UN chief calls for immediate ceasefire after Pakistan declares ‘open war’ on Afghanistan
UN Chief António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, after Islamabad conducted airstrikes in Kabul and three other Afghan provinces on Friday. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared "open war" after his country ran out of “patience” fo»»»
Pakistan-Afghanistan 'open war': How and why we got here?
Pakistan was once viewed as the sponsor and chief backer of Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. But when Islamabad declared “open war” on Kabul Friday, it marked a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two countries and underscored the regional security implications in a volatile zone. Shortly af»»»
Wrestling tournament in Albania: Kyrgyzstani Gulnura Tashtanbekova wins bronze - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstani Gulnura Tashtanbekova won a bronze medal at a ranking wrestling tournament in Albania, the United World Wrestling (UWW) reported. In the 65-kilogram weight class, Gulnura Tashtanbekova lost to Alina Kasabieva from Russia in the quarterfinals. However, the Russian representative advanced»»»
EU unlocks funds for 'safe' abortion access after million-strong petition
The European Commission said Thursday that member states will be able to tap into a social fund to help women access safe abortion care. This comes after a "My Voice, My Choice" campaign called on the bloc to create a funding mechanism to help women from EU countries with severe restrictions o»»»
A propos - 'Security, dilemma over Greenland have enhanced urgency' for EU referendum in Iceland
Iceland's government will soon propose a date for a referendum on resuming talks for its possible accession to the EU, the country's foreign ministry told AFP on Thursday. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks with Eirikur Bergmann, Professor of Politics at Bifröst University, who says that "the securi»»»
Focus - Solidarity in the Arctic Circle: Indigenous peoples united against Trump's threats
Spread across eight nation-states, the Arctic Circle is home to a number of Indigenous peoples. US President Donald Trump's ambitions to take control of Greenland have caused concern but also kindled solidarity amongst these peoples, who call the coldest parts of the world home. FRANCE 24's Isabell»»»
Europe Rendezvous - Warning: French regions at risk! Part 1: Corsica
France is a poor performer when it comes to cohesion in Europe and is marked by growing regional inequalities, despite being allocated a whopping €18 billion in EU cohesion funding for 2021-2027. Numerous regions risk falling into a "development trap": after a period of growth, they stagnate o»»»
Talking Europe - Cancer rates rise amid inequalities between EU members
European countries have some of the best public health systems in the world. And yet cancer rates have been going up, according to the European Commission. For instance, in 2022, there was a 2.3 percent increase on the year 2020. The International Agency for Research on Cancer says it expects cases»»»
Special ops: Trump’s go-to foreign policy tool
As war clouds gather over Iran, with American warships lurking nearby, it is worth noting that US President Donald Trump’s favoured foreign policy tool whilst in office appears to be the country’s much-vaunted Special Forces. Both the January 2020 assassination of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani »»»
Why an Ethiopian Red Sea presence is a red line for Egypt
Ethiopia’s push for Red Sea access will have consequences that reach far beyond the Horn of Africa, not least because littoral states are staunchly opposed to Addis Ababa gaining a sovereign foothold on this crucial trade artery. With 132 million people, landlocked Ethiopia is Africa’s second-most »»»
EEC introduces tariff exemption for import of cattle meat into EAEU countries - | 24.KG
The Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) approved a tariff benefit providing for exemption from import customs duties on certain types of beef imported into the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2026, the EEC press service reported. The measure allows duty-free imports»»»
Wrestling tournament in Albania: Meerim Zhumanazarova wins silver - | 24.KG
Meerim Zhumanazarova won a silver medal at a ranking wrestling tournament in Albania, the United World Wrestling (UWW) reported. In the 68-kilogram weight class, the Kyrgyzstani lost 0-2 to Yuliana Yaneva from Bulgaria in the gold medal bout. Earlier, Meerim Zhumanazarova had defeated athletes from»»»
EU Commission triggers provisional application of Mercosur trade pact
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on February 27 that Brussels would provisionally implement the controversial trade agreement with Mercosur, triggering a sharp rebuke from France and exposing deepening rifts within the bloc over one of the most ambitious trade pacts in r»»»
EU Commission triggers provisional application of Mercosur trade pact
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on February 27 that Brussels would provisionally implement the controversial trade agreement with Mercosur, triggering a sharp rebuke from France and exposing deepening rifts within the bloc over one of the most ambitious trade pacts in r»»»
Israeli leaders and citizens begin emergency preparations amid US-Iran war concerns
Amid rising concerns over a potential US-Iran war, Israeli citizens are on high alert in preparation for any potential attacks against the country by Tehran. Diplomatic efforts in Geneva stalled on February 26 between the »»»
Great Game rekindled in four-hour Pakistan-Afghanistan border war
The long-simmering stand-off between Pakistan and Afghanistan tipped over into open warfare late on February 26, continuing into the following day, with both sides trading air strikes, artillery fire and accusations of being sponsors of terror sponsorship in the most serious escalation along t»»»
Great Game rekindled in four-hour Pakistan-Afghanistan border war
The long-simmering stand-off between Pakistan and Afghanistan tipped over into open warfare late on February 26, continuing into the following day, with both sides trading air strikes, artillery fire and accusations of being sponsors of terror sponsorship in the most serious escalation along t»»»
Israeli leaders and citizens begin emergency preparations amid US-Iran war concerns
Amid rising concerns over a potential US-Iran war, Israeli citizens are on high alert in preparation for any potential attacks against the country by Tehran. Diplomatic efforts in Geneva stalled on February 26 between the »»»
EU sanctions envoy arrives in Bishkek to warn Kyrgyzstan over shipping of ‘war machine’ goods to Russia
EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan arrived in Bishkek on February 26 to warn Kyrgyzstan’s government that its heavy “re-export” flows to Russia of dual-use European goods must be stopped. In a wry comment on how he is not»»»
EU Commission triggers provisional application of Mercosur trade pact
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on February 27 that Brussels would provisionally implement the controversial trade agreement with Mercosur, triggering a sharp rebuke from France and exposing deepening rifts within the bloc over one of the most ambitious trade pacts in r»»»
EU Commission triggers provisional application of Mercosur trade pact
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on February 27 that Brussels would provisionally implement the controversial trade agreement with Mercosur, triggering a sharp rebuke from France and exposing deepening rifts within the bloc over one of the most ambitious trade pacts in r»»»
Ukraine’s war is “our war”, Poland’s Sikorski says in policy speech
Ukraine’s defensive war against Russia is “our war”, and its outcome will shape the geopolitical future of the European Union, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said on February 26. Presenting the government’s fo»»»
MOL gives ultimatum to Janaf and warns of legal steps in Russian oil dispute
Hungary's MOL group is calling on Croatia’s state-controlled oil pipeline operator Janaf to provide guarantees by February 27 for the passage of Russian oil shipments arriving by sea, which are not affected by sanctions, otherwise MOL will contact the European Commission and may initiate compensati»»»
EU Commission triggers provisional application of Mercosur trade pact
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on February 27 that Brussels would provisionally implement the controversial trade agreement with Mercosur, triggering a sharp rebuke from France and exposing deepening rifts within the bloc over one of the most ambitious trade pacts in r»»»
EU Commission triggers provisional application of Mercosur trade pact
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on February 27 that Brussels would provisionally implement the controversial trade agreement with Mercosur, triggering a sharp rebuke from France and exposing deepening rifts within the bloc over one of the most ambitious trade pacts in r»»»
Moldova pushes for faster, broader integration of separatist Transnistria
Moldova’s ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which holds a parliamentary majority, has tabled a draft law aimed at extending the country’s tax regime to companies operating in the separatist region of Transnistria, in what appears to be a coordinated push for deeper reintegration. »»»
EU Commission triggers provisional application of Mercosur trade pact
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on February 27 that Brussels would provisionally implement the controversial trade agreement with Mercosur, triggering a sharp rebuke from France and exposing deepening rifts within the bloc over one of the most ambitious trade pacts in r»»»
MOL gives ultimatum to Janaf and warns of legal steps in Russian oil dispute
Hungary's MOL group is calling on Croatia’s state-controlled oil pipeline operator Janaf to provide guarantees by February 27 for the passage of Russian oil shipments arriving by sea, which are not affected by sanctions, otherwise MOL will contact the European Commission and may initiate compensati»»»
Ukraine’s war is “our war”, Poland’s Sikorski says in policy speech
Ukraine’s defensive war against Russia is “our war”, and its outcome will shape the geopolitical future of the European Union, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said on February 26. Presenting the government’s fo»»»
EU Commission triggers provisional application of Mercosur trade pact
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on February 27 that Brussels would provisionally implement the controversial trade agreement with Mercosur, triggering a sharp rebuke from France and exposing deepening rifts within the bloc over one of the most ambitious trade pacts in r»»»
EU sanctions envoy arrives in Bishkek to warn Kyrgyzstan over shipping of ‘war machine’ goods to Russia
EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan arrived in Bishkek on February 26 to warn Kyrgyzstan’s government that its heavy “re-export” flows to Russia of dual-use European goods must be stopped. In a wry comment on how he is not»»»
Blind refugee found dead in New York after being released by immigration authorities
A nearly-blind, non-English-speaking refugee from Myanmar has been found dead in upstate New York after being released from federal immigration custody. Nurul Amin Shah Alam was found dead on Tuesday, days after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) dropped him off at a coffee shop miles from his »»»
UAE marks Education Day, reinforcing learning as national priority
Abu Dhabi: The UAE celebrates “UAE Education Day” today, reaffirming its belief that education is the foundation of national development and a key driver for building human capital and shaping the future. Observed annually on 28 February, this occasion marks a milestone in the UAE’s history. His Hi»»»
Kyrgyzstani detained in USA: Case under supervision of Consulate General - | 24.KG
A citizen of Kyrgyzstan, A.M., has been detained in the United States. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan reported. According to the press service, the Kyrgyzstani is currently being held at the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona, which is operated by U.S. Immigration »»»
15 killed as cash-packed military plane crashes in Bolivia
La Paz: At least 15 people were killed Friday when a Bolivian military cargo plane carrying banknotes crashed while landing near the capital city La Paz, authorities said, prompting police to repel bystanders grabbing cash. The aircraft, a C-130 Hercules transport plane, veered off the runway at El»»»
Iran Agreed to Abandon Enriched Uranium Stockpiles at US Demand - Omani Foreign Minister
WASHINGTON, Sputnik - During negotiations with the United States, Iran agreed to give up all its enriched uranium stockpiles, which is one of Washington's key demands for a deal, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said. "The current stockpiles that... still exist, I think that there is agreemen»»»
Trump Announces 'Big Decision' on Iran
WASHINGTON, Sputnik - US President Donald Trump announced a "big decision" on Iran. "We have a big decision to make, not easy," Trump said of the situation in connection with the talks on the Iranian nuclear program. Trump earlier said Washington is not happy with the way Tehran negotiated.»»»
