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A judicial panel in Eswatini has determined that five migrants sent to the African kingdom under Trump administration deportation policies are entitled to legal counsel, following their transfer from American custody to a Swazi detention facility last July without attorney access.

The three-judge panel dismissed government claims that the detained individuals had not explicitly asked for representation from human rights attorney Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, who has been attempting to advocate for the migrants while being prevented from meeting with them.

“There can be no real harm in granting the Respondent access to the detainees,” the judicial panel stated in their ruling, which Reuters obtained and reviewed.

“If they do not wish to see the Respondent (they can) tell this to the Respondent to his face,” the judges added.

These five individuals are part of a larger group of at least 19 third-country nationals from Africa, Asia, and the Americas who were sent to Eswatini under the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Similar deportation arrangements have been established with other nations as well.

While this ruling specifically covers the initial five deportees who were the subject of the original legal challenge, it may establish a legal framework for the remaining detainees. Under the absolute rule of King Mswati III, Eswatini has freed only two individuals from custody – a Jamaican national in the previous year and a Cambodian citizen last month.

Legal representatives in both Eswatini and the United States have questioned the validity of the $5.1 million agreement between the two nations, arguing that it results in deportees being imprisoned in the southern African country even after completing criminal sentences in America.

Last month, the nation’s high court dismissed a separate legal challenge filed by a local human rights attorney targeting the deportation agreement itself, though that decision is currently under appeal.

Citizens in Djibouti headed to polling stations Friday to choose their next president, with 78-year-old Ismaïl Omar Guelleh positioned to claim his sixth consecutive term after more than two decades in power.

The election comes after parliamentary leaders removed age restrictions for presidential candidates last year, clearing the way for Guelleh to continue his rule over the Horn of Africa nation of approximately one million people. In the previous 2021 contest, Guelleh captured nearly 99% of all votes cast.

Only one opponent challenges the incumbent this time: Mohamed Farah Samatar, a former member of the ruling political party. Political experts say the contest lacks meaningful competition, as opposition movements regularly refuse to participate in elections due to what they call limits on political liberties. Government supporters counter that their leadership provides stability in an unstable region, while critics argue the political system remains under strict control.

Guelleh took power in 1999 when he replaced his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, continuing a family dynasty that has controlled the nation’s government for many years.

The small country plays an outsized role in international affairs due to its location along crucial shipping lanes connecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Military installations from the United States, China, France and Japan operate within its borders, generating significant revenue alongside port fees from landlocked Ethiopia’s trade operations.

However, this economic strategy creates vulnerability to outside disruptions. The nation relies heavily on Ethiopian commerce through its ports, while global shipping problems and Red Sea security issues threaten income streams. Growing international rivalry and debt obligations, especially to China, create additional long-term challenges.

Election monitors from the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development observed the voting process.

“The scrapping of term limits in Djibouti is less about electoral competition and more about preserving regime continuity in a highly strategic state,” Mohamed Husein Gaas of the Raad Peace Research Institute told The Associated Press.

“While it raises concerns about democratic backsliding, external actors are likely to prioritize stability given Djibouti’s critical role in Red Sea security and global trade routes, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East,” he said.

MUNICH — German police say they believe anti-Jewish hatred drove an attack on an Israeli restaurant in Munich, where explosive devices shattered windows during the early morning hours of Friday. The incident left no one hurt.

Law enforcement officials confirmed to the German news agency dpa that the restaurant owners are Jewish.

Photos from the scene reveal the targeted establishment as the Eclipse Grillbar, though authorities have not officially disclosed the restaurant’s name. According to the business’s website, it operates as Munich’s first genuine Israeli restaurant. The establishment has not responded to requests for comment.

Police say they suspect explosive materials, possibly fireworks, were hurled at the restaurant, shattering glass in three separate locations. Officers responding to the scene around 12:45 a.m. found no suspects in the vicinity, and the identity of those responsible remains unknown. Authorities estimate the destruction at several thousand euros.

Germany has experienced a surge in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault on Israel, during which militants killed approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and captured 251 hostages. While Israel and the United States have recently targeted Iran, a two-week ceasefire remains active. However, Israel has significantly intensified its military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, the Iranian-supported militant organization.

Demonstrations against escalating fuel costs in Ireland have stretched into their fourth consecutive day Friday, raising alarm about potential shortages and impacts on emergency response teams as protesters continue blocking roadways and fuel distribution centers nationwide.

Irish officials plan to convene with farmers, truckers and agricultural contractors Friday to address the mounting crisis, which stems from increased gasoline and diesel prices linked to Middle Eastern conflicts that have limited regional oil exports. Although protest leaders have indicated they would end their coordinated demonstrations if officials agree to negotiations, their participation in Friday’s discussions remains uncertain.

