Trump Says Lebanese and Israeli Leaders to Speak, Pakistan Says Lebanon Peace Essential
US President Donald Trump said Lebanese and Israeli leaders will speak for the first time in decades on Thursday, while Pakistan said peace in Lebanon was essential for talks it is mediating between Washington and Tehran on ending the Iran war. The Lebanon conflict spiraled out of the US-Israeli wa»»»
Why is France’s bill against ‘new forms of anti-Semitism’ sparking controversy?
This article was originally published on April 4, 2026 – French lawmakers are on Thursday set to debate a controversial bill that proposes labeling any implicitly expressed "hatred" against the state of Israel as anti-Semitic, making it a crime under the country’s terrorism laws»»»
UK PM to meet social media bosses over online child safety
London, United Kingdom: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer will hold talks on Thursday with representatives from social media firms to press them to do more to keep children safe online, as calls grow for a ban on under-16s using the platforms. "Today is about making sure social media compa»»»
Tripoli follow-up meeting held on US State Department's Investment Climate Report on Libya - investment climate reform measures matrix reviewed
A meeting of the Tripoli Libyan government team tasked with following up on the US State Department’s Investment Climate Report was held in Tripoli last Monday, pursuant to Prime Minister’s Resolution No. (593) of 2025. The meeting was attended by the team leader and Minister of Economy and Trade, »»»
US official says Trump welcomes end to Lebanon war but has not asked for it
A U.S. official says President Donald Trump would welcome an end to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict as part of a broader peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon but has not specifically asked for one. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Trump administration’s position d»»»
Girl, 3, mauled by lion cub during circus photo op in Egypt
A three-year-old girl has suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a lion cub during a souvenir photo session at Egypt’s National Circus in the Agouza district of Giza. The incident occurred at the headquarters of the Artistic House for Folk and Performing Arts, widely known as the “Nation»»»
Labour Minister Ademov: Making a Choice Between Bread and Ballot in 21st Century Is Absurd
The Labour Ministry is continuing its efforts to stop harmful practices involving pressure on vulnerable citizens through the social system, said caretaker Labour Minister Hasan in a televised interview on Thursday. The goal is to bring these practices to light so they are not repeated. Ademov adde»»»
Leonardo Badea, BNR: Modernizing Romania through integration and convergence
Romania has made significant progress in the process of aligning with the standards of developed economies and joining the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), having already obtained 24 of the 25 formal opinions required within the OECD committees. The completion of the a»»»
US says optimistic about reaching peace deal with Iran
The United States is discussing a possible second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and is optimistic about reaching a deal, U.S. officials said, as Tehran threatened to shut down Red Sea trade unless Washington lifted a naval blockade of its ports. A Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran»»»
Turkey to hold funerals for school shooting victims
Turkey: Turkey will hold funerals for nine victims killed in a school shooting by a 14-year-old, an attack that has sent shockwaves across the country, with authorities saying the suspect had referenced a US mass killer in a WhatsApp profile image. The attack in the southern province of Kahramanmar»»»
Australia to Boost Defense Spending Citing Growing Threats
Australia will raise defense spending to 3.0 percent of GDP by 2033 as armed conflicts flare worldwide, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Thursday. The new commitment follows pressure from US President Donald Trump's administration for Canberra to boost military expenditure as a share of total a»»»
Petrol-Lukoil refinnery to resume operations within 45 days
The Minister of Energy, Bogdan Ivan, announced that he has received official confirmation from the Government of the United States of America granting a waiver from the sanctions against Lukoil, allowing Romania to restart the Petrotel-Lukoil refinery, which, through this mechanism, will be able to»»»
e-Mobility to include investment in renewable energy production, storage systems
The e-Mobility state aid scheme will include a new category of eligible expenses, namely investments in the production of energy from renewable sources and in storage systems, directly integrated with the recharging infrastructure, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Ciprian Serban, annou»»»
Major gas leak sparks fire at oil refinery in Australia
Canberra, Australia: A fire broke out Thursday at an oil refinery in Geelong, southeastern Australia, according to Australian authorities. Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said that the impact on fuel production will be significant, especially at this stage. Meanwhile»»»
Romania to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon after EU request
Romania is set to provide humanitarian aid to civilians in Lebanon, comprising 15 tonnes of food, tents and bedding supplies.The decision was taken by the National Committee for Emergency Situations, convened by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, in response to a request for assistance made through the E»»»
On This Day, April 16: MLK Jr. writes 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' - UPI.com
On April 16, 1963, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote "Letter from Birmingham Jail" while imprisoned in Alabama for protesting segregation. 1 of 7 | The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is seen as cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Washington, D.C., on March 27, 2025. On April 16, 1963, MLK wrote »»»
