EU Closely Monitoring Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code Amendment
The European Commission said it is closely following a proposed amendment to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code that would bar courts from suspending senior government officials from office. The draft changes, presented Feb. 16 by the ruling majority led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, seek to amend Art»»»
Ukraine Geneva peace positive but make no concrete progress
US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington had made “meaningful progress” in negotiations on a potential Ukrainian settlement after a first day of trilateral talks in Geneva on February 17 involving US, Ukrainian and Russian representatives. »»»
Democrats in Berat Circulate Message Labeling Ervin Salianji ‘Self-Excluded’ From Party
A message recently circulated among members of Albania’s opposition Democratic Party in the city of Berat describes lawmaker Ervin Salianji as “self-excluded” from the party and accuses him of cooperating with segments of organized crime. The message, shared within internal party groups, calls on l»»»
Qatar's Ambassador attends meeting of Swedish FM
Ambassador of Qatar to Sweden H E Nadia bint Ahmed Al Shaibi, took part in the meeting of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden H E Maria Malmer Stenergard, with Their Excellencies the Ambassadors accredited to Sweden. The meeting discussed challenges facing women’s rights on the global stage, amid»»»
Ukraine Geneva peace positive but make no concrete progress
US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington had made “meaningful progress” in negotiations on a potential Ukrainian settlement after a first day of trilateral talks in Geneva on February 17 involving US, Ukrainian and Russian representatives. »»»
Minister of Public Health meets Saudi Ambassador
Minister of Public Health H E Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud met with Ambassador of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Qatar H R H Prince Saad bin Mansour bin Saad bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The meeting reviewed cooperations between the two countries and ways to support and e»»»
Japan PM Takaichi Reappointed Following Election
Japan's lower house formally reappointed Sanae Takaichi as prime minister on Wednesday, 10 days after her historic landslide election victory. Takaichi, 64, became Japan's first woman premier in October and won a two-thirds majority for her party in the snap lower house elections on February 8. She»»»
Ministry of Economy invites Serbian companies to participate in 52nd Tripoli International Fair
The Tripoli based Libyan Ministry of Economy and Trade reported last Monday (16 February) that its Minister, Mohamed Al-Hwej, met with the Ambassador of Serbia to Libya, Dragan Todorovic, to discuss arrangements for the participation of Serbian companies in the. The fair will commemorate its Centen»»»
Bulgaria's Petrohan Case: Interior Ministry Details Findings on Ivaylo Kalushev’s NGO and Related Complaints
The Ministry of Interior has published a report detailing its investigation into the activities of the association linked to Ivaylo Kalushev. The document is now publicly available on the Ministry’s website. The publication follows an order from Interior Minister Daniel Mitov dated February 5, 2026»»»
Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan Agree to Establish Coordination Council
Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan agreed to establish a Saudi-Kazakh Coordination Council, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday. Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz received in Riyadh Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev. Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan »»»
S. Korea seeks to reinstate no-fly zone under suspended 2018 inter-Korean military pact - UPI.com
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Wednesday. Photo by Yonhap South Korea will seek to reinstate a no-fly zone over the border with North Korea under the suspended 2018 inter-Korean military pact aimed at easing tensions, Unification Minister Chung Dong»»»
Ministry of Planning meets Libyan Industry Union to discuss support for nationally manufactured products
With the background of price rises in basic commodities, shortages of cooking oil, LC fraud and attempts to preserve Libya’s hard currency reserves, the Minister of Planning, Mohamed Al-Zaidani, met last Monday (16 February) with the Executive Director of the Libyan Industry Union (LIU) to discuss »»»
Indonesia confirms start of Ramadan 1447 AH on February 19
The Indonesian government, through the Kementerian Agama Republik Indonesia, has officially declared that 1 Ramadan 1447 AH will fall on February 19, after the isbat (confirmation) session concluded that the crescent moon did not satisfy the agreed visibility standards, Jakarta Globe reports. »»»
Indonesia confirms start of Ramadan 1447 AH on February 19
The Indonesian government, through the Kementerian Agama Republik Indonesia, has officially declared that 1 Ramadan 1447 AH will fall on February 19, after the isbat (confirmation) session concluded that the crescent moon did not satisfy the agreed visibility standards, Jakarta Globe reports. »»»
Indonesia confirms start of Ramadan 1447 AH on February 19
The Indonesian government, through the Kementerian Agama Republik Indonesia, has officially declared that 1 Ramadan 1447 AH will fall on February 19, after the isbat (confirmation) session concluded that the crescent moon did not satisfy the agreed visibility standards, Jakarta Globe reports. »»»
Indonesia confirms start of Ramadan 1447 AH on February 19
The Indonesian government, through the Kementerian Agama Republik Indonesia, has officially declared that 1 Ramadan 1447 AH will fall on February 19, after the isbat (confirmation) session concluded that the crescent moon did not satisfy the agreed visibility standards, Jakarta Globe reports. »»»
Storms wreak havoc in western Greece
Persistent severe weather swept across large parts of the country on Tuesday, causing significant disruption, particularly in western Greece, as a third consecutive wave of rainfall battered already strained areas. Two hillside settlements on Mount Taygetos were evacuated after buildings and roads »»»
Meeting reviews MoCI’s key achievements, qualitative initiatives in fourth quarter of 2025
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, chaired the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's (MoCI) fourth quarterly performance review meeting for 2025, in the presence of H E Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade A»»»
Minister Al-Kaabi hosts farewell reception honouring QatarEnergy’s Executive Vice President for Finance and Planning
