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Conflict and Peace

Stories related to violent conflicts, diplomatic tensions, and conflict prevention, mediation and resolution.

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Drones attacked a vessel carrying aid to Gaza in international waters

Drones attacked a vessel carrying aid to Gaza in international waters

Drones attacked a vessel carrying aid to Gaza while it was in international waters off Malta on Friday, the group organizing the shipment said. A fire broke out but was brought under control, according to authorities. A nearby tugboat responded to a distress call from the Conscience, which was carrying 12 crew members and four civilians, Malta’s government said, adding that those aboard refused to leave their ship. The group was safe and no injuries were reported, it said.
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Opinion
Opinion: Genocide Law or Political Weapon? Armenia History Debate Again Turns Toxic

Opinion: Genocide Law or Political Weapon? Armenia History Debate Again Turns Toxic

A brawl broke out in Armenia’s National Assembly on 22 April after opposition lawmakers proposed new legislation to impose harsher penalties on those who deny or question the 1915 mass killing and deportation of up to 1.5 million Armenians by the then Ottoman Empire — and whether it should be recognised as genocide. The term, coined in the 1940s by Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin, was partly inspired by the Armenian experience. Armenia already has laws addressing genocide denial, but this new initiative specifically targets anyone and not just those seeking to incite “hatred, discrimination, or violence.” Punishment of up to five years imprisonment would also be increased though the proposed changes are unlikely to pass a parliamentary vote.

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Crisis in Chad following death of President Idriss Déby

Crisis in Chad following death of President Idriss Déby

The situation in Chad remains tense following the shock announcement of the death of President Idriss Déby on Tuesday (20 April). He was reported killed while fighting against rebels who have been on the move since in the last days. Déby was a close ally for France and had ruled the country for around 30 years. Déby was heading for his sixth term as president after leading in the presidential elections held earlier this month. 
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Reports of clashes between government forces and rebels in Chad

Reports of clashes between government forces and rebels in Chad

Tensions between the government of Chad and rebel forces increased in recent days. According to the Reuters news agency rebel fighters appear to be moving towards the capital N’Djamena. Non-essential staff from major foreign embassies were told to leave ahead of expected violence in the capital.  
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UNSC approves sending ceasefire monitors to Libya

UNSC approves sending ceasefire monitors to Libya

The UN Security Council voted unanimously to send international ceasefire monitors to Libya. The UNSC called on the new unity government to plan for free and inclusive elections at the end of the year. The monitoring mechanism, which is estimated to be composed of 60 personnel, will join the existing UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and work along with the Joint Commission 5+5, which had agreed to the ceasefire. 
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Azerbaijan protests against meeting of European envoy with a representative of Karabakh Armenians

Azerbaijan protests against meeting of European envoy with a representative of Karabakh Armenians

Commonspace.eu political editor said in a comment that "It is not clear what is the reason for the latest Azerbaijani diplomatic demarche, but with the Russians now exercising de facto control over Nagorno-Karabakh with unfettered interaction with the whole of society, the latest Azerbaijani move appears to serve no purpose other than to consolidate and monopolise the Russian control over the territory."
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International community calls on Russia to de-escalate tensions around Eastern Ukraine

International community calls on Russia to de-escalate tensions around Eastern Ukraine

In a telephone conversation with the Ukrainian President, the European Council President Charles Michel expressed the EU's continued support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. Michel reiterated his call on Russia to respect the OSCE principles and commitments on the transparency of military movements.
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Fighting intensifies in Yemen's Marib with little hope for peace efforts

Fighting intensifies in Yemen's Marib with little hope for peace efforts

Fighting between pro-government forces and Houthi fighters intensified over the weekend across multiple fronts in the governorate of Marib in Yemen. Reports indicate that around 70 have been killed in the past few days. Officials losses and the changes in the frontlines are difficult to determine as figures and news are often concealed.