No Reports of Election Violations Left Unchecked, Caretaker Interior Minister Says
There are no unverified reports or facts concerning election violations, which has increased public trust in law enforcement authorities, caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev said during a working meeting with the leadership and staff of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in Ha»»»
US Citizen Wanted in Czechia for Arson and Terrorism Agrees to Voluntary Extradition Before Haskovo District Court
An American citizen, Nathan Daniel Limesand, wanted by the Czech authorities for terrorism and arson, has agreed to be extradited at a court hearing, the Haskovo District Court said on Wednesday. Limesand, 26, is being sought under a European Arrest Warrant issued by the District Court in the Czech»»»
Supreme Court to Address Prosecutor General's Standing to Have Cases Reopened
Acting on a motion by its President Galina Zaharova, Bulgaria's Supreme Court of Cassation (SCC) on Wednesday opened proceedings for the adoption of an interpretative judgment by the General Assembly of the SCC Criminal Chamber. The judgment is supposed to reconcile conflicting case law prompted by»»»
Pakistan PM thanks Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, China, and Egypt for 'invaluable and all out support towards reaching the ceasefire'
Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has thanked Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, China and Egypt for supporting the ceasefire process. In a post on X, he said these countries extended “invaluable and all out support towards reaching the ceasefire” and gave “peaceful diplomatic efforts a chance t»»»
Sharp Rise in Election-Related Arrests and Vote-Buying Reports Ahead of April 19 Vote
Since the start of the campaign for the early parliamentary elections on April 19, a total of 225 people have been detained in Bulgaria on suspicion of election-related crimes, compared to 42 during the 2024 parliamentary elections, acting Interior Ministry Chief Secretary Georgi Kandev said here o»»»
Call for general mobilisation of public institutions and citizens to support energy transition (Chiboub)
Tunis, April 8 (TAP) - Director General of Electricity and Energy Transition at the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy Belhassen Chiboub called on Wednesday for general mobilisation of state institutions and citizens to support the energy...»»»
Ceasefire brings relief to UAE travel sector – but recovery will take time
Dubai: A fragile ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran has brought a sense of relief to the UAE’s travel and hospitality sector. Now, industry leaders are pointing to cautious optimism, steady operations and a steadfast focus on recovery. While businesses say confidence is slowly returning, mos»»»
UAE, Bahrain sign Dh20 billion currency swap agreement
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) and the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) announced the establishment of a Currency Swap Agreement between the UAE Dirham (AED) and the Bahraini Dinar (BHD) during a virtual signing ceremony. The agreement has a nominal value of Dh20 billion; BHD2 bi»»»
UK PM arrives in Saudi Arabia, welcomes Iran war truce
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, on the first stop of a Gulf tour aimed at bolstering the ceasefire in the Middle East war, Downing Street said. Starmer — on his first visit to the region since the US-Israeli war against Iran started on February 28 — was expect»»»
Argentina hits record oil output as Vaca Muerta drives growth - UPI.com
Argentina reached record oil production levels, with output climbing to 874,000 barrels per day, a 15.9% increase from a year earlier. File Photo by Juan Macri/EPA April 8 (UPI) -- Argentina reached record oil production levels, with output climbing to 874,000 barrels per day, a 15.9% increase from»»»
Pakistan PM Says US-Iran Ceasefire Violations Reported, Urges Restraint
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that violations of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran "have been reported" and pressed countries to respect the truce. "Violations of ceasefire have been reported at (a) few places across the conflict zone which undermine the s»»»
Israeli Forces Damage UN Convoy Vehicle in Lebanon
Israeli forces fired warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon on Wednesday, damaging a vehicle but causing no injuries, the Italian government said. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said the incident was "unacceptable" while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the government »»»
Tunisias Embassy in Madrid organises information day on exceptional measures to regularise situation of irregular migrants
Tunis, April 8 (TAP) - An information day on the exceptional measures announced by the Spanish government to regularise the residence status of irregular migrants in Spain was organised by Tunisia's Embassy in Madrid. The participants were briefed...»»»
