Veteran dissident who refused exile released
Belarus has released jailed veteran opposition politician Mikola Statkevich, who refused to go into exile last year in a US-brokered prisoner release. The 69-year-old was now at home and recovering from a stroke which had affected his speech, his wife Marina Adamovich said. Statkevich spent more th»»»
Bulgaria Commemorates National Hero Vasil Levski
The 153rd anniversary of national hero Vasil Levski's execution was commemorated across Bulgaria and around the world on February 18 and 19. A commemorative ceremony was held at the monument to Vasil Levski (1837-1873) in Sofia on Thursday. It was attended by President Iliana Iotova, National Assem»»»
Business - AI develops code faster and more reliably, solving telecom industry 'bottleneck': Airties CEO
As world leaders and tech executives congregate in New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit, we spoke to Metin Taskin, CEO of Airties, about the impact the technology is having on the telecom sector. He explained that AI allows for faster and more reliable coding, which was one of the industry's biggest »»»
People & Profit - China's Zeekr to launch EV sales in France
The automobile industry has been steering towards an electric future. In Europe, sales of both fully electric and hybrid cars have risen as costs drop and technology improves. Competition within the industry is fierce, and new players are challenging legacy carmakers. The Chinese brand Zeekr »»»
Zuckerberg testifies in social media addiction trial
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has rejected allegations that his Instagram platform deliberately targets children and damages their mental health, in a trial that could open the floodgates to a wave of judgments against the social media giant. Zuckerberg took the stand in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wedne»»»
West Virginia AG says Apple enables sharing of child sex abuse materials - UPI.com
West Virginia's attorney general accuses Apple of knowingly enabling the storage and distribution of child sex abuse materials on its iOS and iCloud servers in a state lawsuit filed on Thursday. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Apple's iCloud and iOS services allowed th»»»
Sharjah Charity rolls out 30,000 iftars
Sharjah Charity International has begun distributing 30,000 iftar meals for fasting individuals at 129 locations across the emirate, as part of a wider campaign aiming to provide one million meals throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The meals, prepared under strict quality and safety standards, i»»»
Dubai Police kick off Ramadan Games Championship with 25 competitions
Dubai Police will kick off the “Ramadan Games Championship” on Friday, bringing together police personnel and community members in a wide-ranging sporting event aimed at promoting fitness and strengthening community ties. The championship, organised by the Dubai Police Sports Excellence Centre in c»»»
Qatar reaffirms firm, unwavering support for Palestinian cause and steadfastness of Palestinian people
NEW YORK: The State of Qatar reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, based on international law and the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East »»»
Yemen PM Announces Comprehensive Reform Plan with Saudi Support
Yemen’s new government convened its first cabinet meeting on Thursday in the temporary capital Aden, with Prime Minister Shayea al-Zindani presiding after ministers completed their return to the country to resume duties, in what officials cast as the start of a hands-on push to stabilize security, »»»
MoI warns against speeding before iftar as residents share Ramadan road concerns
Doha, Qatar: As the holy month of Ramadan started on February 18 in Qatar, streets across the country reflect the spirit of reflection and generosity. Yet one recurring concern that resurfaces every year is the excessive speeding during the final hour before iftar. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) on»»»
Protesters Demand Justice in Murder Case of Evgeniya Vladimirova
Citizens gathered in front of the Palace of Justice in Sofia on Thursday evening in protest over the latest court ruling in the murder case of Evgeniya Vladimirova. The case concerns the October 2021 killing of Evgeniya Vladimirova in Sofia's Lagera borough. The woman’s body was found in a suitcase»»»
Saudi Arabia Allows Contracting Exceptions for Firms without Regional HQ
Saudi Arabia has introduced greater flexibility into its investment environment, allowing government entities, under strict controls to safeguard spending efficiency and ensure the delivery of critical projects, to seek exceptions to contract with international companies that do not have regional h»»»
Trump's Board of Peace members pledge $7bn in Gaza relief
Several countries which have signed up to Donald Trump's Board of Peace have contributed more than $7bn (£5.2bn) towards a Gaza "relief package", the US president has said. Trump made the announcement during the first meeting of the organisation that many of US's Western allies have refused to join»»»
Peru heads to April election under legally embattled interim president
