‘All of us are migrants’, says pope on final day of Spain visit
On the final day of his Spanish tour, Pope Leo XIV on Friday visited Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, where he urged migrants to do their part to integrate and host communities to welcome newcomers. "All of us are migrants", said the pontiff, urging communities to save people fleeing wa»»»
'Extremely complex legislation: Can they agree on common rules to manage migration together?"
William Hilderbrandt is pleased to welcome Camille Le Coz. Director of the Migration Policy Institute of Europe. The implementation of the EU's new Migration and Asylum Pact marks the beginning of a critical experiment in collective migration governance. After more than a decade of negotiations, th»»»
Prime Minister Radev: Bulgaria and Turkey Share a Common Interest in Expanding Regional Connectivity
Rumen Radev stated that Bulgaria and Turkey share a common interest in expanding transport, energy, and digital connectivity, which is of strategic importance for the entire region. He made the remarks to journalists at the National Assembly of Bulgaria following his participation in parliamentary »»»
Kuwait bans external flags at Husseiniyas ahead of Muharram
Dubai: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has begun preparations for the upcoming month of Muharram, convening a coordination meeting with Husseiniya representatives and government agencies to review safety measures and organisational requirements for religious observances. Authorities outlined a series»»»
Passport services for Indian expats in UAE: Al Hind takes over from July 1
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has announced a change in the outsourced service provider for Indian passport, visa and consular services in the United Arab Emirates. It said the current service providers, BLS International Services Ltd. and SGIVS Global, will continue to handle applications unti»»»
US plans major NATO drawdown as Trump shifts focus from Europe
The United States is planning a significant reduction in the military assets it makes available for NATO operations in Europe, a move that could reshape the alliance’s defence posture and accelerate Washington’s push for European countries to shoulder more of their own security burden. According to»»»
Bulgarian Armed Forces Hold Exercises to Enhance Interoperability
Bulgarian Armed Forces are conducting exercises to enhance operational interoperability, Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov said Friday at Cheshnegirovo Air Base during the Distinguished Visitors Day of the multinational special operations exercise Stealth Dagger 26. "We are in a period of inten»»»
SpaceX may be heading for a blockbuster debut, but analysts warn the rush for shares could pull money out of the wider market
Dubai: SpaceX begins trading on Friday after raising $75 billion in the biggest initial public offering in history, setting up a market debut that could reshape investor portfolios and test demand for one of the world’s most closely watched companies. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheq»»»
Ukraine to request $20 bln to keep momentum against Russia, source says
KYIV: Ukraine is seeking an additional $20 billion in military funding from its allies to cement what it sees as its current battlefield advantage over Russia, a Ukrainian defense source said on Friday. The request will be made next Thursday at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, an all»»»
Stipulations of Iran-US MOU
Al-Manar Website publishes the main stipulations of the memorandum of understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America. 1. The nuclear file remains unchangedThe current memorandum of understanding does not include any agreement on the nuclear file, and Iran offers»»»
Salam slams Iran 'unprecedented' grip on Hezbollah after Nasrallah killing
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam sharply criticized Tehran's intentions toward Lebanon, stating that its insistence on including the country in any ceasefire deal was calculated to signal to the world that ultimate decision-making power over Lebanon rests exclusively in Iranian hands. It is glaringly obv»»»
Iran Reveals What Is — and Isn’t — in the Draft US Peace Deal
The reported Iran-US ceasefire memorandum, based on Tehran's previously disclosed 14-point proposal, is nearing completion but still requires final approval by Iran's competent authorities, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported. According to the report, the draft follows Iran's proposed two-stage»»»
Djuric: Serbia counts on Greece's strong support on EU path
BELGRADE - Speaking to reporters after a meeting with his Greek counterpart Giorgios Gerapetritis in Belgrade, Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Friday they had discussed a series of bilateral, regional and international affairs, with emphasis on the European future of the two countries. Serbia count»»»
