Easter in Jerusalem Disrupted by War and Restrictions at Holy Sepulchre
In the usually lively alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City, silence reigned on Easter Sunday, with the holiday overshadowed by war and restrictions on access to the Holy Sepulchre, where the faithful commemorate Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. On routes approaching the church, police at checkpo»»»
Easter in Jerusalem disrupted by war and restrictions at Holy Sepulcher
In the usually lively alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City, silence reigned on Easter Sunday, with the holiday overshadowed by war and restrictions on access to the Holy Sepulcher, where the faithful commemorate Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. On routes approaching the church, where Christians »»»
Turkish president's chief adviser meets Qatar's ambassador
ANKARA: Chief Adviser on National Security and Foreign Policy to Turkish President Akif Cagatay Kilic has met with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the sisterly Republic of Turkiye HE Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab. During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two countries.»»»
Fires erupt at Bahrain petrochemical and energy facilities after drone strikes
Two petrochemical and energy facilities in Bahrain were hit by Iranian drones early Sunday, sparking fires at operational units and storage tanks. Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) confirmed that several of its units were affected. All fires have now been extinguished, and the situation »»»
IMF Hails Yemen’s Reforms, Supports its Recovery Path
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Saturday resumed Article IV consultations with the Yemeni legitimate government after 11 years. Reflecting the country’s improved institutional performance, this development is an important indicator of restoring channels of cooperatio»»»
Energy Minister Holds Talks with French Ambassador to Bulgaria
Energy Minister Traicho Traikov met with French Ambassador to Bulgaria Marie Dumoulin to discuss key energy challenges, including electricity prices, energy connectivity, and EU policies, the Ministry said on Sunday. During the meeting, Traikov said that the most viable option for reducing prices a»»»
Minister of Municipality meets with Netherlands Ambassador
Minister of Municipality, HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah met with HE Ferdinand Lahnstein, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the State. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.»»»
Spotlight - NATO anniversary overshadowed by Trump’s threats
On this day, April 4th, 1949, NATO was founded, marking a pivotal moment in global security. Nearly 80 years later, however, the alliance's future is being questioned by its most powerful member, the United States. To understand the significance of NATO's formation, it’s worth revisiting the origin»»»
Bahrain energy facility fire contained after drone strike
Bahrain’s BAPCO Energies has confirmed that a tank fire broke out earlier on Sunday at one of its storage facilities, following a hostile Iranian drone attack. In a statement BAPCO Energies said: "Energies confirms an incident occurred at one of its storage facilities earlier today resulting in a t»»»
Videos show US missiles being launched from Kuwait into Iran
Despite denials from Arab countries in the Persian Gulf region, there is growing evidence that their territory is being used in attacks on the Iranian regime during the US–Israel war. FRANCE 24 has verified and geolocated multiple videos showing that, on at least two occasions, on March 24 and 31, »»»
Amir, Italian PM stress need for de-escalation
QNA Doha The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni discussed regional and international developments during a meeting at Lusail Palace on Saturday. Both sides stressed the need to de-escalate tensions and prioritise political dialogue and diplo»»»
Visit of Italian Prime Minister to Doha carried a message of solidarity and support for Qatar: Italian Ambassador
Doha: Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the State of Qatar HE Paolo Toschi, affirmed that the visit of Prime Minister of Italy HE Giorgia Meloni, to the State of Qatar aimed to show support, solidarity and friendship, especially as it is the first visit by a leader from one of the largest econo»»»
Visit of Italian prime minister to Doha carried a message of solidarity and support for Qatar: Envoy
DOHA: Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the State of Qatar HE Paolo Toschiaffirmed that the visit of Prime Minister of Italy HEGiorgia Melonito the State of Qatar aimed to show support, solidarity and friendship, especially as it is the first visit by a leader from one of the largest economies »»»
Italy's prime minister leaves Doha
DOHA: Prime Minister of the Italian Republic HE Giorgia Meloni departed Doha following a working visit to the country. The prime minister and the accompanying delegation were seen off at Doha International Airport by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz »»»
Italian Prime Minister departs Doha
Doha, Qatar: Her Excellency Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, departed Doha today, April 4, 2026, following an official visit to the country. She and her accompanying delegation were seen off at Doha International Airport by HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi,»»»
Former Obama chief accuses Democrats of ‘losing the plot’ over trans issues
Barack Obama’s former chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, has torn into his own party for embracing race and gender activism over “middle class values.” Can the Democrats row back the worst excesses of the woke era? And could Emanuel lead the party in 2028? ”We lost the plot,” Emanuel said on ‘The Fifth »»»