Aoun: Lebanon Appreciates Saudi Crown Prince’s Efforts to Promote Regional Stability
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hailed on Wednesday the “balanced and wise” efforts made by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, saying his endeavors have created an “atmosphere to support stability, which Lebanon appreciates as a source of pride”. In a post on media platform X»»»
President Sulyok tasks Péter Magyar with forming a government
Tisza Party chairman Péter Magyar announced on Wednesday that President Tamás Sulyok will entrust him with forming a government. Magyar spoke to journalists after consultations with the head of state at the Sándor Palace. Leaving the building, the politician said the president had informed him abou»»»
Court overturns property gifts to daughter in Dh19m embezzlement case
The Dubai Civil Court of First Instance has ruled that property gifts made by a convicted embezzler to his daughter cannot be enforced against creditors, ordering the assets to be restored to his name to allow recovery of funds. The court found that the defendant, previously convicted of embezzling»»»
Partnership with US EXIM Bank key to turning major projects into concrete investments
Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare held talks in Washington with the leadership of US EXIM Bank on financing new strategic projects in energy and infrastructure, aimed at accelerating investments and strengthening Romania's role in regional energy security."I had another meeting in Washington with J»»»
Bogdan Ivan, in Washington: Talks with president of World Bank Group
Bogdan Ivan, the energy minister, who is on an official visit to the US, announced on Tuesday night that the main target was to make Romania the first country in the world where the World Bank finances the production of nuclear energy. “My task in Washington is clear: Romania must be the first coun»»»
Syria's Kurds Register for Citizenship after Decades of Marginalization
In a packed hall in Qamishli's sports stadium in northeast Syria, Firas Ahmad is one of dozens of Kurds waiting to apply for citizenship after many in the minority were barred from doing so for decades. Since last week, "unregistered" Kurds, who have been stateless since a controversial 1962 census»»»
Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs meets with officials on the sidelines of the Third International Conference on Sudan
Berlin: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, met separately with His Excellency Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan »»»
Qatar participates in the third International Conference on Sudan
Berlin: The State of Qatar participated in the Third International Conference on Sudan, currently being held in the German capital, Berlin. The State of Qatar was represented at the conference by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of F»»»
Chingiz Aidarbekov voluntarily renounces his mandate - | 24.KG
Chingiz Aidarbekov has submitted a statement canceling his registration as a candidate for deputy of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan, sources informed. Chingiz Aidarbekov himself confirmed on his Facebook page that he submitted a statement to the Central Election Commission on April 16. A meeting»»»
Saudi Arabia, US Sign Tax Information Exchange Agreement
Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan has held a series of meetings in Washington, D.C. to discuss strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and addressing challenges facing the global economy. Al-Jadaan began his meetings on Wednesday by holding talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bes»»»
‘Qatar’s environmental status stable, no cause for concern’
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie has reassured the public that the country’s environmental condition remains stable, emphasizing that there are no indicators or phenomena that warrant concern. In an interview with Qatar Telev»»»
Jordan, Syria sign MoU to enhance cooperation in postal services
AMMAN — Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Sami Smirat, and Syrian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdul Salam Haikal, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral cooperation in the postal services sector.The agreement»»»
Australia secures extra 100 mn litres of diesel
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Australia has secured an additional supply of some 100 million litres of diesel from Brunei and South Korea, as the country looked to boost precarious reserves, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday. "I can announce that my government has secured an additional 100 mi»»»
Filipino indie film star Sue Prado dies at 44, industry mourns beloved Cinemalaya mainstay
Dubai: Sue Prado, an acclaimed indie Filipino film actress, died at 44 with her family confirming her death. Her sister, May Shareen Prado, took to Facebook saying her beloved family member died on April 14. No cause of death has been revealed. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf New»»»
Spotlight - War and peace: Israel brings Lebanon to negotiating table as air strikes rain down on Beirut
François Picard welcomes Farès Boueiz, former Lebanese minister of foreign affairs. The ongoing Israeli-Lebanese talks cannot be described as a "breakthrough", Boueiz argues, but rather as a technical prelude to meaningful negotiations. What we are witnessing, he suggests, is the exploratory stage »»»
War and Peace: Israel brings Lebanon to negotiating table as airstrikes rain down on Beirut
François Picard welcomes Farès Boueiz, former Lebanese minister of foreign affairs. The ongoing Israeli-Lebanese talks cannot be described as a "breakthrough", Boueiz argues, but rather as a technical prelude to meaningful negotiations. What we are witnessing, he suggests, is the exploratory stage »»»
Pakistani Army Chief Visits Tehran in Bid to Broker Renewed Talks between US and Iran
Pakistan’s army chief is set to meet with Iranian officials in Tehran on Thursday in a bid to ease tensions in the Middle East and arrange a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran after almost seven weeks of war. The White House said any further talks would likely take plac»»»