Doha, Qatar: The Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, H E Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, hosted a special farewell reception in honour of Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Shaibi, the retiring Executive Vice President for Finance and Planning at QatarEnergy. In remarks at the rece»»»
Awqaf Ministry honours winners of Institutional Motivation Awards
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs honoured the winning departments of its Institutional Motivation Awards for the second half of 2025 during a ceremony held under the patronage of Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim. The event was a»»»
Barzan University College hosts high-level delegation from Victoria, Australia
Doha, Qatar: Barzan University College (BUC), in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, hosted a senior delegation from the State of Victoria, Australia, on February 8, 2026, reinforcing the growing strategic partnership between Qatar and Australia in higher education, innovation, and»»»
Over 3,000 new heritage sites identified in Manas district - | 24.KG
Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic Mirbek Mambetaliev held a meeting with archaeologists on the quality of archaeological research and the preservation of historical and cultural heritage during land transformation. The Minister noted the need to strengthen jo»»»
Education Ministry reviews achievements, initiatives for 2025
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education reviewed its achievements and initiatives for 2025 during an extensive meeting held at the Rosewood Hotel in Doha. The event was attended by Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, Undersec»»»
Kyrgyzstan prepares for potential import of dangerous infections - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan is preparing for the possible importation of various infectious diseases into the country, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor, Ryspek Sydygaliev, said on Birinchi Radio. According to Sydygaliev, the Republican Center for the Prevention and Control of Especially Dan»»»
Energy Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Russia discuss Upper Naryn HHP Cascade - | 24.KG
Sergei Tsivilev met with Kyrgyzstan’s energy officials to discuss current cooperation in the fuel and energy sector. The meeting was attended by First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Daniyar Amangeldiev, Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev, and representatives of PJS»»»
Caretaker PM Designate Gurov to Propose Cabinet Lineup to President on Wednesday
President Iliana Iotova will receive caretaker prime minister designate Andrey Gurov at the President's Administration on Wednesday, the President’s press secretariat said. He is expected to propose a caretaker cabinet lineup. On February 12, Iotova designated Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) Deputy G»»»
Ministry of Labour launches Qatar Nationalisation Award for Private Sector
Doha, Qatar: Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, the Minist»»»
New Chairperson of Antimonopoly Regulation Service appointed in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
Benazir Nurlanova, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, introduced Aibek Mamyraliev, the new Chairperson, to the Antimonopoly Regulation Service staff. He previously held the position of Deputy Chairperson. During the meeting, the agency’s priority areas of activity were »»»
Syphilis, intestinal infections, influenza cases increase in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
In 2025, the incidence of syphilis, brucellosis, and influenza increased in Kyrgyzstan. Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor, Ryspek Sydygaliev, announced on Birinchi Radio. According to him, at year-end 2025, a total of 491,516 cases of infectious diseases were registered in t»»»
US Sets 'Red Lines' in Talks With Iran, Nuclear Proliferation Unacceptable - Vance
Vice President JD Vance said the US has established a number of “red lines” in negotiations with Iran, stressing that the primary goal is to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. “Our primary interest here is we don't want Iran to get a nuclear weapon. We don't want nuclear proliferation,»»»
Spanish president arrives in India to attend AI summit
New Delhi: President of Spain Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon arrived in India to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 and was greeted by Minister of State for Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Singh. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X wrote, "Welcome, Pr»»»
EU backs Polish SAFE
EU member states have approved Poland’s participation in the €150 billion SAFE defense program, concluding the bloc’s review of Warsaw’s plan. Poland will receive €43.7 billion in low-interest loans to finance 139 military procurement projects, largely sourced from European manufacturers. The loans»»»
India and France deepen defence partnership with new pacts
French President Emmanuel Macron wrapped up the first day of a state visit to India on February 17, 2026, elevating defence cooperation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and setting out an expanded industrial and military roadmap. »»»
India and France deepen defence partnership with new pacts
French President Emmanuel Macron wrapped up the first day of a state visit to India on February 17, 2026, elevating defence cooperation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and setting out an expanded industrial and military roadmap. »»»
Putin, women, favours: DOJ files reveal Jeffrey Epstein’s efforts to build Russian ties
Convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein sought to cultivate ties with Russia’s political elite and repeatedly pressed for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, according to US Justice Department files released on Tuesday. The documents detail Epstein’s travel to Russia and efforts to recruit y»»»
Iranian FM says progress made in nuclear talks with US in Geneva
Iran and the United States reached an understanding on the main "guiding principles" in a second round of indirect talks over their nuclear dispute on Tuesday, but that does not mean a deal is imminent, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. FRANCE 24's Angela Diffley brings you this analysi»»»
Starmer's Epstein scandal defence falls on deaf ears
The revelation that a high-profile member of the British government had close historic ties with the disgraced American financier Jeffrey Epstein has entrenched British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the worst political crisis he has faced since taking office. Questions about his ability to sur»»»
Who is Vladimir Medinsky, the nationalist historian leading Russia’s peace talks delegation?