Libya and Turkey discuss increasing flights, including to Sebha
The Minister of Transport, and Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mohamed Al-Shahoubi, met in Tripoli last Wednesday (1 April) with the Turkish Ambassador to Libya, Guven Begiç, in the context of supporting travel and enhancing trade between the two countries. The Tripoli government said the »»»
Prime minister of Italy arrives in Doha
DOHA: Prime Minister of the Italian Republic HE Giorgia Meloni arrived in Doha on Saturday morning on a working visit to the country. The prime miniter and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE»»»
From Asia to the Americas: Governments Race to Contain Energy Shock
Governments worldwide are moving swiftly to contain the fallout from a sharp rise in energy costs, as global supply disruptions linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran rattle markets. Surging fuel and electricity prices have prompted urgent steps to protect consumers and secure supplies, with mounting»»»
Prime Minister of Italy arrives in Doha
Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister of the Italian Republic HE Giorgia Meloni arrived in Doha on Saturday morning, April 4, 2026, on a working visit to the country. Her Excellency and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by Minister of State at the Ministry o»»»
Kyrgyzstan and Japan discuss earthquake early warning system - | 24.KG
Minister of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan Kanatbek Chynybaev met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic Ryuichi Hirano. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the parties discussed expanding cooperation in disaster risk reduction, strength»»»
MPs of Zhogorku Kenesh to be trained in lawmaking and cybersecurity - | 24.KG
Orientation seminars for deputies of the 8th convocation of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan have begun. Participants will be trained in key aspects of parliamentary work — from lawmaking and oversight to engagement with citizens and the media, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) repor»»»
Lebanon’s displaced face rising hostility as airstrikes fuel fear and evictions – Ya Libnan
Share: Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs © Ibrahim Amro, AFP A growing number of Shiite families displaced by the war in Lebanon say they’re being pushed out of towns where they feel unwelcome over the suspicion that they may be Hezbollah members By : BA»»»
Bolivia defends Argentina's claim to Falkland Islands - UPI.com
Tensions escalated after remarks by United Kingdom Ambassador Richard Porter, who reaffirmed British sovereignty over the islands. The dispute over the Falkland Islands dates to the 19th century and remains unresolved. File Photo by Javier Lizon/EPA April 3 (UPI) -- Bolivia defended its support for»»»
Bulgaria's Tallest Ferris Wheel Is Unveiled in Sofia
A 40-meter Ferris wheel, the tallest in Bulgaria, was unveiled in the Boris’ Garden in Sofia as part of the city’s newest event, Sun Fest Sofia. The opening of the Ferris wheel is included in the festive program marking 147th anniversary of Sofia as capital of Bulgaria. The attraction was manufactu»»»
Tunisia’s Ambassador to China presents credentials to President of Mongolia
Tunis, April 3 (TAP) - Tunisia’s Ambassador to China Adel Elarbi on Thursday in Ulaanbaatar, presented his credentials to President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tunisia to...»»»
Kozarev meets with North Macedonian ambassador
BELGRADE - Secretary General at the Serbian MFA Dusan Kozarev met with North Macedonian Ambassador to Belgrade Nikola Tupanceski on Friday to discuss stepping up economic and cultural cooperation, as well as strengthening ties in the infrastructure and energy sectors. "Serbia remains firmly committ»»»
Photo Exhibition of Ukrainian Sculptor's Works Opens on Sofia’s Capital Day
A photo exhibition titled "In the Footsteps of Mykhailo Parashchuk," dedicated to the 147th anniversary since Sofia was declared Bulgaria’s capital, was opened on St Nedelya Square on Friday. Mykhailo Parashchuk was a Ukrainian sculptor and the author of sculptural facades and decorations on buildi»»»
Environment Minister, French Ambassador Discuss Current Topics on Environmental Protection
Caretaker Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov discussed current topics on environmental protection with the Ambassador of France to Bulgaria Marie Dumoulin, the Ministry's press centre reported on Friday. A topic raised by the French side was the import of batteries and solar panels. Pop»»»
Beyond Oil: How the Iran Conflict Is Disrupting Pakistan's Critical Labor Exports to the Gulf
Pakistan's economy depends heavily on labor exports to the Gulf, where millions of its citizens work. The Iran war has complicated this, prompting the government to devise a new strategy. In recent years, Pakistan has significantly increased both its labor exports and the volume of remittances that»»»
Qatar and China hold talks on regional tensions, Strait of Hormuz risks
DOHA: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi has discussed escalating regional tensions with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Qatar HE Cao Xiaolin. Friday's talks in Doha focused on developments related to the ongoing military es»»»
Qatar and China hold talks on regional tensions, Strait of Hormuz risks
Doha: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi has discussed escalating regional tensions with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Qatar HE Cao Xiaolin. Friday's talks in Doha focused on developments related to the ongoing military es»»»