Glavatarski Han Hotel Complex at Kardzhali Reservoir Is Designated as Wellness Centre
Glavatarski Han Hotel Complex, located on the shores of the Kardzhali Reservoir, is designated as a wellness centre and is a popular choice both for relaxation and business conferences and private celebrations. The most popular services at the hotel’s spa centre are the massages and the hammam. The»»»
Support for Vulnerable Groups Not Provided by Political Parties, Social Policy Minister Says
Caretaker Labour and Social Policy Minister Hasan Ademov said on Wednesday that political parties do not provide support for vulnerable groups through hot meals, personal assistants or European Solidarity Corps programmes. Ademov was speaking in the southern town of Haskovo following reports of all»»»
Qatar intercepts 7 ballistic missiles and drones from Iran
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Defense of the State of Qatar has announced that the country was subjected to an attack today, April 8, 2026, involving (7) ballistic missiles and a number of drones launched from Iran. The Defense Ministry further confirmed that the Armed Forces successfully intercepte»»»
Alleged Scottish gang boss extradited from Bali to Amsterdam - UPI.com
Scottish national Steven Lyons is escorted by police officers at the Bali Police headquarters in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, on March 31. Indonesian immigration officials arrested him at Bali Airport on March 28, acting on an Interpol Red Notice following his arrival from Singapore. Lyons was extrad»»»
Moody’s Affirms Egypt at Caa1 with Positive Outlook
Cairo — Moody’s Ratings has affirmed Egypt’s sovereign credit rating at Caa1 for both foreign and local currency, maintaining a Positive Outlook, reflecting cautious confidence in the country’s ongoing economic reform program. The agency cited continued primary fiscal surpluses since FY2023/24 and »»»
Hegseth proclaims ‘overwhelming victory’ after cease-fire with Iran - UPI.com
1 of 4 | Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with the United States suspending bombing in Iran for two weeks if the country reopens the Straight of Hor»»»
Iran warns ships in Hormuz: Seek permission or face destruction
Dubai: Iran has warned ships near the Strait of Hormuz that they must seek permission from its naval forces before transiting the critical waterway, underscoring Tehran’s continued grip over the strategic chokepoint despite a ceasefire agreement. “You must receive permission from Iranian Sepah navy»»»
Panic in Lebanon as Israel Carries out Most Violent Strikes on Capital
Lebanon's government said Wednesday Israeli strikes killed dozens and wounded hundreds across the country, with the capital Beirut hit by the most violent bombardment since the start of the war with militant group Hezbollah. AFPTV's live broadcast showed plumes of smoke rising over Beirut and the s»»»
Qatar reports successful 2025–2026 winter camping season with strong environmental compliance
DOHA: The 2025-2026 winter camping season has been described as 'largely successful', with high turnout of citizens and residents supported by well-organized camps and comprehensive services. Speaking to Qatar News Agency, Chair of the Winter Camping Committee at the Ministry of Environment and Cli»»»
QNB net profit surges 2% to QR4.33bn in Q1 2026
Doha, Qatar: QNB Group, a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, announced its results for the three months ended 31 March 2026. Net profit for the three months ended 31 March 2026 reached QAR4.33 billion (USD1.19 billion), an increase of 2% compared to same perio»»»
Qatar Central Bank says foreign exchange reserves rise 2.21% Year-on-Year
Doha: International reserves and foreign currency liquidity at Qatar Central Bank (QCB) rose by 2.21% year-on-year in March, reaching QAR 261.972 billion, compared with the same period in 2025, when they stood at QAR 256.300 billion. Data issued by QCB showed that its official international reserve»»»
TAP inaugurates 40 kW solar power plant as part of Green Transition Strategy
Tunis, April 8 (TAP) – TAP news agency on Wednesday inaugurated a photovoltaic power plant with a capacity of 40 kW, comprising 68 solar panels, as part of an approach aimed at obtaining the “green institution” label, according to Sofiane Khemiri,...»»»
Lebanon held hostage: The cost of Hezbollah’s dominance
There is little doubt that the influence of Hezbollah in Lebanon, or more precisely, Iranian influence, represents one of the most dangerous consequences of Iran’s expansion beyond its borders. Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Tehran has persistently sought to export instability and conflict thro»»»
Germany's Merz Speaks with Trump after Iran Ceasefire, Sources Says
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke with US President Donald Trump by telephone on Wednesday afternoon after the latter's ceasefire with Iran, two German government source told Reuters. According to Germany's Bild newspaper, whichfirst reported the call, the conversation was brief and friendly, »»»
New Interactive Map Provides Detailed Public Information about Road Repairs
Regional Development and Public Works Minister Nikolay Naydenov Wednesday presented to the press a new interactive road map that, for the first time ever, makes public details about road repairs in Bulgaria. The aim is to improve transparency about how taxpayer money is spent by the Road Infrastruc»»»
QSE index rises 3.24% at start of trading
Doha: The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) general index opened higher on Wednesday, gaining 333.04 points, or 3.24%, to reach 10,618 points, compared to the previous session's close, supported by all sectors. Market data showed gains in the Transportation sector by (+5.38%), Industrials (+4.59%), Real E»»»
QC Chairman discusses promoting economic, trade cooperation with Malaysia
Doha, Qatar: Chairman of the Qatar Chamber (QC) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani met on Wednesday with Ambassador of Malaysia to the State of Qatar HE Mohammad Faizal Razali. The meeting discussed economic and trade cooperation between both countries, as well as ways to enhance th»»»
QNB profits surge 2% in 2016 Q1
Doha: QNB Group announced a 2 percent increase in net profit during the first quarter of 2026, reaching QR 4.332 billion, compared to QR 4.260 billion for the same period in 2025. A statement issued by the group and published on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) website on Wednesday indicated that ear»»»
