Syria’s Sharaa appoints lawmakers, paving way for new parliament to convene
Syrian authorities announced the names of 70 lawmakers on Wednesday appointed to a transitional parliament by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, paving the way to convene the body next week more than eight months after the process of forming it began. The 210-member chamber, two-thirds of which was chosen»»»
MLA claims Rs35 crore offer: Inside alleged plot to topple Vijay government
Dubai: Tamil Nadu Police are investigating an alleged conspiracy to destabilise the Vijay-led TVK government after the state intelligence department claimed it foiled a purported plot less than two months after the administration took office. According to police sources, the alleged plan involved e»»»
Iranian media says container ship ran aground after sailing non-designated Hormuz route - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iranian media says container ship ran aground after sailing non-designated Hormuz route 01-07-2026 12:23 PM Latest News Urgent News Iranian»»»
Syria president names last members to finalize first post-Assad parliament
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa finalized on Wednesday the formation of the country's first parliament in the post-Assad era, which authorities said will hold its first session on July 6. Of the last 70 lawmakers appointed, 15 are women and 13 were previously held in prison under toppled president»»»
France sets presidential election date as Macron finishes final term
France will hold the first round of its next presidential election on April 18, 2027, with a run-off set for May 2, an executive source said on Tuesday. The vote is widely seen as a pivotal test for Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally as President Emmanuel Macron prepares to leave office after»»»
“This Minimizes the Risk of Potential Attacks Near Sofia”: Bulgaria Ends U.S. Aircraft Deployment
Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced at the start of today’s government meeting that U.S. military tanker aircraft have now fully departed Bulgaria, with the withdrawal completed by the end of June as planned. He linked the departure to security considerations in the capital area. “This minimizes t»»»
Europeans show growing interest in learning new skills during their holidays
The era of “fly and flop” holidays is fading, replaced by the “skilliday” as almost half of Europeans (48%) want to learn a new skill while travelling, according to a Mastercard survey of over 27,000 travellers across 28 European countries. More than a third (37%) have already booked a holiday this»»»
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs meets UK Deputy National Security Adviser
Doha, Qatar: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, met today with Deputy National Security Adviser of the United Kingdom, HE Barbara Woodward who is currently visiting the State of Qatar. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed»»»
From Paper to Dust: Maariv Predicts Bleak Future for US-Brokered Lebanon Agreement
The newly ratified framework agreement between ‘Israel’ and Lebanon is a “beautiful” diplomatic document on paper, but its prospects for tangible implementation remain critically slim, according to a pointed analysis published Tuesday by the Israeli daily Maariv. The newspaper characterized the acc»»»
CASA-1000, energy, trade: What discussed at IMF meeting in Tashkent - | 24.KG
In Tashkent, at a meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund constituency group, Finance Minister of Kyrgyzstan Ruslan Suinaliev presented Kyrgyzstan’s position on macroeconomic development, regional cooperation, and engagement with international financial institutions, the Ministry »»»
Vucic: I discussed Serbia's EU path with European leaders in Tivat
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday he had discussed the future of the EU and Serbia's European path with the leaders of the EU and chief EU member states at a recent summit in Tivat, Montenegro. Vucic said this in response to an Informer TV request to comment on a repor»»»
Russia Wants ICRC to Be Strengthened Based on Independence, Impartiality - Lavrov
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia wants the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to be strengthened based on the principles of independence and impartiality, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday. "Of course, we want to strengthen the International Committee of the Red Cross b»»»
Syria announces presidential list to People’s Assembly, first session set for July 6
Damascus, July 1 (SANA) Syria’s Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections on Wednesday announced the names of the members of the new People’s Assembly, including those elected by voters and those appointed by the President of the Republic in accordance with his constitutional powers. Speakin»»»
Bulgaria Approves 2026 Budget: Spending Rises by Billions, Higher Costs for Defense, Pensions, and EU-Funded ProjectsOpinions
The Council of Ministers has approved the draft state budget for 2026, with Finance Minister Galab Donev saying the proposal now moves to the National Assembly for detailed debate and amendments, where he expects “serious, responsible and meaningful work” on its final shape. Presenting the main par»»»
Tourism Minister Dimitrov: Bulgaria Ends "Tourism Hiatus" with New Reform ModelOpinions
Bulgaria is launching a new phase in the management of its tourism sector, with the government and industry representatives beginning joint work on long-standing problems through a new reform framework. Speaking ahead of the inaugural meeting of the Council for Tourism Reforms at the Council of Min»»»
COMMENT: Steadily but surely, Erdogan has broken with Putin
