US Names Rubio, Tony Blair, Kushner to Gaza Board under Trump's Plan
The White House on Friday announced some members of a so-called "Board of Peace" that is to supervise the temporary governance of Gaza, which has been under a fragile ceasefire since October. The names include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, »»»
Cautious Calm in Iran Amid Heightened Security Measures
Iran is facing a sweeping security crackdown after a wave of arrests and the heavy deployment of forces in Tehran and other cities, as residents and a rights group said protests have largely abated under the weight of the clampdown. Accounts from residents in the capital described a cautious calm s»»»
Libya and Saudi Arabia discuss expanding partnership in oil, gas, and renewable energy
The Tripoli based Libyan government reported last Thursday (15 January) that it had held discussions in Saudi Arabia on ways to enhance cooperation in the energy sector and expand partnerships in the oil, gas, and renewable energy fields during a series of official meetings held with the Saudi Mini»»»
White House announces some members of Gaza Board of Peace
WASHINGTON: The White House has announced some of the members of what it refers to as the Board of Peace, which, under President Donald Trump's plan, will oversee the temporary administration of the Gaza Strip. In a statement, the White House said the names include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, T»»»
Lebanon: Geagea Call with Aoun Quells Reports of Rift
A phone call on Friday between Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and President Joseph Aoun helped quell speculation of serious rifts between the two, after weeks of reports suggesting relations had deteriorated into what some described as a “shaky relationship.” Geagea statement The LF said on Fr»»»
3,000 marriage grants planned under UAE's Dh209m allocation
Abu Dhabi: The UAE is expected to award around 3,000 marriage grants this year, according to official figures presented to the Federal National Council, with lawmakers renewing calls to rethink eligibility rules that some say no longer reflect social realities. During a session reviewing the federa»»»
White House announces some members of Gaza Board of Peace
Washington: The White House announced some of the members of what it refers to as the Board of Peace, which, under President Donald Trump’s plan, will oversee the temporary administration of the Gaza Strip. In a statement, the White House said the names include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump»»»
Xi lauds ‘turnaround’ with key US neighbor
Chinese President Xi Jinping has welcomed what he called a “turnaround” in relations with Canada, following a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Beijing. While campaigning for office in April 2025, Carney claimed that China represented the number one security threat to Canada on th»»»
EU nation issues its first-ever war bond
Luxembourg has issued its first-ever war bond, becoming the first EU country to issue such a debt security since World War Two. The issuance of the bond was announced on Thursday by Finance Minister Gilles Roth, who said the initiative was designed to “make citizens’ savings more available for econ»»»
Gaza Peace Board to Include Rubio, Witkoff, Kushner - White House
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, among others, while US Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers has been appointed Commander of International Stabilization F»»»
A faceless hacker stole my therapy notes – now my deepest secrets are online forever
A soon as Meri-Tuuli Auer saw the subject line in her junk folder, she knew it was no ordinary spam email. It contained her full name and her social security number - the unique code Finnish people use to access public services and banking. The email was full of details about Auer no one else shoul»»»
From camouflage to tracksuits - Guinea's junta leader poised to become civilian president
From the moment he seized power in September 2021 Guinea's Mamadi Doumbouya struck an imposing figure. Just 36 years old at the time, the broad-shouldered colonel, standing at well over six feet (1.8m), wearing military fatigues, mirrored sunglasses and a red beret certainly made an impression when»»»
Security engagements kill 12 militants in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- At least 12 "terrorists" were killed in clashes with the security forces in three different areas in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on Friday.According to Pakistan military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), approximately 15 to 20 terroris»»»
A hotline to report vapers and caning if you're caught: Singapore's e-cigarette crackdown
It's a busy day at Woodlands Checkpoint, Singapore's main land crossing on the border with Malaysia, and thousands of cars are slowly trundling past the watchful eyes of customs officer Belinda Liaw and her team. Suddenly Liaw steps forward, signalling at a white Toyota van to stop. Her team swarms»»»
Education Department delays garnishment on defaulted student debt - UPI.com
The Department of Education on Friday paused plans to seize tax refunds and garnish wages of those in default while revising student loan repayment regulations. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Education Department has delayed plans to seize tax refunds and»»»
Blair and Rubio among names on Gaza 'Board of Peace'
The Trump administration has named US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK prime minister Sir Tony Blair as two of the founding members of its "Board of Peace" for Gaza. Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner will also sit on the "founding execu»»»
Poland to produce landmines, abandoning treaty
Poland will formally withdraw from an international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines next month, a senior defense official has announced, outlining plans to mass-produce the ordnance and prepare for possible deployment along the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad Region. Deputy Defense Ministe»»»
Water resources situation shows noteworthy improvement compared to last year, says Minister of Agriculture
Tunis, Jan 16 (TAP) - Water resources availability has seen significant improvement compared with the same period last year, a development expected to support agricultural production, Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries Ezzeddine...»»»