The demonstrations launched Tuesday with slow-moving vehicle convoys that restricted traffic flow on Dublin’s busiest thoroughfares while protesters established blockades at fuel terminals serving half the nation. Many demonstrators remained in their vehicles through the night, insisting on direct dialogue with government representatives.

More than 100 gas stations across the country have exhausted their fuel supplies, with industry group Fuels for Ireland warning through national broadcaster RTE that the number could reach five times that amount by Friday night if distribution disruptions persist.

On Thursday, government officials requested military assistance to clear vehicles from obstructed roadways, expressing worry that the blockades could hinder police, fire department and ambulance emergency response capabilities.

The widespread disruption evolved from individual demonstrations in Ireland’s major metropolitan areas, all centered on demands for additional reductions to skyrocketing fuel expenses.

Officials had previously enacted several cost-cutting measures, including temporary reductions in motor fuel excise taxes, expanded diesel rebates for trucking companies and bus operators, and extended assistance programs helping low-income residents with heating expenses.

A wolf’s dramatic escape from a South Korean zoo has become an international sensation, drawing attention from the country’s president and even inspiring the creation of a digital currency bearing the animal’s name.

The 77-pound male wolf named Neukgu managed to break free from O-World zoo in Daejeon by digging beneath a fence barrier on Wednesday morning, according to zoo representatives. The approximately two-year-old animal has remained at large for three days despite extensive search efforts.

Authorities have mobilized more than 100 searchers, including fire department personnel, law enforcement officers, and military members to locate the missing wolf. Search teams have deployed drones equipped with heat-detecting cameras to aid in the hunt, city officials confirmed Friday.

As a safety measure, a local elementary school temporarily shut down while the search continues in the area.

The incident has reached the highest levels of government, with President Lee Jae Myung addressing the situation on social media platform X. In his Thursday post, which garnered over 1,400 shares, he expressed his concerns for public safety while also showing compassion for the animal.

“I hope no human casualties occur, and I pray that Neukgu also returns home safely,” the president wrote.

The wolf’s escape in Daejeon, located roughly 105 miles south of Seoul, has sparked widespread public fascination and online engagement. Internet communities have rallied around the story, with an English-language social media group dedicated to the wolf attracting nearly 500 members.

Perhaps most surprisingly, the incident has entered the cryptocurrency world with the launch of a digital token called “Neukgu” on decentralized trading platforms such as PumpSwap. The meme coin has generated approximately $140,000 in trading activity over the past day.

Neukgu, born in 2024, plays an important role in conservation efforts as part of a program aimed at bringing back the Korean wolf, a species that no longer exists in the wild.

This escape joins a series of notable zoo breakouts in South Korea, including a 2023 incident where a zebra roamed Seoul’s streets for several hours before being recaptured.

International financial markets are closely monitoring a series of crucial elections taking place around the globe this year, with voting in Hungary and Peru among the most watched contests.

HUNGARY

This Sunday’s elections in Hungary present the most significant challenge to nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s 16-year leadership. The center-right opposition party Tisza currently holds the lead in most polling data.

To win over voters in an economy that has underperformed compared to neighboring countries, Orban has reduced taxes and increased salaries. His decision to block financial assistance to Ukraine has also created tension with much of Europe.

According to investors, a victory for Tisza’s Peter Magyar could unlock access to approximately 18 billion euros ($21 billion) in EU funding that remains frozen due to democracy-related concerns.

Goldman Sachs economists predict this outcome would “likely lead to a notable appreciation of Hungarian assets.”

PERU

Two conservative candidates are leading in Peru’s first-round presidential election scheduled for Sunday, though Bank of America noted that most candidates “do not seem to represent a major threat” to Peru’s traditional economic approach. Congressional seats are also being decided.

Since 2018, Peru has seen eight different presidents due to ongoing impeachment proceedings and corruption issues, yet economic expansion across nearly every sector has strengthened the nation’s finances.

Bank of America cautioned that electoral chaos similar to the troubled 2021 contest, which featured disruption and fraud claims, could prompt investors to pull their money out.

A runoff election is set for June 7 if no candidate achieves a majority.

UNITED KINGDOM

While local elections typically don’t draw international investor interest, the UK’s May 7 contests might be different. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party is falling behind both the populist Reform UK and left-wing Green Party in polling, while struggling to fulfill economic growth commitments.

Bond markets are particularly watching for indications that the fiscally conservative Starmer could be removed from office, which might also weaken the pound.