Steadily but surely, almost imperceptibly, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has in the past two years broken from his accommodation with Vladimir Putin. At least that’s the contention of a good many Turkey analysts as the country’s president prepares to host the July 7-8 Nato leaders’ summit that should at lon»»»
COMMENT: Steadily but surely, Erdogan has broken with Putin
Steadily but surely, almost imperceptibly, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has in the past two years broken from his accommodation with Vladimir Putin. At least that’s the contention of a good many Turkey analysts as the country’s president prepares to host the July 7-8 Nato leaders’ summit that should at lon»»»
North Korea's unlikely economic revival reshapes life in Pyongyang as Russia and China deepen support
Pariah no longer, since the war in Ukraine started, Russian and Chinese money has poured into Pyongyang, fuelling a rapid economic development and unexpected real estate boom in a country better known for repression and poverty. Decades of sanctions, international isolation and chronic shortages le»»»
Movement for Rights and Freedoms Calls for Investigation on Alleged Illegal Surveillance of Its Chair Peevski
The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) has filed a report with the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office requesting an investigation into whether the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDCOC) unlawfully collected information on MRF Chair Delyan Peevski or used special surveillance mean»»»
Beccacece steps down as Ecuador manager
Mexico City: Sebastian Beccacece announced he would step down as Ecuador manager after his side's elimination from the World Cup by Mexico on Tuesday. "My contract ends as soon as the World Cup is over, and since we didn't achieve what we promised, the best thing is to step aside," Beccacece told r»»»
Deputy Prime Minister receives UK Deputy National Security Adviser
Doha, Qatar: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani received HE Barbara Woodward, Deputy National Security Adviser for International Affairs at the UK Cabinet Office, and her accompanying delegation during her visit to th»»»
Global shares trade mixed while dollar hits 40-year high against yen
Global shares were mixed on Wednesday as uncertainty persisted over conflict in the Middle East and access to the crucial Strait of Hormuz despite an initial deal to end the U.S.-Iran war. France's CAC 40 declined 0.3% in early trading to 8,379.92, while the German DAX added 0.3% to 25,069.53. Brit»»»
US, Canada, Mexico begin bumpy negotiations to renew North American trade pact
Tourists from Chattanooga check into beach resorts in Cancun. Canadian auto parts feed factories in the American Midwest – and vice versa. Happy Hour revelers raise glasses of Mexican tequila and mezcal at bars in Seattle. It adds up. The United States trades $1.9 trillion a year -- $5 billion a da»»»
Anthropic to restore global access to most powerful AI models
Anthropic said on Tuesday it would restore global access to its most advanced AI models after the US government lifted export restrictions imposed earlier this month over national security concerns. The decision marks a reversal after the company worked with Washington to strengthen safeguards arou»»»
Russian Forces Liberate Ukrainskoye Settlement in Kharkov Region - MoD
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have taken control of the settlement of Ukrainskoye in the Kharkov region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. "As a result of active and decisive actions, units of Battlegroup Sever established control over the Ukrainskoye settlement of the K»»»
Israel defense minister says troops to stay ‘indefinitely’ in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza
JERUSALEM: Israel’s defense minister said Wednesday that Israeli forces would remain in self-proclaimed “security zones” established in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, without any timeline for withdrawal. “The IDF will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza indefinitely in order to protec»»»
Two people die from suffocation during World Cup celebrations in Mexico
MEXICO CITY: Two people died from suffocation as thousands of fans crowded Mexico City streets during World Cup celebrations, the capital’s health secretariat said in the early hours of Wednesday. The incident occurred on Hamburgo and Lancaster Streets, near the Angel of Independence landmar»»»
France introduces extra parental leave to boost birth rates
PARIS: France on Wednesday launched new paid leave for both mothers and fathers, as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to boost the country’s sluggish birth rate. In 2024, Macron unveiled a plan to combat infertility and the declining birth rate, saying it would help pave the way toward what he descri»»»
UAE gets fresh supply of Philippine MD2 pineapples as imports gather pace
Dubai: A fresh shipment of 18 tonnes of Philippine MD2 pineapples has arrived in the Emirates, marking what exporters say is the start of regular deliveries to meet growing demand for tropical fruit in the UAE. The shipment, made up of 1,500 boxes of pineapples grown in South Cotabato in the southe»»»
Labor Minister underscores need to strengthen partnership with private sector
Minister of Labor Hassan Raddad reaffirmed on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the government’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with the private sector, saying stable employment and safe working conditions are key to sustaining production and attracting investment. During a visit to Rameda Pharmaceu»»»
Amir sends congratulations to President of Burundi
Doha, Qatar:The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Burundi HE Evariste Ndayishimiye on the occasion of his country's Independence Day.»»»
