Justice Department ends death penalty moratorium, rescinds Biden-era commutations - UPI.com
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Friday that the Department of Justice is ending it moratorium on seeking the death penalty in federal capital cases, reinstating the use of single-chemical lethal injection and adding firing squad to methods of execution. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | »»»
Pakistan says Iranian delegation to hold meetings with senior leadership
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement confirming the arrival of the Iranian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad. The delegation will meet Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, and o»»»
Wounded Lebanese journalist recounts hours of agony after Israeli strike killed colleague Amal Khalil
BEIRUT: A Lebanese journalist who was wounded in an Israeli airstrike that killed her colleague this week described hours of agony as they waited for help to arrive, in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday. Zeinab Faraj, a young freelance photographer and video journalist, frequently mo»»»
Amir, US president discuss regional developments, maritime security and global supply chains
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the Saate of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a telephone call from President of the friendly United States of America, HE Donald Trump. The two sides reviewed the latest regional developments, particularly the ceasefire agreement between the United Stat»»»
Syria can serve as corridor linking Gulf, Central Asia with Europe: President Al-Sharaa
NICOSIA: President Ahmad Al-Sharaa said on Friday that the Syrian Arab Republic is positioned to become a secure strategic corridor linking Central Asia and the Gulf with Europe, as he presented a regional connectivity vision during an informal meeting of the EU and regional partners in Nicosia. Sp»»»
Is Israel’s ‘buffer zone’ expansion a bid to control Lebanon’s offshore gas?
BEIRUT: Lebanon faces growing concern over what officials describe as potential Israeli encroachment onto its offshore energy resources, after the Israeli military published a map extending its buffer zone into the Mediterranean, raising questions about the fate of the Qana gas field. The map, rele»»»
Trump administration reclassifies medical marijuana as a 'less-dangerous drug'
President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug, easing research barriers and granting tax relief. The change falls short of federal legalisation but marks a major shift in US cannabis policy. President Donald Trump's acting»»»
Warner Bros.-Paramount deal advances
The Warner Bros. takeover saga took another turn on Thursday and may finally be nearing its conclusion, with shareholders approving a buyout at $31 per share from Paramount Skydance, although regulators still need to review the deal that would merge two major entertainment groups, amid opposition, »»»
Turkiye joins global push to shield children from harmful online content
LONDON: Turkiye has become the latest country to restrict children’s access to social media, passing legislation this week that prevents under-15s from opening accounts on major platforms and requires stricter controls on harmful content. The bill, now awaiting final approval from President Recep T»»»
Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire as Trump says ‘great chance’ for peace deal
Israel and Lebanon extended their ceasefire by three weeks on Thursday following a meeting of officials from both sides at the White House. US President Donald Trump said he believed there was a "great chance" the two countries would agree on a peace deal, even though Israel and Hezbollah have»»»
French foreign minister Barrot voices concern about 'terrorist threat' in the Sahel
France's foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Friday voiced concern about the spread of Islamist extremism in west Africa, after talks with Togo's leader, Faure Gnassingbe. Violence by jihadist groups has blighted the Sahel region for the last decade, and is now spreading into northe»»»
Sheikh Abdullah receives phone call from Russian Foreign Minister
Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a phone call from Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. During the call, the two ministers discussed bilateral relations between the UAE and the Russ»»»
OCA President visits Athletes' Village at Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games
Sanya, China: President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani visited the Athletes' Village at the 6th Asian Beach Games, being held in Sanya, People's Republic of China. This visit comes as part of his ongoing mo»»»
Saudi deputy FM meets US embassy official
RIYADH: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A. Elkhereiji met Alison Dilworth, charge d’affaires of the US Embassy to the Kingdom, in Riyadh. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed current developments in the region and issues of mutual interest, the Kingdom’s Forei»»»
Reckless red light jumps caught on Sharjah Police cameras
Sharjah: Sharjah Police has released a powerful awareness video highlighting the deadly risks of jumping red lights, as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and reduce traffic violations across the emirate. The video blends real-time surveillance footage with exclusive glimpses inside the»»»
Press Review - After losing her son, healthy British woman will legally end her life in Swiss clinic
