Region

Global

Stories in this section cover various issues and stories from all around the world.

Editor's choice
News
Donald Tusk: "One for all, and all for one! Otherwise we are finished."

Donald Tusk: "One for all, and all for one! Otherwise we are finished."

Europe is rattled by events in Venezuela, and there are serious concerns that US disregard for international law may have consequences close to home.  The BBC diplomatic correspondent, James Landale, said, the question is how Europe may respond in the longer term to America's military operation in Venezuela. Will it provide a catalyst for the continent to take greater responsibility for its own security in the face of so much instability from what many see as an unreliable ally? Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, appears to have answered the question, saying on social media: "No-one will take seriously a weak and divided Europe: neither enemy nor ally. It is already clear now. "We must finally believe in our own strength, we must continue to arm ourselves, we must stay united like never before. One for all, and all for one. Otherwise, we are finished." The US seizing of Venezuela's leader has faced strong criticism from both America's friends and foes at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, held on Monday, 5 January. Many member states agreed with the US that Nicolás Maduro had been an illegitimate and repressive leader. But many also condemned the US military action as a breach of international law and the UN Charter, and they demanded a democratic transition that reflected the will of the Venezuelan people. (click the image to read the full article).

Filter archive

Publication date
Editor's choice
News
Israel orders all Palestinians out of Gaza as Hamas official says Trump plan must be amended

Israel orders all Palestinians out of Gaza as Hamas official says Trump plan must be amended

Israel’s defense minister on Wednesday 1 October ordered all remaining Palestinians to leave Gaza City, saying it was their “last opportunity” and that anyone who stayed would be considered a terrorist or militant supporter and face the “full force” of Israel’s latest offensive. At least 21 Palestinians were killed across the territory, according to local hospitals, as Hamas weighed a new proposal form US President Donald Trump  aimed at ending the war and returning the remaining captives taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered it. A senior Hamas official told AP that there are some points in the proposal that are unacceptable and must be amended, without elaborating. He said the official response will only come after consultations with other Palestinian factions.
Editor's choice
News
Trump and Netanyahu agree on plan to end the Gaza war and release hostages

Trump and Netanyahu agree on plan to end the Gaza war and release hostages

US President  Donald Trump on Monday 29 September laid out a 20-point proposal  supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that would end the war in Gaza and free remaining hostages, leaning heavily into conditions that Hamas has previously rejected. Hamas is reviewing the plan while the Palestinian government in the occupied West Bank said it welcomed Trump’s plan to end the war and pledged to implement the reforms called for in his plan. Trump’s plan calls for establishing a temporary governing committee that would be headed by Trump and include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. A Palestinian committee of technocrats would oversee civilian affairs, with power handed over later to a reformed Palestinian Authority. 
Editor's choice
Opinion
Opinion: The 80th UNGA is a Desperate Plea for Unity

Opinion: The 80th UNGA is a Desperate Plea for Unity

On Tuesday (23 September), the high-level General Debates opened at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” The title may sound uplifting, almost celebratory, but beneath the polished words lies a chilling undertone: a desperate plea for unity. The General Debates unfold during a time when the world order faces multiple challenges: global conflicts at their highest level since World War II, genocide and famine in Gaza, humanitarian crises in Sudan and Yemen, a grinding war in Ukraine, bombings in the Middle East, accelerating climate breakdown, deep cuts to international aid and among many others a dangerous surge in human rights and international law violations.
Editor's choice
News
US President Trump mocks UN on peace and migration and attacks European allies

US President Trump mocks UN on peace and migration and attacks European allies

US President Donald Trump relentlessly mocked the United Nations on Tuesday23 September  in his first address since his White House comeback, blasting it for failing to bring peace and claiming the world body encourages illegal migration. In his return to the UN General Assembly podium, Trump accused the UN of fostering an "assault" through migration on Western countries that he said were "going to hell". He likewise used the major forum to denounce efforts to reduce global warming, calling climate change concerns "the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world". Trump also lashed out at European allies, as well as China and India, for failing to stop oil purchases from Russia, while remaining relatively restrained on Moscow even as he said Washington was ready to impose unspecified sanctions.
Editor's choice
News
France recognises Palestinian state at high profile United Nations summit

France recognises Palestinian state at high profile United Nations summit

As Gaza continues to burn, France recognised Palestinian statehood on Monday 22 September at the start of a summit at the United Nations aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. More nations are following, in defiance of Israel and the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement in the U.N. General Assembly hall received loud applause from the more than 140 leaders in attendance. The Palestinian delegation, including its U.N. ambassador, Riyad Mansour, could be seen standing and applauding as the declaration was made. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas was denied a visa by the US authorities forcing him to attend only virtually.
Editor's choice
News
UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognise Palestinian State; More EU countries are expected to follow in the next days

UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognise Palestinian State; More EU countries are expected to follow in the next days

The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal, announced on Sunday (21 September) that they were formally recognising the State of Palestine. British prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, announced the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state, in what represents a significant change in government policy. In a video statement on X, the prime minister said: "In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution." Australia, Canada and Portugal also announced formal recognition of the state of Palestine, with France and other EU states expected to follow. Responding on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a Palestinian state "will not happen".
Editor's choice
News
Azerbaijan and China Forge Defence Ties

Azerbaijan and China Forge Defence Ties

At the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which was held from Wednesday to Friday (17 - 19  September), Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, led Baku’s delegation and held high-level discussions with his Chinese counterpart on advancing joint military capabilities.
Editor's choice
News
US Blocks Again the UN Call for an Immediate Gaza Ceasefire

US Blocks Again the UN Call for an Immediate Gaza Ceasefire

On Thursday (18 September), the United States exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council to block a draft resolution that demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution also called for the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid to the enclave and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. Fourteen of the fifteen council members backed the resolution; the US alone opposed it.