Oman to subsidise India-Oman food shipping route to boost national food security and cut logistics costs
Dubai: Oman will subsidise 50% of the fuel and insurance costs for food shipments transported by Asyad Shipping, the maritime arm of Asyad Group, on the maritime route between India and the Sultanate for up to six months, as part of government measures to strengthen food security and reduce logisti»»»
Oman, France sign $400 million Sohar Port deal to build global logistics hub and boost trade
Dubai: Oman's state-owned logistics group Asyad and French shipping giant CMA CGM have signed a $400 million agreement to develop a major logistics terminal at Sohar Port, in a move aimed at transforming the industrial city into a leading regional and international trade hub. The agreement was sign»»»
Seoul mayor begins 5th term with promise of more opportunities for young people - UPI.com
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon takes the oath of office during his inauguration ceremony at Seoul City Hall on Wednesday. Pool Photo by Yonhap Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon promised Wednesday to provide more opportunities for the younger generation, who are facing severe economic threats, including drastic change»»»
Russia Surges Into World's Top Two Ranking for Fastest-Growing Household Wealth
Over the five years leading up to 2025, Russia climbed to second place globally in household asset growth, according to the 2026 UBS Global Wealth Report. Wealth, as defined in the report, is the total value of financial and real assets minus all outstanding liabilities, with all figures adjusted f»»»
Israel defense minister says troops to stay 'indefinitely' in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza
Israel's defense minister said Wednesday that Israeli forces would remain in so-called security zones established in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, without any timeline for withdrawal. "The IDF will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza indefinitely in order to protect our residents and»»»
Pavăl Holding’s financing for Carrefour acquisition, the largest in Banca Transilvania’s history
“This is a landmark moment for Banca Transilvania as well, confirming our ability to support local champions and large-scale projects. We are ready to support projects that have a direct impact on millions of customers and the entire business environment. We thank our client, Pavăl Holding, for the»»»
Media Review: July 1
HEADLINES The leading topics across Bulgarian media on Wednesday are the government’s efforts to stabilize Lukoil Neftochim Burgas, the debate over road safety and guardrail contracts after recent fatal crashes, and criticism of the draft 2026 State Budget. Bulgarian National Television (BNT) and T»»»
Russian Citizens Living in Bulgaria, Russia Donate 17 Off-Road Vehicles in Support of Ukrainian Armed Forces
Russian citizens have donated 17 off-road vehicles in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Gennadiy Vorobyov of the Bessarabian Front told journalists in Sofia on Wednesday. The vehicles, bearing Ukrainian flags on their windscreens, were parked in the morning near the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathe»»»
Amir sends congratulations to Governor General of Canada
Doha, Qatar: The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the Governor General of Canada HE Louise Arbour on the occasion of Canada Day.»»»
Amir sends congratulations to President of Somalia
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on the occasion of his country's Independence Day.»»»
Amir sends congratulations to President of Rwanda
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Rwanda HE Paul Kagame on the occasion of his country's Independence Day.»»»
S. Korea's Lee vows continued efforts to replace inter-Korean armistice with peace regime - UPI.com
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (C) poses for a photo during a meeting of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council at a hotel in Incheon on Wednesday. Pool Photo by Yonhap President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday the government will pursue sustained efforts to engage North Korea and replace the»»»
Sweden activists plan climate demo weeks before election
STOKHOLM: More than 100 organizations are planning a climate protest in Sweden weeks before a September general election, sharpening criticism of a government long accused of failing to act on pledges to reduce CO2 emissions.Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing government has cut petrol taxe»»»
Jordan’s economy grows 2.9% in Q1
RIYADH: Jordan’s real gross domestic product grew 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 2.7 percent a year earlier, despite regional challenges stemming from the war, official data showed. According to quarterly estimates released by the Department of Statistics, agriculture recorded th»»»
STRABAG consolidates building materials business under new umbrella brand roxit
”Going forward, various specialised units will operate together under the clearly defined roxit umbrella brand, delivering services such as joint sealing and milling in road construction, concrete production, the manufacture of mineral-based construction and insulation materials, as well as recycli»»»
Romania remains broadly pro-EU but reports lower quality of life satisfaction than bloc average – Eurobarometer
Romanians remain broadly positive about the European Union and see membership as beneficial, but they are significantly less satisfied with their quality of life than the EU average, according to the European Parliament’s Spring 2026 Eurobarometer. The survey, carried out between April 9 and May 4 »»»
Parliament Rejects Bill to Increase Childcare Benefit for Mothers Returning to Work Early
The National Assembly rejected at first reading proposed amendments to the Social Security Code submitted by Continue the Change, which sought to increase compensation from 50% to 100% for mothers who return to work before the end of their maternity leave, thereby foregoing leave related to pregnan»»»
EGX30 faces a new support level at 7425 points
Ihab Saeed, managing Director at Osool ESB Securities Brokerage, said that Egyptian Exchange (EGX) benchmark index EGX30 is facing a new support level at 7425 points, during this week’s trading. In case it failed to remain above it, it will probably keep falling downward at 7280 points. In a statem»»»
Region Trade Bank strengthens international governance as Iraq and the Gulf deepen financial cooperation
Doha, Qatar: Region Trade Bank (RTB) has announced the appointment of a new Board of Directors comprising internationally recognised experts in financial integrity, banking supervision, sanctions policy and payment systems, reinforcing the bank's commitment to international best practice as Iraq's »»»