Category: World News

PRAGUE (AP) — Thousands of Czech high school and university students took to the streets of Prague Wednesday, demonstrating against proposed government changes to public broadcasting funding structures.

Demonstrators shouted “We won’t let you take the media” as they marched through the capital city. Additional demonstrations took place in other locations throughout the Czech Republic.

The proposed legislation, developed by the coalition government under populist Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, would eliminate the current fee system paid by individuals, households and companies to support public broadcasting services.

Under the proposed structure, public broadcasting would become entirely reliant on government budget allocations. Opposition voices argue this arrangement would undermine editorial independence.

The proposed changes would substantially cut current funding levels for public media outlets. The legislation requires both government and Parliamentary approval before implementation.

Union representatives for media workers announced their readiness to strike should lawmakers move forward with the proposed changes, which could become law as early as next year.

The Vienna-based International Press Institute expressed concern that the proposed changes aim to “weaken the broadcasters’ financial and editorial independence and compromise their ability to fulfill their public service remit.”

LONDON — A shortlist dominated by American writers has been revealed for the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction, with U.S. authors claiming four of six finalist positions for the prestigious literary award worth 30,000 pounds ($40,000).

The finalist announcement came Wednesday from a judging committee headed by Julia Gillard, who served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 2010 to 2013. The competition welcomes female authors writing in English from around the globe.

Notable American entries include established author Lily King’s university-based love story “Heart the Lover” and Susan Choi’s complex family narrative “Flashlight,” which earned recognition as a Booker Prize finalist last year.

First-time novelists represent a significant portion of the list, including Virginia Evans’ epistolary work “The Correspondent,” featuring an elderly female lead character. This novel gained momentum gradually following its 2025 publication. Also making the cut is Addie E. Citchens’ “Dominion,” which examines themes of authority and male dominance within a Mississippi-based African American congregation.

Two British debut authors complete the roster: Marcia Hutchinson with “The Mercy Step,” chronicling a young woman’s maturation in England’s northern region, and Rozie Kelly’s exploration of romance and loss in “Kingfisher.”

According to Gillard, these selections share compelling narratives and fascinating protagonists while examining “power — where it lies, where it doesn’t lie. How you find the ability to chart your own life course, what it means to potentially have others that are pushing you in different directions as you try and chart that life course.”

The prevalence of first-time published authors doesn’t indicate inexperience. Hutchinson brings decades of legal practice to her writing in her sixties, while Evans completed seven unpublished manuscripts before achieving worldwide recognition with “The Correspondent.”

“I think the way the publishing industry is working now, there are quite a number of authors coming to the fore for whom being a fiction author is well and truly a second act in a life that has brought other careers,” Gillard explained.

“I’m delighted to see that,” Gillard shared with The Associated Press, though she doesn’t plan to follow suit immediately. Unlike other former political leaders such as Bill Clinton and Scotland’s Nicola Sturgeon who have penned political fiction, Gillard isn’t currently developing a novel.

“Never say never, but I’m not sure about that,” stated Gillard, whose published works include memoirs and books examining women in leadership roles. “But I’m a fiction lover, a fiction reader, and it’s been just fantastic to have this experience” serving on the Women’s Prize judging committee.

The five-member panel will now deliberate to select the ultimate winner. The literary honor, established in 1996, has previously recognized authors including Zadie Smith, Tayari Jones and Barbara Kingsolver. A companion award for nonfiction launched in 2024.

Both prize recipients will be revealed during a June 11 ceremony in London.

MEXICO CITY — Xaneri Merino’s journey with traditional weaving began in defiance of cultural expectations that would shape her life’s mission.

Born in San Pedro Jicayán, an Indigenous village in southern Mexico, Merino was assigned male at birth in a community where weaving traditions are typically reserved for women. Despite cultural restrictions, her grandmother secretly taught her the ancient art of backstrap loom weaving when she was just 13 years old.

“She began sharing her knowledge with me in secret,” Merino recalled about learning to weave hidden away in her grandmother’s adobe dwelling. “She taught me how to make the thread from scratch, to feel the textures and respect nature.”

Merino’s heritage combines Mixtec ancestry from her mother’s side, where creation stories connect divine origins to sacred terrain, and Zapotec roots from her father’s lineage, where spiritual practices intertwine with daily life experiences.

Her grandmother emphasized environmental stewardship as fundamental to their weaving tradition. Community weavers craft their thread-tension tools from tamarind tree branches and find methods to replenish what they harvest from nature.

“To care for nature is part of our worldview,” Merino explained. “Because it provides us with what we need to walk this world.”

Today, Merino embraces both her transgender identity and her cultural heritage as a “muxe” — a Zapotec term describing Indigenous individuals assigned male at birth who assume feminine roles, sometimes considered a third gender category.

She now earns her living conducting weaving workshops and teaching others how the backstrap loom serves both as artistic expression and resistance against oppression.

“Everyone is capable of learning how to weave, and it’s not just about creating a piece,” she told participants during a recent Mexico City workshop designed for LGBTQ+ individuals. “It’s also about weaving our own stories, as we can come to know ourselves through the loom.”

Merino’s weaving journey included a painful period of punishment and separation from her craft. At age 15, community members discovered her weaving on their way to a religious celebration.

The next morning, village loudspeakers summoned all men to address what they deemed an urgent concern: a boy who had dared to weave.

Community elders formed a circle while Merino stood in the center alongside her mother and grandmother, facing questioning about her actions.

According to Merino’s recollection, one man confronted her grandmother: “Why would you allow him to weave, if it’s not something boys are supposed to do? Do you realize what kind of example you’re setting for other children?”

Her grandmother responded straightforwardly, explaining she was simply teaching creativity and helping preserve cultural traditions through textile arts.

The community assigned Merino church-sweeping duties as punishment. Although she occasionally continued weaving secretly, the experience deeply affected her relationship with the craft, leading her to largely abandon her loom.

“I developed a deep resentment toward textiles and the customs around them,” Merino reflected. “Having the ability to create and not being allowed to use it was like having eyes and having them taken away — I could no longer see.”

Healing began when Merino relocated to Mexico City for university studies. Her communications major included coursework in cultural management, textile analysis, and postcolonial perspectives on Indigenous resistance movements.

“That made me see how I could use my reality for a greater good,” she said. “My loom became a means to healing.”

Workshop participants often discover personal connections through the weaving process. One returning student explained to her classmates that looms reflect the weaver’s emotional state, transferring both positive feelings and stress into the threads.

“I love Xan’s way of teaching because she is very human and patient,” student Emilia Freire, also a transgender woman, told The Associated Press. “She made me realize that once I had my weaving set up and began to work, everything I carried with me through the week would come out.”

First-time participant Kristhian Cravioto appreciated finding a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ craft enthusiasts and celebrated Merino’s challenge to gender-based weaving restrictions.

“This is very important for us dissidents,” said Cravioto, who works as a designer with interest in Mexico’s Indigenous crafts. “To know that no matter whether you are a man or a woman, what you do matters.”

Traditional backstrap looms consist of cords, threads, and wooden components assembled into transportable frames. Weavers typically sit on the ground, securing one loom end to a tree or post while fastening the other around their waist. Body movements create rhythmic tension control that guides the weaving process.

Each textile piece requires substantial time investment. Merino typically spends approximately one month working eight hours daily to complete a short “huipil,” the traditional tunic worn by Indigenous Mexican women.

While many relocated weavers adapt to urban materials, Merino returns to her hometown for authentic supplies, including purple dye extracted from coastal sea snails — a resource becoming scarcer as the species population decreases.

Though homesickness persists, Merino finds encouragement in younger LGBTQ+ community members who have embraced weaving in San Pedro Jicayán following her example.

“At least five trans women and two men are weaving,” she noted. “We have gained visibility through the loom and that’s what this fight has been about.”

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Top diplomatic and military officials from Cambodia and China convened Wednesday for their inaugural ‘2+2’ Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, marking a significant step in strengthening political and security cooperation between the two nations.

The high-level discussions brought together Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun with their Cambodian counterparts, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Defense Minister Tea Seiha, in Cambodia’s capital.

This diplomatic initiative stems from a proposal made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his official state visit to Cambodia in April of last year, designed to enhance relations and expand the comprehensive strategic partnership between both countries. As part of China’s broader efforts to expand its influence across Southeast Asia, Beijing previously launched a similar ministerial-level ‘2+2’ dialogue format with Indonesia in 2023.

According to Tuesday’s announcement from China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang Yi’s regional tour will continue with visits to Thailand and Myanmar after concluding his Cambodia meetings.

During their stay in Cambodia, the Chinese ministers are scheduled for individual meetings with Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. Following the joint strategic dialogue, Wang Yi will engage in detailed discussions with Prak Sokhonn on Thursday, focusing on implementing current cooperation agreements and contributing to regional peace, security and stability.

Cambodian officials have not yet released specific details about any of the scheduled meetings.

China maintains its position as Cambodia’s primary investor and aid provider, with Cambodia serving as Beijing’s most reliable political ally in Southeast Asia. Trade between the nations totaled $19.73 billion in the previous year, with the balance heavily favoring China.

This strengthening relationship has raised concerns among analysts and U.S. officials regarding a Chinese-funded upgrade to Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, with suspicions that Beijing may use the facility as a strategic military installation. The base, situated on the Gulf of Thailand, completed major construction last year including a new pier capable of handling larger vessels, a dry dock for ship maintenance, and additional infrastructure.

U.S. officials have publicly voiced concerns that China has been secretly granted exclusive access rights to the naval facility, though Cambodian leaders have consistently rejected these claims. During the base expansion’s opening ceremony in April last year, Prime Minister Hun Manet specifically refuted these allegations, stating that the expansion wasn’t concealed from other nations.

In a notable development three months ago, the USS Cincinnati became the first American Navy vessel to dock at the renovated facility since the Chinese-funded improvements were finished, bringing approximately 100 crew members to the base.

Leaders from Vietnam and South Korea have forged stronger ties in nuclear energy and advanced technology during a high-level meeting in Hanoi this week, as both nations work to reinforce supply chains during uncertain global trade conditions.

Vietnamese top leader To Lam and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung witnessed the signing of 12 non-binding agreements covering energy, technology, and security partnerships during their Wednesday gathering – marking their second diplomatic encounter since August. Among the key areas of collaboration is exploring opportunities for nuclear power plant construction and financing.

The Southeast Asian nation is actively searching for a development partner to build a nuclear facility with 2 to 3.2 gigawatts of capacity by 2035, following Japan’s departure from the project due to concerns about the compressed timeline.

As one of Southeast Asia’s most rapidly expanding economies, Vietnam has occasionally faced challenges meeting rising electricity demands as its manufacturing sector grows. South Korea stands as Vietnam’s top foreign investor, with numerous Korean corporations operating significant production facilities throughout the country.

Following their discussions, the leaders outlined plans for enhanced economic integration. “We agreed to support Vietnamese businesses in joining South Korea’s production, supply and distribution chains, contributing to the development of an independent and self-reliant economy,” Lam stated after the meeting.

Lee, who arrived in Vietnam with an extensive business delegation after visiting India, emphasized their shared commitment to stability. “We agreed to work more closely together to strengthen energy security and stabilize supply chains,” the South Korean president remarked.

Vietnam faces mounting pressure from Washington to decrease its reliance on Chinese electronic components, as the U.S. administration has intensified oversight of potential Chinese goods being channeled through Vietnam to circumvent American tariffs. The majority of Vietnam’s exports are destined for U.S. markets.

Both nations reconfirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade volume to $150 billion by 2030, up from last year’s total of $89.5 billion, according to Vietnamese government data.

As a leading exporter of mobile phones and electronic devices, Vietnam is actively pursuing a transition toward more advanced technological capabilities.

Samsung, Vietnam’s largest foreign corporate investor with over $20 billion invested primarily in electronics manufacturing facilities, has engaged in ongoing discussions with Vietnamese officials regarding a potential semiconductor backend facility. Sources familiar with these negotiations indicate recent progress in the talks.

Major multinational companies including Intel and Amkor operate substantial backend chip manufacturing plants in Vietnam, concentrating on labor-intensive semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging operations.

PRAGUE, April 22 – Labor organizations representing workers at Czech Television and Czech Radio announced Wednesday they are preparing for potential strike action in response to proposed government changes to how the state broadcasters receive funding, including elimination of viewer and listener fees.

The current ruling coalition intends to start eliminating the licensing fee system this year and transition both broadcasters to complete state budget financing beginning next year. These modifications would result in decreased overall funding for the public media outlets.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis and his populist ANO party made eliminating licensing fees a campaign promise during last year’s elections. The user fees had been raised last year for the first time in almost twenty years to a total of 205 crowns ($9.90) monthly.

The labor unions announced a strike alert Wednesday, which serves as a preliminary action before initiating an actual work stoppage.

Zuzana Bancanska, Deputy Chairwoman of the Independent Unions at Czech Television, addressed hundreds of employees gathered outside the broadcasting facility, warning that the proposed changes would result in widespread job cuts.

“Both media will be unable to perform their public service, which can lead to their demise,” she stated, urging citizens to support media independence.

OFFICIALS DENY INTERFERENCE CLAIMS

Government representatives, who have not provided immediate response, dismiss claims that they intend to interfere with news coverage, maintaining that state financing is standard practice across Europe.

Opposition voices have compared the proposed reforms to measures taken to establish political oversight in Slovakia and Hungary, the latter under departing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who serves as Babis’ close European partner in their Patriots for Europe alliance.

Leadership from Czech Television and Czech Radio released a joint statement Monday expressing concerns that the proposed modifications lack adequate independence protections, are poorly structured, and create opportunities for legal ambiguity, outside influence, and reduced editorial freedom.

Babis has previously expressed dissatisfaction with coverage of his political activities and business dealings by both public and private media organizations.

Media monitoring organization Reporters Without Borders characterized the proposals as disorganized, stating they were “pulling the rug out” from beneath the broadcasting companies.

($1 = 20.7090 Czech crowns)

Moscow announced Tuesday that its military forces in Africa successfully rescued two hostages who had been held captive by terrorists in West Africa since July 2024.

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the Africa Corps liberated Russian national Oleg Gret and Ukrainian national Yuri Yurov during a military operation conducted in Mali. Both men had been working for a Russian geological exploration firm when they were kidnapped in Niger by Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a terrorist organization linked to al-Qaeda.

“As a result of a special operation conducted by the Africa Corps in the Republic of Mali, employees of a Russian geological exploration company captured in July 2024 in Niger by the terrorist group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin were freed,” the ministry announced in an official statement.

The two captives had previously been featured in propaganda videos distributed through media channels associated with JNIM, an armed militant organization that maintains control over extensive territories throughout the Sahel region of Africa.

This kidnapping incident represented a significant challenge for Russia’s expanding influence in West Africa, where Moscow has successfully replaced Western allies in recent years. Russia has taken advantage of increasing anti-French sentiment in the region, as France was the former colonial authority, while also capitalizing on rising security concerns from militant attacks.

The Africa Corps, which now handles Russia’s military activities across the African continent, has taken over operations previously managed by the Wagner Group mercenary organization, which was under state control.

Defense officials stated that both rescued individuals will be flown to Moscow aboard Russian military aircraft to receive medical care and undergo rehabilitation following their ordeal.

BRUSSELS, April 22 – A massive European Union financial assistance package worth $105 billion for Ukraine may finally move forward after months of delays caused by Hungarian opposition under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The loan program gained new momentum following Orban’s electoral defeat earlier this month and the restoration of Russian oil shipments to Hungary through Ukrainian territory.

EU leadership approved the joint borrowing initiative last December to provide financial support for Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russia through 2027, with a unique structure that would ultimately make Moscow responsible for repayment through frozen Russian assets.

The lending mechanism will operate through interest-free loans distributed during 2026 and 2027, funded by EU borrowing in capital markets and supported by available budget capacity – the gap between maximum possible member contributions and current spending obligations.

Three nations with governments considered more aligned with Moscow – Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic – negotiated exemptions from participating in the collective borrowing arrangement.

Ukraine will not be required to repay the funds from its own treasury. Instead, repayment is structured to occur only when Russia provides war reparations following the conflict’s conclusion.

Approximately 210 billion euros in frozen Russian central bank assets held within EU jurisdiction could serve as the repayment source. This approach was specifically designed to utilize Russian funds for Ukrainian assistance without directly seizing the money, avoiding what officials considered legally problematic confiscation.

The 90 billion euro package is intended to address two-thirds of Ukraine’s projected 135 billion euro requirements over the next two years. The funding will be distributed as 45 billion euros in both 2026 and 2027.

Annual allocations will designate 28 billion euros for military expenditures and 17 billion for general governmental budget requirements.

Brussels anticipates that other supportive developed nations will contribute the remaining funding gap, with commitments already secured for 2026.

The joint EU borrowing concept initially appeared unachievable due to unanimity requirements and Orban’s resistance. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic eventually agreed to allow the program after EU leaders guaranteed no financial impact on their countries.

Hungary subsequently blocked the loans when Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline crossing Ukrainian territory ceased. Kyiv attributed the pipeline shutdown to damage from Russian military strikes.

Approval prospects improved significantly after Orban’s April 12 electoral loss, with incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar indicating he would not oppose the disbursements. Additionally, Ukrainian crews have repaired the Druzhba pipeline, with oil flows expected to resume shortly.

Shipping industry leaders predict that Asian maritime companies will likely resume passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz ahead of their Western counterparts, citing differences in risk tolerance and sanctions compliance approaches.

Speaking at the FT Commodities Global Summit on Wednesday in Lausanne, executives explained that Asian operators appear more willing to navigate the dangerous waters and accept Iranian toll requirements, unlike Western firms bound by strict sanctions protocols.

The situation has created an unprecedented maritime crisis, with hundreds of tankers and cargo vessels trapped within the Middle East Gulf since February’s end, unable to transit the crucial waterway. This blockade has generated what experts describe as the most significant energy supply disruption in global history.

Recent escape attempts have met with violent responses from Iranian forces. While some vessels managed to exit the Gulf last Saturday, Iran swiftly halted further departures by opening fire and ordering ships to return. Wednesday saw at least three container ships struck by gunfire while attempting passage.

Larry Johnson, Mercuria’s global head of freight, outlined the complex dynamics at play. “For companies that are happy not to comply with OFAC sanctions, the safety part is still there. But, if that has been resolved by government to government communication, can the Indian navy send a convoy through, can a Chinese convoy go through? Yeah, probably so,” Johnson explained, referring to the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Johnson noted that successful transits have primarily involved government-operated vessels benefiting from diplomatic channels with Iran or military escort protection – advantages unavailable to commercial trading companies.

Peter Weernink, CEO of SwissMarine, echoed these observations while identifying specific nations likely to resume transit operations. “Certain parts of the world will be able to pass through and the odds are that in the next few weeks you’re going to see more of that, and we won’t be able to,” Weernink stated, specifically mentioning Indian, Iraqi and Chinese vessels.

Iran has intensified its control over the waterway by implementing a toll system administered alongside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an organization currently under international sanctions.

Andrew Jamieson, co-head of Gunvor’s shipping division Clearlake, warned that elevated costs and persistent safety threats will continue affecting Hormuz traffic patterns. He anticipates rising Advanced War Risk Premiums and potential crew shortages as maritime workers demand higher compensation or refuse dangerous assignments altogether.

“If your crew doesn’t want to go, they don’t need to go if they feel unsafe,” Jamieson emphasized.

Despite the current crisis, Roger Horton, Chief Commercial Officer at Clarkson, expressed confidence in the shipping industry’s ability to respond rapidly once Hormuz reopens. However, he acknowledged that many vessels have already departed the Middle East region to pursue more profitable Atlantic Basin opportunities amid elevated freight rates.

OTTAWA – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is positioning himself for crucial trade negotiations with the United States following his party’s decisive victory in last week’s special elections, which secured him a parliamentary majority.

The Canadian leader now confronts a critical July 1 deadline where Canada, the U.S., and Mexico must decide whether to maintain their current trade arrangement, renegotiate terms, or implement yearly reviews leading up to the agreement’s 2036 expiration date. Under mounting pressure from Washington for trade concessions, Carney plans to pursue a restructured agreement this year targeting tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automotive products.

Prior to the Liberal Party’s electoral sweep, Carney argued that securing a parliamentary majority was essential for effectively managing Trump’s trade policies. Political experts and former government officials now say the Prime Minister must fulfill his campaign promises to revitalize Canada’s economy and successfully navigate negotiations with the Trump administration.

“Dealing with Trump and negotiating a trade deal with the U.S. is what Canadians hired Mark Carney to do,” stated Dan Arnold, who previously served as a senior aide in former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration. “He now has to rise to the moment and show us the fruits of these deals he’s been signing.”

Recent polling conducted by Nanos Research revealed that Canadians prioritize economic issues and inflation concerns, with the nation’s relationship with the United States ranking as their second-highest worry.

While Trump has repeatedly made provocative statements about making Canada the 51st U.S. state, Carney has committed to expanding Canadian exports to alternative markets by 100% over the next ten years. His government has finalized over 20 economic and security partnerships in the past year, including agreements with China, and is currently working toward a deal with India. Despite these efforts, nearly 70% of Canada’s exports still flow to the United States.

During a Sunday video address, Carney characterized Canada’s heavy dependence on U.S. trade as “weaknesses that we must correct.” He encouraged Canadians to draw inspiration from historical leaders like Chief Tecumseh, who organized Indigenous communities around the Great Lakes to oppose American territorial expansion during the War of 1812.

“I will never sugarcoat our challenges,” Carney declared, noting that the United States has dramatically shifted its trade policies and imposed tariff levels not witnessed since the Great Depression era.

While U.S. trade officials conducted meetings in Mexico City this week, formal discussions between Washington and Ottawa regarding the North American trade pact renewal have yet to commence.

Fen Hampson, an international affairs professor at Carleton University in Ottawa, believes the time has come for decisive action. “It’s time for the prime minister to take the gloves off and start negotiating in the trenches,” he said. Hampson suggested that Carney’s majority government provides the political flexibility to make potentially unpopular compromises, such as opening Canada’s protected dairy sector to U.S. competition or persuading provincial governments to increase American alcohol imports.

“If he had a minority, the prime minister might not be able to absorb these concessions,” Hampson explained. “But he has the political capital to do it and he can also use his influence to address provincial premiers who have been obstacles.”

Dominic LeBlanc, the minister overseeing U.S. trade relations, informed a parliamentary committee that Canada aims to secure both sector-specific tariff agreements and a comprehensive North American trade deal. Representatives from Carney’s office and LeBlanc’s department did not respond to requests for comment, though the government has previously stated that Canada’s dairy supply management system remains non-negotiable. The White House also declined to comment.

Diamond Isinger, who handled Canada-U.S. relations during the Trudeau government, believes Carney’s majority provides stability through the uncertainty surrounding November’s U.S. midterm elections, with no Canadian federal election anticipated until 2029.

“The prime minister now has time to get to a better CUSMA deal without the fear of a snap election,” she said, referencing the Canadian name for the trade agreement.

Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, who lags behind Carney by more than 20 points in leadership preference polls, criticized the Prime Minister on Tuesday, claiming he “refuses to stand up against these wrong-headed American tariffs.” Poilievre noted that formal bilateral discussions have not occurred in five months.

Asa McKercher, who teaches public policy at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, argues that Carney must concentrate on domestic priorities, including the pending decision on Canada’s next fighter jet fleet and infrastructure investment projects announced last year.

“He’s done the world circuit and made some great speeches, but now he has to actually focus on being a domestic politician,” McKercher observed.

Drew Fagan, a visiting professor at Yale University, emphasized the need to address rising living costs. Government statistics show that among Group of Seven developed nations, Canada maintains the second-highest unemployment rate and leads in food price inflation.

“This is a country that’s fundamentally getting poorer for many people,” Fagan noted. “Given what’s happened in the world in the last 18 months, Carney is not being blamed for the price of cheese and juice. Canadians have put up with a lot but at some point, they will hold somebody accountable.”

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian officials are actively working to arrange direct negotiations between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, hoping such a meeting could revitalize dormant peace discussions led by the United States, according to the country’s foreign minister.

At the same time, a Ukrainian drone strike far inside Russian territory hit an apartment building, resulting in the deaths of a woman and child, Russian authorities reported Wednesday.

Ukraine has approached Turkey for assistance in organizing high-level discussions and has contacted other nations about potentially hosting such talks, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed. He noted that Ukraine would accept any location except Russia and Belarus.

“We are … advocating for a (summit) meeting now to bring new momentum to diplomacy,” Sybiha told reporters on Tuesday. His remarks were embargoed until Wednesday.

Diplomatic efforts mediated by the United States over the past year between Russian and Ukrainian representatives have achieved minimal progress on critical matters, including the status of four Ukrainian territories that Moscow seeks to control but has not fully captured. With Washington now focused heavily on the Iran conflict, these negotiations have been suspended.

While Zelenskyy has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire as requested by U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin has rejected this proposal. Experts believe Putin assumes time favors Russia, expecting Western military aid and financial backing to diminish while Ukraine’s ability to resist eventually weakens.

The brutal conflict continues along an approximately 1,250-kilometer (800-mile) battle line stretching across eastern and southern Ukraine. Western intelligence sources and military analysts estimate Russia is experiencing tens of thousands of combat losses monthly, creating conditions reminiscent of World War I’s devastating battles.

Independent confirmation of military casualties and determining which side holds advantages remains impossible.

Ukraine has built up its own weapons manufacturing capabilities, increasingly creating long-distance drones and missiles that can reach targets deep within Russia. Ukrainian forces have focused attacks on Russian oil facilities and factories supporting Moscow’s military operations.

In Syzran, located in Russia’s Samara region approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) east of Ukraine’s border, a drone attack caused part of an apartment building to collapse, regional officials reported.

Rescue workers recovered the bodies of a woman and child from the debris while 12 additional people sustained injuries, local authorities confirmed.

Photographs from the location revealed a section of a four-story structure reduced to a enormous pile of wreckage, with emergency responders working on top of the rubble.

Russian news outlets noted that a Rosneft oil refinery — a common target of Ukrainian drone operations — sits on the same street as the damaged residential building.