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte meets with Trump amid Iran tensions - UPI.com
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, seen here in 2025, is set to visit Washington to soothe tensions with the cornerstone of the defensive pact after amid threats by Trump to pull out. File Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo April 8 (UPI) -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was set to kick»»»
Large-scale Israeli strikes hit Beirut, Lebanese areas despite U.S.-Iran truce - UPI.com
Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday, hours after the United States and Iran reached a Pakistani-mediated two-week cease-fire. Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA BEIRUT, Lebanon, April 8 (UPI) -- Israel carried out intensive, large-scale airstrikes on Wednesday, targeting several neighborhoods »»»
Macut receives Swiss ambassador to Belgrade
BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut received Swiss Ambassador to Belgrade Anne Lugon-Moulin on Wednesday to discuss further development of bilateral cooperation and, in particular, investments and new projects. Macut and Lugon-Moulin noted that successful operations of Swiss companies in Serbia were »»»
Djuric to attend UNSC session on work of UNMIK on Thursday
NEW YORK - Serbian FM Marko Djuric will attend a UN Security Council session on the work of UNMIK, the UN mission in Kosovo-Metohija, on Thursday. The UN secretary general's regular semi-annual report on the mission's work will be debated at the session, scheduled to begin at 4 pm CET. New UNMIK he»»»
India Withdraws Bid to Host Annual UN Climate Talks in 2028
India has withdrawn its offer to host the United Nations annual climate Conference Of the Parties (COP33) in 2028, two government officials familiar with the matter told Reuters. India communicated its decision to not host the conference this month, the officials said, but it was not immediately cl»»»
Bulgaria Expects Fuel Price Drop as Oil Falls 20%, Says Finance Minister
Caretaker Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski said he expects fuel prices at gas stations to ease in the coming period, pointing to a sharp decline in international oil markets. He noted that crude prices have already dropped by around 15% to 20% following what he described as a two-week ceasefire ag»»»
Talks to facilitate access of Tunisian agri-food products to Finnish Market
Tunis, April 8 (TAP) – Tunisia’s Ambassador to Finland, Nabiha Hajjaji, held a working meeting on Tuesday with the team in charge of the Finnish institution “ELAB”, which specialises in food product quality and safety, as well as compliance with...»»»
Qatar revises excise tax law, targets high-sugar beverages
Doha, Qatar: The General Tax Authority has issued Law No. (2) of 2026 amending certain provisions of Law No. (25) of 2026 on excise tax, introducing new measures targeting sugary drinks and revising how taxes on sweetened beverages are calculated. The authority stated that the changes aim to curb t»»»
UAE business community see ceasefire stabilising trade, investment
Dubai: A ceasefire in the region is prompting cautious optimism among UAE business leaders, who say the development could help stabilise markets, restore investor confidence and ease pressure on trade flows after a period of uncertainty. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app n»»»
Mickoski: Expecting strong strategic dialogue with U.S., new investments
Skopje, 7 April 2026 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the second session of the Strategic Dialogue between North Macedonia and the U.S., held Tuesday in Washington, will be a productive day and is expected to end with a joint statement. He expects an investment in a major antimony pro»»»
Arab Parliament condemns continued blatant Iranian attacks against Arab Gulf states despite ceasefire
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, condemned the continued Iranian attacks against the Arab Gulf states using ballistic missiles and drones, despite the agreement reached on a ceasefire between America and Iran. He added that Iran’s continuation of these attacks after the»»»
Boris Azarenko: Profile of a Vesper Co-Founder
Boris Azarenko is an entrepreneur whose professional background lies in banking and finance and who later founded major property development businesses. Boris Azarenko biography: educational path and early career Born in Moscow on 21 April 1977, Boris Nikolayevich Azarenko studied Finance at the Fi»»»
US and EU waging a ‘proxy war’ in Hungary – ex-Austrian FM Kneissl
The US and EU are engaged in a political “proxy war” in Hungary, with Washington and Brussels backing rival sides ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections, according to former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl. Kneissl made the remarks in an interview with RT as US Vice President J.D. V»»»
Prime minister, Spanish FM discuss latest regional developments following US-Iran ceasefire announcement
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani received a phone call from Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain HE Jose Manuel Albares. The discussion covered the latest regional developments»»»
Qatari citizens exempted from visa entry to Albania from April 15 until December 31
DOHA: Qatari citizens will not require a visa to travel to Albania from April 15 until December 31, 2026. An official source in the Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Qatari citizens are exempt from entry visa requirements to the Republic of Albania, dur»»»
Bulgaria Approves EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement
Bulgaria's caretaker government has decided to endorse the Partnership Agreement between the EU and four Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), the government information service said. Relations between the EU and Mercosur countries have so far been governed by the 1995 Inter»»»
Ahmed Dogan Appeals for Mobilization and Protection of Identity
Ahmed Dogan, honorary Chair of the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms, visited Mineralni Bani and Asenovgrad, where he held meetings with party members and supporters, the Alliance’s press office announced on Wednesday. During his visits, he discussed with local party organizations the current politi»»»