UK is invited to open universities in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan Marlen Mamataliev met with British Ambassador Nicholas Bowler. The two sides discussed the development of political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, as well as strengthening interparliamentary ties. Mamataliev proposed intensifying work»»»
Government approves the ordinance on temporary reduction of excise tax on diesel fuel
“First item—the emergency ordinance on the temporary reduction of the excise tax rate applicable to standard diesel fuel and the establishment of a solidarity contribution on revenues from the sale of crude oil and energy products derived from the processing of crude oil extracted from Romanian ter»»»
BT Direct expands retail partneships with a collaboration with JYSK for home financing
This collaboration continues BT Direct’s strategy of building partnerships with leading brands, offering customers simpler and faster shopping experiences. Customers can obtain up to 40,000 lei for purchases at JYSK stores, using a QR code to apply for financing for the products they want. “We are »»»
Carrefour Romania is now taking applications from local artisans in Bucharest area
Through its hyper-local “From Here, Close By” initiative, Carrefour Romania supports locally sourced Romanian products on its shelves, with a footprint that continues to expand. Today, 1,300 Romanian producers supply hypermarkets and supermarkets located within a radius of up to 50 km. An important»»»
Reţele Electrice România invested RON 1.4 billion in 2025 in electric distribution networks
Key projects were implemented in Muntenia, Banat and Dobrogea regions and involved the modernization of existing primary stations and secondary stations, along with works for the modernization and extension of underground and overhead power lines. In 2026, the company will continue its investment p»»»
Colliers: Home buying intentions are increasing, but accessibility is becoming more difficult
Colliers consultants emphasize that these numbers reflect a real market shift, not just a statistical fluctuation. The pressure is most evident among groups with more limited financial means, particularly young people and lower-income households. For them, rising prices, higher financing costs, and»»»
Media Review: April 3
ECONOMY – ENERGY The media cover the requested price increases by heating utilities. Trud: Bulgarian district heating companies have requested significant price increases for heating and hot water starting July 1, 2026, with Toplofikatsia Sofia seeking a nearly 30% hike and Toplofikatsia Veliko Tar»»»
Lebanon's displaced face rising hostility as airstrikes fuel fear and evictions
When the Israel- Hezbollah war broke out in early March, Hussein Shuman fled the heavy bombardment of the southern suburbs of Beirut, but he didn't bother trying to rent an apartment elsewhere. In areas deemed "safe" because the Lebanese militant group has no presence, he feels that Shiite Muslims »»»
Clash between Libya’s religious and secular authorities regarding the permissibility of surcharging for e-payments
A clash is occurring between Libya’s secular and religious orders as to the permissibility of merchants imposing an extra charge for receiving payments, for goods or services, electronically versus in cash. The religious viewLast Wednesday (1 April), the Libyan Fatwa House in Tripoli (Dar Al-Ifta) »»»
UAE, Philippines reaffirm commitment to protect Filipino workers
Dubai: The UAE and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Emirates, reinforcing a long-standing partnership built on trust and cooperation. Senior officials from both countries have emphasised the importance»»»
Spain cuts the link between gas and power and has Europe’s cheapest power
A year ago this week, Spain’s grid ran entirely on renewable power for a full day for the first time ever. Wind, solar, and hydro met all the peninsula’s electricity demand on April 16. Five days later, solar set a new record, generating 20,120 MW of instantaneous power – covering 78.6% of demand a»»»
Russia Warns Citizens Against Travel to Bulgaria Over Risk of US Arrests
The Russian Embassy in Sofia has circulated a warning issued by the Foreign Ministry in Moscow, cautioning its citizens about what it describes as a heightened risk of detention abroad at the request of US authorities. Among the countries mentioned as posing such a risk is Bulgaria, alongside a bro»»»
Ancient gold artifacts stolen in Drents Museum heist handed over to Romania
The Cotofenesti golden helmet and two of the three Dacian gold bracelets stolen last year from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands and subsequently recovered have been returned to Romania, the Dutch Prosecution Service announced on Thursday in a press release published on its website.Stan Rares-Pe»»»
Romania to start vaccine negotiation with Pfizer as ill-considered decisions backfire
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced on Thursday that Romania will contact Pfizer, with which he will start a negotiation, considering that some "thoughtless decisions turn against them in a longer or shorter time"."Unfortunately, we received the news of the sentence in the first instance, unfortu»»»
AHK Romania: State interventions on prices endanger investments
Current discussions about state interventions in market mechanisms, such as price caps in various fields, bring uncertainty to the market and make companies more reluctant about future investments, claim representatives of the Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Romania)."We have »»»
Gov't approves National Strategy of State Reserves for 2026-2030
The Government approved on Thursday the National Strategy of State Reserves (SNRS) for the period 2026-2030, a document through which Romania strengthens its capacity to respond efficiently to exceptional situations and ensures a high level of resilience and national security, aligned with good Eur»»»