This is AP News Minute. Western leaders are condemning Crimea’s declaration of independence from Ukraine and Russia’s support of that break.President Barack Obama froze the U.S. assets of seven Russian officials. The European Union issued similar freezes and travel bans.President Obama met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Monday.The two are meeting ahead of next month's deadline for creating a framework for peace negotiations with Israel.Obama held a similar meeting with Israel’s prime minister a couple weeks ago.Paris is fighting back against smog. Officials banned about half of the city's vehicles from driving on Monday,those with even-numbered license plates. Police issued tickets to offenders.Some dapper dogs competed in the fourth annual beautiful bulldog contest.Dressed in their finest tutus and bowties, they raised money for scholarships to South Carolina’s citadel college.Robert Bumsted, the Associated Press with AP News Minute.