Nobel Peace Prize committee: Only Maria Corina Machado is honored - UPI.com
Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado presents her medal to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday. Image courtesy of the White House Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado is the only recognized recipient of the award despite the Venezuelan leader »»»
Trump envoy outlines demands on Iran
The US prefers a diplomatic solution to ongoing tensions with Iran rather than military action, President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has said, urging Tehran to scale down its missile and nuclear programs. A wave of protests kicked off in Iran in late December. Initially prompted by »»»
France warns US over Greenland
France has issued a diplomatic warning to the US, stating that any attempt to seize Greenland would amount to a “crossed line” and threaten economic ties with the EU, Financial Times has reported. The message was delivered by French Finance Minister Roland Lescure to his US counterpart, Treasury Se»»»
China, Canada move to ease trade tensions as tariffs are slashed
China and Canada have agreed to scale back tariffs following a closely watched meeting in Beijing between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mark Carney, signalling a tentative reset in relations after several years of strain. »»»
China, Canada move to ease trade tensions as tariffs are slashed
China and Canada have agreed to scale back tariffs following a closely watched meeting in Beijing between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mark Carney, signalling a tentative reset in relations after several years of strain. »»»
DOJ reports 500+ are reviewing millions of Epstein files - UPI.com
More than 500 people are assigned to reviewing and redacting millions of pages of the Jeffrey Epstein case files before making them publicly available, Department of Justice officials said on Thursday. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The Department of Justice has more»»»
Canada's deal with China signals it is serious about shift from US
Prime Minister Mark Carney's new approach to Canada's foreign policy can perhaps be distilled in one line: "We take the world as it is, not as we wish it to be." That was his response when asked about the deal struck with China on Friday, despite concerns over its human rights record and nearly a y»»»
Today in Kuwait's history
KUWAIT, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- 1982 -- Kuwait Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a law to establish the Zakat (alms) House to be supervised by Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. 2004 -- State of Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN Nabila Al-Mulla presented her credentials to UN Secret»»»
Briefing of KUNA main news for Thursday until 00:00 GMT
3270678 KUWAIT -- Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya discusses regional issues with his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. 3270681 ALGIERS -- Algeria launches the new satellite "AlSat-3A" from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. »»»
Yemeni FM Al-Zandani named as PM-designate
ADEN, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- Chairman of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi appointed Shaye Mohsen Al-Zandani as prime minister replacing Salem Saleh bin Braik who resigned his post on Thursday evening.Under a presidential decree, signed by Al-Alimi and carried by Yemen News Agency (S»»»
EU foreign policy chief: Only dialogue can help achieve security in Middle East
BRUSSELS, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said she held talks with the foreign ministers of a number of Arab partners, together with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, on regional issues.Kallas said in a post on X on Thursday ev»»»
Trump’s Iceland envoy pick apologizes for ‘52nd state’ joke
US President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Iceland, former Representative Billy Long, apologized on Thursday for joking that the island nation could become the 52nd US state with himself as governor. The remark comes as Trump’s statements regarding Greenland have escalated in recent week»»»
Qatar PM, Iranian FM discuss latest developments
DOHA, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdulrahman received a phone call from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Thursday.During the conversation, they discussed the latest developments in the Gulf region, according to a statement by»»»
Qatar PM, European leaders discuss bilateral, regional issues
DOHA, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman received a phone call from his Cypriot counterpart and current president of the European Council Constantinos Kombos, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs an»»»
Saudi FM discusses bilateral, regional issues with EU senior officials
RIYADH, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah discussed with his Cypriot counterpart - the current president of the European Council Constantinos Kombos, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and »»»
Trump now says he won't militarily intervene in Iran - UPI.com
French residents near the Eiffel Tower in Paris hold Iranian flags and portraits of ousted Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as they gather in support of the widespread protests that have rocked Iran on Jan. 4. The protests have led to increasing violent clashes with security forces. Photo by Maya Vidon-W»»»
Trump announces ‘phase two’ of Gaza plan
US President Donald Trump has announced the launch of the second phase of his plan to settle the conflict in Gaza, despite both sides repeatedly accusing each other of breaching an earlier-agreed ceasefire. The next step is demilitarization and the establishment of a new technocratic government in »»»
Athens taxi drivers call new two-day strike over electric transition
Taxi drivers in the greater Athens area have called a new two-day strike for January 20 and 21, to protest legislation mandating that all new cabs must be electric-powered. The Attica Taxi Drivers Union, or SATA, announced the strike and taxi drivers in other parts of Greece are expected to partici»»»
Abdullah bin Zayed, Venezuelan foreign minister discuss strengthening bilateral relations
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed strengthening bilateral relations in a phone call with Yvan Gil Pinto, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The two sides also reviewed a number of issues of shared »»»
Att., corrected rpt -- to fix name and title in para 2.