China's 'goose leg auntie' in hot water for using duck meat
Beijing: A viral Chinese food merchant dubbed "goose leg auntie", famed for her roadside barbecue, has sparked a national scandal when she admitted that for years she had in fact been selling cheaper duck meat. The vendor, whose real name is Chen Xiufeng, sent shockwaves across the Chinese internet»»»
At a Libyan university once ravaged by war, students dream again
BENGHAZI: A decade after fierce battles reduced much of the University of Benghazi to rubble, students at Libya’s oldest and largest university are once again looking to the future with optimism. After the 2011 uprisings that toppled and killed longtime ruler Muammar Qaddafi, the university founded»»»
F1 sensation Antonelli has teammate Russell against the wall heading into Barcelona
MONTMELO: This was supposed to be George Russell ‘s chance to shoot for the Formula 1 title. Coming into the season as Mercedes’s presumptive lead driver, with his team producing the best car after a rulebook overhaul, Russell looked perfectly positioned to compete for the world championship after »»»
UK PM Starmer says he has not lost authority, will fight to stay in job
LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday rejected the idea that he had lost authority in his role, and said he would fight to keep his job, adding that anyone who wanted to replace him would have to deal with the same financial constraints. The comments come a day after defense minist»»»
Gaza boy, 7, with visual impairments crying over broken glasses fuels anger over Israel’s blockade
LONDON: A video of a 7-year-old Palestinian boy with visual impairments crying over his shattered glasses drew tens of millions of views this week, reigniting outrage over the conditions facing children with disabilities in Gaza, where Israel’s blockade and more than two years of war have left thou»»»
Disaster drills helped prevent more deaths when powerful quake hit the southern Philippines
MANILA: Philippine officials said Friday that years of disaster-preparedness drills helped prevent a larger casualty toll when one of the strongest earthquakes in 50 years struck the south and left 46 people dead with 38 others missing. The 7.8 magnitude offshore quake, which struck Monday off Sara»»»
Saudi Arabia takes legal action over comments on Arab state
Dubai: Saudi authorities have referred a social media user to the Public Prosecution after comments made during an online audio discussion were found to have contained offensive remarks directed at a fellow Arab state, according to Okaz newspaper. The General Authority of Media Regulation said the »»»
China’s stronger yuan may pose economic risks - UPI.com
The renminbi has risen to its strongest level in more than three years, but analysts say the gains could pressure exports and worsen deflation. The 100 Chinese yuan or Renminbi (RMB) notes in Beijing, China. Photo by MARK R. CRISTINO / EPA June 11 (Asia Today) -- China's renminbi, also known as the»»»
Hungarian forint soars to 4.5-year high against the euro: here's what happened
The Hungarian forint has climbed to its strongest level against the euro in more than four and a half years. It’s continuing a remarkable rally that has surprised many market observers and reinforced confidence in the currency’s recent performance. On Friday, the euro fell below the HUF 353 thresho»»»
Jumblat does not trust US policy amid Israel's 'boundless' expansionist aims
Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat expressed deep distrust of United States foreign policy, accusing Washington of absolute bias toward Israel. "When it comes to Israel, the U.S. is nothing but a proxy mediator relaying Israeli ideas," Jumblat told pan-Arab news channel al-Jaze»»»
Qatar rejects Washington Post allegations on LNG shutdown, calls report ‘unfounded’ and misleading
The International Media Office of the State of Qatar has categorically rejected allegations published by The Washington Post on 12 June, describing them as “entirely unfounded”. The claims suggested that operational decisions on energy production were coordinated with Iran or influenced by the conf»»»
Israeli airstrikes send thick smoke over Lebanese village
Dubai: Thick smoke rose over the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Tebnit on Friday after Israeli airstrikes hit buildings in the area, according to video footage circulating online and reports from the ground. The strikes are the latest in the escalating conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed»»»
Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker proposes renaming street in Astana - | 24.KG
Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan Marlen Mamataliev met with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his official visit to Kazakhstan. The sides discussed the development of political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation, as well as issues of interparliamentary interactio»»»
Kenya mourns schoolgirls killed in suspected dorm arson attack
GILGIL, Kenya: Kenyan families were overwhelmed with grief at a mass Friday for 16 girls killed in a suspected arson attack on their school — part of a string of pupil protests that have unnerved the country. Kenya has seen 47 fires at schools this year as pupils protest a range of issues including»»»
Netanyahu says in 'full agreement' with Trump for Iran not to acquire nuclear weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that he and U.S. President Donald Trump were in "full agreement" to keep Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a day after Trump touted an imminent deal with Tehran. "As long as I am prime minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear weapons. T»»»
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, second in line to Thai throne, dies aged 47 - UPI.com
Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand, the eldest child of King Vajiralongkorn, died on Thursday after three years in a coma caused by a severe heart condition. She was 47. File Photo by Rungroj Yongrit/EPA June 12 (UPI) -- Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest child of King Vajiralongkorn, died i»»»
Taxes for gold miners in Kyrgyzstan to depend on global precious metal prices - | 24.KG
Chairman of the State Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan, Almambet Shykmamatov, commented on upcoming legislative changes regarding taxation in the gold mining industry. According to him, the new measures are aimed at ensuring the state receives a fair share of revenues from rising global precious metal pri»»»
India summons US diplomat for second time after Gulf ship attacks
New Delhi: India summoned a senior US diplomat on Friday for a second time in two days, after American strikes on three largely Indian-crewed merchant vessels off Oman killed three Indians. The foreign ministry said it had summoned US Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Meeks to lodge "a strong protest..»»»
Syria promotes ‘Four Seas Initiative’ as regional energy and trade corridor
Washington, June 12 (SANA) Syria’s proposed “Four Seas Initiative,” an ambitious plan to transform the country into a regional hub for energy, transport and trade connectivity, received renewed attention this week during a policy discussion in Washington that brought together Syrian officials, ener»»»
Contract for Repair of Bulgarian An-30 Aircraft Extended until August 2, 2026, Defence Minister Says
Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said during Question Time in Parliament on Friday that the contract for the overhaul of the Bulgarian Air Force's An-30 transport aircraft with Ukrainian company Ukrainmash has been extended until August 2, 2026. Responding to a question from Vazrazhdane MP Ivelin »»»
Education Minister: School Curriculum Reform Could Be Completed by End-2027
A procedure to revise Bulgaria's school curricula is already under way, and the Ministry of Education and Science will seek to complete the process by the end of 2027 instead of the currently projected 2029 timeline, Education and Science Minister Georgi Valchev told journalists in Stara Zagora, So»»»
Polish officials urge Ukrainian city to drop street name honoring nationalist leader
Polish officials from the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party have urged the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia to rename a street honoring Stepan Bandera, the nationalist leader whose movement was responsible for the massacre of more than 100,000 Poles during World War II. Relations between Poland and Ukr»»»
BTA, Bulgarian Association of Recycling Sign Partnership Agreement
The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) and the Bulgarian Association of Recycling (BAR) signed a partnership agreement at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia. The agreement was signed by BTA Director General Kiril Valchev and BAR Board of Directors Chairman Zdravko Bikov. Valchev noted that with this agr»»»
Regional Development Minister: Plovdiv's Southeastern Bypass Works to Restart Once Administrative and Technical Issues Are Cleared
Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Shishkov said construction work on Plovdiv's Southeastern Bypass will restart once all administrative, technical and design issues are resolved. At Question Time on Friday, Vazrazhdane MP Angel Georgiev asked about the expected resumption of the p»»»
David Hockney, contemporary master of brilliant, bold colours, dies at 88
