Thailand offers backing for Myanmar’s bid to normalize ASEAN ties
BANGKOK: Thailand wants to play a leading role in Myanmar’s bid to normalize its ties with Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN after five years on the sidelines, the Thai foreign minister said ahead of a meeting on Wednesday with new President Min Aung Hlaing. Former military chief Min Aung Hlaing led a 20»»»
Reporters - Why are so many Colombians fighting for Ukraine?
On the most dangerous parts of Ukraine's front line, it's almost as common these days to hear Spanish as Ukrainian. Many Colombian soldiers are now fighting in Ukraine, lured by the comparatively high salaries, but also by a sense of adventure and of helping a good cause. Our reporters Gulliver Cra»»»
Meta to cut workforce by 10% as artificial intelligence spending surges
Meta outlined plans to cut about 8,000 jobs on Thursday as it invests heavily in artificial intelligence. The move comes as part of a broader tech-sector shift towards cost control, with Microsoft also weighing voluntary buyouts ahead of next week’s earnings reports. Meta plans to cut a tenth of it»»»
Al-Ahli reaching back-to-back ACL finals is ‘incredible,’ says Mahrez
JEDDAH: Riyad Mahrez says Al-Ahli have achieved something “incredible” in reaching back-to-back Asian Champions League finals, but warned his side not to underestimate their opponents — Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia — in the Jeddah showdown on Saturday. Mahrez, 35, told a press conference in Jeddah on »»»
Gaza Reconstruction Back on the Table, Parallel Track to the Board of Peace
The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip has returned to the agenda in recent days during Egyptian talks with international parties, amid a stalemate in implementing the ceasefire and earlier reports of funding problems facing the “Board of Peace” led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Those reports were »»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
Lebanon urges UN action over Israel's targeting of journalists amid reports of IDF looting
Lebanon has appealed to the United Nations to intervene over what it calls Israel's deliberate targeting of media workers, citing 28 journalist deaths since October 2023, as Israeli soldiers admit to large-scale looting of civilian property in the south of the country. »»»
Lebanon urges UN action over Israel's targeting of journalists amid reports of IDF looting
Lebanon has appealed to the United Nations to intervene over what it calls Israel's deliberate targeting of media workers, citing 28 journalist deaths since October 2023, as Israeli soldiers admit to large-scale looting of civilian property in the south of the country. »»»
Lebanon urges UN action over Israel's targeting of journalists amid reports of IDF looting
Lebanon has appealed to the United Nations to intervene over what it calls Israel's deliberate targeting of media workers, citing 28 journalist deaths since October 2023, as Israeli soldiers admit to large-scale looting of civilian property in the south of the country. »»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
Slovenia’s political vacuum fuels debate over sweeping economic reform bill
Slovenia has entered a period of political uncertainty following the inconclusive March 22 elections, but the absence of a new government has not prevented a fierce debate over a far-reaching draft development law that could reshape the country’s tax and social systems. »»»
Poland's Tusk warns Russia could attack NATO in months
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia could attack a NATO member within months and openly questioned whether the United States would honour its mutual defence commitment in the event of such an attack, Financial Times reported on April 24. »»»
Russia strips Ukrainian-born woman of citizenship over online anti-Russian posts
Russia has stripped a 44-year-old woman born in Ukraine's Sumy region of her Russian citizenship over online anti-Russian posts and statements, state news agency RIA Novosti reported on April 24, citing a law enforcement source. »»»
Russia's central bank cuts rate to 14.5% in eighth consecutive cut
The Bank of Russia cut its key interest rate by 50 basis points to 14.5% at the board of directors meeting on April 24, the eighth consecutive rate cut in the central bank's monetary easing cycle, Rosstat data shows. Domes»»»
Lebanon Ambassador in Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Played Key Ceasefire Role
Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh, said a phone call on Tuesday between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, along with a statement by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, marked the culmination of Saudi efforts that drew on the kingd»»»
Russia's Yandex will become a mobile phone operator
Russia's online giant Yandex (YNDX), often referred to as "the Russian Google," has moved to add mobile phone service provision to many of its other areas of operation. The launch is scheduled for this summer, the Russian business daily Kommersant reported, quoting a source in the local telecoms in»»»
Russia strips Ukrainian-born woman of citizenship over online anti-Russian posts
Russia has stripped a 44-year-old woman born in Ukraine's Sumy region of her Russian citizenship over online anti-Russian posts and statements, state news agency RIA Novosti reported on April 24, citing a law enforcement source. »»»
Poland's Tusk warns Russia could attack NATO in months
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia could attack a NATO member within months and openly questioned whether the United States would honour its mutual defence commitment in the event of such an attack, Financial Times reported on April 24. »»»