Ukraine’s aerial attacks against Russia surged nearly fourfold last year, increasing from 6,200 strikes in 2024 to over 23,000 in 2025, according to Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, who made the statement last month.

BRUSSELS — Representatives from European Union member nations convened Wednesday in Brussels, with many expressing cautious hope that a crucial $106 billion aid package for Ukraine could receive approval following months of political gridlock.

The diplomatic gathering focused on whether Hungary would withdraw its opposition to the massive 90-billion-euro financial assistance program, which Ukraine urgently requires to sustain its defense efforts and stabilize its war-torn economy over the coming two years.

Hungarian officials have maintained their position that Russian oil deliveries through Ukrainian territory must restart before they would support releasing the funds. Both Hungary and Slovakia depend heavily on Russian petroleum imports to satisfy their domestic energy requirements.

Both nations have blamed Ukraine for not fixing a compromised pipeline system that transports the oil. Ukraine and the majority of its European allies have opposed Russian oil imports, arguing these purchases provide financial support for President Vladimir Putin’s military campaign, which has now entered its fifth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Tuesday through social media that his country had finished repairing the Druzhba pipeline system. “The pipeline can resume operation,” Zelenskyy stated, noting the infrastructure “was damaged by a Russian strike.”

However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has indicated he would only support the Ukrainian loans after oil transportation resumes, leaving diplomats waiting for confirmation from Budapest that the blockade will end. Orbán, known for repeatedly obstructing EU assistance to Ukraine, suffered a decisive electoral defeat on April 12 and will step down next month, with pro-European opposition leader Péter Magyar set to take his place.

Cyprus, which currently leads the EU’s rotating presidency, plans to initiate a formal written process to approve the remaining components of the loan arrangement. This procedure would require Hungary or any other dissenting country to provide written justification for their opposition.

These formal processes typically remain open for at least 24 hours, though the exact timeline Cyprus will establish remains unclear. Final authorization could potentially occur Thursday during an EU leaders’ summit scheduled in Cyprus.

Considering numerous previous disappointments in recent months, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas hesitated to predict the outcome when questioned by journalists Tuesday. “We expect an agreement in 24 hours, so I don’t want to jinx it,” she remarked.

The 27-member European Union initially planned to secure the loan using frozen Russian assets held in Europe as backing. Belgium, however, prevented this approach since most of the frozen assets are located within its borders.

Last December, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia committed to allowing their EU partners to secure the funding through international markets, provided the three nations wouldn’t be required to participate directly in the arrangement.

Orbán subsequently frustrated the remaining 24 countries by abandoning this agreement due to the pipeline disagreement and amid intensifying campaign activities before his landslide electoral loss.

During a Tuesday evening speech, Zelenskyy argued that “there can be no grounds for blocking” the financial assistance any longer. “The EU asked Ukraine to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline, which had been destroyed by Russia. We have repaired it.”

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha informed reporters that Ukraine had fulfilled its obligations. “We have completed everything — there is a date (set), and the infrastructure has been repaired.”

Since February, the EU has also attempted to advance additional sanctions against Russia, which Hungary and Slovakia have continued to block. These measures may require more time to approve than the loan package.

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated Tuesday that his nation would only agree once “Russian oil arrives in Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline. I can state that we do not have such information yet.”

Economy Minister Denisa Saková indicated Slovakia anticipates oil deliveries to restart early Thursday.

According to Saková, information from Ukrtransnaft, the company managing the pipeline within Ukrainian territory, confirmed that oil began flowing through the Druzhba system again Wednesday.

Recovery teams have located the remains of one crew member from a cargo vessel that capsized during a powerful typhoon near the Northern Mariana Islands, while five others remain unaccounted for.

Military divers from the U.S. Air Force employed underwater drone technology to explore the interior of the capsized ship and successfully retrieved the body on Tuesday, according to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Japanese Coast Guard diving teams also conducted searches of the vessel but did not locate any additional crew members, Coast Guard officials reported.

“Coast Guard aircrews continue to search for the five missing crewmen and an orange 12-person life raft in the vicinity of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,” the news release said.

The maritime emergency began when the Mariana’s crew contacted the U.S. Coast Guard on April 15, reporting that their 145-foot U.S.-flagged cargo ship had lost its starboard engine amid Super Typhoon Sinlaku and required immediate help. Communication with the vessel was lost the following day.

“Our hearts are with the families of the Mariana crew members and the communities impacted by this tragic incident,” Cmdr. Preston Hieb, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard Oceania District, said in a statement. “We continue to search in close coordination with our partners, using all available resources to support the ongoing response.”

Severe weather conditions initially hampered rescue operations, but search teams eventually located the capsized vessel on Saturday approximately 40 miles northeast of Pagan, an island within the Northern Marianas U.S. territory.

Coast Guard officials announced Monday that rescue boats and diving teams had been dispatched to attempt underwater drone searches of the overturned ship. Search crews also discovered debris, including a partially flooded inflatable life raft, roughly 110 miles away from the vessel’s location.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku devastated the Northern Mariana Islands with destructive winds and severe flooding.

American military forces have begun using Ukrainian-developed anti-drone technology at a critical air base in Saudi Arabia following a series of Iranian attacks, according to five sources familiar with the situation.

The Sky Map command system, created by Ukrainian company Sky Fortress, has been installed at Prince Sultan Air Base in recent weeks. Ukrainian military trainers have arrived to instruct U.S. personnel on operating the platform, which Ukraine’s forces use extensively to identify approaching drone threats and coordinate defensive responses.

This marks a significant development as Ukraine’s experience fighting Russia for four years has advanced their drone warfare capabilities. The Sky Map system specializes in detecting Iranian-made Shahed drones and directing interceptor drones to neutralize them.

Timothy Walton, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, noted persistent weaknesses in American air defense systems. “There’s been longstanding gaps in U.S. air missile defense coverage around the world,” Walton stated. “This has been well understood. However, it hasn’t been addressed.”

The deployment contradicts President Trump’s earlier dismissal of Ukrainian assistance. In March, Trump told Fox News, “We don’t need their help in drone defense,” after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered support against Iranian drone attacks.

Neither the Pentagon nor Central Command, which oversees Prince Sultan Air Base, provided comments. Sky Fortress and Zelenskyy’s office also declined to respond.

The Pentagon’s anti-drone division recently allocated $350 million to strengthen defenses under Operation Epic Fury. Adam Scher, spokesman for Joint Interagency Task Force 401, emphasized that multiple technologies including sensors, cameras and interceptors are being deployed.

“There is no ‘silver bullet’ tool that will stop every drone threat,” Scher explained.

Sky Fortress launched in 2022 when Ukrainian engineers connected to the military installed over 10,000 acoustic sensors nationwide to detect Russian drone attacks. The company received backing from Brave1, Ukraine’s military innovation division, to create Sky Map as a software platform coordinating anti-drone operations.

Prince Sultan Air Base, located approximately 400 miles from Iran, has also tested other new counter-drone systems. Merops interceptor drones, developed by Project Eagle with backing from former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, have been deployed at the facility. However, testing hasn’t gone smoothly – earlier this month, a Merops interceptor malfunctioned during trials and crashed into a bathroom facility on base.

The air base has endured multiple waves of Iranian drone and missile attacks since the conflict began. A valuable E-3 AWACS radar aircraft was destroyed on March 27, while several KC-135 refueling tankers sustained damage in separate strikes. One attack destroyed a tent reportedly housing radar equipment supporting the base’s THAAD missile defense system.

The base previously relied on Northrop Grumman’s Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) system, first deployed in the 1990s, to track incoming threats ranging from mortars to drones. For close-range drone attacks, the facility primarily used RTX-manufactured Coyote interceptors – winged drones that can either carry warheads or use microwave technology to disable enemy drone electronics.

A Northrop Grumman representative said FAAD “is consistently dependable in theater today and we are confident in the competitive advantage FAAD provides to the warfighter.”

RTX spokesman Chris Johnson noted the Coyote system has “proven highly effective, defeating hundreds of aerial threats during combat operations.”

A South Korean court has handed down a seven-year prison sentence to a former Samsung Electronics researcher who was convicted of stealing valuable semiconductor technology and providing it to a Chinese competitor.

On Wednesday, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the 56-year-old defendant violated South Korea’s Industrial Technology Protection Act. The court determined that the stolen information represented core national technology and that the defendant had actively participated in a conspiracy to transfer the sensitive data.

The convicted researcher was part of a group of 10 individuals charged last year with stealing memory chip production secrets and delivering them to Chinese manufacturer ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT). South Korean authorities stated this technology theft assisted China in advancing its high-bandwidth memory capabilities, which are essential components for artificial intelligence systems.

Neither Samsung Electronics nor CXMT provided statements when contacted for comment regarding the sentencing.

According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, the defendant transferred Samsung’s DRAM manufacturing process technology to CXMT after joining the Chinese company alongside another former Samsung executive. The prosecution alleged he collected approximately 2.9 billion won, equivalent to $1.96 million, from CXMT over a six-year period in exchange for the stolen technology.

Representatives from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office were unavailable for immediate comment when contacted.

CXMT, a major Chinese semiconductor manufacturer, announced plans last year to conduct an initial public offering worth 29.5 billion yuan ($4.33 billion) by selling 10.6 billion shares on the Shanghai stock exchange. The company indicated it would use the funding to enhance its production facilities and technological capabilities.

Three commercial container vessels came under attack by gunfire while traveling through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to maritime security officials and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.

The incidents occurred as Iran has implemented shipping restrictions in the strategic waterway, initially responding to U.S.-Israeli military actions against the country, followed by additional measures due to American port blockades targeting Iran.

The first attack involved a container ship flying the Liberian flag, which suffered bridge damage after coming under fire from both gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades in waters northeast of Oman.

According to UKMTO reports, the ship’s captain stated that an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboat approached the vessel before opening fire. Maritime security officials confirmed three individuals were aboard the attacking gunboat. Despite the damage, all crew members remained safe with no fires or environmental damage reported.

The captain of the Greek-operated container ship noted that no radio communication occurred before the attack, and the vessel had previously received clearance to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

A second incident involved a Panama-flagged container ship that came under fire approximately eight nautical miles west of Iran, UKMTO officials later reported. This vessel escaped damage and its crew remained unharmed.

Maritime security sources confirmed a third attack on another Liberian-flagged container ship in the same area, about eight nautical miles west of Iran, as it traveled outbound through the strait. While this vessel also avoided damage, it stopped in the water following the incident. The crew aboard this ship also remained safe.

Prior to the conflict that began on February 28, this critical shipping route typically carried approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

KYIV, April 22 – Ukrainian officials have reached out to Turkey with a request to facilitate a diplomatic meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the country’s foreign minister, as efforts continue to restart stalled peace negotiations.

“We asked the Turks about it, we asked some other capitals,” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told reporters Tuesday in remarks released Wednesday.

Sybiha explained that Ukrainian leadership would be open to meeting Putin in any location except Belarus or Russia – a summit that Zelenskyy has been pursuing in hopes of accelerating an end to the conflict that has stretched beyond four years.

Belarus remains off limits as a potential venue due to its close relationship with Russia and its role in allowing Moscow to use its territory as a launching point for the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The foreign minister did not reveal Turkey’s response to the diplomatic overture.

“We addressed the Turks specifically,” Sybiha stated. “But if another capital, besides Moscow and Belarus, organises such a meeting, we will go.”

Russian leadership has previously indicated willingness to host Zelenskyy in Moscow, but the Ukrainian president has firmly rejected traveling to the Russian capital.

In related diplomatic developments, Sybiha confirmed he has already begun correspondence with Anita Orban, who is set to become Hungary’s foreign minister when the newly elected government assumes power following this month’s election victory.

BEIJING – Chinese government officials issued sharp criticism Wednesday following the Japanese prime minister’s ceremonial offerings at the Yasukuni war memorial and visits by other Japanese government figures to the controversial site.

During a routine press conference, a representative from China’s foreign ministry described Japan’s actions regarding the shrine as behavior that “grossly trample on human conscience.” The spokesperson added that Beijing feels “very indignant at these heinous acts and strongly condemns them.”

The Yasukuni memorial site pays tribute to Japan’s military dead, including servicemen and government officials who were found guilty of war crimes by international courts. Many of Japan’s neighboring Asian countries consider the shrine a representation of Japan’s aggressive military history during wartime.

LONDON — British inflation accelerated in March as fuel costs surged following energy supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, according to government data released Wednesday.

The Office for National Statistics reported that annual consumer price inflation jumped to 3.3%, up from the previous month’s 3% rate. This increase matched what financial experts had predicted.

Economic analysts noted that this uptick has eliminated any possibility that the Bank of England might reduce interest rates in the near term. Before the conflict began on February 28, financial markets had anticipated the central bank might lower its benchmark rate from the current 3.75%, as inflation was expected to move closer to the target of 2% during spring months.

The primary driver of the inflation surge was motor fuel costs, which shot up 8.7% in a single month — marking the steepest rise since June 2022, which occurred shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Aviation fares and grocery prices, both tied to the energy cost increases, also contributed to the overall price growth.

BEIRUT – Veterans who survived Lebanon’s devastating 1975-1990 civil war are raising alarms about troubling similarities between current tensions and the conditions that sparked decades of internal conflict.

The ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah have intensified divisions within Lebanese society, with some observers warning the nation’s fragile political system may be approaching a breaking point.

Recent fighting that began March 2nd has displaced more than 1.2 million Lebanese residents and killed nearly 2,300 people during five weeks of Israeli airstrikes. A temporary ceasefire announced last week has provided some relief but has also highlighted sharp disagreements over potential peace talks with Israel.

Ziad Saab, now 68, recently examined a handwritten note from 1981 describing Israeli bombardments of southern Lebanese villages – the same communities targeted in recent attacks.

“This letter could be written today,” said Saab, who previously fought with Lebanon’s Communist Party and currently leads Fighters for Peace, a group established by former combatants.

Saab cautioned his fellow Lebanese against turning on one another, noting that the underlying conflicts from the civil war period were never properly resolved.

“Don’t repeat our experience. Because you’ll be surprised where it will take you,” Saab warned during an interview at his Beirut residence. “We ripped the country apart.”

The former fighter said April 8th’s intense Israeli bombardments, which killed over 300 people, “basically brought back the scenes of the whole civil war in seconds.”

Lebanon’s original civil war erupted in April 1975 when religious and economic tensions exploded into violence between Christian militias and Palestinian fighters, eventually drawing in other communities and foreign powers. Approximately one million people fled their homes during that conflict.

Hezbollah emerged in 1982 during the height of the civil war and remained the only faction to keep its weapons when hostilities ended. Following Israel’s 2000 withdrawal, the group expanded its military capabilities and political influence.

After a 2024 conflict significantly weakened Hezbollah, a new U.S.-supported Lebanese government committed to disarming the organization. Lebanese military forces have begun gradually seizing weapons, attempting to avoid direct confrontation.

When Hezbollah launched attacks into Israel on March 2nd to support Iran, many Lebanese citizens blamed the group for dragging their country into another war. Some have also criticized the broader Shiite community that provides Hezbollah’s popular support base.

Meanwhile, Shiite Muslims who have endured the heaviest casualties in conflicts with Israel view Hezbollah as their primary protection and have criticized government officials for failing to defend them. Several displaced Shiites described Lebanon’s leadership as “traitors” in recent interviews.

Patrick Baz, a Lebanese photographer who documented much of the civil war, pointed to concerning divisions among young people that could potentially lead to renewed internal conflict. He cited recent scenes of armed Christian men firing weapons into the air during a funeral for a Christian politician killed in an Israeli strike.

“I’m sure if you go to universities today and you tell them to carry guns and go and fire at your political opponents or someone you don’t like, they will do it,” Baz observed.

The recently announced temporary ceasefire has created additional complications. While providing welcome relief from bombardments, the agreement fails to address critical issues including Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon or explicit requirements for Hezbollah’s disarmament.

One diplomat working on Lebanese issues described the ceasefire text as a “detailed recipe for internal confrontation.”

Rafic Bazerji, who served as a senior figure in a Lebanese Christian militia during the civil war, argued that agreements lacking “a good foundation” are destined to restart tensions. He pointed to the Taif Agreement that ended the civil war but was never fully implemented.

Bazerji, who now operates a mountain guesthouse and heads the Latin League representing Latin Christians, has taught his adult sons to shoot and believes a new generation could potentially take up arms.

“As much as we were, in our days, fanatics and we were excited to fight, I’m seeing today a new generation that is scary. We’re kids compared to them,” he told reporters.

While Lebanese citizens fear repeating the 1975-1990 war that killed approximately 150,000 people, Bazerji warned that deep divisions over Hezbollah, Israel and other critical issues could still escalate into violence.

“In the end, if we can avoid it, we avoid it. But if the razor reaches our throats, we’re also not going to take it lying down,” Bazerji concluded.

Overnight drone strikes by Russian forces targeted Ukraine’s crucial Odesa port on the Black Sea, according to Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba’s Wednesday announcement.

The assault damaged multiple critical facilities including shipping berths, storage warehouses, railway systems, and port operator buildings, Kuleba reported via Telegram.

A cargo vessel’s hold was struck during the bombardment, sparking a blaze according to Ukraine’s seaports authority.

Initial reports indicate no casualties occurred at the port facility, and operations continue despite the damage, the authority confirmed through Telegram.

Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine’s maritime shipping lanes throughout the conflict, which began over four years ago, focusing attacks on ports essential to international commerce and the nation’s wartime economic stability.

In a separate incident, Kuleba reported that Russian drones killed an assistant train operator at a railway sorting facility near Zaporizhzhia-Live station in southern Zaporizhzhia region. The primary train operator was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Ukraine’s air defense command reported that Russian forces deployed 215 unmanned aircraft against the country beginning at 6 p.m. local time Tuesday, with Ukrainian forces successfully intercepting or disabling 189 of the attacking drones.

Chinese government officials have announced a comprehensive initiative designed to transform urban areas into environments more supportive of young people and families, according to a new policy document released Wednesday.

The comprehensive strategy, developed collaboratively by 15 government departments, focuses on creating “youth-development-oriented cities” through improvements in employment opportunities, housing options, healthcare access, family support programs, and municipal services.

This announcement follows Beijing’s March declaration to establish a “childbirth friendly society” during the 2026-2030 period.

Government officials are working to address China’s declining population trends following recent statistics showing births decreased to 7.92 million in 2025, marking a historic low in birth rates. The nation’s overall population decreased by 3.39 million people last year, representing the fourth straight year of population decline.

The new policy framework encompasses several key initiatives: enhanced matchmaking and social programs, expanded childcare financial assistance, increased availability of nursing facilities for mothers and babies in public spaces, improved maternal and pediatric healthcare, strengthened childcare programs during school breaks and after hours, and improved educational access for children whose families have relocated for work.

“By 2030, the concept of youth-development-oriented cities will be widely established,” officials stated in the policy document, further noting that China expects to establish a “relatively mature and complete system for youth development” by 2035.

Chinese authorities previously released urban development guidelines last year focused on creating more livable metropolitan areas by 2035.

This policy shift represents a change from the rapid urban expansion that previously fueled growth in the world’s second-largest economy, as government leaders now prioritize improving living standards and sustainable development over rapid expansion.

Ukrainian officials report that Russian military forces have continuously directed missiles and drones along flight paths dangerously close to the abandoned Chornobyl nuclear facility during their ongoing attacks, creating potential for a catastrophic nuclear incident.

Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko shared these details about previously undisclosed Russian military operations near Ukrainian atomic facilities in written statements to Reuters, coinciding with Ukraine’s preparation for Sunday’s 40th commemoration of the devastating 1986 Chornobyl catastrophe.

Beyond the shuttered Chornobyl facility, Ukraine operates four active nuclear power stations, including Europe’s most massive nuclear complex located in the southern Zaporizhzhia area, which Russian troops have controlled since the early days of Moscow’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

According to Kravchenko, both the Chornobyl location and the two-reactor Khmelnytskyi nuclear facility in western Ukraine have been positioned along the trajectory paths of Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles throughout the invasion period.

Ukrainian authorities have tracked thirty-five Kinzhal missiles at different distances within approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) of either the Chornobyl complex or the Khmelnytskyi facility, Kravchenko reported. Among these incidents, 18 missiles traveled within roughly 20 kilometers of both nuclear sites during single flights, he noted.

“Such launches cannot be explained by any military considerations. It is evident that the flights over the nuclear facilities are carried out solely for the purpose of intimidation and terror,” Kravchenko stated.

Russia’s defense ministry did not provide responses to requests for commentary regarding this report.

The International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring organization indicated it regularly documents military operations occurring near nuclear power facilities and strikes against electrical infrastructure critical to atomic safety protocols.

“IAEA Director General (Rafael) Grossi has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the risks and dangers of these military activities for nuclear safety and security,” the agency commented.

“The DG has also repeatedly called for maximum restraint near nuclear facilities to avoid the danger of a nuclear accident,” the statement continued.

The Kinzhal represents an air-launched hypersonic weapon system capable of delivering a 500-kilogram warhead and has been promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Operating at speeds of 6,500 kilometers per hour, the missile can traverse 5 kilometers within seconds.

Kravchenko described three distinct incidents where Kinzhal missiles crashed to earth during their flights and came to rest within approximately 10 kilometers of the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power station.

The reasons for these missile failures remain unclear, though Kravchenko noted the debris showed no signs suggesting they had been shot down by defensive systems.

The 1986 Chornobyl explosion dispersed radioactive material throughout Europe and forced Soviet leadership to deploy massive numbers of workers and equipment to address the disaster’s consequences. The facility’s final operational reactor ceased operations in 2000.

Russian forces seized control of the Chornobyl plant for over a month during the initial phase of their invasion while attempting to advance toward the capital city of Kyiv, before eventually retreating.

Beginning in July 2024, when Russia intensified drone strikes against Ukraine, Kravchenko said radar systems have identified no fewer than 92 Russian drones flying within a five-kilometer range of Chornobyl’s radiation containment structure.

This protective barrier was constructed to prevent radioactive leakage from Reactor Number 4, which detonated on April 26, 1986, triggering a massive blaze.

The true count of drone overflights, Kravchenko explained, was almost certainly far greater than 92, since radar signatures can represent multiple drones and some aircraft avoid detection entirely.

“Deliberate flights of (drones) with a powerful warhead over a nuclear facility are at least extremely irresponsible and indicate a complete disregard … for the safety of civilians not only in Ukraine, but throughout Europe,” he declared.

In February of the previous year, an object Ukrainian officials identified as a Russian long-range attack drone impacted the Chornobyl site, penetrating the radiation containment barrier.

The Kremlin rejected Russian responsibility at that time, claiming its military does not attack nuclear infrastructure and suggesting Ukraine had likely conducted the strike itself as a “provocation.”

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has calculated repair costs at a minimum of 500 million euros ($588 million) and warned that without such repairs, “irreversible corrosion” of the structure will commence within four years.

An investigation by Ukrainian state prosecutors concluded the Russian attack was most likely intentional, Kravchenko said.

This determination was based on the sharp angle investigators found the drone used when striking the containment barrier. During their final approach, explosive-laden attack drones typically plunge toward targets while accelerating until collision.

Kravchenko suggested Russian military forces were probably utilizing Chornobyl as a drone attack corridor to circumvent heavily defended areas of Ukrainian air defense systems.

Ukraine, operating with restricted air defense capabilities across territory twice the size of Italy, positions these systems near populated centers and vital infrastructure to maximize effectiveness against Russian assaults.

The Chornobyl complex, positioned less than 10 kilometers from the Belarus border and roughly 100 kilometers from Kyiv, sits within an exclusion zone of contaminated wilderness.

Questions continue to surround potential diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran following President Donald Trump’s decision to prolong a ceasefire at Pakistan’s urging while he waits for a “unified proposal” from Iranian leadership.

Tehran has yet to issue any response to Trump’s ceasefire extension announcement, with both nations indicating they stand ready to return to hostilities should negotiations fail to produce an agreement.

In a Tuesday evening social media statement, Trump declared that “Iran doesn’t want the Strait of Hormuz closed, they want it open” to facilitate crude oil sales, this coming after his earlier statements that U.S. forces would continue blocking Iranian ports.

Separately, Israel and the Iranian-supported militant organization Hezbollah in Lebanon engaged in limited combat Tuesday, even as anticipated discussions in Washington were scheduled for this week following a 10-day ceasefire that began last Friday.

Combat operations since the conflict began have resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 3,375 individuals in Iran and over 2,290 in Lebanon. The casualties also include 23 fatalities in Israel, more than a dozen deaths across Gulf Arab nations, 15 Israeli military personnel in Lebanon, and 13 American service members across the region.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces fired upon a commercial container vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday morning, causing damage to the ship and heightening tensions as anticipated ceasefire negotiations in Pakistan failed to occur.

According to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, the incident occurred at approximately 7:55 a.m. within the strait, with a container ship as the target.

The UKMTO reported that Guard personnel aboard a gunboat launched their attack without any prior communication with the targeted vessel.

Officials confirmed no injuries resulted from the incident and no environmental damage occurred.

Iranian semi-official news outlets Fars and Tasnim, which maintain close ties to the Revolutionary Guard, both covered the attack using UKMTO information as their source.

Fars characterized Iran’s actions as “lawfully enforcing” its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway at the Persian Gulf’s entrance through which approximately 20% of global crude oil and natural gas once flowed.

The strait has traditionally been recognized as international waters for commercial shipping, despite falling within the territorial boundaries of both Iran and Oman.

This latest incident follows recent U.S. military actions, including the seizure of an Iranian container ship after opening fire over the weekend and the boarding of an oil tanker linked to Iran’s petroleum trade in the Indian Ocean.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces launched an unprovoked attack on a commercial container vessel Wednesday morning in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, escalating maritime tensions as diplomatic efforts to reduce regional conflicts have stalled.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, operated by British military officials, the assault occurred at approximately 7:55 a.m. local time when Revolutionary Guard naval forces targeted the commercial shipping vessel.

Maritime authorities reported that the Iranian gunboat launched its attack without any prior communication or warning to the container ship’s crew.

Officials confirmed that while the vessel sustained damage from the assault, no crew members were injured and the incident did not result in any environmental contamination.

Tehran has not yet issued any official statement regarding the maritime attack.