Peru’s Congress has appointed José María Balcázar Zelada, an 83-year-old legislator from Perú Libre, as interim president of the Republic until July 28 2026, following the censure of former head of state José Jerí. The decision, adopted in an extraordinary plenary session on February 18, places Bal»»»
US thwarts escape of 6,000 IS detainees from Syria to Iraq
US officials have said that a potential prison break involving thousands of Islamic State detainees in northern Syria could have “changed the region, and possibly the world, overnight”, describing a behind-the-scenes operation to transfer the inmates to Iraq as a race against time. »»»
How self-drilling “e-seeds” dropped by drones can mitigate Aral Sea disaster
Climate change is largely driven by human activity – industrial emissions and the overuse of natural resources. Those who study the field know that one of the most striking examples of environmental mismanagement is the drying of the Aral Sea. »»»
US thwarts escape of 6,000 IS detainees from Syria to Iraq
US officials have said that a potential prison break involving thousands of Islamic State detainees in northern Syria could have “changed the region, and possibly the world, overnight”, describing a behind-the-scenes operation to transfer the inmates to Iraq as a race against time. »»»
European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»
COMMENT: Why UK-Kazakhstan economic cooperation matters today
Economic relationships that endure are those anchored in substance: trade, investment, production, skills and shared standards. The partnership between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom increasingly reflects this practical foundation. More than three decades after the establishment of diplomatic re»»»
European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»
European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»
European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»
European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»
European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»
Egypt road crash kills 18 near Port Said
At least 18 people were killed and three injured in a road accident south of Port Said on Thursday after a heavy lorry collided with a pickup truck carrying workers, Egyptian authorities said. The crash occurred on a highway within Port Said governorate, according to an official statement. The pick»»»
George Sharkov Assumes Office as Caretaker Minister of Electronic Governance
Outgoing Minister of Electronic Governance Valentin Mundrov handed over the ministry to his successor, caretaker minister George Sharkov. The two agreed on the need for continuity and sustainability in the ministry's policies, so as to ensure the implementation of priority tasks in the areas of ele»»»
Korman Ismailov Takes Charge of Transport and Communications Ministry
The caretaker Minister of Transport and Communications, Korman Ismailov, formally assumed leadership of the ministry from Grozdan Karadjov on Thursday. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ismailov said he would work to increase public trust in the institution and accelerate work at all levels. "Ensu»»»
Rescue operation underway on Mt Parnassos for disoriented climbers
A major search and rescue operation has been launched on Mount Parnassos, in Central Greece, for a group of climbers who reportedly became disoriented in dense fog. The operation is centered on the Gerontovrachos mountain, which rises to 2,389 meters. The climbers are understood to have sent a dist»»»
MOCI invites public to take part in survey on digital delivery services in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) on Thursday invited the public to participate in a Consumer Experience Survey on purchasing through delivery companies via digital platforms and applications in the State of Qatar. The survey aims to measure and evaluate the quality of deliv»»»
European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»
Abu Dhabi police win 19 awards at minister of interior excellence ceremony
The General Headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police won 19 awards at the 7th edition of the Minister of Interior Excellence Award 2026, held at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony took place in the presence of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of»»»
European leaders told to ‘keep their mouth shut’ on nukes
European leaders should keep their “mouth shut” on nuclear deterrence, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken said on Wednesday, calling out their public statements on the issue as particularly ill-timed and inappropriate. Talk of Europe developing its own nuclear deterrent has intensified since Was»»»
CIA knew about Kiev plot to blow up Nord Stream – Der Spiegel
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) discussed a plan to blow up the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea with Ukrainian saboteurs, German outlet Der Spiegel has reported, citing sources in Kiev. Berlin apparently believes the September 2022 blasts that crippled the key connectors that deliv»»»
US-Iran tension: Why Tehran may choose confrontation over 'surrender'
The continued build-up of US military in the Gulf region now points less to signalling and more to preparation. The arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group near Iranian waters is already a significant move. Another aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, was last seen near the Stra»»»