Sheikh Hamdan receives Ramadan well-wishers in Dubai
Dubai: Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, received a number of Ramadan well-wishers at his majlis in Nad Al Sheba. The gathering was attended by Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, alon»»»
Henrietta Lacks: Family of woman whose cells were 'stolen' settles second lawsuit
The family of a black woman whose cervical cells were harvested in 1951 without her knowledge and replicated infinitely ever since has reached a settlement with a second biotech company. The Switzerland-based company Novartis was accused in a lawsuit of profiting from Henrietta Lacks' cells, which »»»
UAE to see warmer, partly cloudy weather before rainfall
Dubai: The UAE is expected to see fair to partly cloudy skies on Saturday, with temperatures rising across much of the country, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. Daytime conditions will remain generally stable, though humidity is forecast to increase overnight and into Sunday morning»»»
Philippines pension boost: 10% hike this year, no contribution increase — SSS fund seen hitting ₱2 trillion
Manila: The Philippines’ state-run Social Security System (SSS) is granting a 10% pension increase this year, with another round scheduled in 2027 — and members won’t pay higher contributions. SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro said the fund remains financially strong and is on track to r»»»
DOJ charges 30 more people in Minnesota anti-ICE church protest
The US Department of Justice announced Friday that 30 more people are being charged for their roles in an anti-ICE protest staged last month at a church in Minnesota. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on social media that 25 of the 30 defendants named in a newly unsealed indictment had been arrested»»»
Kamala Harris endorses Rep. Jasmine Crockett in Texas Senate Democratic primary - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, pictured speaking at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, has been endorsed by former Vice President Kamala Harris in the Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat and who recorded a robocall for her ahead of the election on Tuesday. File Photo by Tannen»»»
President Kais Saied meets special envoy of Mauritanian President
Tunis, Feb. 28 (TAP) - President Kais Saied met on Friday afternoon at the Carthage Palace, Mauritanian Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament, and Government Spokesperson, El-Hussein Ould Meddou, who arrived in...»»»
Bill Clinton asked about hot tub photo and testifies he knew 'nothing' of Epstein crimes
Former President Bill Clinton told a congressional panel he "saw nothing," and "did nothing wrong" in relation to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The all-day hearing behind closed doors in New York featured the former president being asked about his inclusion in newly released files related »»»
UK probes Epstein’s use of RAF bases for sex trafficking
British Defense Secretary John Healey has ordered a probe into whether deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein trafficked women into the UK using Royal Air Force (RAF) bases. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has demanded a police investigation into whether King Charles’ brother Andrew Mountbatten-Wind»»»
Rubio Designates Iran 'State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention'
The United States on Friday designated Iran a "state sponsor of wrongful detention," its first such move under a new blacklist that could eventually result in a travel ban. The step comes as the United States builds up its military near Iran and threatens to strike over concerns led by its disputed»»»
Syrian Gov’t Takes Military Site From Kurds in Kobani
Washington welcomed a prisoner and detainee exchange between the Syrian government and armed factions in the predominantly Druze southern province of Sweidah, as Damascus pressed ahead with efforts to fold Kurdish security forces into the state apparatus. Syria’s Interior Ministry said the Internal»»»
OpenAI hauls in $110B in third round of funding - UPI.com
Open AI CEO Sam Altman, pictured at the White House in January, said on Friday that new deals with Amazon, Nvidia and Softbank will allow it to continue to grow with enough computing power to develop its products and applications. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Amazon,»»»