This latest incident follows recent U.S. military actions over the weekend, when American forces intercepted and seized an Iranian container ship after engaging it with gunfire, and separately boarded an oil tanker linked to Iran’s petroleum export operations in the Indian Ocean.

BEIJING – A Chinese naval squadron returned home Wednesday after completing military training exercises in the Western Pacific, traveling through contested waters between two Japanese islands.

The naval formation, designated as Vessel Formation 133 and including a newly commissioned destroyer, navigated through the waterway separating Japan’s Yonaguni and Iriomote islands on its journey back to China. The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command confirmed the fleet had finished conducting far-seas operational training.

The Eastern Theater Command, which oversees military operations in East China, the East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait regions, reported that the naval group had successfully completed its Pacific Ocean training mission.

This marks the second time in recent days that Chinese warships have used the same narrow passage. The PLA fleet initially traveled through the Yonaguni-Iriomote Waterway on Sunday to access the Pacific for their training operations.

The naval movements follow heightened regional tensions after a Japanese destroyer transited through the Taiwan Strait on Friday. Chinese officials had characterized Japan’s naval passage as a “deliberate provocation.”

MOSCOW – A residential building in the Russian city of Syzran suffered a partial collapse following what local officials described as a Ukrainian drone strike, leaving 11 people injured, authorities reported Wednesday.

The incident occurred in Syzran, a city situated along the Volga River approximately 621 miles from Ukraine’s border. The area houses a major oil refinery facility.

Samara region Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev announced through a Telegram post that rescue teams have successfully extracted four individuals from the rubble, including one child. He confirmed that search and rescue efforts remain ongoing.

According to RIA Novosti news agency, which cited local emergency response teams, the total number of wounded stands at 11, with two children among the injured.

In recent months, Ukrainian forces have escalated their targeting of Russian energy facilities, particularly as diplomatic peace negotiations facilitated by the United States have stalled while Washington redirects attention to conflicts involving Iran.

Meanwhile, in Russia’s Kursk region, which shares a border with Ukraine, regional governor reported that a drone crashed in a residential yard, prompting the evacuation of 36 residents. No injuries were reported in that incident.

The current U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has created the most severe daily oil supply disruption in recorded history, according to new analysis of International Energy Agency and U.S. Department of Energy data.

Energy officials announced Tuesday that this crisis represents the most devastating energy emergency the world has encountered, particularly when combined with ongoing European natural gas shortages stemming from Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion.

The magnitude of today’s supply disruptions has prompted energy experts to draw parallels with previous major energy crises, including the 1973 Arab oil embargo, Iran’s 1979 revolution, and the 1991 Gulf War, while highlighting how dramatically global energy markets have evolved.

UNPRECEDENTED MULTI-SECTOR IMPACT

What sets this crisis apart from previous energy emergencies is its simultaneous impact across multiple energy sectors. The conflict has disrupted crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum products, and fertilizer supplies all at once, revealing new weak points in the global energy system developed over decades of increasing demand and international trade expansion.

Previous energy crises from the 1970s inflicted long-term economic harm, destabilized governments, and left lasting memories for citizens in developed countries like the United States, where fuel shortages and long gas station lines persisted for months.

The International Energy Agency was created following the Arab oil embargo to provide energy supply guidance and security advice to developed nations. The organization also oversees member countries’ emergency oil reserves and has responded to the current situation by releasing an unprecedented 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to help stabilize prices and replace lost Middle Eastern production.

COMPARING DISRUPTION MAGNITUDE

Current supply losses have reached more than 12 million barrels daily, representing 11.5% of worldwide oil consumption, which averages approximately 104.3 million barrels per day this year, the IEA reported.

These daily losses exceed the combined peak disruptions of 4.5 million barrels per day during the 1973-74 Arab embargo and 5.6 million barrels per day during Iran’s 1978-79 revolution. The current crisis also surpasses estimated peak losses of 4.3 million barrels per day during the 1991 Gulf War.

The Iran conflict has additionally shut down roughly one-fifth of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas production capacity. Global gas consumption today far exceeds levels during the oil crises of the 1970s-1990s. During the Arab embargo and Iranian Revolution, the LNG industry was just beginning, with Qatar not starting LNG exports until 1996.

Today’s disruption extends beyond crude oil and natural gas into refined fuel markets. The conflict has interrupted millions of barrels per day of fuel production and exports from Gulf region refineries, creating shortages of jet fuel and diesel. Massive refineries constructed in the Gulf over recent decades have become essential to global fuel distribution, supplying jet fuel to Africa, Europe, and Asia.

DURATION AND CUMULATIVE IMPACT ANALYSIS

Reuters analysis shows the current conflict has lasted 52 days and eliminated an estimated 624 million barrels from global markets, based on 12 million barrels per day losses over that timeframe.

Supply disruptions are anticipated to continue for months even if peace agreements are reached soon, with gas supply issues potentially lasting years, significantly increasing the total cumulative impact.

While Iran’s 1978-79 revolution caused smaller daily losses at 5.6 million barrels per day, it resulted in larger cumulative losses over time. According to U.S. Department of Energy data, the revolution caused Iran’s crude production to drop by an average of 3.9 million barrels per day from 1978 to 1981, totaling approximately 4.27 billion barrels over three years, though Gulf neighbors compensated for much of this loss.

In the current crisis, countries with spare production capacity like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates cannot compensate because they have also been affected by the Strait of Hormuz shipping halt.

Oil industry expert Ian Seymour estimates Iran produced an average of 3.1 million barrels per day during 1979 compared to 6 million barrels per day in late 1978, resulting in over 1 billion barrels lost in 1979 alone.

The 1973-1974 Arab oil embargo took three months to reach maximum production cuts of 4.5 million barrels per day. The embargo lasted from October 1973 to March 1974, causing approximately 530 million to 650 million barrels of lost production, making its cumulative impact comparable to the current U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

REGIONAL SHORTAGE PATTERNS

The current crisis has initially manifested as supply shortages in Asia and Africa. The United States, the world’s largest oil consumer, experienced more severe impacts during the Arab oil embargo, which forced drivers to endure lengthy gasoline lines and sparked comprehensive energy policy reforms and new approaches to energy security.

The 1991 Gulf War disrupted oil production for four months and resulted in cumulative losses of at least 516 million barrels, making its total impact smaller than both the current crisis and the Arab oil embargo.

Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion triggered a global energy crisis as European nations worked to reduce Russian oil and gas dependence. Russian oil production fell 9% in April 2022, roughly 1 million barrels per day, much smaller than current disruptions. Russian output later stabilized as Moscow redirected exports to counter Western sanctions, though Ukrainian drone attacks continue causing production cuts in 2026.

ISTANBUL (AP) — While working behind the counter of an Istanbul bakery selling borek, a traditional layered pastry, Sadri Haghshenas cannot stop thinking about her daughter back in Tehran.

Despite concerns about an unstable ceasefire that could break down at any moment, the family had no choice but to send their daughter back to Iran when they encountered problems extending her visa.

Thousands of Iranian citizens have relied on temporary residence permits for years to find work opportunities and achieve greater security in Turkey, their neighboring country. However, this arrangement remains unstable, and the ongoing conflict has made their situation even more precarious.

“I swear, I cry every day,” Haghshenas said, raising her hands from behind the counter of the pastry shop. “There is no life in my country, there is no life here, what shall I do?”

Five years ago, Haghshenas and her spouse relocated to Turkey with their teenage daughters, surviving on tourist permits that require renewal every six months to two years.

Financial constraints prevented them from hiring legal representation this year, as her husband became unemployed due to medical issues. Consequently, they failed to meet the application deadline for their 20-year-old daughter Asal’s visa renewal, even though she was completing her final year of secondary education.

Earlier this month, authorities detained Asal at a security checkpoint, and she spent one night in an immigration detention center. Rather than risk formal deportation procedures that might prevent future entry to Turkey, her mother arranged for a friend to escort her back to Tehran. The family hopes Asal can return using an educational visa.

Due to Iran’s extended internet shutdown lasting several months, Haghshenas has been unable to communicate with her daughter since her departure.

Turkey has not experienced a major refugee crisis, as most Iranians have remained within their home country seeking safety. Many individuals who have crossed the border were traveling through Turkey to reach other nations where they hold citizenship or legal residence.

Turkish Statistical Institute data shows nearly 100,000 Iranians resided in Turkey in 2025. According to United Nations refugee agency figures, approximately 89,000 have entered Turkey since the conflict began, while about 72,000 have left.

While some Iranians have utilized short-term visa-free periods to wait out the war, limited options exist for those seeking extended stays.

Sedat Albayrak from the Istanbul Bar Association’s Refugee and Migrant Rights Center explained that obtaining international protection status presents challenges, leading the system to push Iranians toward short-term permit applications instead.

“There are people who have lived on them for over 10 years,” he said.

Nadr Rahim arrived in Turkey eleven years ago to provide better educational opportunities for his children. Now, the war threatens to force his return home.

Due to restrictions on obtaining business permits or legal employment authorization in Turkey, he depended on income from his motorcycle dealership in Iran. However, sales have completely stopped since the war began, and international sanctions combined with internet disruptions make money transfers extremely challenging.

His family’s finances will only sustain them in Turkey for a few additional months. Having grown up in Turkey, his children struggle with Farsi reading and speaking skills. While he worries about their adjustment to life in Iran, he acknowledged that “if the war continues, we will have no choice but to return.”

Currently, he passes most days browsing his phone for updates from his parents in Tehran or discussing the conflict over water pipes with fellow Iranians.

An Iranian woman, age 42, arrived in Turkey eight months ago hoping to earn income for her family’s support. She and her daughter enrolled as university students to obtain study permits. She attends morning classes to maintain legal status before hurrying to service employment, sometimes working until 3 a.m.

At a women’s boarding facility, they share living space with six other people, she explained, requesting anonymity due to security concerns should she return to Iran.

“I truly love Iran. If necessary, I would even go and defend it in war,” she says. However, she sees no opportunities there, while in Turkey, she barely survives and can only send minimal financial support to her parents.

“I have a bad life in Turkey, and my parents have a bad life in Iran,” she said. “I came to Turkey with so much hope, to support my parents and build a future. But now I feel hopeless.”

A 33-year-old independent architect from Tehran traveled to Turkey during Iran’s harsh suppression of widespread demonstrations in January. She initially planned to return once conditions improved, but then the United States and Israel entered into conflict with Iran at February’s end.

“I started to believe that it’s a very bad situation, worse than I expected,” she said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of persecution if she returns to Iran.

The internet blackout has prevented her from working with her regular Iranian clients. With her 90-day visa-free period ending soon, she cannot afford to apply for extended permission to remain in Turkey.

Instead, she has chosen to travel to Malaysia, where she will receive free housing in exchange for constructing shelters during a month-long visa-free visit.

Her future plans remain uncertain.

KYIV, Ukraine — When nuclear disaster struck the Chernobyl power plant on April 26, 1986, Associated Press photographer Efrem Lukatsky was living in Kyiv, just two hours away from the catastrophe. Over the past four decades, he has documented the exclusion zone dozens of times, capturing the haunting legacy of a disaster that continues to impact Ukraine today.

The catastrophe didn’t begin with official announcements — it started with workplace rumors.

Soviet authorities made no immediate public statement about the nuclear accident in 1986. Information spread only through hushed conversations between coworkers.

Lukatsky was working as a specialized underwater welder in his late twenties, traveling to offshore platforms and secret military installations throughout the Soviet Union for a Kyiv research institute.

Public discussion of the Chernobyl incident remained forbidden, though anxiety was mounting. Many people, including Lukatsky, experienced strange symptoms — a metallic flavor in their mouths and throat irritation that no one could explain.

Two days passed before officials made their first minimal acknowledgment — confirming only that an incident had taken place. Citizens whispered about emergency responders being airlifted to Moscow medical facilities.

Government operations proceeded as if nothing had occurred.

Citizens secretly listened to foreign radio broadcasts each evening — an activity still considered dangerous during that era — seeking information their government refused to share. These reports revealed that radioactive contamination had drifted beyond Soviet territory. International specialists recommended sealing windows, using protective masks, and administering iodine to children. Lukatsky heeded this guidance, daily placing iodine drops on sugar cubes to shield his thyroid from radiation absorption.

Living with his family in Kyiv, a neighbor alerted Lukatsky about radioactive particles in the air. He later witnessed her police officer husband removing his uniform in their building’s hallway and sealing the clothing in bags before entering their home.

A nuclear scientist friend contacted Lukatsky, strongly advising him to permanently relocate from Kyiv. Some residents evacuated their children to distant areas. Lukatsky chose to remain because his parents lived there and it was his hometown.

Using an old military radiation detector, Lukatsky tested everything around him — his living space, clothing, and neighborhood streets. The measurements were disturbing. Playground readings soared well beyond safe levels. His home showed even higher contamination. He used adhesive tape to remove radioactive particles from his garments.

Despite the nuclear emergency, Kyiv’s traditional May Day celebration proceeded as scheduled five days after the explosion. Thousands participated in the parade, including many children. Lukatsky marched past a statue honoring Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin while carrying a banner celebrating the government.

The city subsequently hosted a bicycle competition with spectators gathering along the route as though conditions were normal. While officials insisted everything was safe, residents already suspected otherwise.

Following the accident, endless convoys of buses transported thousands of displaced residents from Pripyat, the community where nuclear plant employees resided, into Kyiv.

Lukatsky remembers their expressions — worried yet composed. Authorities told them their departure would last only several days. They abandoned their residences, possessions, and animals who perished waiting for owners who never came back.

Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev finally spoke to the nation three weeks following the catastrophe, offering no justification for the communication delay or complete disclosure of events.

In fall 1986, Lukatsky made his initial journey to what became Chernobyl’s exclusion zone — a 2,600-square-kilometer area — first as part of his scientific institute’s team, then later photographing for the Soviet publication Ogonyok.

Empty residential buildings stood alongside educational facilities, recreational centers, and commercial establishments that appeared recently vacated.

Most memorable were the emergency workers sent to manage the crisis. Firefighters had pulled water hoses through debris, attempting to extinguish flames that water couldn’t stop. Tens of thousands of cleanup workers, called liquidators, arrived to extract contaminated earth and encase the damaged reactor in concrete. Military personnel removed radioactive wreckage from the plant’s rooftop, facing potentially fatal exposure within minutes.

Coal miners played a crucial role. To prevent radioactive material from contaminating groundwater, they excavated tunnels underneath the facility through darkness and extreme heat, frequently working in minimal clothing.

Protective equipment — suits, boots, and masks — felt insufficient. Before departing, workers underwent inspection and decontamination procedures, as though this could reverse any radiation exposure. After each visit, Lukatsky sealed his clothing in containers and disposed of footwear and outerwear.

Authorities maintained strict information control. Photographers were required to surrender their film following each assignment.

However, reality was already emerging. Kyiv residents began speaking more freely. Initial protests started small and cautious but expanded into larger demonstrations demanding transparency — gatherings that eventually became the foundation of Ukraine’s independence movement.

This marked the beginning of Lukatsky’s journalism career. His photographs appeared in an amateur exhibition and were published internationally. He feared possible arrest.

By that time, the Soviet system was experiencing significant pressure.

After the USSR’s dissolution in 1991 and Ukraine’s independence, Lukatsky returned to the exclusion zone repeatedly, often accompanying scientists, law enforcement, and firefighters. The Associated Press hired him in 1989.

Another enduring memory involved people waiting for medical screenings. He photographed elderly and young residents standing patiently for examinations to detect illness signs.

Thirty plant employees and firefighters died immediately from severe radiation poisoning. Subsequently, thousands more died from radiation-related diseases. Six media professionals who documented the initial response all later died from illness.

Pripyat became suspended in time. At the medical facility where initial victims received treatment, radiation remained at dangerous levels.

Nearby sat an enormous equipment cemetery: Emergency vehicles, buses, trucks, military transports, and helicopters used during cleanup were abandoned due to extreme contamination. Photographers worked rapidly to limit exposure while documenting these machines.

Within the power facility, thick dust particles floated in the air, visible in the light. Workers moved swiftly but cautiously to the control center, where a routine test on Reactor No. 4 went catastrophically wrong at 1:23 a.m. on April 26, 1986, causing two explosions. Many control panel buttons were missing — removed as mementos.

As teams ventured deeper into the plant, radiation measurements increased, forcing them to retreat. Some boundaries cannot be crossed.

Over time, the original reactor covering deteriorated, creating openings where radiation escaped. In 2019, engineers installed a massive arch-shaped containment structure designed to last for generations. The situation appeared finally stabilized.

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine brought troops into the exclusion zone as they advanced toward Kyiv. Soldiers created defensive positions in contaminated ground, disturbing long-buried materials. Three years later, a Russian drone attack damaged the protective structure. While no radiation escaped, the incident demonstrated that dangers persist.

In the absence of human habitation, the contaminated exclusion zone has experienced unexpected environmental recovery. Forests have expanded. Animal populations have grown. Rare species now inhabit areas once synonymous with catastrophe.

While Pripyat remains frozen in time, it’s no longer completely deserted as wildlife moves through the abandoned city.

After four decades, perhaps the clearest lesson is this: Lives were devastated, and truth was concealed for years. Yet when left undisturbed, nature persists — even at Chernobyl.

NICOSIA, Cyprus — The leader of Cyprus is urging European Union officials to develop a concrete action plan for responding when member nations face military threats, following a recent drone attack on his island nation.

During an exclusive interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the need for EU leadership to define specific procedures under Article 42.7 of the union’s founding documents, which requires all 27 member countries to provide mutual aid during emergencies.

The provision mandates that when any nation faces armed aggression within its borders, fellow members must offer “aid and assistance by all the means in their power.” However, this clause has never been activated, leaving no established guidelines for how EU countries should coordinate their response to assistance requests.

“We have Article 42.7 and we don’t know what is going to happen if a member state triggers this article,” Christodoulides explained before hosting an EU-Middle East summit focused on regional conflicts and their consequences. “So we’re going to have a discussion and prepare, let’s say, an operational plan of what is going to happen in case a member state triggers this article, and there are a number of issues.”

The topic holds special significance for Christodoulides after he requested help from EU partners last month when a Shahed drone attacked a British military facility on Cyprus’s southern shore. According to Cypriot authorities, the unmanned aircraft originated from Lebanon, located just 207 kilometers (129 miles) from Cyprus’s southern coastline. In response, Greece, France, Spain, The Netherlands and Portugal deployed naval vessels equipped with anti-drone technology to protect the island.

Christodoulides noted that since numerous EU members also belong to NATO, any emergency response framework must address potential conflicts between EU obligations and commitments to the military alliance.

NATO’s security provision, Article 5, declares that an assault on any member constitutes an attack on the entire alliance, mandating coordinated retaliation.

“So what is going to happen in this situation if a member state is both NATO member state and an EU member state? What is going happen?” Christodoulides questioned.

Additional considerations for Article 42.7 implementation include determining whether responses should involve collective action similar to NATO’s approach or focus on neighboring countries assisting the threatened nation. Officials must also establish which resources would be deployed based on different types of emergencies.

Christodoulides expressed satisfaction that other EU leaders now “understand the importance” of strengthening the bloc’s relationships with Middle Eastern nations through programs like the Mediterranean Pact, which funds various projects covering healthcare, education and energy initiatives in the region.

Developing stronger EU connections with Middle Eastern countries represents a central goal of Cyprus’s EU presidency, which Christodoulides described as a “very good opportunity … to give substance” to this mission. The upcoming informal EU summit will include leaders from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, creating chances “not just to exchange ideas but to see in action how we elevate our cooperation in a strategic level.”

“We can represent the interest of the countries of the Greater Middle East to Brussels, but at the same time, and this is very, very important, the countries in the region, they trust Cyprus to represent them in the European Union,” he stated.

Christodoulides actively supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), an ambitious infrastructure project designed to create trade, energy and digital connections between the continent and the world’s most populous democracy while promoting regional peace and stability.

Under Cyprus’s EU leadership, officials have established a “Friends of IMEC” coalition to advance the initiative, though Christodoulides acknowledged it currently lacks sufficient concrete projects. One example is the Great Seas Interconnector, an electrical cable system linking power networks in Greece, Cyprus and eventually Israel, which has experienced significant construction delays.

“We can work together with the Americans, with the U.S. Government, with President Trump in order to give substance because it will be a win-win situation for both the European Union and the United States” through additional specific projects, Christodoulides said.

Recent Middle Eastern conflicts have highlighted the EU’s urgent need to diversify its energy supply sources. Christodoulides revealed ongoing discussions with EU executives about utilizing Cyprus’s offshore natural gas reserves to help the bloc secure alternative energy supplies and distribution routes.

He indicated that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will announce “very specific proposals” on Friday addressing energy expenses and strategies for achieving greater energy independence.

The Cypriot leader acknowledged that while the EU has improved its decision-making speed, the organization has failed to fulfill promises of adding new members over the past two years, eroding confidence among candidate nations.

“So we have a strong geopolitical tool that we are losing mainly because of our mistakes. The situation today is much better. We are deciding in a much faster, let’s say, pace,” Christodoulides observed. “And enlargement is one of the geopolitical tools that, as a European Union, we need pretty soon to have specific decisions.”

Mexican officials announced enhanced security measures at popular tourist destinations following a deadly shooting at the historic Teotihuacan pyramids that left one Canadian visitor dead and twelve others wounded.

The attack occurred Monday when a single shooter opened fire from atop one of the ancient pyramids at the UNESCO World Heritage site, located approximately one hour from Mexico City. The archaeological complex ranks among Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations.

The incident prompted immediate questions from journalists to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regarding safety preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada this summer.

Teotihuacan was designated as a major destination for World Cup visitors. Local officials had recently advanced plans to restore a nighttime light display on the pyramids specifically for tournament guests, reviving a show that was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The violence occurs as Sheinbaum’s administration works to present Mexico as secure ahead of the soccer tournament, particularly following cartel-related violence that erupted in February in Guadalajara, another World Cup host city.

“Events like this only further magnify the negative images that Mexico has on security issues, undermining the narrative that President Sheinbaum is trying to build that Mexico is a safe country,” said Mexican security analyst David Saucedo.

During a Tuesday briefing, Sheinbaum admitted the archaeological site lacked adequate security screening to prevent such an attack, describing the shooting as “an isolated incident” unprecedented at such a public location.

Mass shootings in public areas remain uncommon in Mexico compared to the United States, where firearms are more readily available through legal channels, despite ongoing cartel violence in strategic and rural regions.

The president indicated the attacker seemed influenced by “outside influences,” specifically referencing the 1999 Columbine massacre in Colorado.

“Our obligation as a government is to take the appropriate measures to ensure that a situation like this does not happen again. But clearly, we all know — Mexicans know — that this is something that had not previously taken place,” Sheinbaum said Tuesday morning.

Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch, who leads the government’s anti-cartel efforts, announced Tuesday that security forces received orders to “immediately strengthen security” at archaeological sites and major tourist locations nationwide.

The enhanced measures include expanded National Guard presence, increased security screenings at critical locations, and improved surveillance systems designed to “identify and prevent any threats” against citizens and visitors.

Mexican authorities hope these announcements will address persistent violence concerns ahead of the tournament.

Sheinbaum’s government has highlighted security achievements during her tenure, with homicide rates dropping significantly since she assumed office to decade-low levels, according to government data. Officials have also eliminated several high-ranking cartel leaders and noted decreased fentanyl seizures at the U.S.-Mexico border.

However, recent challenges include the February violence outbreak in Guadalajara following the assassination of Mexico’s most influential cartel leader. The bloodshed generated widespread concern domestically and internationally. Sheinbaum pledged “no risk” for tournament attendees, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed “full confidence” in Mexico as a host nation. Sheinbaum subsequently met with FIFA officials to review World Cup security arrangements.

Mexico’s government has committed to comprehensive security preparations, including deploying 100,000 security personnel nationwide, with concentrations in the three host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Plans involve more than 2,000 military vehicles, numerous aircraft and drones, and security perimeters around stadiums and airports in key locations.

“As you can see, we are very prepared for the World Cup,” Sheinbaum said in early March.

Despite the unusual nature of Monday’s pyramid shooting, the violent incident has renewed questions about the government’s ability to prevent violence during the soccer competition, increasing pressure on officials.

FIFA declined to comment on the pyramid shooting when contacted, as the organization typically avoids addressing security matters and incidents occurring away from tournament facilities.

Saucedo warned that concentrating security resources in host cities and tourist areas like Teotihuacan could reduce protection in other violence-plagued regions requiring police and military attention.

“Events like the one that took place yesterday in Teotihuacan clearly show that public safety agencies are overwhelmed,” he said.

TOKYO — Japanese officials announced Wednesday that the nation experienced a trade deficit of 1.7 trillion yen ($10.7 billion) during the fiscal year concluding in March, continuing a pattern of deficits for the fifth consecutive year.

The Finance Ministry’s data showed exports increased by 4% compared to the prior year, while imports grew modestly by 0.5%.

Higher tariffs implemented by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Japanese imports and products from other nations have dealt a significant setback to international automotive manufacturers and other industrial companies. Japanese exports to America declined by 6.6% during the previous fiscal year, with automobile shipments plummeting by 16%.

Despite these challenges, Japan experienced a 26% increase in its trade surplus during March compared to the same period last year, suggesting the export industry is beginning to recover from previous disruptions. March saw exports surge by nearly 11.7% while imports climbed almost 10.9%.

Major Japanese automotive companies, including Toyota Motor Corp., have relocated significant portions of their manufacturing operations to countries where their vehicles are ultimately sold, helping them avoid the negative effects of such policy changes. Nevertheless, several automakers continue to ship substantial numbers of vehicles from Japan to the United States.

Since Japan relies on imports for virtually all of its oil and natural gas supplies, the ongoing conflict with Iran has created concerns about potential disruptions to Middle Eastern oil deliveries. Beyond energy implications, oil shortages could impact the production of naphtha-based products essential for medical equipment and various plastic materials.

Japanese officials have sought to reassure citizens by highlighting the country’s 254-day emergency oil reserve stockpile, which was created following the oil crisis of the 1970s. Authorities are currently releasing portions of these reserves to maintain stable supply levels.

Japan is also exploring alternative supply routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as the primary shipping corridor for much of Asia’s oil and gas imports. This crucial waterway has been effectively blocked due to the current conflict.