Russia closes second bribery trial of former deputy defence minister Ivanov
Moscow's Simonovsky District Court has closed the second trial of former Russian deputy defence minister Timur Ivanov on bribery charges totalling RUB1.3bn ($15.69mn) to the public and media, Komsomolskaya Pravda reported on April 24, citing RIA Novosti. »»»
Putin's ratings hit post-war low as internet crackdown becomes lightning rod for discontent
Vladimir Putin's approval rating has fallen for a seventh consecutive week to its lowest level since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to data from VTsIOM, the state-owned polling agency whose numbers the Kremlin monitors closely and whose methodology has every inc»»»
Transport Ministry says no final World Bank deal yet on Syria rail projects
Damascus, April 24 (SANA) Syria’s Transport Ministry said reports circulating about the allocation of $200 million from the World Bank to finance railway development projects in Syria are inaccurate, stressing that the matter remains under discussion and no final agreement has been reached. In a st»»»
Trump Dispatches Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for New Talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister
President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, the White House said Friday, just hours after Iran’s top diplomat headed to the South Asian nation where officials have been trying to get the United States and Iran to convene for a second round of ceasefire »»»
Syria Celebrates Arrest of Main Tadamon Massacre Suspect
For many residents of Damascus’ Tadamon district, Friday felt like a holiday. Celebratory chants rang through the streets and women handed out sweets after authorities officially announced the arrest of “Amjad Youssef,” 40, a criminal who was a former member of military intelligence under Bashar al»»»
Shaken by Iran war, EU seeks larger voice on Middle East
NICOSIA: EU leaders vowed to boost security and economic ties with Middle East partners and push for a diplomatic end to the Iran war, after talks in Cyprus focusing on the fallout from the conflict.Leaders from Lebanon, Egypt, Syria and Jordan as well as the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperati»»»
Title race in Portugal has Porto and Villas-Boas leading mentor Mourinho at unbeaten Benfica
GENEVA: Porto holding off Benfica in the Portuguese title race is a rivalry between André Villas-Boas and his one-time mentor José Mourinho. Porto have been revived in two years with Villas-Boas as president of his boyhood club that he coached to a league, cup and Europa League treble at age 33 in »»»
Tunis Court orders detention of journalist Zied El Heni
Tunis, April 24 (TAP) - The Tunis Court of First Instance has ordered the detention of journalist Zied El Heni, following his hearing on Friday, on charges of offending others on social media, a judicial source told TAP. The Public Prosecutor had...»»»
Shaken by Iran War, EU Seeks Larger Voice on Middle East
EU leaders vowed to boost security and economic ties with Middle East partners and push for a diplomatic end to the Iran war, after talks in Cyprus focusing on the fallout from the conflict. Leaders from Lebanon, Egypt, Syria and Jordan as well as the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Counc»»»
Large tornado causes injuries, damages homes in Oklahoma - UPI.com
April 24 (UPI) -- A tornado touched down in Enid, Okla., injuring at least 10 people and causing extensive damage to homes in the area, local authorities said. About 40 homes were damaged in the Enid area Thursday evening. The city is in north-central Oklahoma. Local news said the tornado passed th»»»
Justice Department drops probe of Fed's Jerome Powell - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell speaks during a press conference at the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C., on March 18. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said she would restart the criminal investigation into Powell if need be. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April »»»
Merz Floats Sanctions Relief for Iran Peace Deal, Other EU Leaders Cautious
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested on Friday that the European Union could ease sanctions on Tehran as part of a comprehensive deal that would end the Iran war, but other EU leaders struck a more cautious note. The 27-nation EU has imposed sanctions on Iran for years, including travel bans »»»
Russia vows to help Cuba withstand US ‘blackmail and threats’
MOSCOW: Russia said on Friday that it stood in solidarity with Cuba and would continue to provide humanitarian aid to the Communist-run island republic, rejecting what it described as blackmail and threats from Washington. US President Donald Trump has said that he expects to have the honor of “tak»»»
West Ham wary of Moyes’ inside track ahead of vital Everton clash
LONDON: Everton manager David Moyes returns to the London Stadium on Saturday armed with the inside knowledge that could harm West Ham United’s hopes of avoiding Premier League relegation. Moyes had two spells as West Ham manager, saving them from relegation in his first short stint before leading»»»
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says he was treated for prostate cancer - UPI.com
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that he was recently treated for prostate cancer. Pool photo by Ilia Yefimovich/UPI | License Photo April 24 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer. Netanyahu, 76,»»»
