebrity - and potential feminist icon - in Pakistan, where female police officers remain rare.

The death toll from Uganda boat cruise accident jumps to 29

At least 29 people died when a cruise boat capsized in poor weather on Saturday in Lake Victoria, Uganda, the deputy police spokesman said on Sunday. Police had said on Saturday at least 10 people were dead following the accident off Uganda's Mukono district, close to the capital Kampala.

More than 100 injured in Aleppo in suspected rebel gas attack

More than 100 people were wounded in a suspected toxic gas attack in Syria's Aleppo late on Saturday, which a health official said was the first such assault in the city. The Syrian government and its ally Russia blamed the attack on insurgents, allegations which rebel officials denied.

Slovak government will not approve U.N. migration pact: prime minister

Slovakia's government will not approve the United Nations to regulate the treatment of migrants worldwide, Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said on Sunday after the European Union summit. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was approved in July by all 193 member UN nations except the United States, which backed out last year.