SYDNEY – Technology suppliers are pushing back against claims that Australia’s historic social media ban for teenagers is failing due to technological limitations, arguing instead that major platforms are simply not properly utilizing existing age verification tools.

The Age Verification Providers Association (AVPA) released findings suggesting that enforcement challenges with Australia’s under-16 social media prohibition stem from poor implementation by platforms rather than inadequate technology capabilities.

“The issue is not capability, it is application,” stated Iain Corby, executive director of AVPA.

The trade group emphasized that early implementation problems highlight the need for stricter expectations and better enforcement, not that age verification systems are fundamentally flawed.

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is currently examining potential violations by major platforms including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Google’s YouTube, TikTok, and Snap regarding the world’s first national ban of this type, which took effect in December.

Companies found in violation could face penalties reaching A$49.5 million (approximately $35 million) per breach. Government officials indicate they are collecting evidence for potential Federal Court proceedings if platforms don’t improve their compliance efforts.

According to the association’s analysis, initial deployment demonstrated that age verification systems can function effectively on a large scale, but social media companies are failing to implement them properly or at crucial moments like account registration.

Representatives from TikTok and Snap refused to provide comments, while Meta and Google did not respond to requests for statements.

These conclusions challenge social media platforms’ claims about insufficient age verification technology, suggesting that continued access by underage users results from how companies choose to deploy available tools rather than technical limitations.

Government data indicates millions of suspected underage accounts have been deleted since the legislation became active.

Nevertheless, the eSafety regulator has identified ongoing problems including inadequate age verification during account creation, allowing multiple verification attempts until users succeed, and continued dependence on user-reported ages.

The AVPA’s analysis concluded that independent testing and early real-world implementation indicated these deficiencies primarily resulted from platform practices rather than technological failures.

The organization identified major effectiveness concerns including excessive dependence on internal age-estimation algorithms that attempt to determine user age through online behavior patterns, and insufficient re-verification of established accounts.

Before implementing the ban, Australia conducted comprehensive testing of AVPA member companies’ verification systems.

A newly released United Nations investigation reveals that a Libyan militia organization assisted in moving ex-Colombian soldiers across borders to join Sudan’s brutal civil war, according to findings published just days after the conflict’s three-year mark.

The Subul al-Salam Battalion from Libya coordinated the movement of fighters, including former Colombian military personnel, along with weapons and fuel shipments to aid the Rapid Support Forces in their battle against Sudan’s government army, intensifying the already catastrophic war.

This battalion operates under the command of influential General Khalifa Hifter’s self-declared Libyan National Army, which controls eastern and southern regions of war-torn Libya. Based primarily in Kufra, a southern border town adjacent to Sudan, Chad, and Egypt, the group manages key infrastructure including an airport that served as a conduit for arms and fighters supporting the RSF, UN investigators determined.

The UN Panel of Experts on Libya published their findings on Sunday, covering the period from October 2024 through February 2026.

Sudan’s conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, when tensions between the nation’s military leadership and the RSF escalated into violent confrontations throughout Khartoum and across the vast nation.

UN investigators documented various advantages the RSF gained through Libyan connections, including access to a staging area located approximately 75 kilometers southwest of Kufra.

The paramilitary organization also utilized Kufra’s airbase and additional facilities that functioned as transfer hubs for Colombian combatants and locations where imported vehicles underwent modifications, according to the expert panel.

The UN team reported that the battalion actively supported RSF military actions in June 2025 by “deploying units on the ground, providing fighters and escorting them across Libyan territory and facilitating access to fuel and spare vehicle parts.”

This assistance enabled the RSF to push forward in the Uwaynat region, a triangular border zone shared by Sudan, Egypt, and Libya, though it simultaneously “weakened border security in southern Libya,” investigators noted.

RSF representatives did not respond immediately to requests for comment. The Subul al-Salam Battalion could not be reached for statement.

In June, the RSF announced control over the triangle area following the Sudanese military’s declaration that it had withdrawn from the region as part of “its defensive arrangements to repel aggression.” Sudan’s army has blamed Hifter’s forces for supporting the RSF assault on the territory, allegations the Libyan commander has rejected.

International human rights organizations have documented that both Hifter’s military units and the RSF have received backing from the United Arab Emirates, though the UAE has consistently rejected these claims.

Recently, Sudan’s military has attempted to interrupt the RSF supply chain originating from Libya. Government forces conducted air attacks in November targeting vehicle convoys and foreign fighters within Libya who were en route to support the paramilitary group, the report stated.

The United States has implemented sanctions against Colombian companies and individuals due to alleged connections to sending former Colombian officers to fight with the RSF in Sudan, contributing to famine conditions and creating the globe’s most severe humanitarian emergency.

The conflict has resulted in at least 59,000 deaths, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, a US-based organization that monitors warfare and acknowledges its casualty count likely underestimates the true toll due to reporting challenges.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — When Canadian Seth Scott first suggested the wild adventure to his English friend Ollie Jenks, the response was immediate.

“It was so ridiculous I couldn’t say no,” Jenks recalled.

Scott’s outrageous plan involved driving a vintage British Reliant Robin three-wheeler from London all the way to southern Africa — covering 14,000 miles across 22 nations to establish a world record for the longest journey ever completed in a three-wheeled automobile.

The Reliant Robin holds legendary status among British car enthusiasts as a modest three-wheeled vehicle that, according to Jenks, was originally built for simple grocery runs in 1970s Britain. Production ceased in the early 2000s, but these quirky cars remain beloved in British pop culture, particularly after featuring as the Trotter family’s dependable yet weathered yellow vehicle in the hit comedy series “Only Fools and Horses.”

However, you’d be hard-pressed to find a vehicle less equipped for traversing thousands of miles through African rainforests, mountain passes, and desert terrain. That impossible challenge is exactly what attracted Jenks to the outlandish scheme.

The duo purchased Sheila, a silver three-wheeler among the final Reliant Robins ever manufactured, exclusively for this expedition. In October, Jenks and Scott departed with a fuel container and basic supplies secured to Sheila’s compact roof, plus considerable faith that they would somehow reach Cape Town, South Africa, at the continent’s southern edge.

“No power steering, no air con, and it doesn’t do well up hills or down them. It is the most unsuitable car for probably any journey,” Jenks offered in a brutally honest evaluation of Sheila’s capabilities. “We made friends with the designer of this car, and he’s scared to take it any more than 20 miles.”

Despite all warnings, Jenks and Scott embarked on their extraordinary four-and-a-half-month odyssey, which required between $40,000 and $50,000 in funding, according to Jenks. Support came through sponsors and crowdfunding, while they chronicled their travels on Instagram, attracting nearly 100,000 followers with the tagline: “14,000 miles, 3 wheels, 0 common sense.”

Their timing coincided with an attempted coup in Benin. They navigated through northern Nigeria while U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against Islamic State positions. Military personnel provided escort protection for approximately 300 miles through a Cameroon region experiencing separatist conflicts.

“Imagine this car in a military convoy,” Jenks reflected.

Numerous close calls with traffic hazards occurred, including a terrifying moment when an overtaking bus nearly crushed Sheila against a cliff wall in Congo.

Living up to the Reliant’s reputation for mechanical issues, countless breakdowns plagued their journey on Africa’s challenging roadways.

Within the first two weeks, Sheila required new wheel springs. Ghana brought gearbox failure, leaving them stuck in fourth gear. Cameroon presented clutch and distributor troubles, followed by the ultimate disaster: complete engine failure.

Throughout every mechanical crisis, the generosity of local people and the determination of Jenks and Scott sustained their progress. A helpful stranger arranged gearbox shipment to Ghana. Reliant enthusiasts back in the U.K. located and sent replacement engine parts to Cameroon.

Following one breakdown, locals helped load Sheila onto a livestock transport truck for garage delivery. Mechanics throughout the continent bolted, hammered, and welded Sheila back together, often expressing bewilderment at the entire endeavor.

Yet the adventure also delivered spectacular moments that Jenks and Scott had hoped would justify their efforts.

Sheila traveled through breathtaking mountain landscapes and expansive desert regions — territories no Reliant Robin had likely explored before. She participated in safari experiences, keeping pace with running giraffes, observing endangered rhinoceros, and posing beside a massive elephant.

More than 120 days after departure, she limped into Cape Town last month running on an engine that had begun severe overheating in Namibia’s desert and remained questionable for roughly 1,000 miles.

“This is a great underdog story,” commented Graeme Hurst, a South African automotive enthusiast who tracked their Instagram journey and came to meet Sheila. “I see the farcical kind of comical nature of it … but also the sheer admiration. I mean, they have utter tenacity.”

In South Africa, Sheila received temporary exhibition space in a luxury automobile showroom, becoming the main attraction among gleaming Porsches and Mercedes while displaying her cracked side window, fuel-stained windshield, warped wheel rims, and numerous dents and scratches.

She will now receive proper rest and the comprehensive maintenance she has earned, Jenks explained. Eventually, she’ll travel to Kenya, board a ship bound for Turkey, then complete one final journey back to the U.K. for permanent display at the London Transport Museum.

Jenks described feeling victorious upon reaching Cape Town, but mostly relieved to have survived and finally escape the cramped two-seat cabin.

“It was like driving a motorized coffin,” he concluded.

New images from Sudan illustrate how civilians are adapting their everyday routines as the ongoing conflict between government military forces and paramilitary groups reaches its fourth year.

The photographs, selected by Associated Press editors, document the resilience of ordinary Sudanese people as they navigate life during prolonged warfare between the nation’s armed forces and militia groups.

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will indefinitely prolong the current ceasefire with Iran to provide more time for peace negotiations, though Iranian and Israeli acceptance of this extension remains uncertain.

In a social media post, Trump revealed that the United States had accepted a request from Pakistani mediators “to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal … and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”

Pakistani officials have been facilitating peace negotiations in Islamabad aimed at ending the two-month conflict that has resulted in thousands of deaths and destabilized the world economy.

However, while announcing what seemed to be a one-sided ceasefire extension, Trump also indicated he would maintain the U.S. Navy’s maritime blockade of Iranian trade routes, which Iran considers an act of aggression.

Iranian officials had not responded to Trump’s statement by early Wednesday, though initial reactions from Tehran appeared skeptical of the announcement.

The Tasnim News Agency, which has ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, reported that Iran had not requested any ceasefire extension and reiterated threats to forcibly break the American blockade. An advisor to Iran’s chief negotiator, parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, dismissed Trump’s announcement as potentially meaningless and possibly deceptive.

Trump’s wartime statements have fluctuated dramatically. Just two weeks prior, he made an expletive-laden threat against Iran, warning that a “whole civilization will die tonight,” while at other moments he has seemed eager to halt the violence and economic instability.

With this latest announcement, Trump once again stepped back from his threats to target Iran’s power infrastructure and transportation networks. UN Secretary General António Guterres and other international leaders have criticized such threats, pointing out that international humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilian targets and infrastructure.

The conflict began February 28 when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran. The fighting rapidly expanded to include Gulf nations hosting American military installations and Lebanon after the Iran-backed militant organization Hezbollah entered the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spent decades working to remove Iran’s current government, but Trump has provided inconsistent and sometimes conflicting explanations for America’s participation in the war and his vision for its conclusion, creating uncertainty in international markets.

The regional conflict has claimed more than 3,000 civilian lives and displaced hundreds of thousands, primarily in Iran and Lebanon. The war has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global energy transport between Iran and Oman, causing oil prices to spike and raising concerns about a potential worldwide economic downturn.

Iran has repeatedly used its control over ship traffic in the strait as leverage against American and Israeli military actions.

In his statement, Trump said he was prepared to extend the ceasefire because “the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so,” referring to U.S.-Israeli targeted killings of Iranian leaders during the war’s early weeks, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been replaced by his son.

Hours before his announcement, Trump had told CNBC that he was reluctant to continue the temporary truce and that American forces were “raring to go.”

These remarks came as the tentatively planned peace discussions in Islamabad appeared close to collapse. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, whose attendance Iran had requested, was scheduled to return to Pakistan on Tuesday.

Prior to Trump’s latest statement, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran’s negotiators were prepared to participate in additional talks if the United States abandoned its strategy of pressure and intimidation, and rejected negotiations designed to force surrender.

Iran has denounced the U.S. Navy’s interception and seizure of two Iranian commercial vessels as part of its blockade, including the second ship taken on Tuesday. Iran’s foreign ministry accused America of “piracy at sea and state terrorism.” The United States, supported by several other nations, has criticized Iran for restricting navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.

Initial peace talks held 10 days ago failed to produce any agreements, with much attention focused on Iran’s reserves of highly enriched uranium.

Trump seeks to remove the uranium from Iran to prevent the country from further enriching it to weapons-grade levels. Iran maintains that its nuclear program serves only peaceful civilian purposes and asserts its sovereign right to continue such activities as a signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

BEIJING – Chinese officials on Wednesday publicly commended nations that refused to grant airspace access to Taiwan’s presidential aircraft, stating that adherence to Beijing’s one-China policy represents standard international protocol.

During a routine press briefing in the Chinese capital, a representative from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office thanked countries for their stance and actions in supporting the one-China principle.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced Tuesday that he was scrapping his scheduled visit to Eswatini this week. His administration blamed Beijing for lobbying the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar to withdraw previously granted overflight clearances for his presidential plane.

The diplomatic incident highlights ongoing tensions between Beijing and Taipei over Taiwan’s international standing and China’s efforts to limit the island’s diplomatic activities abroad.

GLASGOW, Scotland — Britain’s top cybersecurity official is set to deliver a stark warning that hostile foreign governments, particularly Russia, Iran and China, are behind the most dangerous digital attacks targeting the United Kingdom.

Richard Horne, who leads the National Cyber Security Centre within Britain’s intelligence agency GCHQ, plans to tell audiences Wednesday that the nation faces “the most seismic geopolitical shift in modern history.” According to advance excerpts of his remarks, Horne will urge British companies to strengthen their defenses against potential large-scale cyberattacks should the UK become embroiled in international conflicts.

Across Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, government officials have recently issued similar warnings. Sweden, Poland, Denmark and Norway have all reported that Russian-linked hackers have attempted to breach critical systems including electrical grids and water infrastructure.

The NCSC director will reveal his agency currently responds to approximately four “nationally significant” digital security breaches each week. While criminal activities like ransomware remain the most frequent issues, state-sponsored attacks pose the gravest danger, according to his prepared remarks.

This assessment echoes concerns raised in December by Blaise Metreweli, who heads Britain’s MI6 foreign intelligence service. Metreweli characterized the current global situation as more perilous than any period in recent decades, describing Britain as existing “in a space between peace and war.”

“Let’s be clear, cyberspace is part of that contest,” Horne will state during his address at the CyberUK conference in Glasgow.

Regarding specific threats, Horne will describe China’s intelligence and military cyber capabilities as demonstrating an “eye-watering level of sophistication.” He’ll also assert that Iran is “almost certainly using cyber activity to support the repression of British individuals on our streets who are seen as a threat to the regime.”

As for Russia, Horne plans to highlight how Moscow has adapted digital warfare methods developed during its Ukraine campaign, “moving them beyond the battlefield” through “sustained Russian hybrid activity” aimed at the UK and broader Europe. He’ll emphasize that businesses must study how cyber operations function in wartime scenarios to strengthen their own protective measures.

In potential conflict situations, Horne will warn, the UK could face massive cyberattacks where companies cannot simply pay ransoms to restore their data and systems. This reality, he’ll argue, makes it essential for every organization to fully grasp their vulnerability and enhance their digital defenses immediately.

Recent incidents support these concerns. Swedish officials announced Friday that a pro-Russian organization connected to Moscow’s intelligence apparatus orchestrated a cyberattack on a heating facility last year.

Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Sweden’s civil defense minister, drew parallels to December attacks in Poland, where coordinated digital strikes targeted heating and power facilities serving nearly half a million customers, plus renewable energy installations. Polish investigators later determined the hackers had “direct links to Russian services.” Norway reported a similar April 2025 incident affecting dam water controls, while Denmark disclosed a December 2024 attack on water utilities that temporarily cut service to residential areas.

These four cyberattacks represent just a fraction of over 155 documented disruption incidents — encompassing arson, sabotage and espionage — that Western intelligence agencies have connected to Russia or its allies since Moscow’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, according to Associated Press tracking.

Additional Russian-linked activities identified by European authorities include interference with German aviation traffic control systems, attempts to compromise Signal and WhatsApp accounts of government officials and journalists, and efforts by Russian military intelligence hackers to exploit router vulnerabilities for stealing sensitive user information.

JERUSALEM (AP) — During his captivity in Hamas tunnels beneath Gaza, Hersh Goldberg-Polin frequently shared a quote from Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl with fellow hostages: “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.’”

Family and friends held onto hope that Hersh would return with an inspiring message, much like Frankl did. Instead, after spending nearly 11 months as a hostage, he was executed alongside five other captives in August 2024, likely as Israeli military forces approached their underground location.

Now his mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, has taken on the mission to find that purpose. She released a memoir on Tuesday following her highly visible efforts to secure her son’s freedom.

The book, titled “When We See You Again,” offers no clear storyline, uplifting conclusion, or blame toward Hamas terrorists or Israeli officials many hold responsible for her son’s death. Instead, it provides an unflinching look at profound loss.

Goldberg-Polin remains uncertain whether her work represents “an exceptionally painful love story, or a love-filled pain story.”

“I’m still trying to figure out with clarity what is my why, but it’s clear to me that my why is not done,” Goldberg-Polin said, a photo of a smiling Hersh behind her. “I just really wanted to tell the truth. It’s very ugly.”

Hersh was one of 251 individuals taken hostage during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault. A grenade explosion severed his hand before militants forced him into Gaza’s underground tunnel network.

The resulting conflict claimed more than 70,000 Palestinian lives and devastated much of Gaza before an October ceasefire agreement secured the release of surviving hostages. Hersh and five others had already been murdered more than a year prior.

Rachel became a tireless advocate for her son’s freedom, participating in numerous media appearances, meeting with former President Joe Biden, and speaking at the Democratic National Convention. She also joined widespread demonstrations in Israel criticizing government officials for failing to negotiate a faster resolution.

Her son became one of the most recognizable hostages. His name and image continue appearing on posters and graffiti throughout the country, frequently accompanied by Frankl’s quote.

In her memoir, Rachel deliberately avoids idealizing Hersh. She mentions his childhood habit of picking scabs and his poor dishwashing skills.

“Hersh has become a symbol to many,” Goldberg-Polin writes in the book. “I don’t know what to do with that. But it’s OK. If people need Hersh to be something, he will be that. That is the essence of service, being what is needed.”

Rachel grew up in Chicago before relocating to Israel with her husband and three children when six-year-old Hersh was the eldest. She recalls memories from the “before time”: how young Hersh impressed people with his extensive knowledge of U.S. presidents and his devotion to Jerusalem’s local soccer team and their partner club in Bremen, Germany.

The memoir briefly addresses his abduction and captivity details, which have received extensive media coverage. She documents their frantic information search during the chaotic days following the attack, their extended battle for his release, and receiving news of Hersh’s death along with five others after 328 days.

The book primarily represents “very raw, peeled, oozing, throbbing pain,” Goldberg-Polin explained. She describes “hundreds of sodden days dripping with anguish.”

“The book really started just as a way of taking this tremendous weight of suffering that was causing my soul to buckle,” she said during a Jerusalem interview.

Her writing emerged spontaneously without a planned outcome, driven by the question “How do I survive the next 15 minutes?” she explained.

The memoir partly stemmed from her frustration when people inquired about her wellbeing. “I think, ‘Well, do you not see this dagger sticking out of my chest at my heart? How can you possibly be asking me that?’” she said. “But I realized they don’t see it. And it’s not because they’re mean or insensitive. They simply don’t see it.”

“Someone who’s born blind doesn’t know what blue is, and it’s very difficult to describe blue to someone who’s blind. But I’m desperate for people to see my blue, and I’m yearning for people to feel my pain,” she said.

Others wanted to share their own experiences with death and loss, even during her son’s shiva, the traditional Jewish mourning period following burial. She found this experience both overwhelming and enlightening, exposing the “surplus of suffering” that exists globally.

“They’re not trying to comfort me, they’re saying: ‘Let me stand next to you and we’ll be in this together,’” she said.

Throughout the hostage release campaign, Rachel’s motto was “Hope is mandatory,” even when optimism seemed impossible. Now, people everywhere ask her and her husband to share some of their worn and weathered hope.

She offers no simple solutions, as she explains to Hersh in a letter to her deceased son near the book’s conclusion.

“I will carry your why,” she writes. “I’ll do it, I’ll carry your why around the world.”

ISLAMABAD (AP) — American and Iranian officials are preparing for critical peace negotiations in Pakistan’s capital as their delicate two-week ceasefire approaches its Wednesday expiration date, according to two regional officials who spoke Tuesday.

While neither Washington nor Tehran has publicly announced the meeting schedule, Iranian state media has denied that any official representatives have arrived in Islamabad.

Pakistani mediators have received word that lead negotiators – U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf – are expected to touch down in Islamabad early Wednesday to guide their respective teams through the discussions, the officials informed The Associated Press.

The sources requested anonymity as they lacked permission to speak with media.

The temporary halt to hostilities that took effect April 8 was scheduled to conclude Wednesday.

Each side continues to maintain firm public positions, with President Donald Trump cautioning that “lots of bombs” will “start going off” without an agreement before the ceasefire ends, while Iran’s lead negotiator declared that Tehran possesses “new cards on the battlefield” that remain unrevealed.

An extension of the ceasefire appears probable should negotiations restart. White House representatives have confirmed Vance will head the U.S. team, though Iran has not disclosed its delegation leader, with Iranian state broadcasting airing a statement Tuesday claiming “no delegation from Iran has visited Islamabad … so far.”

Iranian state media has historically been influenced by hardline factions within the country’s religious government, and Tuesday’s broadcast message likely demonstrates ongoing internal discussions within Iran’s leadership regarding how to address the weekend seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel by U.S. naval forces.

American military personnel boarded a sanctioned oil tanker involved in smuggling Iranian petroleum across Asia, according to Defense Department announcements.

The Pentagon shared on social media that U.S. forces “conducted a right-of-visit maritime interdiction” and boarded the M/T Tifani “without incident.” Vessel tracking information placed the Tifani in Indian Ocean waters between Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

The military statement emphasized that “international waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels.”

Washington has established a naval blockade around Iranian harbors to force Tehran to release its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor that carries 20% of global natural gas and petroleum during normal conditions.

Iran’s tight control of the waterway has driven energy costs higher, with Brent crude, the global benchmark, trading near $95 per barrel Tuesday – representing a 30% increase since February 28, when Israel and America launched joint military strikes against Iran that initiated the conflict.

Prior to the war’s outbreak, the Strait of Hormuz operated with full access for international maritime traffic, and Trump has insisted that ships must once again pass through the channel without obstruction.

European Union transport officials convened in Brussels Tuesday to address consumer protection measures after the International Energy Agency chief warned that Europe maintains “maybe six weeks” of remaining aviation fuel reserves.

Iran announced over the weekend that it had received fresh proposals from Washington, while also indicating significant differences persist between the parties. Disagreements that derailed previous negotiation rounds centered on Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities, its regional allied groups, and the strait’s status.

Qalibaf accused America Tuesday of seeking Iran’s capitulation and stated that conversely, Iran has been organizing “to reveal new cards on the battlefield.”

“We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,” he posted on X.

Despite the public verbal sparring between both nations, Pakistani authorities have expressed optimism that Iran will dispatch a delegation late Tuesday to enable talks to proceed.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke Tuesday with Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty regarding current regional developments as part of diplomatic preparations, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced.

Dar additionally met with China’s ambassador, as Beijing serves as a major Iranian trade partner, while China’s Foreign Ministry described the conflict as reaching a “critical stage of transition between war and peace.”

“At such a moment, it is all the more necessary for all parties to show the utmost sincerity, remain committed to a political solution, maintain the momentum of the ceasefire and negotiations,” ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated.

Pakistani officials have strengthened security throughout the capital, deploying thousands of personnel and increasing patrol activity along airport access roads.

The protective measures appear more extensive than those implemented during initial talks held in Islamabad April 11-12, indicating potential high-level participation should negotiations progress, according to Syed Mohammad Ali, an Islamabad-based security expert.

“Pakistan appears to be preparing for the possibility of visits by top U.S. and Iranian leaders if the talks advance to a stage where an agreement could be signed,” he informed The Associated Press.

Separately, groundbreaking diplomatic discussions between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to continue Thursday in Washington, according to Israeli, Lebanese and American officials who requested anonymity to discuss private negotiations.

Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors conducted their first direct diplomatic meeting in decades last week. Israel states the discussions aim to disarm Hezbollah and achieve a peace accord with Lebanon.

Lebanon implemented a 10-day ceasefire beginning Friday, where combat between Israel and Iranian-supported Hezbollah fighters erupted two days following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that sparked the war. Lebanese fighting has resulted in over 2,290 deaths.

Since the conflict began, Iranian authorities report at least 3,375 fatalities in Iran. Additionally, 23 individuals have perished in Israel and more than twelve in Gulf Arab nations. Fifteen Israeli military personnel in Lebanon and 13 American service members across the region have lost their lives.

ŠIAULIAI AIR BASE, Lithuania — Alliance warplanes responded Monday to intercept Russian strategic bombers and escort fighters conducting operations over Baltic waters, demonstrating coordinated air defense capabilities along NATO’s eastern border while global attention remains focused on Middle Eastern conflicts.

French Rafale fighters launched from a Lithuanian airfield where they’re deployed for NATO’s long-standing air surveillance mission. The missile-equipped aircraft joined warplanes from Sweden, Finland, Poland, Denmark and Romania in monitoring and shadowing the Russian formation, according to the French military unit.

Russia’s aerial mission featured two supersonic Tu-22M3 bombers accompanied by approximately 10 fighter aircraft — a mix of SU-30s and SU-35s — that alternated escort duties for the larger strategic aircraft, military officials reported.

Moscow’s Defense Ministry characterized the bomber mission as a planned operation conducted over international Baltic waters. The flight lasted more than four hours, the ministry announced Monday via Telegram.