The ongoing Iran conflict has reduced expectations of Starmer’s immediate removal. However, online betting platform Polymarket places the odds of such a change at 56% before year’s end. The next nationwide election must occur by August 2029.

COLOMBIA

Colombia’s presidential contest remains competitive following mixed results in March’s congressional voting, with the first round set for May 31.

Leftist President Gustavo Petro has disagreed with the central bank and attempted to implement emergency economic measures. Some market participants have welcomed the improved prospects of center-right candidate Paloma Valencia.

“We are inclined to hold a constructive view, as political conditions still support a swing toward pro-market policies,” Barclays economist Alejandro Arreaza wrote in a research note.

ETHIOPIA AND ZAMBIA

Both Ethiopia and Zambia, nations that have failed to meet debt obligations, will conduct summer elections with economic issues as primary concerns.

Market observers have praised Zambia’s economic restructuring and expanding copper output, while Ethiopia’s increasing gold and coffee exports along with currency reforms have improved its economic outlook.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party appears virtually guaranteed to win in June due to opposition boycotts and security issues that may limit voter participation.

Zambia’s current President Hakainde Hichilema is favored to win in August, though energy and fertilizer cost increases linked to the Iran conflict could create challenges. Credit rating agency S&P warns the election could threaten policy stability just as government budget tightening begins showing positive results.

ISRAEL

October’s expected parliamentary elections in Israel are being viewed as a judgment on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.

Pre-war polling indicated Netanyahu’s conservative coalition would face difficulty securing enough seats for government formation, and surveys suggest the Iran conflict has not significantly improved his position.

Israel’s economy had recovered in 2025 and was projected to continue improving in 2026 before the war started. The political uncertainty could increase fluctuations in the shekel and government debt securities.

BRAZIL

Brazil’s leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is running neck-and-neck in October’s race against right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Lower house positions, two-thirds of Senate seats, and all 27 state governorships are also being contested.

While inflation has decreased and unemployment reached record lows in December, last year’s 2.3% economic expansion was the poorest since the COVID pandemic, and household debt payments are at their highest level since tracking began in 2011.

Oxford Economics’ Felipe Camargo suggested a center-right Bolsonaro administration could create a “goldilocks scenario for markets” with emphasis on reducing inflation and addressing rising debt levels.

UNITED STATES

November’s midterm elections will decide Congressional control and represent a significant challenge for President Donald Trump.

Trump’s approval numbers have reached historic lows, putting his Republican Party’s slim Congressional majorities at risk. Polling indicates substantial American opposition to Middle Eastern military involvement and frustration with rising fuel costs.

Market experts suggest pre-election uncertainty could pressure the dollar and stock markets, though the Iran situation will likely overshadow electoral concerns for now.

“If Trump wants a chance to get affordability back down, well in advance of the midterms… the timing is very tight,” said Grant Johnsey, head of market solutions at Northern Trust.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — The Gaza Strip reached a significant milestone Friday as its ceasefire agreement completed six months since taking effect, though this achievement has been overshadowed by attention to the newer and more unstable truce in the Iran conflict.

The Palestinian enclave, home to 2 million residents, has experienced an end to the heaviest combat between Israeli military forces and Hamas-led fighters. However, the majority of ceasefire implementation work still lies ahead, including dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities, ending their 20-year governance, establishing an international peacekeeping presence, and launching massive rebuilding efforts. Gaza’s population remains in uncertainty, with restricted humanitarian assistance arriving through just one border crossing under Israeli oversight.

These obstacles may preview what lies ahead for the newest conflict, as President Donald Trump’s peace strategy seems focused on halting bombardments while delegating broader solutions to other parties.

Whether Trump can push through similar agreements regarding Iran, given the increased number of stakeholders and global economic sensitivity to every development, remains uncertain.

Attention to agreement specifics proves essential. The Iran conflict’s two-week truce has already generated fatal misunderstandings regarding Lebanon, with Israel maintaining the accord excludes Lebanese territory and continuing strikes against Iranian-supported Hezbollah, while Iran claims coverage extends there and warns of potential agreement collapse. Israel unexpectedly announced Thursday its authorization of direct talks with Lebanon, despite absent diplomatic relations.

Recently, the U.S.-established and Trump-directed Board of Peace launched with $7 billion in commitments and ambitious goals to address not only Gaza but additional conflicts emerging worldwide.

Nine days following the board’s first session, the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran.

The Board of Peace has not reconvened, and continues awaiting Hamas’ response to its disarmament proposal, representing a significant compromise and potentially the most difficult requirement. Hamas’ founding document advocates armed opposition to Israel.