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, April 24: We look at reactions in the German, Russian and Kazakh press after an important oil pipeline from Russia is suspended to Germany. Russia says it's for "technical" reasons, but the German press say it is "political". Also: the press is divided over the case of a»»»
Tête à tête - Humanitarian worker Mike Penrose on the 'Food from Ukraine' programme
In an interview with FRANCE 24, Mike Penrose, a veteran humanitarian worker and special adviser to the government of Ukraine on the "Food from Ukraine" humanitarian programme, explained that this initiative "increases the value of the aid that's being distributed" in an "era of diminishing amounts »»»
Europe Rendezvous - Crossing borders: The EU powers your mobility (part 1)
In this two-part show, Armen Georgian takes viewers on a journey across the European Union, exploring mobility and transport projects funded by the EU’s cohesion policy. In the 2021-2027 budget, the EU has been using its cohesion funds to invest €63.2 billion in transport schemes.&nb»»»
Peruvian police raid ex-election chief's home in probe - UPI.com
Piero Corvetto, head of Peru’s National Office of Electoral Processes, resigned Wednesday amid mounting political and legal pressure over logistical failures on election day, Photo by John Reyes Mejía/EPA April 24 (UPI) -- Peru's National Police raided the home of former election chief Piero Corvet»»»
Finance Minister: The World Bank grant supports water and health services
Damascus, April 24 (SANA) Finance Minister Mohammad Yisr Barnieh said on Friday that a $225 million grant approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors for Syria, through the International Development Association, aims to support efforts to improve public service delivery in the water a»»»
Aoun: Lebanon Rejects Being A Bargaining Chip in Regional Conflicts
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon “refuses to be a bargaining chip in regional conflicts,” stressing it “negotiates in its own name, in defense of its national interests and sovereignty,” as Beirut pursues a US-sponsored diplomatic track backed by European and Arab support to reach a last»»»
Amir receives phone call from US President
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a phone call today from President of the United States of America HE Donald Trump. During the call, they reviewed the latest regional developments, particularly the ceasefire agreement between the United States of America and the Isl»»»
Al-Ahli reaching back-to-back ACL finals is ‘incredible,’ says Mahrez
JEDDAH: Riyad Mahrez says Al-Ahli have achieved something “incredible” in reaching back-to-back Asian Champions League finals, but warned his side not to underestimate their opponents — Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia — in the Jeddah showdown on Saturday. Mahrez, 35, told a press conference in Jeddah on »»»
Gaza Reconstruction Back on the Table, Parallel Track to the Board of Peace
The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip has returned to the agenda in recent days during Egyptian talks with international parties, amid a stalemate in implementing the ceasefire and earlier reports of funding problems facing the “Board of Peace” led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Those reports were »»»
Israel's buffer zone in Lebanon won't stop Hezbollah's fibre optic drones
Israel’s security buffer zone in southern Lebanon is supposed to be a shield against Hezbollah missile and drone attacks that have battered its northern communities for months. But even if the IDF occupies the entir»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
Israel's buffer zone in Lebanon won't stop Hezbollah's fibre optic drones
Israel’s security buffer zone in southern Lebanon is supposed to be a shield against Hezbollah missile and drone attacks that have battered its northern communities for months. But even if the IDF occupies the entir»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
Hungary's plans to join the euro but it won't be easy
For sixteen years, the question of Hungary joining the euro was not really a question at all. Viktor Orban's government was antagonistic towards Brussels, his party had deep eurosceptic roots, and his long-serving central bank governor argued publicly that it would be better to wait until Hungary's»»»
EU’s 20th Russia sanction package introduces full crypto ban
The European Union has approved its 20th sanctions package against Russia, targeting more than 120 individuals and entities, including oil companies, refineries, ports, tankers, banks, crypto platforms and a number of public figures, according to the announcement of the EU Council. »»»
Lebanon Ambassador in Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Played Key Ceasefire Role
Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh, said a phone call on Tuesday between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, along with a statement by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, marked the culmination of Saudi efforts that drew on the kingd»»»
ICESCO and AOAD sign deal to boost food security and climate resilience
Rabat: The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening food security and tackling climate change across the Islamic world. The agreement, signe»»»
Transport Ministry says no final World Bank deal yet on Syria rail projects
Damascus, April 24 (SANA) Syria’s Transport Ministry said reports circulating about the allocation of $200 million from the World Bank to finance railway development projects in Syria are inaccurate, stressing that the matter remains under discussion and no final agreement has been reached. In a st»»»
UN rights chief calls for arms freeze as report details widespread violations in Lebanon conflict