“During portions of the flight path, the strategic bombers received escort from foreign military aircraft,” the ministry stated. “Long-range aviation crews routinely perform missions over international waters in the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, and Baltic and Black Sea regions. All Russian Aerospace Forces operations follow strict adherence to international aviation regulations.”

The ministry didn’t respond to follow-up inquiries Tuesday. Russian strategic bomber flights over Baltic waters are frequently reported, including a January incident that also prompted NATO intercepts, plus at least four similar missions in the previous year.

NATO’s Allied Air Command also didn’t provide immediate comment Tuesday.

The military alliance regularly launches interceptor aircraft when Russian warplanes approach or transit near NATO-controlled airspace. Alliance officials note that Russian aircraft often operate without active transponders, fail to communicate with aviation controllers, or don’t submit proper flight documentation. NATO fighters are deployed to visually identify these aircraft.

Most Russian flights monitored through NATO’s Baltic air patrol program — established when Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia became alliance members in 2004 — involve travel to and from Russia’s Kaliningrad territory. Prior to Ukraine’s conflict, NATO was conducting approximately 300 annual intercepts of Russian aircraft, primarily over northern European waters.

An Associated Press reporter observed Monday’s French response from Lithuania’s extensive Šiauliai Air Base. The facility serves as NATO’s hub for fighter patrols securing alliance airspace along the eastern frontier.

Two French Rafale crews — each consisting of a pilot and navigator — were observed rushing in vehicles from their command center to aircraft hangars. The airmen were already in flight gear from standby duty, enabling rapid deployment within minutes of receiving scramble orders.

Both crews quickly entered their cockpits and remained on alert with engines running until receiving takeoff authorization. The aircraft then moved from their hangars and launched into clear skies.

Monday’s mission represents the most recent Russian aerial activity over Baltic waters.

Lithuania’s defense officials reported NATO fighters were activated four times between April 13-19 to respond to Russian aircraft violating standard flight protocols, including disabling transponders and operating without filed flight plans.

Across Israel, from the capital city of Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and the historic site of Latrun, citizens came together to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the nation’s annual Memorial Day observance. Military personnel, family members, and ordinary citizens participated in the solemn tradition of laying flowers and placing flags at gravesites.

The day of remembrance included quiet moments of reflection as Israelis made their way to military burial grounds and commemorative locations throughout the country. The ceremonies honored not only fallen service members but also all individuals who lost their lives in the nation’s various conflicts, with particular attention paid to those who perished during the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023.

The observance represents one of the most significant days in the Israeli calendar, bringing together people from all walks of life to remember those who gave their lives for their country.

LUXEMBOURG (AP) — European Union foreign ministers convened in Luxembourg this week to tackle several pressing international challenges, including the continuing conflict in Ukraine, Russian hybrid warfare, and economic instability caused by warfare in Iran that has sent global energy prices soaring.

However, the most contentious issue dividing the 27-member European Union centers on how to handle relations with Israel and whether to increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid deteriorating security conditions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon.

Three EU nations — Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland — have called for completely suspending the Association Agreement signed with Israel in 2000, which governs trade relations and cooperation. This proposal lacks the unanimous backing required from all member states.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Albares suggested that a limited suspension focusing solely on trade elements might garner sufficient political backing among EU countries.

“The European Union has to say today very clearly to Israel that a change is needed,” he said.

European officials have determined that Israel may have breached the agreement through its military operations in Gaza.

Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee pointed to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, Israel’s recent implementation of capital punishment for certain Palestinians, and continued combat in Lebanon as reasons why EU members should intensify pressure on Israel.

“We need to act. We need to make sure that our fundamental values are protected. And we need to make sure that any agreement that we have with any other country that country is fulfilling and upholding their obligations,” McEntee said.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard announced that France and Sweden have introduced a proposal to restrict trade with Israeli settlements located in the West Bank.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the Luxembourg gathering, discussing the delicate ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, the disarmament of Hezbollah militants, and Lebanon’s need for European support during this difficult period.

“Lebanon today needs its European partners more than ever,” Salam posted on X on Tuesday.

The Luxembourg session followed a Palestinian peace conference held in Brussels the previous day, where 60 countries sent delegates to meet with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa and Bulgarian diplomat Nikolay Mladenov, who leads the Board of Peace established by U.S. President Donald Trump.

A significant shift in EU dynamics may be emerging as one of the bloc’s most vocal opponents prepares to leave office.

Hungary’s departing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán consistently blocked EU initiatives on various matters, from supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression to imposing sanctions on Israelis linked to violent extremism.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated that Orbán’s electoral defeat by pro-European opposition candidate Péter Magyar could speed up decision-making processes.

“A lot of issues … have been blocked” by Hungary, she said. “We are reopening the discussions and hope that we get a positive result.”

Regarding Iran, European diplomats advocated for diplomatic solutions as a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington was scheduled to end Tuesday.

Kallas urged extending the ceasefire “until there is a diplomatic solution.”

“The ceasefire is very fragile, but diplomacy should have a chance,” she said.

Germany’s foreign minister encouraged Iran to dispatch negotiators to Islamabad for discussions with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

“Iran should now take this outstretched hand in the interest of its own people,” Johann Wadephul said.

The Iranian conflict has severely disrupted global oil and gas markets, creating particular concerns for the EU as a major energy consumer.

While foreign ministers met in Luxembourg, EU transportation officials held virtual discussions on protecting consumers from rising fuel costs after the International Energy Agency chief warned that Europe has “maybe six weeks” of jet fuel reserves remaining.

Since hostilities began between Israel, the United States, and Iran, the violence has claimed at least 3,375 lives in Iran and over 2,290 in Lebanon. The conflict has also resulted in 23 deaths in Israel and more than a dozen fatalities in Gulf Arab nations. Military casualties include 15 Israeli soldiers in Lebanon and 13 U.S. service members across the region.

Tensions between Hungary and Slovakia have flared anew following Hungary’s recent election, as newly victorious leader Peter Magyar challenged Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico over laws affecting ethnic Hungarian communities during their inaugural phone conversation on April 21.

The controversy revolves around post-war legislation that imposed collective punishment on ethnic Germans and Hungarians in former Czechoslovakia, stripping them of property and citizenship for alleged wartime collaboration.

These historical measures, known as the “Benes Decrees” after former Czechoslovak President Edvard Benes, regularly strain diplomatic ties between the two European Union member states. Ethnic Hungarians comprise approximately 9% of Slovakia’s 5.5 million residents.

Fico’s leftist-nationalist administration strengthened enforcement of these decrees last year, establishing criminal penalties for anyone who challenges their validity.

While Hungary’s departing leader Viktor Orban, who maintained close ties with Fico, avoided confronting this issue, Magyar made it a central campaign theme leading to his overwhelming electoral triumph on April 12.

During Tuesday’s conversation, Magyar maintained his campaign stance and delivered an ultimatum to the Slovak leader.

“I told him clearly that we would be able to negotiate on any policy issue if we received a guarantee that Slovakia would repeal the legislation that threatens Hungarians living in Slovakia with imprisonment,” Magyar told Fico.

“And if it was stipulated that in the future the lands of our Hungarian compatriots in Slovakia would not be confiscated on the basis of the Benes Decrees based on collective guilt.”

Fico responded by emphasizing that bilateral relations had remained stable for years and expressed his preference to concentrate on energy collaboration instead.

Both nations maintain their dependence on Russian energy supplies and have united in their disagreement with Ukraine regarding a damaged Soviet-era oil pipeline.

“It clearly emerged from the discussion that Peter Magyar’s priority in Slovak-Hungarian relations are, and will be, the Benes Decrees, where we have fundamentally differing positions,” Fico stated.

The Slovak prime minister, who had supported Orban in Hungary’s recent election, indicated he would arrange to meet Magyar during upcoming EU summit meetings in Brussels before considering any bilateral diplomatic visits.

Magyar is anticipated to establish his new Hungarian administration by mid-May.

With just days remaining before a crucial Wednesday evening deadline, diplomatic efforts to extend the current ceasefire between the United States and Iran face significant challenges as negotiators struggle to resolve fundamental disagreements.

Two primary issues continue to block progress in the talks: the future status of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz waterway and ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital shipping corridor for global oil transportation, making its control a matter of international economic concern. Meanwhile, Iran’s nuclear program remains a central point of contention as world powers seek to prevent further uranium enrichment that could lead to weapons development.

Security measures have been heightened in the region as diplomatic teams work against the clock to find common ground before the current truce arrangement expires. Pakistani security forces have increased their presence at checkpoints amid reports of potential high-level meetings between American and Iranian officials.

The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global energy markets, as both sides attempt to bridge their differences before time runs out.

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Paris on Tuesday to reinforce France’s dedication to maintaining the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon and backing the nation’s territorial sovereignty, according to statements from Macron’s administration.

The high-stakes diplomatic gathering occurs as Pakistan works to facilitate new discussions between the United States and Iran, with the current ceasefire agreement scheduled to end Wednesday. Additional meetings between Lebanese and Israeli representatives are planned for Washington later this week.

During their talks at the Elysee presidential palace, Macron and Salam “will also address humanitarian support for displaced populations and the continuation of the economic and financial reforms essential to strengthening Lebanon’s sovereignty, its reconstruction and the restoration of its prosperity,” according to Macron’s office.

The Paris meeting follows a deadly weekend attack on United Nations peacekeeping forces stationed in southern Lebanon. Small arms fire on Saturday resulted in the death of one French peacekeeper and left three others injured, with two suffering serious wounds.

While both Macron and the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission have accused Hezbollah of responsibility for the attack, the Lebanese militant organization has rejected any involvement in the incident.

The French president has demanded that Lebanese officials “shed full light on the incident” and “identify and prosecute those responsible without delay.” Macron’s administration emphasized that UNIFIL personnel “must under no circumstances be targeted.”

Prior to the Paris meeting, Salam attended a gathering of European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg, where officials discussed the evolving Middle East crisis.

The current conflict escalated on March 2, two days following the launch of military operations by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Hezbollah joined the conflict by launching missiles across the Lebanese border, prompting Israel to respond with extensive bombing campaigns and ground operations.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun proposed direct negotiations with Israel—marking the first such offer in decades—in return for an end to hostilities. Israel initially rejected this proposal.

The situation shifted following announcements of a truce between Iran and the United States, facilitated through Pakistani mediation efforts.

Last week marked the first direct diplomatic discussions between Lebanon and Israel in decades, taking place in Washington after more than a month of warfare between Israeli forces and the Iran-supported Hezbollah militia. Iran has maintained that any ceasefire agreement must include Lebanon and has threatened to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed otherwise.

The United States announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah on Thursday, presenting the deal as an outcome of the Israel-Lebanon diplomatic talks.

Hezbollah, which opposed Lebanon’s direct negotiations with Israel and was excluded from those discussions, claimed the ceasefire resulted from Iranian influence rather than the bilateral Israel-Lebanon meetings.

Myanmar’s military-backed President Min Aung Hlaing has extended an invitation to the nation’s armed opposition forces for renewed peace negotiations, according to state-controlled media reports released Tuesday. This represents the first diplomatic overture of this kind since Hlaing assumed the presidency earlier this month.

The invitation for dialogue was presented as a component of Hlaing’s newly announced 100-day agenda, which he unveiled during a cabinet session Monday in Myanmar’s capital city of Naypyitaw. The program emphasizes achieving peace, maintaining stability, and promoting national development, according to the government newspaper Myanma Alinn.

Hlaing officially became president on April 10 following an electoral process that opposition voices have condemned as fraudulent and manipulated to preserve military control. This occurred five years after the armed forces removed Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected administration from power. Prior to his presidency, Hlaing served as the military commander who orchestrated the coup and subsequently led the unelected military regime.

The military’s power grab has escalated ongoing armed opposition throughout Myanmar, with democracy advocates forming alliances with ethnic militant organizations that have fought for increased self-governance for many years. This has resulted in a nationwide civil conflict that continues to impact large portions of the country. Since 2022, the military administration has conducted multiple face-to-face negotiations with ethnic minority leadership in attempts to fracture anti-government coalitions, though these efforts have yielded minimal success.

State media reported that Hlaing announced Monday his intention to invite ethnic militant groups to participate in fresh negotiations before July 31st.

Nevertheless, Nay Phone Latt, representing the National Unity Government—the primary organization coordinating resistance against military governance—stated Tuesday that his group and associated People’s Defense Force battalions would persist in their armed struggle alongside other opposition elements until achieving their objectives.

“We all already understood that the military’s fake invitations are aimed at prolonging people’s subjugation under military rule,” Nay Phone Latt said.

The country contains 21 recognized ethnic militant organizations with histories of armed conflict, with 10 of these groups having signed comprehensive ceasefire accords called Nationwide Ceasefire Agreements in 2015 and 2018 under earlier administrations. Nevertheless, four groups that previously agreed to these terms abandoned the arrangements and returned to combat following the 2021 military seizure of power.

“Both NCA signatories and non-signatories are invited to participate in the peace process,” Min Aung Hlaing was quoted as saying. He additionally extended invitations to guerrilla fighter units known collectively as the People’s Defense Force—established to combat military rule and restore democratic governance—encouraging them to join the process and operate within legal parameters during the 100-day timeframe.

The comprehensive program also encompasses social, economic, and infrastructure initiatives beyond the peace negotiations.

Myanmar has experienced repeated cycles of temporary ceasefires creating brief periods of reduced violence over multiple decades, yet none have produced lasting political solutions that would provide ethnic communities the level of self-determination they demand in border territories where they hold majority populations.

This latest diplomatic effort follows the military’s recent tactical advantages in the countrywide struggle during mid-2025, achieved through China-mediated truces with significant rebel organizations and increased troop strength resulting from mandatory military service implementation in early 2024.

Government forces have reclaimed territory from ethnic militias, including the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which had conducted major offensive operations with pro-democracy fighters in northeastern regions bordering China and in Myanmar’s western areas.

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army, an alliance member, issued congratulations to Hlaing regarding his presidency and expressed anticipation for peace discussions in a statement released last Wednesday.

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s leader has scrapped his scheduled African trip this week following the withdrawal of overflight permissions by three nations, which his administration attributes to Chinese interference, officials announced Tuesday.

The presidential office released a statement saying, “According to our understanding, the cancellation of flight permits by Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar without prior warning was actually due to strong pressure from the Chinese authorities, including economic coercion.”

The visit by President Lai Ching-te to Eswatini, which represents Taiwan’s final diplomatic partner on the African continent, had been scheduled for April 22 through 26.

Beijing regards the independently governed island of Taiwan as a rogue territory that must be brought under its control, using military action if required, and prevents nations with which it maintains diplomatic relationships from establishing official connections with Taiwan’s government.

In recent years, China has escalated efforts to strip Taiwan of its remaining international partnerships.

Taiwan now maintains official diplomatic relationships with just 12 nations worldwide, predominantly smaller states located in Latin America, the Caribbean region, and Pacific islands.

The head of South Africa’s national police force made his initial court appearance Tuesday in connection with a major corruption investigation that has already led to charges against a dozen high-ranking officers.

Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who continues to serve in his leadership role, is facing four charges for allegedly breaking the Public Finance Management Act regarding a questionable 360 million-rand ($21 million) contract meant to deliver health and wellness services to law enforcement personnel.

During Tuesday’s hearing in Pretoria, Masemola was formally presented with the charges after receiving a court summons earlier this month. He has not yet entered a plea and could be sentenced to up to five years behind bars or face monetary penalties if convicted.

Authorities claim the contract was improperly granted and that certain police officials accepted kickbacks from the companies that won the bidding process.

Court officials did not reveal complete details about Masemola’s specific charges as investigations continue, though the allegations center on his role as the financial overseer of the police department.

The police service has terminated the disputed contract.

President Cyril Ramaphosa established a special commission last year to examine extensive corruption claims within law enforcement, with this contract serving as a key focus of that inquiry.

Parliament has simultaneously launched its own investigation into these allegations.

On Tuesday, prosecutors announced they plan to combine Masemola’s case with proceedings against 16 other defendants, including the dozen police officers.

The charged officers include a major-general and multiple brigadiers — representing some of the highest positions within South African law enforcement — and all have been granted bail.

The corruption charges also involve a business owner allegedly connected to criminal organizations whose company sits at the center of the multimillion-dollar police contract controversy.

The businessman, Vusi “Cat” Matlala, has been among several individuals who have provided testimony about suspected connections between senior police leadership and crime figures.

Matlala is currently detained at a high-security facility facing attempted murder and additional charges in a separate legal matter.

When speaking with media following his court appearance, Masemola dismissed suggestions that he should resign, stating that such decisions rest with the president and emphasizing he continues performing his regular responsibilities.

The president’s office has acknowledged the charges against Masemola and indicated it will handle the situation “in accordance with the law.”

The legal proceedings have been rescheduled for May 13.

ABUJA, Nigeria — Six individuals are facing terrorism and treason charges in Nigeria after authorities uncovered an alleged conspiracy to remove President Bola Tinubu from power, according to court documents obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Among those now in custody are a retired major general and an active police inspector. Meanwhile, former Bayelsa state Governor Timpre Sylva remains a fugitive, accused of assisting in covering up the conspiracy.

Court documents containing 13 separate charges state that the defendants “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the president of the Federal Republic.”

Nigerian officials initially revealed they had prevented a coup attempt in January, announcing that multiple military personnel would face prosecution. These individuals were among 16 military officers detained in 2025 for what defense officials called “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations,” sparking speculation about a possible coup that the government first dismissed.

While Africa’s largest country by population witnessed five military takeovers during the 1900s, it has remained free of coups since establishing democratic governance in 1999.

This conspiracy emerges amid rising military interventions and coup attempts across West and Central Africa, including recent incidents in Benin and Guinea-Bissau in late 2023. According to analysts, these military seizures of power typically stem from contested elections, constitutional crises, security challenges, and widespread dissatisfaction among young people.

A trial commenced Tuesday in Turkey for six individuals accused of causing the deaths of a German family who died from toxic insecticide exposure while vacationing in Istanbul, according to media reports.

The Bocek family, who held both Turkish and German citizenship, were guests at the Harbour Suites Old City hotel located in Istanbul’s Fatih neighborhood when they became sick on November 12, state-operated Anadolu news agency reported.

The family initially traveled by taxi to a medical facility after experiencing nausea and vomiting symptoms, then returned to their hotel. Emergency responders transported them to the hospital the next day, where young Kadir Muhammet, age 6, and his 3-year-old sister Masal passed away. Their mother Cigdem died on November 14, followed by their father Servet on November 17.

This tragedy has sparked renewed concerns about hotel safety protocols in Turkey and demands for enhanced regulatory supervision. A devastating fire at a ski lodge hotel in northwestern Turkey claimed 78 lives just last January.

According to court documents filed with the Istanbul 30th High Criminal Court, medical personnel couldn’t initially reach the Bocek family because hotel receptionist Muhammad Moeen had departed and secured the hotel’s main entrance after being bothered by chemical odors from the treated room.

Photographs from that day captured Servet Bocek rushing his daughter through the lobby area while desperately attempting to shatter the glass entrance.

Court papers identified the seven-minute period before Moeen’s return to unlock the entrance as a contributing element in the family’s deaths, along with inadequate safety measures during chemical application and insufficient emergency response personnel.

While authorities initially suspected food-related illness, subsequent investigation discovered phosphine gas residue on towels, protective masks, and samples collected from the hotel premises. Phosphine represents an extremely dangerous chemical that can trigger serious breathing difficulties and internal organ failure.

The shuttered Harbour Suites operated as one of numerous budget accommodations within easy reach of popular destinations including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Legal officials are pursuing sentences ranging from 2 years and 8 months to 22½ years for causing multiple deaths through negligence against hotel proprietor Hakan Oglak; DSS Pest Control owners Zeki Kisi and Serkan Kisi; DSS employee Dogan Cagferoglu; and receptionist Moeen.

Hotel staff member Rustemsha Batyrov could receive 2 to 15 years for identical charges.

Cagferoglu, who applied chemicals to the ground level room directly beneath the Boceks’ accommodation, lacked proper certification for handling dangerous substances, court documents revealed.

The pest control business also operated without proper licensing and utilized aluminum phosphide, a chemical inappropriate for residential environments. Legal papers additionally state the company hired unqualified workers and neglected safety protocols.

Oglak stands accused of authorizing dangerous chemical use by unqualified staff, neglecting safety procedures during application, and failing to clear the hotel of guests.

Three additional hotel guests present during the incident also experienced poisoning symptoms but made full recoveries following medical care.

Tuesday’s proceedings also revealed that two Dutch brothers died from phosphine exposure at another Fatih district hotel several months prior to the Bocek family incident.

Jamil Yusuf Mohammed, 17, and his brother Yazdani, 15, were discovered deceased in their Grand Sami Hotel room on August 22 of last year. Their father Rashid survived after receiving hospital treatment.

Five hotel workers and pest control staff members have been charged and remain in custody awaiting trial, Demiroren News Agency confirmed.

Three members of Japan’s military were killed Tuesday when ammunition detonated inside their tank during a training operation at a military facility in southern Japan, according to defense officials.

The fatal incident took place at the Hijudai Training Area in Oita prefecture during live ammunition exercises involving multiple tanks. The explosion happened within the gun turret of a Type 10 main battle tank, claiming the lives of the tank’s commander, gunner, and safety supervisor who were positioned inside the turret at the time.

A fourth crew member serving as the tank’s driver sustained injuries but survived the blast, military officials reported.

Following the tragic incident, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Masayoshi Arai announced the immediate halt of live ammunition training exercises involving Type 10 and Type 90 tanks that utilize similar ammunition.

“We will promptly determine the cause so that we can take preventive measures,” Arai stated.

The Type 10 tank represents Japan’s most advanced armored vehicle, having entered service with the military in 2011. Military investigators are now working to determine what caused the deadly ammunition explosion during the routine training operation.

A Baptist pastor lost his life when Russian forces launched an airstrike on a church in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhya last week, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack also left eight other individuals wounded.

Ukrainian authorities claim the church was deliberately targeted by Russian forces. The strike represents another incident in what officials describe as a pattern of attacks on religious institutions.

The conflict in Ukraine has now entered its fifth year with no clear resolution in sight. Ukrainian officials also point to broader religious persecution by Russian forces, particularly against Christian denominations outside the Russian Orthodox Church, which has publicly endorsed the military invasion.

Nations around the world are scrambling to protect their citizens from dramatically rising energy prices caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, implementing a wide range of emergency economic measures.

The global response varies significantly by country, with each implementing strategies tailored to their specific energy needs and economic situations.

European Response

In Britain, officials are working to require older wind and solar energy facilities to accept fixed-price contracts as a way to reduce consumer energy bills.

The Netherlands has rolled out emergency tax relief to offset climbing fuel costs and is preparing additional interventions should the energy situation deteriorate further.

Sweden plans to reduce fuel taxes while increasing electricity subsidies through its upcoming spring budget adjustment, aiming to ease household financial burdens from elevated energy expenses.

European Union leadership has advocated for short-term relief strategies to address the energy price spike, proposing electricity tax reductions, decreased grid charges, and government assistance programs.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni indicated her country is exploring excise duty cuts to reduce fuel costs and considering higher taxes on companies that may be unfairly profiting from the energy crisis.

Spanish leadership expects parliamentary approval for cabinet-proposed relief measures, including reduced fuel and electricity taxes plus subsidies for industries most vulnerable to energy price increases.

Greece will provide fuel and fertilizer subsidies along with discounted ferry tickets totaling 300 million euros during April and May to protect consumers and agricultural producers, according to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Romania announced a reduction in diesel excise taxes of 0.30 lei per liter, while Slovenia has temporarily restricted fuel purchases to address pump shortages caused partly by cross-border buying and hoarding.

Poland’s finance minister said the country is developing solutions to lower fuel prices, potentially through VAT reductions.

North Macedonia cut fuel VAT from 18% to 10% for a two-week period starting March 23, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced to local media.

Asian Measures

India is taking multiple approaches, including reviewing fuel export policies to ensure domestic availability and evaluating supply requests from neighboring countries, approving exports only when surplus exists.

The country has prohibited consumers with piped natural gas access from keeping or obtaining domestic LPG cylinders while strengthening infrastructure to accelerate the transition to piped gas. Emergency powers have been activated to direct refineries to maximize LPG production for cooking fuel, with industrial sales reduced to prevent shortages for 333 million households.

South Korea is relaxing restrictions on coal power generation capacity while increasing nuclear plant utilization to 80%. Officials are also considering additional energy vouchers for vulnerable households and have implemented a naphtha export ban to boost domestic supplies.

China has prohibited refined fuel exports to prevent potential domestic shortages and is releasing fertilizer from national reserves ahead of spring planting season, according to sources.

Japan’s industry ministry will relax regulations for one year to increase coal-fired power plant usage in the new fiscal year. The country has urged the G7 and International Energy Agency to prepare flexible measures for energy market stabilization if the Iran conflict continues, while requesting increased LNG output from Australia and planning higher imports of intermediate chemical products due to tighter naphtha supplies.

Thailand has explored crude oil purchases with Russia and aims to cap domestic diesel prices at 33 baht per liter. The government will also freeze certain goods prices and provide farmer support.

The Philippines suspended its wholesale electricity spot market across all grids due to fuel supply risks and price volatility, while planning to reduce power bills by increasing coal generation and regulating electricity rates. The country is working with Washington to secure exemptions allowing oil purchases from sanctioned nations and has activated a 20 billion peso emergency fund for fuel security.

Vietnam will accelerate its transition to ethanol-blended gasoline to reduce fossil fuel dependence, while Singapore’s prime minister announced early implementation of budget support measures for households and businesses.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto wants increased coal production, with the government considering export windfall taxes. The country will begin implementing B50 biodiesel on July 1, mixing 50% palm oil-based biodiesel with conventional diesel as part of Iran war risk mitigation.

Other Global Actions

Australia is releasing gasoline and diesel from domestic reserves to address shortages affecting rural supply chains, mining, and agriculture. The prime minister warned that economic impacts from the conflict will persist for months and encouraged public transportation use.

Bangladesh is seeking billions in external financing to secure fuel and LNG imports, while Serbia will reduce crude oil excise duties by 60% cumulatively and has extended export bans on crude oil and fuel products.

