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Morocco allows thousands of migrants to swim to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta

Morocco allows thousands of migrants to swim to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta

The town of Ceuta, together with its sister town Mellila a bit further down the Mediterranean coast, is an anachronism. Whilst situated on the African continent the towns are recognised as being fully part of Spain – a colonial hang-over that has taken a life of its own. The enclaves were once considered of strategic importance for the defence of Spain. They have now become springboards for illegal migration into Europe. Yesterday, 5,000 arrived, taking the authorities by surprise. They say the migrants either swam around the border fences that jut out into the sea or walked across at low tide.
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Opinion
Opinion: It is too early to call the Libya peace process a success

Opinion: It is too early to call the Libya peace process a success

Exhausted by a decade of conflict, Libyans have moved surprisingly fast to implement a peace deal that some thought impossible only a few months ago. Deep-rooted internal divisions, greed among leaders, and the shadow of external patrons, may yet frustrate the quest for peace. 
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News
EU in passionate appeal to end violence in the Middle East and address the root causes of the conflict

EU in passionate appeal to end violence in the Middle East and address the root causes of the conflict

"The EU’s priority and message in this context remains clear: violence must end now. There is an urgent need to address the root causes of the conflict and to find a political pathway, which allows for a return to meaningful negotiations towards a two-state solution based on the internationally agreed parameters.  Both Israelis and Palestinians alike have the right to live in safety and security, freedom and democracy. These constant cycles of violence must be brought to an end."
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News
Israel destroys Gaza tower block housing international media, as conflict rages on

Israel destroys Gaza tower block housing international media, as conflict rages on

The Israeli military have bombed and destroyed a tower block in Gaza which housed international media organisations such as Associated Press and Al Jazeera. This was the latest development in the dramatic escalation of conflict across the Holy Land which has already left hundreds dead and injured Palestinians and Israelis.
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News
A new nuclear deal can bring some benefits to Iran's energy sector

A new nuclear deal can bring some benefits to Iran's energy sector

The entrance of Iran in the 2015 nuclear deal and the lifting of US sanctions led to a boom in Iran's energy sector. A similar boom is expected after a new deal is successfully agreed upon. Experts suggest that the Iranian return to a deal could entail both negative and positive scenarios for its energy economy. 
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Commentary
Commentary: Lavrov's travels and travails in the South Caucasus

Commentary: Lavrov's travels and travails in the South Caucasus

The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, was in Armenia and in Azerbaijan in the last days. Bilateral issues were discussed in both Baku and Yerevan during his visit, however, it was the regional situation that dominated the discussions in both capitals, and in particular, the implementation in practice of the 10 November “Trilateral Declaration” signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. This is proving easier said than done, and some are asking if Russia has not taken on a poisoned chalice.