Russia’s delegation to the latest round of US-brokered peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow in Geneva is once again being led by ultraconservative historian and presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky – a man who rewrote Russia’s history textbooks to justify Moscow’s all-out invasion of Ukraine. Vladimi»»»
First day of Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Geneva ends with no breakthroughs
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators wrapped up a first day of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday with no sign of a breakthrough. The nearly four-year war, Europe’s deadliest since World War II, grinds on as both sides signalled that they remain far apart on key issues like territory. »»»
MARINS: What happens if the Iran-US Geneva talks to stave off war fail?
After the first meeting in Oman this month, about which very little is known, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi are meeting in Geneva on February 17. »»»
Foggy mornings, fair days as stable weather continues across UAE
Dubai: The UAE will experience fair to partly cloudy weather today, the first day of Ramadan, with humid conditions developing overnight and into Thursday morning, and a probability of fog or mist over some western areas, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). (Click here for the Ra»»»
British passport rush: Millions of dual nationals now racing against time
Millions of dual nationals worldwide are suddenly facing a rush to obtain or renew British passports after the UK government tightened entry rules for people holding more than one citizenship. Many have been caught out by upcoming changes to passport rules for dual nationals, which are due to kick »»»
Guatemalan troops deploy to gang-plagued capital
Heavily armed Guatemalan troops and military police deployed to the country's capital Tuesday, challenging street gangs blamed for killing 11 officers and sparking a major security crisis. President Bernardo Arevala ordered the "Plan Sentinel" operation to break the stranglehold of Barrio 18 and MS»»»
Oil prices fall back as 'hopeful' Tehran responds to Trump
Shares vacillated and oil prices dropped back down Tuesday as Tehran gave an encouraging response during talks with US officials in Geneva on Iran's nuclear programme, after days of escalating rhetoric from President Donald Trump. Also Read: Iran-US talks in Geneva advance on 'guiding principles'Oi»»»
Iran-US talks in Geneva advance on 'guiding principles'
Iran announced a "breakthrough" in Geneva talks with the US on February 17, 2026, agreeing on "guiding principles" for resolving its nuclear dispute, BBC reported. This marking progress after Oman's-hosted first round. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the indirect discussions "constru»»»
'We're going to always be grateful' - Chicagoans mourns the loss of Jesse Jackson
Residents of Chicago, Illinois, are mourning the loss of US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who died at age 84, surrounded by family, according to a statement released by his relatives. The BBC's Gary O'Donoghue spoke with Chicagoans about what Jackson's passing means for the city and for the wi»»»
Jesse Jackson 'proved that a black man could be a serious contender for the White House'
Charismatic US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, an eloquent Baptist minister raised in the segregated South who became a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr and twice ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, has died at age 84, his family said in a statement on Tuesday. Despite never »»»
AMIR MEETS CROWN PRINCE OF BAHRAIN
The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the accompanying delegation at the Amiri Diwan on Tuesday. The meeting discussed the strong fraternal bilateral ties and the means to enhance them, in»»»
DEPUTY AMIR LEADS WELL-WISHERS TO WELCOME BAHRAINI CROWN PRINCE
The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani led well-wishers to welcome Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on his arrival at Doha International Airport on Tuesday, along with his accompanying delegation, on a visit to the country. A»»»