Argentina delayed scheduled increases in liquid fuel and carbon dioxide taxes through government decree.

Cambodia is increasing fuel imports from Singapore and Malaysia to compensate for supply shortfalls from Vietnam and China.

Malaysia will triple petrol subsidy spending to 2 billion ringgit from 700 million ringgit to maintain fixed fuel prices, while implementing measures to address fertilizer supply shortages and warning that energy supplies may be exhausted by May’s end.

Brazil launched a new program helping states subsidize diesel imports, having previously eliminated federal diesel taxes and imposed 12% oil export taxes in March.

Egypt has capped unsubsidized bread prices at private bakeries and will increase local wheat procurement prices to 2,500 pounds per ardeb for this year’s harvest to build strategic commodity reserves.

Ethiopia has increased fuel subsidies, while Mauritius introduced energy conservation measures including restrictions on non-essential grid power uses like decorative lighting and pool heating.

Namibia temporarily reduced fuel levies by 50% through June to protect consumers from higher pump prices.

Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, Africa’s largest, has increased gasoline and urea exports to African countries experiencing supply disruptions from the conflict.

Sri Lanka will implement additional fuel rationing to reduce queues and secure extra oil supplies.

South Africa reduced its fuel levy for one month to prevent further April fuel price increases.

The Central African nation of Chad is sending 1,500 military personnel to Haiti as part of a United Nations-backed security mission aimed at fighting gang violence, according to a presidential letter delivered to the country’s parliament.

Chadian President Mahamat Déby Itno informed lawmakers in N’Djamena on Monday that two military battalions, each consisting of 750 soldiers, will serve for one year beginning this month in response to a UN request.

“A contingent of 400 men has already been sent to Haiti as part of this mission that honors Chad and its defense and security forces,” the president stated.

The UN Security Council authorized the expansion of a Kenya-led international security force in Haiti to 5,500 personnel last year, establishing what’s known as the Gang Suppression Force with enhanced authority to arrest suspected gang members—powers the earlier mission lacked.

The initial peacekeeping effort that began in 2023 was designed to include 2,500 personnel under Kenyan police leadership, but faced significant challenges due to insufficient staffing and funding shortfalls.

Criminal gangs have seized control of approximately 90% of Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince, along with large areas throughout the nation’s central territories. The country has been in turmoil since 2021, when armed gunmen murdered former President Jovenel Moïse at his residence.

Human rights organizations reported that at least 30 people died and dozens more went missing following a fresh assault by the Gran Grif gang on the central Haitian town of Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite last month.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Europe’s highest court declared Tuesday that Hungarian laws restricting LGBTQ+ material for children break European Union regulations and violate fundamental human rights protections.

The European Court of Justice determined that the 2021 measures passed under Viktor Orbán’s nationalist government “stigmatizes and marginalizes” LGBTQ+ individuals and fails to meet EU standards prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

The Hungarian restrictions, which drew sharp criticism from advocacy organizations, banned showing minors any material featuring homosexuality or gender transitions, while simultaneously increasing punishments for pedophilia offenses.

Hungarian officials defended their approach, including subsequent laws and constitutional changes that essentially prohibited Budapest’s Pride celebration, claiming they aimed to shield children from what they termed “sexual propaganda.”

However, opponents drew parallels to Russia’s 2013 anti-gay propaganda statute and accused the measures of wrongly linking homosexuality with child abuse. Despite government restrictions, more than 100,000 participants joined last year’s Budapest Pride demonstration in protest.

The Luxembourg court’s decision marked the first time a member nation was found to have violated Article 2 of the EU’s founding charter, which establishes “the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.”

Judges also concluded the legislation violated internal market service regulations and data privacy protections.

Orbán’s administration suffered a decisive defeat in April 12 elections to the center-right Tisza party led by Péter Magyar, ending Orbán’s 16-year tenure in office.

Magyar’s incoming administration, set to assume power in mid-May, has promised a more cooperative relationship with European Union leadership.

While Magyar avoided taking strong positions on LGBTQ+ issues during his campaign, he declared in his victory address that Hungary would become a nation “where no one is stigmatized for loving someone differently than the majority.”

HONG KONG (AP) — Authorities in Hong Kong are moving to take control of more than $16 million in assets belonging to imprisoned former newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai, court documents obtained by The Associated Press revealed Tuesday.

The legal paperwork estimates the value of the targeted property at over 127 million Hong Kong dollars but provides no details about how these assets connect to Lai’s alleged criminal activities. While officials previously announced their intention to pursue asset seizure in this case, they had not revealed the monetary scope until now.

The 76-year-old Lai, who established the shuttered Apple Daily newspaper and was a vocal opponent of China’s Communist leadership, received guilty verdicts in December on charges of conspiring with foreign powers and working with others to publish materials deemed seditious. In February, he was handed a 20-year prison term — the harshest punishment yet delivered under the national security legislation imposed by Beijing.

Those who oppose the conviction argue it demonstrates how press freedoms and civil liberties have deteriorated in the territory, which transitioned from British to Chinese control in 1997. Government representatives maintain the case is unrelated to media freedom, claiming the accused exploited journalism as cover for activities that damaged both China and Hong Kong over many years.

Court filings submitted to Hong Kong’s judicial system this month show the Department of Justice wants Lai to surrender cash held in 15 personal bank accounts, funds in various corporate accounts, plus stock holdings registered to him and other parties.

Among the targeted investments are Lai’s ownership stakes in Next Digital, which operated Apple Daily, and Dico Consultants, a firm connected to an earlier fraud case against Lai that resulted in overturned convictions.

The government’s seizure request also encompasses bail funds deposited with the courts and a 2 million Hong Kong dollar ($255,440) penalty imposed following Lai’s 2022 fraud conviction, money that could have been returned to him after those convictions were reversed in February.

On April 2, officials announced their application to confiscate properties tied to Lai’s crimes in a public statement. The announcement referenced the security law, explaining that assets used or planned for use in criminal activities must be forfeited, along with any profits gained through illegal conduct.

According to the government, asset forfeiture orders designed to protect national security can stop convicted individuals, their associates, or representatives from continuing to use crime-related property for activities that threaten security.

Court proceedings on this matter are set for July.

Moscow plans to suspend Kazakhstan’s oil shipments to Germany through a major pipeline network starting May 1st, according to three industry insiders who spoke anonymously on Tuesday.

The sources revealed that an updated export schedule has already been distributed to both Kazakhstan and Germany regarding the Druzhba pipeline operations.

This development occurs as Moscow and Berlin’s diplomatic and commercial ties have deteriorated significantly due to the Ukraine war, with Germany backing Ukrainian forces.

Russia’s energy ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated he had no knowledge of plans to suspend the oil shipments.

“We will try to check it,” Peskov said during his regular press briefing with reporters.

In 2022, Germany seized control of Russian oil giant Rosneft’s domestic operations, effectively dismantling decades of energy cooperation between the two nations.

The volume of Kazakhstan’s oil shipments to Germany through Russia’s Druzhba network reached 2.146 million metric tons in 2025, equivalent to approximately 43,000 barrels daily – representing a 44% jump from the previous year.

Kazakhstan delivers its oil to Germany using the northern branch of Druzhba, which passes through Polish territory.

Ukrainian drone strikes targeting the pipeline within Russian borders have caused multiple service disruptions to these shipments.

The PCK refinery in Schwedt, located in northeastern Germany and among the nation’s largest facilities, depends partly on Kazakh crude delivered through this pipeline system. This arrangement began after Russian oil shipments ceased following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

LONDON – Britain’s media watchdog announced Tuesday it has opened formal investigations into messaging app Telegram and two teen-focused chat platforms following concerns that children are being exposed to sexual predators and harmful content.

Ofcom, the UK’s communications oversight agency, revealed it is examining whether Telegram, Teen Chat, and Chat Avenue are fulfilling their legal obligations to safeguard minors from online predators seeking to exploit them.

According to the regulator, evidence has emerged showing that illegal sexual abuse content involving children is circulating on Telegram’s platform, while the teen-oriented chat services are allegedly being exploited by adults targeting young users for grooming purposes.

Following discussions with these technology companies, Ofcom officials stated they remain unconvinced that adequate safeguards are in place to shield British youth from predatory behavior online.

“These firms must do more to protect children, or face serious consequences under the Online Safety Act,” declared Suzanne Cater, who serves as Ofcom’s Director of Enforcement.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed optimism Tuesday that a massive financial aid package for Ukraine worth 90 billion euros ($105.94 billion) will receive approval during Wednesday’s proceedings.

The loan package gained new momentum following the recent electoral loss of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been Ukraine’s strongest opponent within the EU. Ukraine desperately requires these funds to continue financing its ongoing conflict with Russia. All EU member nations had initially reached agreement on the loan back in December.

“We expect some positive decisions tomorrow on the 90 billion loan,” Kallas stated to media representatives on Tuesday during a gathering of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

“Ukraine really needs this loan and it’s also a sign that Russia cannot outlast Ukraine. This is extremely important at this moment,” she added.

Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee shared similar sentiments about the urgency of the financial assistance.

“It’s really important as an EU that we make progress on the 90 billion euro loan, that we make progress on the 20th package of sanctions and that we’re able to exert as much pressure as possible on Russia,” she said.

“I was in Ukraine with a number of colleagues in recent weeks and what’s very clear is that we are at that breaking point where that loan is absolutely essential,” added McEntee.

LONDON – Authorities in Britain announced Tuesday that a 17-year-old has been formally charged following a weekend fire attack on a Jewish house of worship in northern London.

The teenager, who holds British citizenship, faces charges of arson that did not endanger lives and is scheduled to make his first court appearance Tuesday at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, according to law enforcement officials.

Police also detained a 19-year-old man Sunday in connection with the same incident, but he has since been released on bail while investigators continue their work. Officials confirmed that while the fire resulted in minimal property damage to the building, no one was hurt during the attack.

The incident occurred at Kenton United Synagogue and represents another in an ongoing pattern of attacks directed at Jewish religious sites throughout London, authorities noted. The case is being handled as part of a counter-terrorism investigation.

Myanmar’s military-appointed president has announced plans to initiate peace negotiations with armed opposition factions by July 31st, though major rebel organizations quickly turned down the proposal on Tuesday.

According to state-controlled media, President Min Aung Hlaing addressed government officials about his intention to bring non-ceasefire groups into discussions within a 100-day timeframe. Min Aung Hlaing orchestrated the military takeover five years ago that sparked ongoing civil conflict throughout the Southeast Asian nation.

“For groups that have not yet engaged in dialogue and negotiation, we also invite them to come participate in discussions by the final deadline of July 31,” Min Aung Hlaing stated during the meeting. He specifically referenced opposition organizations including the Karen National Union, the Chin National Front, and the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front.

The president’s comments referenced parties to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), a previous accord that became uncertain following the 2021 military takeover.

Karen National Union representative Saw Taw Nee rejected the administration’s proposal outright.

“The KNU has already withdrawn from the NCA since the 2021 coup. We have no plans to return to negotiations or follow the NCA path,” Saw Taw Nee declared.

Chin National Front representative Salai Htet Ni explained his organization’s pursuit of a federal democratic structure without military interference.

“Since we are fighting a military-political battle for this, we have nothing to discuss with those who currently call themselves an ‘administration’ after merely changing their appearance from the military,” Salai Htet Ni stated.

The nation has experienced chaos since the military overthrew Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically chosen administration. The 80-year-old leader received a 27-year prison term on charges supporters claim were politically driven, though authorities reduced her sentence by one-sixth last week.

Lawmakers selected Min Aung Hlaing as president this month after a contested election that opponents and Western nations condemned as fraudulent, designed to maintain military control under democratic pretenses.

Only a handful of nations have acknowledged the new military-supported government’s legitimacy.

LONDON, April 21 – A dismissed senior British foreign ministry leader testified Tuesday that the Prime Minister’s office subjected him to relentless pressure to expedite Peter Mandelson’s security clearance for the U.S. ambassador position.

Olly Robbins informed a parliamentary committee that there existed a “very strong” expectation for Mandelson to assume his diplomatic role without delay.

“The focus was on getting Mandelson out to Washington quickly,” he testified.

Robbins described the intense atmosphere surrounding the appointment process during his committee appearance. “I think throughout January, honestly, my office, the foreign secretary’s office, were under constant pressure,” he explained. “There was an atmosphere of constant chasing.”

Moscow’s chief military officer announced Tuesday that Russian forces have captured 1,700 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory since the start of 2024, as troops continue pushing toward strategic defensive positions in eastern Ukraine.

General Valery Gerasimov, who leads Russia’s military general staff, made the territorial claims during a troop inspection, stating that Russian forces have gained control of 80 communities across the captured area of roughly 656 square miles.

“Since the beginning of this year, a total of 80 settlements and more than 1,700 square kilometres of territory have come under our control,” Gerasimov said in video footage distributed by Russia’s defense ministry on Tuesday.

The general described Russian advances toward what he called Ukraine’s “fortress belt” in the Donbas region, specifically targeting the cities of Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka. According to Gerasimov, Russian troops have moved to within 7 to 12 kilometers of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, while fighting has already begun in sections of Kostiantynivka.

Russia has been working to capture the entire Donbas area in eastern Ukraine since launching its invasion in 2022, gradually forcing Ukrainian defenders back toward this line of fortified cities through sustained combat operations.

Ukrainian forces have also reported territorial gains in what has become Europe’s most devastating conflict since World War Two. Ukraine’s top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi announced in mid-April that his forces had reclaimed nearly 50 square kilometers during March.

Reuters could not independently confirm the battlefield claims from either side, and Ukrainian military leadership did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Maps maintained by pro-Ukrainian sources indicate Russia has taken 592 square kilometers this year.

Beyond the Donbas operations, Gerasimov said Russian forces are also moving forward in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region and northeastern Kharkiv area to establish what he described as “a security zone.”

Russian military estimates suggest Moscow now controls approximately 90% of the Donbas region, along with about 75% of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, plus smaller portions of the Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Russia also maintains control over Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula it seized in 2014 during earlier fighting. Most countries continue to recognize Crimea as Ukrainian territory under international law.

Pro-Ukrainian mapping data shows Russia controlling 116,793 square kilometers, representing 19.35% of Ukraine’s total territory, though the pace of Russian territorial gains has decreased this year.

LONDON (AP) — A dismissed British civil service leader revealed Tuesday that he experienced intense political pressure to expedite Peter Mandelson’s selection as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, even while security issues remained unresolved.

Olly Robbins, who previously led the Foreign Office before Prime Minister Keir Starmer terminated him last week, testified before the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee about what he described as an “atmosphere of pressure.”

Robbins explained there was “a very, very strong expectation” that Mandelson “needed to be in post and in America as quickly as possible.”

The Prime Minister now confronts mounting demands for his resignation following disclosures that Mandelson received the critical diplomatic assignment even after security clearance failures.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian state television broadcast an alert Tuesday declaring that “no delegation from Iran has visited Islamabad … so far” amid mounting speculation about potential diplomatic discussions with the United States.

The televised announcement appears to highlight ongoing disagreements within Iran’s religious government as leaders consider their response to the U.S. Navy’s weekend capture of an Iranian cargo vessel.

Hard-line factions have historically maintained control over Iranian state television operations.

To date, no government representative has confirmed plans to send a delegation to Islamabad, where Pakistani officials have remained prepared for several days awaiting possible diplomatic meetings.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is anticipated to head the American negotiating team. Iran has not disclosed who might represent their interests, though parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf previously led Iranian representatives in past discussions.

Iranian officials have not publicly addressed strategies for restarting diplomatic dialogue. Extreme conservative elements within Iran have voiced opposition to renewed negotiations in recent days, particularly following the naval incident.

Some online voices have called for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to publicly declare his position on continuing negotiations, but the Iranian leader has remained silent and has not appeared publicly since the conflict began, with Israeli and American officials claiming he sustained injuries during the fighting.

This situation has likely positioned Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as the primary governing force in the Islamic Republic. Guard units played crucial roles during the conflict and operated with significant independence from Tehran when selecting military targets.

Iran’s civilian government has largely remained silent, especially after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted online over the weekend that shipping lanes had reopened, only to have other Tehran officials later contradict his statement.

Iran has restricted maritime traffic through the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters since the February 28 attacks by the U.S. and Israel that initiated the current conflict. The United States has implemented its own blockade of Iranian ports in response to Tehran’s actions.

KATHMANDU – The government of Nepal announced Tuesday it has restarted the process of granting work permits to citizens seeking employment in Middle Eastern countries, ending a six-week suspension that was implemented due to ongoing regional conflicts.

The decision to halt permit issuance had been made on March 1, one day following the start of the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, but officials now say conditions warrant resuming the program.

“Permit resumption follows advice from the foreign ministry and high demand from workers,” stated Pitambar Ghimire, a spokesperson for Nepal’s labor ministry, when speaking with Reuters.

The economic implications of this decision are significant for the Himalayan nation. Approximately three-quarters of all Nepali citizens working overseas are employed in Middle Eastern countries, primarily in construction and manual labor positions. Financial experts indicate that money sent home by these workers accounts for more than 25% of Nepal’s $42 billion economy.

Nepal’s domestic employment situation helps explain the high demand for overseas work opportunities. Current World Bank statistics show the country has a youth unemployment rate of 20.6% among its 30 million residents, representing the highest such percentage across all South and Southeast Asian nations.

Industry representatives estimate that roughly 3 million Nepali nationals are currently employed in foreign countries. Labor organizations calculate that approximately 1,500 young people depart Nepal daily in search of work abroad, primarily due to limited employment prospects within their home country.

Under Nepali law, citizens must obtain government-issued work permits before accepting employment in foreign nations, making the suspension and subsequent resumption of this process particularly significant for job seekers.

Four decades after the world’s most devastating nuclear disaster, a Ukrainian cleanup worker reflects on how radiation exposure forever changed his life and health.

Petro Hurin, now 76, was among the hundreds of thousands of workers known as ‘liquidators’ who were deployed to contain the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear plant explosion on April 26, 1986. The catastrophic reactor four blast released radioactive clouds that spread across much of Europe.

Hurin’s employer, a company providing excavation equipment and construction machinery, dispatched him to the Chernobyl exclusion zone in June 1986. Of the four dozen workers his company sent to the site, only five remain alive today, according to Hurin.

“Not a single Chornobyl person is in good health,” the 76-year-old explained. “It’s death by a thousand cuts.”

The initial blast and radiation exposure killed 31 power plant employees and firefighters within days, primarily from severe radiation poisoning. Since then, thousands more have died from radiation-linked diseases including cancer, though experts continue to debate the total casualty count and lasting health impacts.

Soviet leadership worked to minimize public knowledge of the disaster’s scope, even proceeding with the traditional May 1 parade in Kyiv, located approximately 60 miles south of the plant. Ukraine’s present-day government has criticized how Soviet officials mishandled the crisis and attempted to hide its severity.

While some of Hurin’s coworkers obtained medical exemptions to avoid Chernobyl duty, he volunteered to participate in the cleanup efforts.

“I realised that, however small my contribution might be, I was doing my bit to help tame this atomic beast,” he recalled.

During grueling 12-hour work periods, Hurin operated heavy machinery to move dry concrete mixed with lead – delivered to the site via river transport – onto trucks. The material was then taken to the reactor area where it was used to construct an enormous protective barrier designed to seal in the radiation.

“The dust was terrible,” Hurin remembered. “You’d work for half an hour in a respirator, and it would end up looking (brown) like an onion.”

Within four days of starting work, Hurin developed alarming symptoms including severe headaches, chest pain, internal bleeding, and a metallic taste in his mouth. Medical staff provided treatment, but after returning to work, he became so weak he could barely stand and feared death was imminent.

“I was brought to the hospital, and the doctors did a blood test first,” Hurin said. “They pricked all my fingers and a pale liquid came out, but no blood.”

Soviet medical officials refused to officially diagnose radiation poisoning, which was reportedly forbidden at the time. Instead, doctors attributed his condition to vegetative-vascular dystonia, a stress-related nervous system disorder.

Prior to the nuclear accident, Hurin had maintained perfect attendance at work, never requiring medical leave. Following his exposure, he spent approximately seven months moving between different medical facilities for treatment, including receiving blood transfusions.

His current medical conditions include anemia – frequently associated with radiation exposure – along with heart disease, pancreatic inflammation, and multiple other ailments.

Despite his health challenges, Hurin has exceeded typical life expectancy for Ukrainian men. World Health Organization data shows male life expectancy in Ukraine was 66 years in 2021, having dropped during the pandemic.

Today, Hurin and his wife Olha reside in Ukraine’s Cherkasy region. Though dealing with ongoing health issues, he continues playing the bayan, a traditional accordion, and composes music and poetry.

He remains in legal battles to obtain special disability benefits designated for nuclear disaster cleanup workers.

A more recent tragedy – Russia’s 2022 military invasion – has overshadowed much of his daily life. Hurin and Olha frequently visit a nearby memorial at Kholodnyi Yar honoring their grandson, Andrii Vorobkalo, a Ukrainian military member killed in combat at age 26.

The couple raised Andrii from age four after his mother relocated to Europe for work. When Russia launched its invasion in 2022, Andrii abandoned his employment in Greece to return home.

“He left everything behind and came to defend Ukraine,” Hurin stated while standing beside the memorial stone bearing his grandson’s name. “We think of Andrii all the time.”

Iranian authorities carried out the execution of a man Tuesday who was charged with torching a mosque in the capital city during anti-government demonstrations that occurred in January, according to reports from Mizan, the judiciary’s official news source.

The executed individual was named as Amirali Mirjafari by Mizan, which stated he had been found guilty of committing arson at Tehran’s Qolhak mosque and directing activities against state security.

According to Mizan, Iran’s Supreme Court confirmed the death penalty, which was implemented in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The Islamic Republic experienced widespread demonstrations against the government at the beginning of this year, which authorities suppressed through what has been described as the most extensive government crackdown since the nation’s founding.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Tehran has provided its military leaders with increased independence to direct militia operations in Iraq, permitting certain factions to conduct activities without central authorization, according to five officials who spoke with The Associated Press about this strategic adjustment prompted by ongoing conflicts.

Numerous Iranian-supported militia organizations receive financing through Iraq’s national budget and are integrated into the country’s security framework, drawing condemnation from Washington and other nations that have faced attacks from these groups and argue that Baghdad has not taken sufficient action against them.

Despite increasing pressure from Washington, Baghdad has found it challenging to control or discourage these organizations. The most extremist factions now function under Iranian advisors through a distributed command system, the five officials informed AP, all speaking anonymously to discuss sensitive intelligence matters.

“The various forces have been granted the authority to operate according to their own field assessments without referring back to a central command,” stated one militia official who lacked authorization to speak publicly.

The regional conflict has revealed the weakness of Iraq’s governmental institutions and their insufficient capacity to restrain these organizations. A separate confrontation between Washington and the militias has intensified the situation, with factions serving as part of Iran’s regional strategy and increasing assaults on American assets in Iraq until a fragile ceasefire agreement was established in April.

Even with the ceasefire arrangement in place, Washington is anticipated to strengthen efforts against these organizations both militarily and politically, especially as they receive greater freedom to function independently, according to officials and analysts. On Friday, the United States implemented sanctions against seven commanders and senior officials from four extremist Iranian-backed Iraqi militia organizations.

“The U.S. is still going to feel it has the freedom of action to hit Iraqi militias,” explained Michael Knights, head of research for Horizon Engage, a geopolitical risk consulting firm, and an adjunct fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “That may well play out into an effort to try and guide a less militia-dominated government formation.”

Shortly after the conflict began following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, an Iranian delegation traveled to Iraq’s Kurdish region and conveyed a direct message: If militia attacks intensified near American military installations, commercial facilities and diplomatic missions, Iraqi Kurdish authorities should not contact Tehran with grievances, as there was limited action they could take.

“They said they’ve devolved authority to regional Iranian commanders,” a senior Iraqi Kurdish government official stated anonymously, citing the matter’s sensitivity.

Previously, Kurdish leaders in Iraq would contact Iranian officials following attacks to inquire why they had been targeted. “This time, they wanted to preempt that by saying, ‘We can’t help you with the groups in the south right now,’” the official explained.

This change demonstrates lessons learned from the 12-day conflict in June, the official noted. Militia officials confirmed this assertion. During that conflict, operations were strictly centralized. Following its conclusion, greater independence was provided in the field.

A representative for Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, one of the Iranian-backed militia organizations that have targeted Americans in Iraq, confirmed there was “coordination” with Iran in conducting attacks but provided no specifics.

“Since we are allies of the Islamic Republic, we have coordination with our brothers in the Islamic Republic,” Mahdi al-Kaabi stated.

During the recent conflict, prominent Iraqi militia commanders seemed to withdraw from the latest phase and did not appear to participate directly in operations, Knights observed. American strikes primarily eliminated mid-level commanders, according to militia officials.

“None of the first-line leaders have been killed,” said a second militia official who was not authorized to brief reporters.

Instead of targeting senior figures, the United States also concentrated on Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisory units, Knights said, who monitored the attacks. In one strike in Baghdad’s affluent Jadriya neighborhood, three Guard advisors were eliminated at a residence used as their headquarters during a meeting, according to the second militia official.

At the center of government attempts to control militia organizations lies a contradiction: The factions the government claims it cannot manage are connected to political parties that brought it to power.

The Coordination Framework, an alliance of powerful pro-Iran Shiite factions, helped establish Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as prime minister in 2022. He currently serves as interim premier during an extended political stalemate.

Militia forces conducting attacks on American targets are not independent operators; they belong to the state’s Popular Mobilization Forces, established after Mosul’s fall in 2014 to formalize volunteer units that were essential in defeating the Islamic State.

The PMF has developed into a formidable force that exceeds the Iraqi army, with combatants receiving government salaries and access to state resources, including weapons and intelligence. The outcome, critics argue, is a significant contradiction: Certain government-funded groups function according to Iranian objectives, even when doing so damages Iraq’s national interests.

Al-Sudani’s office did not respond to AP’s requests for comment regarding the decentralized control of militia organizations.

The United States is committed to reducing the influence of these groups in Iraq, the senior Iraqi Kurdish official and a Western diplomat stated, which will increase pressure on the government, still operating in interim capacity. The diplomat also spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to brief reporters.