Amusement Park Among New Features at Grand Hotel Therme in Village of Banya
Grand Hotel Therme in the village of Banya attracts visitors with healing mineral water and fresh mountain air. The hotel complex features numerous pools and thermal facilities, and covers a total area of over 6,000 sq. m. Pulse Therme Banya is the largest spa centre in Bulgaria, hotel management t»»»
US Would Welcome 'Serious' European Effort on Strait of Hormuz - Hegseth
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States would welcome a "serious" European effort regarding the Strait of Hormuz instead of "silly" conferences, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Friday. Last week, the United Kingdom and France held an international conference on Strait of Hormuz navigation»»»
Unexploded Bombs Littering Gaza Threaten Recovery for Decades, UN Warns
War-torn Gaza is heavily contaminated by unexploded ordnance, which frequently kill and maim people and could threaten recovery efforts far into the future, the UN said Friday. Unexploded ordnance, ranging from undetonated bombs or grenades to simple bullets, has become a common sight in the Gaza S»»»
Pentagon Still Seeks Funds to Restore Missile Stockpile Spent in Iran - Reports
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The Pentagon is still struggling to secure funding to expedite the replenishment of critical munitions used up during the US-Israeli military operation against Iran, The New York Times reported, citing US officials. In January, US defense contractor Lockheed Martin signed a f»»»
Interior Ministry Secretary General "Under Pressure", Politicians See Revenge for Crackdown on Electoral Crime
The acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Georgi Kandev, said on Friday he had been pressured. In a video on Facebook, Kandev said that on Thursday he received a message urging him to "go home". In his words, he received several calls on Thursday. Within ten minutes, from hidden num»»»
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says he was treated for prostate cancer
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that he has undergone treatment for prostate cancer in his first public acknowledgment of the diagnosis. He said that roughly a year-and-a -half ago he had prostate surgery. Then two-and-a-half months ago, his doctors discovered and t»»»
Aoun: Lebanon refuses to be a bargaining chip in regional conflicts
President Joseph Aoun told a non-official EU summit in Cyprus on Friday that Lebanon has engaged in a diplomatic negotiation process under the auspices of the U.S. and with the support of the European Union and Arab states in order to "reach a sustainable solution that puts an end to Israeli aggres»»»
’Worrying’ scale of Signal phishing attacks on German MPs: lawmaker to AFP
BERLIN: The scale of a suspected Russian phishing attack using the Signal messaging app on German lawmakers is “extremely worrying” and calls into question the security of government communications, a senior MP told AFP Friday. “The scale of the latest Signal hack that has come to light so far is e»»»
Italy amends contested migrant repatriation bonus scheme
ROME: Italy’s government on Friday rushed through a decree amending rules that offered financial rewards to lawyers helping to repatriate migrants, after the scheme drew criticism from opposition parties who said it could be unconstitutional. The measure was part of a broader security package that »»»
Pope urges US and Iran to return to peace talks and condemns capital punishment
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE: Pope Leo XIV urged the United States and Iran to return to talks to end the war Thursday and condemned capital punishment, in a wide-ranging press conference en route home from his trip to Africa. Leo also asserted that countries have the right to control their borders but m»»»
Chinese, Taiwanese will unite, Xi tells Taiwan opposition leader
BEIJING: China’s President Xi Jinping met Taiwan’s opposition party leader Cheng Li-wun in Beijing on Friday, telling the visiting delegation he had “full confidence” that Taiwanese and Chinese people would be united.Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng is the party’s first leader to visit China in a »»»
Nike announces 1,400 job cuts as sales lag - UPI.com
Nike is cutting 1,400 jobs, it announced Thursday, as sales lag. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo April 24 (UPI) -- Sportswear giant Nike announced Thursday it's cutting about 1,400 jobs in its operations division, mostly tech workers. COO Venkatesh Alagirisamy said in a note to employee»»»
Pentagon chief Hegseth says US blockade on Iran ‘going global’
WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that a US blockade on Iran is going global, adding Tehran had a chance to make a “good deal” with Washington.“Our blockade is growing and going global,” Hegseth told reporters.“No one sails from the Strait of Hormuz to anywhere in the wo»»»
Four in court over fatal stabbing of 27-year-old in Athens park
A 20-year-old man has appeared before a naval court in Piraeus after confessing to the fatal stabbing of a 27-year-old man whose body was discovered in a park in the Athens suburb of Agios Dimitrios earlier this week. The suspect, who is currently serving in the Greek Navy, was brought before Pirae»»»
'Raw and honest': India climbers face obstacles in race to the top
Pune, India: Blink and you might miss Indian speed climber Deepu Mallesh scaling a wall five buses high in five seconds. India, a country obsessed with cricket, has seen a surge in popularity in climbing but those who want to compete internationally have had to crowdfund and there is little governm»»»