French minister seeks to ban Kanye West concert in Marseille over anti-Semitic remarks
Controversial US rapper Kanye West is facing the possible cancellation of his planned June concert in Marseille as France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez moves to block the performance over the artist’s anti-Semitic remarks. France's interior minister is seeking to block US rapper Kanye Wes»»»
Italy suspends defence agreement with Israel as Lebanon attacks stoke tensions
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has suspended Italy's defence cooperation agreement with Israel amid rising tensions between the two countries after Rome accused Israeli forces of firing warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. Italy has suspended its defence agre»»»
Spain launches programme to offer amnesty to 500,000 undocumented migrants
As countries on both sides of the Atlantic ramp up deportations of undocumented migrants, Spain’s left-wing government on Tuesday prepared to give legal status to hundreds of thousands of irregular workers. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has championed the amnesty as a way to not only give informal w»»»
Press Review - Italian papers united as PM Meloni faces off with Trump
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, April 15, 2026: First, the Italian front pages rally around Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as she stands up to US President Donald Trump. Next, war robots in Ukraine have captured Russian positions for the first time in history. Meanwhile, the war in Sudan enters its f»»»
Saudi Arabia Pledges $3 Billion More in Financial Support to Pakistan
Saudi Arabia will provide $3 billion in additional support for Pakistan to help the South Asian nation bridge a multi-billion-dollar gap in its finances linked to an upcoming debt repayment to the United Arab Emirates. The extra funding for Pakistan comes on top of Riyadh extending the rollover arr»»»
Constitutional Court Launches 35th Anniversary Celebrations with Ceremony in Veliko Tarnovo
The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Bulgaria is launching a series of events here on Wednesday, marking the 35th anniversary of its establishment with a ceremonial celebration of the Day of the Bulgarian Constitution in Veliko Tarnovo, the Court's press service reported. The Court will welc»»»
Australia, Singapore increase energy ties
Australia and Singapore have agreed to reinforce energy co-operation, pledging to maintain flows of refined fuel and LNG as both nations work to navigate international and regional energy issues on the back of the conflict in the Middle East. »»»
World leaders head to Beijing, as China becomes geopolitical fulcrum
The Trump administration’s being ostracized by the international community for America’s war mongering. That is making China a fulcrum in the East-West clash that now has its centre of gravity in the Middle East. World leaders are flocking to Beijing to find a counterbalance. »»»
COMMENT: The US and Israel ostracised by the global community
For most of the first year of the Trump administration, America's so-called western allies spent most of their time flattering, toadying and attempting to manipulate the US President's ego in a vain effort to rescue the fast decaying transatlantic "special relation." They even agreed to more than d»»»
World leaders head to Beijing, as China becomes geopolitical fulcrum
The Trump administration’s being ostracized by the international community for America’s war mongering. That is making China a fulcrum in the East-West clash that now has its centre of gravity in the Middle East. World leaders are flocking to Beijing to find a counterbalance. »»»
IMF the first to improve Russia’s growth outlook on Iran war windfall
The International Monetary Fund has become the first institution to raise its forecast for Russia’s economic growth in 2026 in anticipation of the windfall it is expected to earn from the effects of the Iran war related spike in energy prices. »»»
IMF the first to improve Russia’s growth outlook on Iran war windfall
The International Monetary Fund has become the first institution to raise its forecast for Russia’s economic growth in 2026 in anticipation of the windfall it is expected to earn from the effects of the Iran war related spike in energy prices. »»»
COMMENT: The US and Israel ostracised by the global community
For most of the first year of the Trump administration, America's so-called western allies spent most of their time flattering, toadying and attempting to manipulate the US President's ego in a vain effort to rescue the fast decaying transatlantic "special relation." They even agreed to more than d»»»
World leaders head to Beijing, as China becomes geopolitical fulcrum
The Trump administration’s being ostracized by the international community for America’s war mongering. That is making China a fulcrum in the East-West clash that now has its centre of gravity in the Middle East. World leaders are flocking to Beijing to find a counterbalance. »»»
COMMENT: The US and Israel ostracised by the global community
For most of the first year of the Trump administration, America's so-called western allies spent most of their time flattering, toadying and attempting to manipulate the US President's ego in a vain effort to rescue the fast decaying transatlantic "special relation." They even agreed to more than d»»»
IMF the first to improve Russia’s growth outlook on Iran war windfall
The International Monetary Fund has become the first institution to raise its forecast for Russia’s economic growth in 2026 in anticipation of the windfall it is expected to earn from the effects of the Iran war related spike in energy prices. »»»
World leaders head to Beijing, as China becomes geopolitical fulcrum
The Trump administration’s being ostracized by the international community for America’s war mongering. That is making China a fulcrum in the East-West clash that now has its centre of gravity in the Middle East. World leaders are flocking to Beijing to find a counterbalance. »»»