A U.S. official indicated Hamas has not received a specific response deadline but noted that “patience is not unlimited.” The official lacked authorization for public statements and requested anonymity.

The absence of deadlines may reduce pressure for action. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts focus on addressing various crises.

Board of Peace director Nickolay Mladenov informed the U.N. Security Council last month that Gaza should not be forgotten as new warfare emerged. The Gaza situation presents a choice between “a renewed war, or a new beginning; the status quo, or a better future,” he stated. “There is no third option.”

Palestinians might propose an alternative: abandonment.

Six months after the Gaza truce began on Oct. 10, minimal changes have occurred beyond the mostly quieted explosions.

Extensive temporary camps shelter most territorial residents. Additional inhabitants take refuge in damaged residential structures. Medical personnel and humanitarian workers report minimal advancement in anticipated increases of medical resources and other assistance.

The U.S. 20-point Gaza ceasefire framework is mostly unsuccessful regarding humanitarian aspects, according to five international relief organizations in a report released Thursday. They indicated conditions have worsened in Gaza since the Iran conflict started.

“During the first two weeks of March 2026, trucks entering Gaza declined by 80%, and the price of basic goods increased dramatically,” they reported. Medical evacuations have stopped.

Palestinians voiced diminishing expectations for immediate life improvements.

“There is pollution and disease. It’s as if there’s no ceasefire at all,” said Maysa Abu Jedian, a displaced woman from Beit Lahiya.

“The war is still ongoing and life is still terrible as it is,” said Eyad Abu Dagga, also sheltering in a camp in Khan Younis.

Temporary shelters moved in the wind, and children played in sand with destroyed buildings in the background.

Although the most intense combat has decreased, Israeli forces have conducted air attacks and shot at Palestinians near military-controlled areas. Fighters have executed shooting assaults on soldiers, and Israel has stated its strikes respond to these and other ceasefire breaches.

Through Thursday, Israeli operations have resulted in 738 deaths during the six months since the ceasefire, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry, operating under the Hamas-led administration, keeps comprehensive casualty documentation considered generally accurate by U.N. organizations and independent analysts. It does not separate civilian and fighter casualties.

In total, the ministry reports 72,317 Palestinians have died since Gaza warfare began with the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on Israel.

Consistent attention to Gaza, previously central to intense international concern, has diminished with the emergence of new regional warfare. This has also reduced pressure for ceasefire advancement.

The humanitarian organizations’ assessment observes that any progress on aid matters in the Palestinian territory has “generally required sustained diplomatic pressure at the highest levels, particularly from the United States. That pressure, however, has not been applied consistently or at the scale needed to secure full implementation.”

The Trump administration is not alone in being diverted. The entire Middle East, including important Gaza mediators Egypt and Qatar, now concentrates on Iran and that conflict’s economic impacts.

With additional uncertainty regarding Israel’s resumed conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, even fewer nations may be willing to provide forces for a Gaza stabilization mission. Among the limited confirmed troop providers, Indonesia has already lost three peacekeepers in southern Lebanon in recent days.

CAIRO (AP) — Citizens across Iran are experiencing cautious relief following a delicate ceasefire agreement that halted weeks of devastating bombardment, though many remain deeply concerned that hostilities could resume at any moment. The emotional toll has been compounded by President Donald Trump’s earlier threats to obliterate their ancient culture, issued just hours before he changed direction and supported the temporary truce.

The cessation of hostilities that began Wednesday has restored relative calm to Tehran, the nation’s capital, following more than a month of intensive airstrikes that primarily hit government facilities and security installations while also leveling numerous civilian residences.

Significant underlying conflicts persist, and the fragile agreement has already shown signs of strain amid Israel’s continued military operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon and Tehran’s unwillingness to completely reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global energy transport.

“Everyone I’ve spoken with, it’s given them a new life,” a university student told The Associated Press in an audio note via WhatsApp, speaking on condition of anonymity over fears for his safety.

“Everyone is really happy,” he said.

But “Tehran has seen a lot of damage,” he added, and there’s widespread concern the fighting would resume.

AP spoke to half a dozen residents, despite an ongoing nationwide internet shutdown imposed during mass protests before the war.

Maryam Saeedpoor, a photographer living in downtown Tehran, said she tried to take up painting to keep busy as blasts echoed across the city during the war, “but then I saw my hand was shaking, and I can’t.”

She said she’s taken little comfort from the truce or Trump’s decision to back off from threats to destroy critical infrastructure and bridges — messages from the president that culminated in a social media post saying: “A whole civilization will die tonight.”

She fears the strikes have already done lasting damage to industries and infrastructure that helped the country weather decades of international sanctions. She said the two-week truce is merely a “pause,” with no guarantee the war is over.