London: British artist David Hockney’s paintings captured the world in brilliant colour, from carefree 1960s California to the bucolic landscapes of his native Yorkshire. Hockney, who died Thursday aged 88, always retained his Yorkshire burr and a determined liking for fish and chips and cigarettes»»»
“Lebanon’s future is in the hands of the Lebanese”, Aoun says rejects Iran’s effort to link it to any US deal – Ya Libnan
Share: Summary Iran ties Lebanon ceasefire to broader deal with Washington Lebanese president says only option is to negotiate with Israel Hezbollah rejects talks, leaving Lebanon at impasse Israel demands Hezbollah be dismantled before any withdrawal Deadlock risks making displacement of Shi’ites »»»
Islamic banking: Kyrgyzstan to expand transaction opportunities - | 24.KG
President Sadyr Japarov signed a law amending the Civil Code, aimed at improving the regulation of Islamic banking and finance principles in Kyrgyzstan. The document clarifies the application of a number of financial instruments used by Islamic banks, including murabaha, musharakah, and diminishing»»»
Timmy, Germany’s humpback whale, likely lived for only 5 days after controversial rescue effort
BERLIN: The humpback whale that kept Germany spellbound for months likely lived for roughly five days after the final controversial rescue attempt failed to guide it back to its natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, officials said Friday. The whale, nicknamed “Timmy” and “Hope” by German media, wa»»»
Pope urges migrants to integrate during Canary Islands visit
SAN CRISTOBAL: Pope Leo XIV renewed his support for migrants on Friday in the Canary Islands, saying “all of us are migrants” and urged newcomers to do their part to integrate, on the final day of a weeklong visit to Spain focused on migration issues. Calling integration a “reciprocal journey,” the»»»
Public Council Members Take Part in Central Election Commission Candidate Hearings for First Time, President Says
Opening public hearings at the President's Administration building on Friday, President Iliana Iotova said members of the Public Council to the Central Election Commission (CEC) would take part for the first time in the vetting of candidates nominated for members by parliamentary represented partie»»»
Sharjah-based Kerala expat plans family holiday after Dh500,000 Big Ticket win
Dubai: A long-awaited stroke of luck has given a Sharjah-based salesman the chance to create new memories with his family. Jinoy Kumar, a 42-year-old expatriate from Kerala, has won Dh500,000 in Big Ticket's series 287. The prize has been part of a combined Dh1.95 million in consolation prizes won »»»
India summons US diplomat for second time after Gulf ship attacks
NEW DELHI: India summoned a senior US diplomat on Friday for a second time in two days, after American strikes on three largely Indian-crewed merchant vessels off Oman killed three Indians. The foreign ministry said it had summoned US Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Meeks to lodge “a strong protest …»»»
Sovereignty Is Russia's Absolute Value, Huge Price Paid for It - Ambassador to US
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Sovereignty is Russia's absolute value, for which a huge price has been paid, Russian Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiev said on Thursday. "For us, sovereignty is an absolute value, for which a huge price has been paid," Darchiev said at a gala reception at the Russi»»»
UAE’s Majid Al Futtaim denies Tilal Al Ghaf home delivery delays due to war
Dubai: Majid Al Futtaim has said construction at Tilal Al Ghaf remains on schedule, after recent reporting linked customer notifications to possible delivery concerns at the Dubai residential community. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The developer said the notices wer»»»
Media Review: June 12
OVERVIEW No single topic dominates Friday’s media. POLITICS Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov in an interview for Bulgarian National Television’s morning programme said that ammunition or weaponry cannot be provided if doing so would violate the law and reduce stocks below the required minimum leve»»»
India summons US diplomat for second time after Gulf ship attacks
NEW DELHI: India summoned a senior US diplomat on Friday for a second time in two days, after American strikes on three largely Indian-crewed merchant vessels off Oman killed three Indians. The foreign ministry said it had summoned US Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Meeks to lodge “a strong protest …»»»
Majid Al Futtaim says Tilal Al Ghaf delivery dates unchanged
Dubai: Majid Al Futtaim has said construction at Tilal Al Ghaf remains on schedule, after recent reporting linked customer notifications to possible delivery concerns at the Dubai residential community. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The developer said the notices wer»»»