Four militants killed in security operation in northwestern Pakistan
Islamabad: The Pakistani military announced Thursday that four militants were killed during a security operation in the country's northwest. In a statement, the army said its forces carried out the operation based on intelligence reports after tracking the movement of armed militants in Lakki Marwa»»»
Two police officers on Rhodes investigated for moneylending and drug dealing
The police’s internal affairs unit are investigating the suspected involvement of two officers in moneylending and drug dealing on the Dodecanese island of Rhodes. A team from the unit carried out raids and seizures on the island, focusing on the two officers, who held key posts at the Dodecanese p»»»
George Sharkov Assumes Office as Minister of Electronic Governance
Outgoing Minister of Electronic Governance Valentin Mundrov handed over the ministry to his successor, caretaker minister George Sharkov. The two agreed on the need for continuity and sustainability in the ministry's policies, so as to ensure the implementation of priority tasks in the areas of ele»»»
Sofia Mayor Terziev: Honouring Levski Is Not Merely Act of Historical Remembrance, It Is Moral Compass
In his address at the ceremony marking the 153rd anniversary of the death of the Apostle of Freedom on Thursday, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said that "Today, honouring Levski is not merely an act of historical remembrance, it is a moral compass." "We commemorate 153 years since the death of Vasil L»»»
Ashghal announces partial closure at Souq Al Wakra Intersection
Doha, Qatar: The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announces a partial nighttime closure at Souq Al Wakra Intersection for traffic coming from Al Jabal Street, while keeping the remaining directions at the intersection open to traffic. The closure will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 3a»»»
Patriarch Daniil: Levski's Legacy Guides Bulgarians Amid New Social Divisions and Challenges
After officiating a memorial service marking the 153rd death anniversary of the revolutionary Vasil Levski (1837-1873) at the Saint Sophia Church in Sofia, Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil said in his address that the example and legacy of Vasil Levski are needed today, at a tim»»»
Rafah Crossing Traffic Lags Two Weeks after Reopening
Despite nearly two weeks since the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, the number of people and humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip falls short of what was agreed under the “Gaza ceasefire agreement,” according to an official from the Egyptian Red Crescent in North Sinai. The d»»»
MP Ahmed Saidani handed eight-month prison sentence, says judicial source
Tunis, Feb. 19 (TAP) – The Tunis Court of First Instance on Thursday sentenced MP Ahmed Saidani to eight months in prison for offending others via public telecommunications networks, a judicial source told TAP.MP Ahmed Saidani was arrested on...»»»
Cold front to bring storms, hail and dust across Greece
Weather is expected to worsen on Friday, with the National Meteorological Service (EMY) issuing an urgent bulletin and forecasting a structured cold front bringing rain, thunderstorms and strong winds as it moves from east to west. According to EMY, rain and storms will mainly affect the Ionian isl»»»
Epstein, Ex-Prince Andrew and the Moral Bankruptcy of the Church of England
On February 19, British media reported that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, had been detained by police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Recently-released Epstein files in the US reportedly contain compromising documents about former Prince Andrew's friendship w»»»
Fine Arts Commission approves Trump's ballroom plan - UPI.com
1 of 5 | A tower crane is seen in the White House ballroom construction zone where the East wing previously stood at the White House in Washington, D.C.' on Jan. 13. Democrats are asking the nonprofit group that manages donations to the White House ballroom for details on how much has been raised a»»»
Israeli drones raid the outskirts of Nabi Sheit town, in Bekaa, northeastern Lebanon: Al-Manar reporter - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli drones raid the outskirts of Nabi Sheit town, in Bekaa, northeastern Lebanon: Al-Manar reporter 19-02-2026 19:12 PM Latest News Urg»»»
President Donald Trump Announces International Contributions for Gaza Peace Effort
President of the United States Donald Trump stated Thursday that, in addition to the funds being raised by several countries, Kosovo, Albania, and other nations will contribute troops and police forces to support peace efforts in Gaza. “We have received a very positive response from Europe. We have»»»
Trump Meets Balkan Leaders After Peace Board Session in Washington
At the conclusion of a Peace Board meeting in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump met with participating leaders, including Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani. The three exchanged brief remarks during the encounter, though details of their discussion were not imm»»»