Newsdesk POL-KUWAIT-VATICAN-MASS Cardinal Parolin leads Mass in Kuwait's Al-Ahmadi KUWAIT, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin led a Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrating Minor Basilica Status of Our Lady of Arabia in Al-Ahmadi City on Friday, making the church the first to bear»»»
Zelensky says Ukraine's air defence supplies 'insufficient'
President Zelensky has called Ukraine's air defence supplies "insufficient", having revealed several systems were "without missiles" until Friday morning. "I can say this openly because today I have those missiles," the president said, adding that the country had received a "substantial package" ea»»»
Sweden says Trump inflating foreign threat to Greenland
US President Donald Trump’s claims of a heavy Chinese and Russian military presence near Greenland are “an exaggeration,” Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson has said. Trump asserts that only US sovereignty can protect the Danish autonomous island from being taken over by Beijing or Moscow. Trump r»»»
Cardinal Parolin leads Mass in Kuwait's Al-Ahmadi
KUWAIT, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin led a Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrating Minor Basilica Status of Our Lady of Arabia in Al-Ahmadi City on Friday, making the church the first to bear such title in the Arabian Gulf region.The ceremony gathered a large number of offi»»»
FM receives Polish ambassador to Tunisia on end of her mission
Tunis, Jan 16 (TAP) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti on Friday received Poland's Ambassador to Tunisia Justyna Porazińska, who paid a farewell call on the end of her diplomatic mission in the...»»»
Nigerian imam honoured for saving Christian lives dies aged 90
A Nigerian imam who gained international recognition for saving hundreds of lives from a mainly Christian community during an outbreak of violence has died at the age of 90. Abubakar Abdullahi had been suffering from a heart condition and was being treated in hospital, where he died on Thursday nig»»»
Gaza Administration Committee Meets in Cairo Amid Cautious Optimism
The Gaza ceasefire agreement entered a new phase on Friday with the first meeting in Cairo of a technocrat committee tasked with administering the enclave, following its formation by Palestinian consensus, a welcome from Washington, and the absence of an official Israeli objection after earlier res»»»
FM receives copy of credentials of Nicaraguas ambassador
Tunis, Jan. 16 (TAP)- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti met Friday with Carlos Eduardo Diaz Moreira who presented him with a copy of his credentials as Ambassador of Nicaragua to Tunisia with residence in...»»»
Trump threatens tariffs against countries opposing Greenland annex - UPI.com
President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion on rural healthcare in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Friday. At the meeting, he proposed raising tariffs on countries that oppose his plan to annex Greenland. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo Jan. 16 (UP»»»
US-Greenland tensions rise as Trump hints at tariffs
US President Donald Trump suggested Friday that he may punish countries with tariffs if they don’t back the US controlling Greenland, a message that came as a bipartisan Congressional delegation sought to lower tensions in the Danish capital. Trump for months has insisted that the US should control»»»
Why American Big Oil isn’t buying the Venezuela ‘victory’
Everything has gone beautifully in Donald Trump’s Venezuela operation. An alleged narcoterrorist dictator was captured and brought to justice in a New York court, and the planet’s biggest oil wealth is now owned by the US. At least, according to Trump himself. “We’re in the oil business,” he said a»»»
India, ASEAN reaffirm commitment to deepen cooperation in digital domain
NEW DELHI, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- India and ASEAN countries on Friday reaffirmed shared commitment to deepening cooperation in the digital domain.A statement from the Indian Ministry of Communications said that during the 6th ASEAN-India Digital Ministers' Meeting held virtually reaffirmed the shared com»»»
Russia demands US fund withdraw $225.8bn Tsarist bond lawsuit or face dismissal bid
An ancient story of investors trying to recover billions of dollars of debt Russia defaulted on after the last Tsar was overthrown in the October Revolution has come up again. Russia has called on US-based Noble Capital to»»»