NEW YORK CITY: A UN human rights report published on Friday documented widespread deaths, displacements and damage to civilian infrastructure in Lebanon during the first three weeks of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. The UN’s high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, called on all »»»
Trump Dispatches Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for New Talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister
President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, the White House said Friday, just hours after Iran’s top diplomat headed to the South Asian nation where officials have been trying to get the United States and Iran to convene for a second round of ceasefire »»»
Mexico strengthens economic team ahead of trade talks with U.S. - UPI.com
Led by Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, a multidisciplinary team aims to strengthen Mexico’s position on key issues, including automotive rules of origin and steel tariffs. File Photo by Jeff Kowalsky/EPA April 24 (UPI) -- Mexico's government has assembled a high-level economic team with a»»»
‘Life never stops in Dubai': Emirati filmmaker Nawaf Al Janahi powers global cinema showcase at DIFC Art Nights this weekend
Dubai: “Life never stops. We don’t believe in that. Here in the UAE, life goes on, and every challenge is just one more step towards more strength, right?” That unflinching belief from Emirati filmmaker Nawaf Al Janahi defines the mood at the on-going DIFC Art Nights, where crowds and creativity co»»»
Exit from Emirates Road to Maliha Road shut in Sharjah
Sharjah: A key interchange near the Sharjah Grand Mosque has been temporarily closed to traffic as part of ongoing Etihad Rail infrastructure works, the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority announced. The closure, which began at midnight on Friday, affects the exit ramp from Emirates Road (E611) t»»»
Macut receives Reshetnikov
BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut met with Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov in Belgrade on Friday. "The meeting confirmed the friendly relations between Serbia and the Russian Federation and further steps to improve bilateral cooperation were discussed. Topics in the field»»»
Agri-Accelerator 360°: FAO organises training session for selection committees
Tunis, April 24 (TAP) - A training session for members of the six regional committees tasked with selecting recipients of the "Agri-Accelerator 360°" programme was organised on April 20-24 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United...»»»
UN Says Israeli Strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah Rockets into Israel May Breach International Law
The UN human rights office said on Friday it has documented patterns of attacks on civilians in populated areas and residential buildings in Lebanon and Israel that may amount to serious violations of international humanitarian law. The report covers the first three weeks of the latest escalation, »»»
Some 363 Kg Marijuana Worth EUR 3 Mln Seized at Lesovo Border Crossing
Customs officers at Lesovo border crossing discovered nearly 363 kg of marijuana in a lorry transporting washing machines, the Customs Agency said on Friday. The narcotic substance is valued at around EUR 3 million at judicial prices. On Thursday, the lorry with Romanian registration arrived at the»»»
UAE court fines couple Dh3,000 each in assault case
Dubai: A UAE court has convicted a husband and wife of mutual assault after finding that both parties physically harmed each other during a domestic dispute, imposing a fine of Dh3,000 on each while suspending the sentence for three years in a move aimed at preserving the marital relationship. Cour»»»
IsDB voices willingness to continue supporting Tunisia
Tunis, April 24 (TAP) - The Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB) is keen to continue supporting Tunisia and to examine new programmes and projects, said Head of the IsDB's Rabat Regional Hub, Ahmed Ag Aboubacrine. Received on Friday by Economy and...»»»
Northern Sea Route Becoming More Attractive Amid Hormuz Crisis - Deputy Foreign Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Northern Sea Route is becoming an increasingly appealing logistics route amid events in the Middle East, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has said. "Amid international turbulence in various regions of the world, the Northern Sea Route is becoming an increasin»»»
New Trade Corridor Activated: Kyrgyz Truck Reaches Pakistan
This is the first instance of a Central Asian country shipping goods to Pakistan in its own truck. The QTTA route now serves as a stable alternative for any kind of cargo. Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in regional connectivity. The first truck from Kyrgyzstan has arrived in Pakistan throu»»»
Russia-China Military Cooperation Becoming Increasingly Important - Russian Defense Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Bilateral military cooperation between Russia and China is becoming increasingly important in the context of the constantly changing military and political situation, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said on Friday. Earlier in the day, Belousov held talks with Chinese Def»»»
Philippines confirms safety of 15 seafarers after ship incident in Strait of Hormuz
Dubai: The Philippine government has confirmed that 15 Filipino seafarers onboard two container ships intercepted in the Strait of Hormuz are safe and unharmed, following an incident involving Iranian forces. The vessels, Epaminondas and MSC Francesca, have been stopped by the Islamic Revolutionary»»»