Last week, Iraq’s ambassador to the United States was called to Washington to receive American condemnation of attacks by Iranian-backed factions on American personnel and diplomatic missions, according to State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Bigot.

“The Deputy Secretary affirmed that the United States will not tolerate any attacks targeting its interests and expects the Iraqi Government to take all necessary measures immediately to dismantle Iran-aligned militia groups,” Bigot stated.

Al-Sudani has implemented limited measures to reduce militia influence, including further institutionalizing the PMF and occasionally dismissing commanders who operate outside state authority. These efforts have encountered substantial resistance from militia organizations.

Further institutionalizing them has increased their integration within the state. The United States may attempt to separate the most extremist factions — including Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba, and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada — from others more integrated in Iraq’s political system. “The bad militias from the worse militias,” the senior Iraqi Kurdish official said.

Harakat al-Nujaba spokesperson al-Kaabi presented a dual perspective of the organization’s position, emphasizing both its partnership with Iran and its assertion to Iraqi state legitimacy.

“To put it bluntly, we are allies of the Islamic Republic,” he stated. He characterized the organization as part of Iran’s regional “axis” alongside Hezbollah in Lebanon and Ansar Allah in Yemen.

Simultaneously, he maintained the organization functions within Iraq’s political framework, supporting the state and government when they serve national interests.

“It’s true we’re not affiliated with the government or the prime minister, but we respect the law and the constitution,” he said.

Members of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace have engaged in discussions with Dubai-based multinational corporation DP World regarding potential management of supply chains and infrastructure development in Gaza, according to a Financial Times report published Tuesday.

The devastated Palestinian territory faces an estimated $70 billion reconstruction bill after two years of Israeli military operations that have left approximately 80 percent of buildings in ruins, according to international organizations.

Three sources with knowledge of the discussions told the Financial Times that conversations focused on potential collaboration between DP World and the Board of Peace to handle logistical operations.

The proposed partnership would encompass the management of humanitarian supplies and other materials entering Gaza, along with warehousing facilities, tracking infrastructure, and security measures, the report indicated.

Additional concepts discussed during the meetings included construction of a new port facility either within Gaza or along the adjacent Egyptian coastline by the UAE-based company, which might also establish a free-trade zone within the conflict-affected region, according to the newspaper.

Neither DP World nor White House officials provided immediate responses to Reuters’ requests for comment on the reported discussions.

Trump introduced the Board of Peace concept in September as part of his strategy to bring an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, later expanding its potential role to address additional international conflicts.

The president’s Gaza strategy calls for Israeli military withdrawal coupled with reconstruction efforts beginning as Hamas surrenders its weapons.

Future diplomatic discussions between Iran and the United States appear increasingly uncertain as a temporary ceasefire approaches its Wednesday deadline, with Iran’s top diplomat rejecting negotiations under current conditions.

Iran’s parliament speaker and lead negotiator, Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, stated on social media platform X early Tuesday morning that his country refuses to engage in talks while facing intimidation. “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,” Qalibaf wrote, adding that Iran has been developing “new cards on the battlefield.”

Despite Iran’s resistance, President Trump confirmed plans to send his diplomatic team, headed by Vice President JD Vance, to Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, for potential discussions. However, Trump acknowledged he’s “highly unlikely” to extend the current ceasefire past its Wednesday deadline unless Iran moderates its position.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in devastating casualties across multiple nations. Iranian deaths have reached at least 3,375, while Lebanon has lost more than 2,290 people. Israel has recorded 23 fatalities, and Gulf Arab nations have seen over a dozen deaths. Military losses include 15 Israeli soldiers operating in Lebanon and 13 American service personnel stationed throughout the region.

Global financial markets continue experiencing volatility in response to escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Asian stock exchanges showed mixed performance Tuesday, while oil prices declined following recent diplomatic setbacks.

Monday’s trading session on Wall Street reflected investor uncertainty, with the S&P 500 dropping 0.2% from record highs, the Dow Jones falling marginally by less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq declining 0.3%. Brent crude oil prices remain elevated above $95 per barrel.

The diplomatic crisis deepened after the U.S. Navy intercepted an Iranian cargo vessel, prompting sharp criticism from Trump regarding opponents of his administration’s approach to the conflict.

Economic analysts warn that prolonged warfare could severely disrupt global energy supplies, potentially triggering widespread inflation as oil and natural gas availability becomes restricted in international markets.

Four international leaders are participating in intensive public questioning sessions this week as they compete for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, seeking to lead the struggling global organization starting next year.

The candidates include Michelle Bachelet from Chile, Rafael Grossi from Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan from Costa Rica, and Macky Sall from Senegal. Each is pursuing a five-year leadership role for the 193-nation organization, with the possibility of extending for an additional five years.

Although these four represent the only announced candidates currently, additional contenders may enter the competition in upcoming months.

The future UN leader will inherit significant challenges in revitalizing an organization experiencing a crisis of relevance, as its influence has notably weakened in recent years. Global powers have demanded that the UN undergo reforms, reduce expenses, and demonstrate its importance, even while these same nations increasingly ignore established international standards.

Bachelet and Grossi will undergo three hours of intensive questioning at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday from member nation representatives and civil society groups, with Grynspan and Sall facing similar sessions on Wednesday.

The current candidate pool is significantly smaller compared to 2016, when current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from Portugal was selected from among 13 candidates, including seven women.

Throughout the UN’s 80-year existence, no woman has ever been selected for the top position, despite increasing pressure to break this pattern. Tradition typically calls for the role to alternate between global regions, with Latin America expected to provide the next leader.

An additional informal guideline prevents candidates from the five permanent Security Council members — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States — from holding the position to prevent excessive power concentration, though support from these nations remains essential in the complex selection procedure.

Daniel Forti from the International Crisis Group recently emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating: “The need for a Secretary-General prepared to defend a clear, proactive vision for the U.N. on peacemaking and crisis management could not be more urgent.”

He added: “If candidates and member states miss this opportunity, there may be little left of the U.N. to defend.”

Bachelet, age 74, previously served as Chile’s president twice and held the position of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her own nation withdrew support for her candidacy in March following a conservative political shift, though Brazil and Mexico continue backing her bid.

Conservative critics in the United States have questioned Bachelet’s pro-choice positions, and Washington’s UN representative recently appeared to undermine her candidacy by expressing concerns about her qualifications.

Grossi, a 65-year-old professional diplomat and father of eight children who communicates in English, Spanish, French and Italian, has led the UN nuclear monitoring agency for six years. In his campaign statement, Grossi stated: “even in times of division, multilateral institutions can deliver real, positive impact.”

Grynspan, 70, formerly served as Costa Rica’s vice president and currently leads the UN Conference on Trade and Development. She presents herself as a reform-focused multilateralist committed to UN principles of peace, development and human rights, having overcome gender obstacles throughout her career.

“I am not waiting for special treatment. I want equal treatment,” Grynspan explained to Reuters.

Sall, 64, governed Senegal for 12 years until 2024 and works as a geologist, having grown up as the son of a peanut vendor. More comfortable speaking French than English, he has advocated for African development and assistance for nations struggling with debt burdens. “More than ever, a reinvented multilateralism remains the best way to respond to the challenges of a world in full transformation,” he posted on X.

The selection process for the United Nations’ next leader is underway, as four candidates compete to succeed current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in the role beginning January 1, 2027.

Leading the field appears to be Rafael Grossi, the 65-year-old Argentine diplomat who has headed the International Atomic Energy Agency for six years. Known for his energetic diplomatic style, Grossi has navigated complex international crises, including efforts to preserve elements of the Iran nuclear agreement after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 under President Trump. His most notable achievement involved establishing an IAEA presence at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility despite the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The father of eight speaks multiple languages and has maintained relationships with all five permanent Security Council members – crucial support for securing the top position. “These experiences have confirmed a conviction I hold deeply: even in times of division, multilateral institutions can deliver real, positive impact,” Grossi stated in his campaign vision.

Rebeca Grynspan, 70, would make history as the first female Secretary-General if selected. The former Costa Rican vice president currently leads the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development and has temporarily stepped away from those responsibilities to avoid campaign conflicts. Born to European refugees after World War II, she connects her perspective directly to the U.N.’s founding principles.

“I am not waiting for special treatment. I want equal treatment,” Grynspan told Reuters. The economist positions herself as a reform-focused leader who would modernize the organization while preserving its core mission.

Michelle Bachelet faces significant obstacles despite her extensive resume as Chile’s two-time president and former U.N. Human Rights Commissioner. The 74-year-old lost Chilean government support following a political shift but continues her campaign with backing from Brazil and Mexico. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about her candidacy, with Representative Mike Waltz citing criticism from Senator Pete Ricketts regarding her human rights record and positions on reproductive rights.

Completing the field is Macky Sall, Senegal’s former president who served 12 years before stepping down in 2024. The 64-year-old geologist, whose father sold peanuts, emphasizes his executive experience and advocacy for African development. He supports Security Council reforms to include developing nations and focuses on debt relief for struggling countries.

“More than ever, a reinvented multilateralism remains the best way to respond to the challenges of a world in full transformation,” Sall posted on social media. However, his campaign faces mixed support across Africa, with his home country and Nigeria declining to endorse his bid.

If successful, Sall would become only the third African to hold the position, following Egypt’s Boutros Boutros-Ghali and Ghana’s Kofi Annan. The selection process will ultimately depend on consensus among the Security Council’s permanent members.

LONDON (AP) — The memory of Queen Elizabeth II continues to dominate the British royal family at a souvenir store situated across from Buckingham Palace.

Nearly four years following the monarch’s passing, the Cool Britannia gift shop maintains strong sales of commemorative items including coffee cups, kitchen linens, and keychains featuring Britain’s longest-serving ruler as the country observes her 100th birthday anniversary on Tuesday. Merchandise showcasing her successor King Charles III remains far less popular.

“We still sell more than the king any day,” said Ismail Ibrahim, the store’s manager.

The deceased monarch’s influence continues to cast a shadow over the royal institution following her seven-decade rule, during which she transformed from an elegant young ruler who lifted British spirits in the difficult post-war era to a cherished national figure who provided comfort during the COVID-19 crisis.

At the time of her death in September 2022, Elizabeth represented the sole sovereign that most British citizens had experienced during their lifetimes. Today, references to “the queen” still commonly bring Elizabeth to mind rather than Queen Camilla, Charles’ spouse.

However, the years since her passing have also brought scrutiny to the late queen’s record. Though praised as an emblem of stability and consistency who helped bind together a Britain transformed by the end of its empire, economic hardships, and demographic changes, questions have emerged regarding her handling of former Prince Andrew’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and why she allowed the controversy to persist.

“Despite her absence, Elizabeth II remains this key presence whenever we think about the monarchy,” Ed Owens, author of “After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?” told The Associated Press.

“She’s certainly the most significant figure in the history of the institution in the last 100 years and, I think, therefore deserves probably the attention that’s going to be focused on her in connection with what would have been her 100th birthday.”

Commemoration events include a Buckingham Palace gathering where Charles will honor centenarians born on the same date as his late mother, plus the unveiling of a memorial garden at London’s Regent’s Park. A display featuring the queen’s wardrobe is currently running.

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was never intended for the throne. Born April 21, 1926, she entered the world not in a royal residence but at 17 Bruton St., a residence in London’s upscale Mayfair neighborhood.

As the firstborn child of King George V’s younger son, Elizabeth seemed destined for the typical existence of a lesser royal. A quiet life filled with pets and equestrian pursuits, a country estate, and an appropriate marriage appeared to await her.

However, fate altered her path. Ten years following Elizabeth’s birth, her uncle King Edward VIII gave up the crown to wed American divorcée Wallis Simpson. Elizabeth’s father ascended as King George VI, placing the young princess directly in line for succession.

Elizabeth assumed the throne upon her father’s death on Feb. 6, 1952. At just 25 years old, she received the news while in Kenya and immediately returned home to begin her royal responsibilities.

Throughout the following decades, she conducted the ceremonial opening of Parliament wearing her crown and ceremonial robes, welcomed foreign dignitaries at Buckingham Palace, and participated in countless public events throughout the United Kingdom, frequently dressed in vibrant outfits to ensure visibility among crowds.

She also served as an international representative for Britain, completing over 200 foreign visits that strengthened relationships with former colonies including India and Tanzania, previous adversaries like Germany and Japan, and longtime allies such as the United States.

During her later years, the queen gained internet fame through her collaboration with James Bond actor Daniel Craig in a staged parachute entrance at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony and her partnership with Paddington Bear to mark her 70th anniversary on the throne.

In an era of constant transformation, she adapted to changing times — celebrating national achievements and comforting citizens during challenging periods while maintaining political neutrality, according to Robert Hardman, author of “Elizabeth II: In private. In public. The Inside Story.”

Yet these successes make her inability to resolve the controversy surrounding her second son particularly notable.

Despite ongoing concerns about Andrew’s inappropriate conduct, questionable financial activities, and problematic associations, he served a decade as Britain’s special trade representative and retained his royal status until details of his Epstein relationship emerged recently. To protect the monarchy from continued damage, Charles ultimately removed his brother’s royal titles. He now goes by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

“He was problematic and that gave her cause for worry,” Hardman said. “But I do think people let him have an easy ride because they thought if they came down hard on him, they might somehow upset the queen. Now that’s partly attributable to her, but partly attributable to others.”

Nevertheless, her “great achievements” far outweighed any mistakes, Hardman noted.

Elizabeth began her reign as a young mother of two small children during an era before commercial aviation and space exploration, then maintained her public presence throughout multiple generations.

“She just reigned through this vast span of the ages and was as authoritative and loved and respected at the end as she was at the beginning,” Hardman said. “And she was working till the very end, ’til her last day.”

While scholars continue evaluating the queen’s impact, ordinary people form their own opinions.

Consider Sylvie Deneux and her daughter Clara, who visited Cool Britannia during a London trip from their home in Lille, France.

They commended the late monarch for her grace and called her an icon. However, when questioned about Mountbatten-Windsor, Sylvie Deneux, 49, hesitated and glanced at her daughter. The failure to swiftly address the scandal was an error, she acknowledged. Yet Deneux maintained empathy for Elizabeth, recognizing those choices came from maternal instincts rather than royal duty.

“Can we blame her?” she asked. “I’m not sure.”

SEOUL, South Korea — Authorities in Seoul announced Tuesday they are pursuing an arrest warrant for Bang Si-Hyuk, the music industry executive who chairs HYBE, the entertainment company that manages global K-pop phenomenon BTS. Officials allege Bang orchestrated a scheme that defrauded investors of over $100 million.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has formally requested prosecutors to seek a court-issued arrest warrant for Bang. HYBE representatives have not yet provided comment on the matter.

Investigators have been examining Bang’s activities since November, focusing on accusations that he deceived investors in 2019. The allegations center on claims that Bang falsely told investors HYBE would not pursue a public stock offering, convincing them to sell their ownership stakes to a private equity firm before the company actually went public. Authorities suspect the equity fund provided Bang with approximately 200 billion won ($136 million) through a secret arrangement guaranteeing him 30% of profits from post-IPO stock sales.

As the founder of HYBE, originally established as Big Hit Entertainment in 2005, Bang has become one of K-pop’s most influential executives. His company manages several major acts beyond BTS, including Seventeen, Le Sserafim, and Katseye.

The legal challenges represent a significant blow to HYBE’s reputation, particularly as BTS launches their worldwide tour following an almost four-year break while members completed South Korea’s required military service.

BTS recently performed for tens of thousands of international fans at a free reunion concert in Seoul and has since held additional shows in South Korea’s Goyang city and Tokyo. The group plans to begin their U.S. tour dates with a performance in Tampa, Florida, later this month.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is pushing back against allegations that his unification minister disclosed sensitive U.S. intelligence about North Korea’s nuclear program, calling such accusations completely unfounded.

Media outlets in South Korea have indicated that the United States has reduced its intelligence sharing regarding North Korea following public statements made by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young about a previously unverified uranium enrichment site in the communist nation.

The minister and his department maintain that Chung’s March statements regarding the nuclear facility located in Kusong, North Korea, were drawn from information already available to the public, including academic studies.

“It’s a clear fact that the existence of the Kusong nuclear facility was widely known globally even before Chung’s public comments through various research reports and news media,” Lee stated in a social media post on Monday evening.

“Any claim or action based on the idea that Minister Chung ‘leaked classified information provided by the U.S.’ is wrong. I’ll be looking closely into why something as absurd as this is happening,” the president added.

When asked about potential changes to U.S. intelligence sharing arrangements, South Korea’s defense ministry refused to provide details on Tuesday. However, officials confirmed that intelligence agencies from both nations continue to collaborate closely, particularly regarding North Korean missile activities.

The North conducted its most recent ballistic missile testing on Sunday, with both South Korean and Japanese forces monitoring the launches.

During testimony before a parliamentary panel last month, Chung revealed that North Korea has been producing weapons-grade uranium at the Kusong location, in addition to previously known or suspected facilities in Yongbyon and Kangson.

According to reporting by Yonhap news agency on Tuesday, the United States has restricted the sharing of certain intelligence collected through surveillance satellites.

Political opposition members are demanding Chung’s removal from office, arguing that his actions have harmed the crucial alliance between Seoul and Washington. The two nations maintain a defense agreement, and the U.S. stations approximately 28,500 military personnel in South Korea.

Authorities in South Korea have filed for an arrest warrant against Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman and creator of HYBE, the entertainment giant that manages world-famous K-pop group BTS, in connection with alleged securities fraud.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that Bang is accused of breaking financial market regulations by providing false information to early investors before HYBE’s stock market debut and directing them to transfer shares to a private equity firm connected to his business partners.

Investigators claim that following HYBE’s public listing, the equity firm disposed of its holdings, and Bang collected approximately 30% of the proceeds through a previously established shareholder deal, netting around 190 billion won ($129.1 million) in unauthorized profits.

Bang has previously denied any wrongdoing.

HYBE did not have an immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.

Bang is also the founder of HYBE, the music powerhouse behind global Kpop supergroup BTS.

Following news of the warrant request, HYBE’s stock price dropped 2.9% as of 0215 GMT, contrasting with a 1.8% increase in South Korea’s main KOSPI index.

The National Police Agency revealed that the American embassy in Seoul recently submitted a formal request asking officials to permit Bang to visit the United States, despite an existing travel restriction during the ongoing probe.

Police stated the embassy’s correspondence requested a temporary lifting of the prohibition, referencing scheduled appearances by Bang and other top company officials at a July 4th celebration and discussions regarding BTS’s continuing world tour.

The U.S. embassy in Seoul said it did not have anything to add on that matter.

Bang has been prohibited from departing South Korea since August of last year.

TOKYO — Japan’s leadership has given final approval to eliminate longstanding restrictions on deadly weapons exports, representing a dramatic shift away from the nation’s post-World War II commitment to pacifism as it works to strengthen its defense manufacturing sector and enhance military partnerships.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration officially endorsed the new policy framework on Tuesday, removing the last obstacles to Japan’s expanded arms sales capabilities.

This policy transformation occurs as Japan rapidly expands its military capabilities in response to increasing security threats throughout the region. China has condemned the decision, while Japan’s defense allies including Australia have welcomed the change, and nations across Southeast Asia and Europe have expressed interest.

Critics argue the policy shift contradicts Japan’s peace-focused constitution and could escalate international conflicts while putting Japanese citizens at greater risk.

Since World War II, Japan has maintained strict limitations on weapons exports under its pacifist constitutional framework. Recent modifications were made due to escalating global and regional conflicts, though sales were restricted to five categories: rescue, transport, alert, surveillance and minesweeping equipment.

The updated policy eliminates these restrictions and permits sales of advanced military hardware including fighter aircraft, missile systems and naval destroyers — a dramatic expansion beyond previous exports like protective gear, gas masks and civilian vehicles sent to Ukraine, plus intelligence radar systems sold to the Philippines.

A young Rohingya woman survived a harrowing ordeal in the Andaman Sea this month, floating for two days on a piece of wood after her overcrowded vessel sank, leaving her as one of only a handful of survivors from a tragedy that claimed 250 lives.

Rahila Begum, 26, was among nearly 300 people aboard the doomed boat heading to Malaysia when disaster struck. She represents thousands of Rohingya Muslims who risk their lives annually on unsafe vessels, fleeing dire circumstances in refugee settlements in southeastern Bangladesh for hoped-for sanctuary in nations like Indonesia and Malaysia.

Each year, hundreds perish during these treacherous voyages from starvation or maritime accidents, yet the exodus continues to expand as reduced food allocations – triggered by declining international assistance – force even more to attempt the perilous journey.

“I never thought I would survive,” Begum said, her voice weak from illness and pain as she rested on a thin mat inside her family’s makeshift shelter constructed from plastic sheeting. “It felt like the end of my life.”

A Bangladeshi oil tanker crew pulled Begum from the water before transferring her to the nation’s Coast Guard following the vessel’s sinking earlier this month.

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh’s coastal region, houses approximately 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, most having escaped violence and oppression in Myanmar, a Buddhist-majority nation where they face accusations of being foreigners.

Confined for years without employment rights, receiving minimal educational opportunities and decreasing food assistance, many see no prospects in Bangladesh while fearing a return to Myanmar remains too dangerous.

According to the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR, nearly 900 Rohingya were reported dead or missing in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal in 2025, establishing it as the most fatal year recorded for maritime crossings in the region, with over 6,500 attempts made.

From January through mid-April this year, more than 2,800 Rohingya have undertaken such dangerous voyages, the agency reports.

“The Rohingya population is very young and aspires to a better life, but that hope is increasingly turning into desperation,” said Astrid Castelein, a UNHCR official.

“That is why youths and families are deciding to take these dangerous boat journeys.”

Officials have increased coastal monitoring and camp surveillance to combat human trafficking operations, according to a Bangladesh government representative who requested anonymity, though they admitted the overwhelming scale of desperation makes enforcement challenging.

Begum’s limbs and torso bear burn scars from hot engine oil mixed with saltwater that splashed on her during the disaster.

She departed Myanmar in 2017 during a military offensive that forced over 730,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh amid reports of murders, widespread sexual assault and arson – actions a United Nations investigation later characterized as “genocidal,” which Myanmar disputes.

Her situation deteriorated following her marriage four years ago, she explained.

“I was beaten because I could not have children. I knew I had to flee. There was no life left for me here,” she said, noting that her spouse refused to accept her return.

This month, the U.N. World Food Programme implemented a new system for distributing food assistance in Cox’s Bazar based on families’ income potential.

Monthly payments now vary from $12 per person for the most vulnerable populations to $7 for those classified as food insecure, with households led by minors, women and elderly individuals receiving priority support.

“My ration has been cut from $12 to $7 because I have an 18-year-old son,” said Mohammed Rafiq, 50, a father of four. “But does he earn anything?”

The reduced amount only covers rice and cooking oil, leaving no funds for the fish or meat his children desire.

“We are living in inhumane conditions,” he said, struggling against inadequate nutrition, housing, freedom, education and employment opportunities. “Even if my children leave by sea one day, I would not be surprised.”

This widespread desperation creates opportunities for human traffickers, many of whom are Rohingya refugees themselves.

One such individual, a 24-year-old who uses the alias Faisal, revealed he arranged passage for 20 people on the ill-fated vessel, including three women and two children, but none survived the catastrophe.

He now avoids phone calls from grieving families seeking information, he admitted. “They keep calling again and again … sometimes I just switch off my phone.”

Faisal explained he first traveled to Malaysia in 2018 using traffickers’ services before returning to the camps to join the smuggling business himself.

Despite serving a year in a Bangladeshi prison in 2020 for human trafficking charges, he resumed operations after his release.

Reuters was unable to verify his statements independently.

These dangerous crossings typically increase during calmer winter weather, Faisal noted, but growing desperation now drives people to accept greater risks year-round.

“They come to us asking for a way out,” he said. “They know the risks – some make it, some are arrested, some die.”

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Christopher Luxon, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, successfully retained his leadership position on Tuesday following an internal confidence vote within his National Party caucus, addressing mounting concerns over recent polling declines ahead of the nation’s upcoming election.

During a closed-door session with fellow National Party members of parliament, Luxon requested the confidence measure to address growing doubts about his leadership. The meeting extended well beyond its typical one-hour duration, lasting approximately two and a half hours at the Wellington Parliament building.

“The last week, there has been intense media speculation about my leadership,” Luxon stated to reporters following the vote, explaining that he initiated the confidence measure “to put that media speculation to rest.”

The former airline industry leader, who joined Parliament in 2000 and assumed party leadership in 2021, currently heads New Zealand’s conservative coalition administration that took power following the 2023 electoral victory. His National Party has been experiencing a downturn in public support, fueling political observers’ predictions of potential leadership challenges.

This leadership test occurs approximately six months ahead of New Zealand’s scheduled national election on November 7. Following the extended caucus session, Luxon delivered a prepared statement regarding the vote’s outcome before leaving without entertaining media questions.

Historical precedent shows that while former New Zealand leaders like National’s John Key and Labour’s Jacinda Ardern chose to step down voluntarily, parliamentary removal of an incumbent prime minister remains exceptionally rare in the country’s political landscape.

WELLINGTON – Christopher Luxon, serving as New Zealand’s Prime Minister, announced Tuesday that he continues to have the backing of his party’s legislative members following an internal party session.

The Prime Minister’s statement came after party lawmakers convened for their scheduled meeting in the nation’s capital.

TOKYO, April 21 – Japan announced Tuesday a sweeping transformation of its defense export policies, marking the most substantial change in decades by eliminating barriers that previously restricted overseas weapons sales and clearing the path for international sales of warships, missiles and military equipment.

This policy shift represents Japan’s continued departure from the pacifist constraints that have defined its post-World War II security approach, as the nation works to strengthen its defense manufacturing sector.

Global conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have stretched American weapons manufacturing capabilities, creating new market opportunities for Japanese defense contractors. Meanwhile, U.S. partners across Europe and Asia are seeking to diversify their military supply chains amid uncertainty about Washington’s security guarantees under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Reuters has learned from Japanese officials and diplomatic sources that nations from Poland to the Philippines are investigating potential procurement deals as they upgrade their military capabilities. Sources indicate that among the initial transactions could involve selling used naval vessels to Manila.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration approved modifications that eliminate five export restrictions which had previously confined most military sales to rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and mine-clearing equipment. Going forward, ministers and officials will evaluate each proposed sale individually.

Japan will maintain three core export principles requiring rigorous vetting, oversight of third-party transfers, and prohibitions on sales to nations engaged in conflicts. However, government presentations indicate exceptions may be granted when considered essential for national security interests.

The nation anticipates these defense exports will fortify its industrial foundation by increasing production volumes, reducing individual unit costs, and creating manufacturing capacity that could be utilized during military emergencies.

Defense companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries possess capabilities to manufacture sophisticated systems including submarines, fighter jets and missile systems, but have historically depended on limited orders from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces as their sole customer.

Japan continues pursuing historic military expansion efforts, acquiring missiles, stealth aircraft and unmanned systems officials say are essential to counter potential threats from neighboring China to Japanese territory, particularly around islands along the East China Sea near Taiwan.

Beijing maintains its regional and global intentions remain peaceful.

Tokyo is also collaborating with Britain and Italy on developing next-generation fighter aircraft for mid-2030s deployment, representing a strategy to share development expenses and access emerging technologies.

Japan has progressively increased defense expenditures to reach 2% of GDP in recent years, with Takaichi’s government expected to announce additional increases when releasing its new security strategy this year.

SEATTLE — A 44-year-old Iranian national has arrived in Seattle to face charges stemming from a decade-old case involving the illegal shipment of military sonar technology to Iran, federal authorities announced Monday.

Reza Dindar faces multiple charges including conspiracy, smuggling and money laundering after being indicted in 2014. U.S. authorities requested his arrest in Panama last July, and he was transported to Seattle on Thursday, according to the Department of Justice. Officials have not disclosed Dindar’s whereabouts during the years between his indictment and arrest.

Dindar appeared before a U.S. District Court judge Monday afternoon, with his formal arraignment scheduled for May 1. His legal representative, Farhad Alavi, declined to provide statements to The Associated Press on Monday.

Federal prosecutors allege that Dindar operated New Port Sourcing Solutions, a business based in Xi’an, China. The recently unsealed indictment details how Dindar and co-conspirators allegedly deceived a Washington state company in 2011 and 2012 to acquire components for three military sonar systems. Authorities say the group hid the equipment’s final destination and falsely claimed export licenses were unnecessary.

The sonar systems, valued at $97,600, were initially delivered to China before being secretly transported to Iran, violating U.S. trade restrictions first established in 1995 and extended in 2001, according to court documents.

In a separate incident, federal authorities announced the Saturday evening arrest of a 44-year-old Los Angeles woman at LAX airport. She faces allegations of assisting Iran in weapons trafficking to Sudan, which continues to experience civil conflict in its fourth year.

Iran has promoted Ahmad Vahidi to lead its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a move that security experts say represents a troubling shift toward more aggressive military policies in Tehran.

Security analysts warn that Vahidi’s promotion concentrates substantial power in the hands of someone with a long history in Iran’s overseas military operations and intelligence activities. Before Qassem Soleimani took over, Vahidi led the Quds Force between 1988 and 1998, where experts say he played a key role in establishing Iran’s network of proxy organizations throughout the Middle East, especially in Lebanon.

The promotion occurs as Iran’s power structure appears to be shifting away from civilian leadership toward informal networks connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies explained to Fox News that the Iranian system functions as “a system of men, not laws, but one whose success rested on institutionalizing their power,” with key decisions flowing through military-connected officials.

Iran expert Beni Sabti from Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies told Fox News that Vahidi now holds a central role in strategic planning. “In my view, he is more dominant right now, even if they are coordinated. This is not a time for internal competition,” Sabti said.

Western intelligence agencies and analysts have connected Vahidi to numerous major terrorist attacks, including the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing that claimed 241 American military lives, the 1996 Khobar Towers assault in Saudi Arabia, and a 2008 strike on the US Embassy in Yemen. Authorities in Argentina have also implicated him in the 1994 AMIA Jewish community center bombing in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people, as well as the 1992 Israeli Embassy bombing in the same city.

Middle East policy journalist Lisa Daftari told the news agency, “By any standard, Vahidi is considered a radical even within the regime’s hardline elite, and his rise is a warning that Tehran’s war machine now calls the shots.”

Yigal Carmon, who founded and leads the Middle East Media Research Institute, told Fox News, “Trusting him is a grave mistake. He belongs to the hard ‘DEATH TO AMERICA’ corps.”

Vahidi continues to face sanctions from both the United States and European Union related to Iran’s nuclear and missile development programs as well as alleged violations of human rights.

Growing tensions between Gulf Cooperation Council nations and the Arab League have sparked discussions about potential withdrawal from the decades-old regional organization, following what many see as an inadequate response to Iranian aggression.

Questions surrounding the GCC states’ continued participation in the Arab League have intensified after the organization faced criticism for its handling of the Israeli-American-Iranian conflict and subsequent Iranian strikes against Gulf nations and Jordan.

Critics from Gulf nations, including social media commentators and individuals connected to government circles, contend that the Arab League has failed to adopt “decisive stances” or issue strong condemnations of Iranian attacks on Gulf territories. Many argue the organization primarily follows Egyptian policy directions rather than seeking broader Arab consensus, pointing to its Cairo headquarters and the tradition of appointing former Egyptian officials as secretaries-general.

Following the Iranian attacks on Gulf states and Jordan, the Arab League released multiple condemnatory statements. The initial declaration on February 28 “condemned these attacks and affirmed its full solidarity with the Arab states in confronting them and its support for any measures they take to defend themselves and protect their people.”

The organization’s Ministerial Council convened an emergency virtual session on March 8, 2026, explicitly denouncing attacks on Arab nations’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to the post-meeting statement.

However, controversy erupted from comments made by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit during a March 8, 2026 media appearance, when he characterized Iranian escalation against Gulf civilian targets as a “huge mistake.”

Aboul Gheit further stated that “no member of the Arab League has asked us to sever relations with Iran.”

These remarks triggered sharp criticism from Gulf officials, media personalities, and government-connected figures who viewed them as evidence that the Arab League was failing to effectively address the crisis.

During the March 29, 2026 Arab League meeting, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah declared that “successive experiences have revealed the limited effectiveness of the joint Arab action system within the framework of the Arab League, which necessitates a frank and responsible review. Despite its symbolic status, the Arab League has proven a clear inability to keep pace with rapidly evolving challenges and to play an effective role in safeguarding Arab security.”

Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai’s deputy police and public security chief known for his outspoken political commentary, wrote on his official X account on March 24, 2026: “The Gulf States’ announcement of their withdrawal from the Arab League is not a true Arab League.”

Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, vice chairman of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research Board of Trustees and someone with close ties to Gulf leadership, posted on March 31, 2026: “The Gulf States are considering withdrawing from the Arab League.”

Dr. Khaled Al-Subaie, director of the Khaled Center for Media Studies and Consultations in Saudi Arabia and an individual close to Saudi decision-making circles, used his official X account on April 4, 2026, to advocate for “the Gulf states to refuse to attend the meetings of the League of Arab States, not to recognize it and its decisions, and to close its offices in these countries.” He also urged “not paying any amounts into the budget of the League of Arab States.”

Saudi political analyst Qasim Sultan explained to The Media Line: “The role of the Arab League has been weakening over time, and I believe this is due to the weakness of successive secretaries-general. Most of them are former Egyptian officials, over 70 years old. Therefore, this position, despite its importance, has become a place for some former Egyptian officials to retire, profit, and gain.”

“I believe it is necessary to move the headquarters of the Arab League from Egypt to Riyadh, and the established practice of the Secretary-General being Egyptian should not be changed, as it is not exclusive to any one country,” he continued.

“Its charter should also be amended to make its decisions more binding on Arab states, to expedite its decision-making process, and to work more effectively on joint coordination, as is the case in the European Union, rather than functioning as a forum that accomplishes virtually nothing,” Sultan added.

Kuwaiti political journalist Abdullah Al-Khamis informed The Media Line that “The Gulf states pay the majority of the Arab League’s budget, as previously announced at Arab League meetings.” He condemned the League’s inaction during Iranian attacks on Gulf states and its “weak” responses, noting: “It has also failed to engage in any international coordination, contenting itself with a few feeble statements.”

“I believe that an Arab coordination council should be formed, a better alternative to this League. This council should consist of the Gulf states, Jordan, Morocco, and Syria. These countries largely agree on their decisions and are also influential in international affairs,” Al-Khamis suggested.

Al-Khamis delivered harsh criticism of the Arab League’s effectiveness: “This Arab League was stillborn. It has never taken any decisive action throughout its history, nor has it been able to be influential in international decisions. It has not taken any real action, whether economic, political, or in negotiations with any of the other major blocs.”

Former Iraqi Army General Amin Abdul Aziz told The Media Line: “What needs to be activated first in the Arab League is military unity.” He expressed frustration over the absence of military exercises and coordination, stating: “Therefore, in the absence of any unified Arab military force, we shouldn’t expect any effective decisions from the Arab League.”

He added: “Many events have taken place in the Arab world, and we haven’t seen any unified positions, only a few weak statements that are ineffective. Therefore, the Arab League needs a complete overhaul, or it should be dissolved outright.”

Abdul Aziz identified the selection process as a fundamental problem, explaining that “the mechanism for selecting the Secretary-General of the League, which has traditionally been to choose him permanently from Egypt and to be a former Egyptian official—a requirement not stipulated in any law or charter of the Arab League—is the crux of the matter.”

He noted that “when a former Egyptian official, whether a foreign minister, prime minister, or someone else, serves in a position, he still carries Egyptian thinking and policies, and therefore doesn’t represent all Arabs.”

Egyptian political analyst and journalist Sarah Azab dismissed allegations that Egypt bears responsibility for the Arab League’s ineffectiveness, describing such claims as politically motivated. She characterized these accusations as “simply attempts to undermine Egypt, and these claims are untrue.”

Azab highlighted Egypt’s historical role in the organization, explaining that leadership positions have traditionally been filled by individuals with international credibility and that Cairo enjoys broad regional support. “Egypt, being the largest Arab country and the most experienced in international politics, enjoys Arab consensus to assume this responsibility,” she stated, adding that she would welcome an alternative candidate “if they found someone better to head this organization from outside Egypt, but perhaps they haven’t found anyone.”

Azab characterized the League’s difficulties as institutional rather than leadership-related, arguing that divisions among member nations represent the primary challenge. “The problem within the Arab League lies in the conflicting interests of its members, not in the League itself,” she explained, pointing to varying responses to Iranian actions in the Gulf region. She observed that some nations maintain diplomatic relationships with Tehran and have avoided condemning attacks, making consensus difficult to achieve.

She also questioned why criticism seems concentrated primarily on Egypt while overlooking other nations. “Why don’t we see these media attacks on the Sultanate of Oman … or even semi-official attack on Algeria, Mauritania, or other countries that did not take a position?” she asked.

Azab contended that the focus of criticism misrepresents the real issue. “Why only on Egypt, and to show as if the weakness of the Arab League is because of Egypt?” she said, concluding that “the Arab League is weak only because of the conflict of interests of the members.”

LIMA, Peru — Officials in Peru now have a firm deadline to complete their presidential election vote counting after the country’s electoral tribunal established May 15 as the final date for results.

The electoral tribunal announced Monday that Peru’s elections agency ONPE must publish complete vote tallies by that date and identify the two candidates who will compete in the runoff election.

The April 12 election featured more than 30 presidential hopefuls, with the top two vote-getters scheduled to face off in a June 7 runoff since no candidate secured a majority of votes.

The race has been complicated by an extremely narrow gap between the second and third-place finishers, along with voting irregularities that required some polling locations in Lima to remain open an extra day.

Election officials continue processing vote tallies from distant regions and overseas consulates. ONPE must now examine hundreds of tally sheets that electoral observers have disputed.

Current results with 93.5% of ballots tallied show conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori in the lead with 17.05% of votes, making her advancement to June’s runoff nearly certain.

Nationalist congressman Roberto Sánchez, who previously served as a minister under former President Pedro Castillo before his imprisonment, holds second place with 12% of votes. Ultra-conservative Rafael López Aliaiga, Lima’s former mayor, trails closely behind with 11.91%.

The eventual winner will become Peru’s ninth president within a decade, taking over from José María Balcázar, who assumed the interim presidency in February. Balcázar replaced another temporary leader who was removed due to corruption charges after serving only four months.

QUITO, April 20 – Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa announced Monday that he will appoint a new energy minister within the coming week and replace the current health minister as part of a cabinet restructuring.

The president made the announcement through a social media post on X, where he also revealed plans to implement curfews across nine provinces starting May 3 and continuing through May 18.

The cabinet reshuffle and security measures represent significant policy moves for the South American nation as it continues to address various domestic challenges.

A crucial border passage linking Iraq and Syria resumed operations Monday after remaining closed for more than ten years, with government representatives emphasizing its importance for commercial activity and petroleum shipments.

The border point, called Rabia on the Iraqi side and Yarubiyah in Syria, ceased functioning when Syria’s civil conflict erupted in 2011. ISIS fighters later captured the location in 2014 before Kurdish forces from Iraq eventually regained control.

According to Syria’s official SANA news service, representatives from both nations met at the border facility to explore ways to enhance cooperation and streamline commercial movement “in line with shared interests.”

Nadia al-Jubouri, who serves on Iraq’s Nineveh provincial council, stated during the reopening ceremony that the restored crossing will enable “trade exchange and oil transportation toward this great gate.”

Iraq depends on petroleum sales for approximately 90% of its national budget, with the majority of its oil currently shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway at the Persian Gulf’s entrance serves as a vital passage for about 20% of global oil shipments.

MEXICO CITY — A deadly shooting at Mexico’s renowned Teotihuacán archaeological site on Monday left one Canadian visitor dead and six others wounded, according to Mexican government officials.

The violence erupted at the ancient pyramid complex, located approximately one hour north of Mexico City, when an armed individual began firing at tourists and visitors. Following the attack, the gunman took his own life, Mexican authorities confirmed in an official statement.

Six people sustained injuries during the incident, with officials reporting that four victims suffered gunshot wounds while two others were hurt in falls that occurred during the chaos. The wounded included visitors from Colombia, Russia, and Canada, according to local government reports. All injured individuals were transported for medical care.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the tragedy through social media, announcing that a full investigation would be conducted and confirming communication with Canadian diplomatic officials.

“What happened today in Teotihuacán deeply pains us. I express my most sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families,” Sheinbaum stated in her message.

HAVANA — The Cuban government acknowledged Monday that American diplomats recently traveled to the island for high-level discussions, marking the first such diplomatic visit since 2016 amid ongoing tensions over U.S. economic sanctions targeting the Caribbean nation’s energy sector.

Anonymous State Department sources revealed Friday that American officials had flown to Cuba earlier this month as part of renewed diplomatic efforts. However, neither Washington nor Havana has disclosed the precise timing of these talks or identified the specific U.S. representatives involved.

Alejandro García del Toro, who oversees U.S. relations at Cuba’s Foreign Ministry, disclosed Monday that the American team featured assistant secretaries of state, while Cuba’s side included officials at the deputy foreign minister level.

García del Toro characterized the discussions as conducted in a “respectfully and professionally” manner, contradicting some American media reports by stating that the U.S. delegation made no threats or imposed any deadlines.

“The elimination of the energy embargo against the country was a top priority for our delegation,” García del Toro stated. “This act of economic coercion is an unjustified punishment of the entire Cuban population.”

He continued: “It is also a form of global blackmail against sovereign states, which have every right to export fuel to Cuba, under the rules that govern free trade.”

The United States has outlined several demands for lifting sanctions against Cuba, including ending political oppression, freeing political detainees, and implementing economic reforms to revitalize the struggling economy.

In January, President Donald Trump warned of potential tariffs against nations that provide oil to Cuba. Trump has also suggested possible military intervention, prompting Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to declare last week that his nation stands ready to defend itself if such action occurs.

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia’s president announced Monday that citizens will participate in a summer referendum to determine the fate of lifetime financial benefits for Prime Minister Robert Fico and other high-ranking officials once they leave office.

President Peter Pellegrini confirmed the referendum date as July 4. During the same voting session, Slovaks will also decide whether to restore a specialized prosecutor’s office that previously handled major criminal cases and corruption investigations.

The referendum comes after the Democrats, a pro-Western opposition group not represented in parliament, gathered signatures from more than 350,000 citizens — meeting the legal requirement to trigger such a vote.

Pellegrini noted that the referendum will not include a question about holding early parliamentary elections. He explained that the nation’s Constitutional Court ruled in 2021 that such a question would violate the constitution.

Under current law, prime ministers and parliament speakers who complete at least two terms receive monthly payments equivalent to current lawmakers’ salaries for the rest of their lives. These security measures for top political figures were expanded after the shocking events of 2024.

The lifetime payment system was broadened following an assassination attempt against Fico, who suffered serious gunshot wounds during a campaign event. The attack sent shockwaves through the small European nation and beyond. Previously, only former presidents received such benefits.

Also in 2024, parliament members approved Fico’s coalition government proposal to eliminate the special prosecutor’s office responsible for investigating serious crimes including corruption, organized crime, and extremism.

The legislative change drew intense opposition both domestically and internationally, sparking repeated street demonstrations involving thousands of Slovak citizens. Multiple individuals connected to Fico’s political party have faced corruption-related prosecutions.

Slovakia has seen only one successful referendum in its history — the 2003 vote approving European Union membership. Previous referendums have failed because of insufficient voter participation.

Since regaining power in 2023, Fico has remained a controversial leader. His pro-Russian stance and various policy decisions have triggered widespread public demonstrations.

MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Monday that she will seek explanations following the weekend deaths of four U.S. Embassy and Mexican officials, revealing that her administration had no knowledge of cooperation between American personnel and regional authorities in northern Chihuahua state.

The president stated she wants to verify that no regulations were violated following Sunday’s fatalities, which Chihuahua’s top prosecutor said happened as the officials were traveling back from a mission to eliminate illegal drug production facilities in a remote location.

“It was not an operation that the security cabinet was aware of,” Sheinbaum informed reporters. “We were not informed; it was a decision by the Chihuahua government.” She emphasized that such state-level partnerships must receive federal government approval “as established by the Constitution.”

The incident occurs amid growing demands from U.S. President Donald Trump for Sheinbaum’s government to intensify efforts against drug cartels. Trump’s administration has initiated joint military actions in Ecuador.

Chihuahua’s Attorney General César Jáuregui reported Sunday that the officials perished while returning from the mission to dismantle facilities belonging to criminal organizations believed to be manufacturing narcotics. Among the deceased were two local government investigators and two embassy trainers who Jáuregui said were taking part in standard training exercises.

Authorities have released limited information about what happened. U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson posted condolences on social media without detailing his staff members’ specific duties.

Sheinbaum promised additional details would emerge once all information is compiled, but emphasized that “there are no joint operations on land or in the air,” only mutual intelligence sharing between her administration and the U.S., conducted within a “well-established” legal structure.

The president said she plans to arrange a Monday meeting between Johnson and Mexico’s foreign minister.

Although U.S. training of Mexican security personnel is routine, their physical presence on Mexican soil has sparked ongoing controversy, which has grown more intense following Trump’s military interventions in Venezuela and Iran.

The latest dispute emerged in January regarding the arrest in Mexico of former Canadian athlete Ryan Wedding, one of America’s most sought-after fugitives. Mexican authorities maintain he surrendered at the U.S. Embassy, while American officials have characterized his apprehension as a binational operation.

Sheinbaum’s statements coincided with the start of second-round talks between the United States and Mexico concerning the North American trade pact, the USMCA, taking place in Mexico City. The American delegation is headed by Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who was set to meet with the president Monday.

Palestinian business owners in the West Bank received orders Monday to demolish 15 shops, coming just one day after top Israeli government officials gathered to mark the revival of a nearby settlement.

The demolition notices were issued to Al-Fandaqumiya village, according to a local leader, following Sunday’s ceremony where Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar marked the reestablishment of the Sa-Nur settlement.

Sa-Nur, located in the northern West Bank, was among 19 settlements removed in 2005 as part of Israel’s disengagement plan that also withdrew settlers from Gaza – a decision that continues to anger Israel’s political right.

The current far-right Israeli government has pushed for aggressive settlement growth, with Palestinians receiving thousands of demolition notices since the administration came to power, United Nations records show.

International law considers Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank illegal, though Israel contests this position. The territory remains central to Palestinian hopes for a future state, but expanding settlements have divided the land into fragments.

Under the present government, Israel has authorized 102 additional settlements, nearly doubling the 127 that existed when officials took office, according to Israeli advocacy group Peace Now.

Refaat Qaruriya, who leads Al-Fandaqumiya’s village council, said store owners received 30 days’ notice for the demolitions. He expressed concern that the Sa-Nur settlement would prevent villagers from reaching their agricultural land.

Israeli military officials stated the shop demolitions were ordered because the structures lacked proper building permits, insisting the timing had no connection to Sa-Nur’s reestablishment.

Palestinians maintain that obtaining such construction permits is nearly impossible under current policies.

“This development (in Sa-Nur) raises serious concerns regarding further escalation, restrictions on Palestinian access to land, and the deepening of a de facto annexation reality,” Palestinian Authority official Amir Daoud told Reuters.

Smotrich has openly advocated for West Bank annexation, stating his goal of achieving “maximum territory and minimum (Palestinian) population” under Israeli control.

During Sunday’s ceremony, Smotrich also urged Israeli settlement of “all of Gaza” along with territories Israel occupies in Lebanon and Syria.

With Israeli elections scheduled by late October, both Katz’s Likud party and Smotrich’s Religious Zionism group have seen declining poll numbers. Both parties rely heavily on settler support.

“It’s clear that the whole land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel, period. About what to do with the Arabs, I don’t have an answer to what to do with them – the land belongs to us,” said Meir Goldmintz, a settler moving to Sa-Nur.

United Nations data shows at least 580 settler attacks on Palestinians since early 2026, forcing approximately 1,800 people from their homes due to violence and access limitations.

Human Rights Watch has characterized the increasing violence and Palestinian displacement in the West Bank as ethnic cleansing supported by Israeli authorities – an accusation Israel denies.

Israeli prosecutions of settler violence remain uncommon, according to Israeli rights organization Yesh Din.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced Monday that his administration will implement stricter firearm regulations following two tragic school shootings that occurred last week.

The deadly incidents, carried out by students, culminated in a devastating attack in Turkey’s southeastern Kahramanmaras province that claimed the lives of eight students and one teacher. These types of school violence incidents are extremely uncommon in Turkey, leaving the nation in shock.

Under the new measures, Turkey plans to strengthen regulations around gun ownership and impose harsher penalties on firearm owners when minors gain access to their weapons. Additionally, Erdogan stated that authorities will implement enhanced internet monitoring as part of the government’s comprehensive response to these tragic events.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Following his party’s overwhelming electoral victory, Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar revealed his initial Cabinet selections on Monday after conducting the first meeting with his parliamentary group members.

Magyar’s center-right Tisza party crushed longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Hungary’s April 12 election, capturing a commanding two-thirds parliamentary majority that will enable them to reverse numerous policies established during Orbán’s 16-year tenure.

The incoming leader has pledged to rebuild Hungary’s democratic foundations and legal framework, which deteriorated during Orbán’s administration, while pursuing accountability for those he claims oversaw and profited from extensive government corruption.

Tisza secured an unprecedented 141 parliamentary seats from the total 199 available — marking the most substantial majority since Hungary transitioned from Communist rule. Orbán’s far-right, anti-European Union Fidesz party saw their representation plummet from 135 seats to just 52.

During Monday’s Budapest press conference, Magyar — who will replace Orbán as prime minister — announced plans to expand the government structure from 12 to 16 ministries.

Among his disclosed Cabinet nominees were Anita Orbán (no family connection to the current prime minister) for foreign affairs minister, István Kapitány for economy and energy minister, and András Kármán for finance minister.

Magyar stated his party would establish a government “that will be worthy of the Hungarian people’s trust.”

The incoming prime minister has committed to extensively restructuring Hungary’s governmental framework, including establishing independent ministries for health, environmental protection, and education — departments that were eliminated under Orbán’s leadership.

According to Magyar, the new parliament will convene for its opening session on May 9 or 10, followed immediately by the prime ministerial election. Cabinet confirmations will proceed in subsequent days, he explained.

BRUSSELS — The European Union is threatening to withhold approximately $1.8 billion in funding from Serbia unless the country addresses growing concerns about its democratic institutions, according to a warning issued Monday by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos.

The threat comes after international observers reported witnessing violent incidents and voting irregularities during local elections held last month across 10 Serbian municipalities.

Speaking to European Union lawmakers, Kos expressed mounting alarm about Serbia’s trajectory. “We are increasingly worried about what is happening in Serbia,” she stated, adding that the European Commission is currently “assessing whether the country still fulfills the conditions for payments under the EU’s financial instruments.”

The commissioner outlined a range of troubling developments that have prompted EU scrutiny, including “laws that undermine the independence of the judiciary, to crackdowns on protesters and recurrent meddling in independent media.”

Serbia currently has access to substantial EU funding designed to support growth in nations seeking membership, contingent on implementing democratic reforms. While Belgrade has already received $130 million from these programs, Kos noted that this “leaves around 1.5 billion under a question mark.”

The European Union has intensified its efforts to bring Western Balkan countries into the fold since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, amid concerns that Moscow might attempt to destabilize a region still recovering from conflicts during the 1990s.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, a populist leader, publicly states his intention to guide Serbia toward EU membership while simultaneously maintaining strong ties with Russia. Last year, he ignored EU objections and participated in Russia’s Victory Day parade alongside President Vladimir Putin.

Democracy experts from the Venice Commission, Europe’s primary constitutional affairs organization, conducted a fact-finding mission to Serbia last month. They met with political figures and senior judicial officials to evaluate concerns brought forward by Serbia’s parliamentary president.

The commission plans to issue an “urgent opinion” based on their investigation in the coming weeks. Kos emphasized that Brussels expects Serbia “to fully align its judicial laws with the Venice Commission’s recommendations and to restore the independence of its media.”

“Serbia has to deliver,” she concluded.