“Tehran is the warmest, the most beautiful city in the world in my opinion, but now its face is full of sadness, pain,” Saeedpoor said via WhatsApp audio note. “They say they wanted to take out government leaders, but so many innocent people have been killed.”

Well before the ceasefire, in a street near her own home, she said she saw rescue teams searching for survivors in the rubble of damaged residential buildings.

A photo she posted on Instagram captured the aftermath of another strike, days before the deal. “The building’s residents, by chance, weren’t home that day. All the homes along the street had been destroyed because they’d hit a police station,” she said.

The strikes killed over 1,900 people and wounded more than 5,700, according to the latest figures from Iranian authorities, who do not distinguish between soldiers and civilians. Iran’s Red Crescent first responders say thousands of residential buildings were damaged.

For several hours Tuesday, it appeared as if the war would intensify.

Iranians stocked up on water or relocated to safer areas after Trump’s threats, and many passed a sleepless night until the truce was announced shortly before the deadline he’d imposed.

A man in his late 20s who works in advertising said he jolted awake before dawn. When he didn’t hear the thud of air defenses, he knew there had been a truce and went back to sleep “with a laugh and a smile,” he told the AP via audio note on the messaging app Telegram, also on condition of anonymity over safety fears.

Iranians are deeply divided over their government, and hundreds of thousands took to the streets in January before the mass protests were crushed.

But they take deep pride, not only in thousands of years of Persian civilization, but in the modern state that predates the 1979 Islamic Revolution — all of which appeared under threat from Trump.

Tehran is ringed by snow-capped mountains, and its 19th-century rulers built long, broad avenues lined with plane trees and water channels known as jub that still function today. Iran’s oil wealth funded a construction boom before the revolution and the Iran-Iraq war. Now the scars of the latest war are everywhere.

Persian civilization is known, perhaps above all, for its literary legacy, and many ordinary Iranians can quote famed poets. A local journalist recently posted on his X account a photo of a stack of eggs on sale at a shop, with a sign above them reading: “Recite poetry, get a discount.”

Ali Jafarabadi, the head of Book City, Iran’s largest bookstore chain, said that many turned to reading as they spent more time inside during the bombardment. Sales of historical fiction set during past wars, self-help books and adult coloring books were up, he said.

At least six of his branches across Tehran were damaged in the war, he said. One blast from a nearby strike ripped through the group’s main branch on the famous Shariati Street, shattering the front windows and driving a metal rod through a line of books in Jafarabadi’s office.

The stores closed for the first few days of the war but soon reopened, and he told AP they have done brisk business in recent weeks.

“It shows people are craving books, people are craving culture, people are craving a safe space where they can come and connect with each other,” Jafarabadi said in a phone call. “That is the people of Iran.”

A woman who works as a physical trainer and social media influencer told AP she had recently taken to riding her motorcycle around the city “as a form of civil resistance.” In addition to requiring women to cover their hair — though enforcement of that mandate is easing — Iran’s theocracy has also long frowned on women riding motorcycles.

In her travels, she described seeing two faces of the city, and of modern Iran. In Tehran’s wealthy northern hills, life often seemed to unfold as normal, with people packing into elegant cafes. Downtown, she visited cheaper, traditional cafes where hookahs were served and the clientele was mostly men. Strikes have hit both well-to-do and working-class parts of the city.

“The streets where a building has been damaged and destroyed, or the houses around it, are different,” the trainer said, also speaking on condition of anonymity over fears for her safety. “Silence. The smell of death.”

Iran’s divisions also were reflected in people’s reactions to the truce. Many who despise the government had hoped the war would topple it. Some government supporters were disappointed that Iran had agreed to halt a war they felt it was winning.

The man who works in advertising said most people were somewhere in between.

“Most people in Iran, unlike what you find on a platform like Twitter, are moderates,” he said. “Everyone is looking for an improved situation, not a radicalized situation at any cost.”

GWACHEON, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s top justice official has committed to improving judicial access for those harmed by government-sponsored abuses, particularly international adoptees who endured adoption processes corrupted by extensive fraud during earlier military administrations.

In remarkably harsh terms for a high-ranking South Korean government figure, Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho characterized the nation’s historical adoption practices as “forced child trafficking.” He announced that authorities will mostly avoid challenging court decisions in compensation cases filed by abuse victims. Jung made these statements during a Thursday roundtable discussion with select media representatives.

Numerous Korean adoptees living in Western countries have already asked a fact-finding panel examining historical human rights violations to investigate their situations. This commission was restarted in February following the expiration of its prior authorization in November. The previous Truth and Reconciliation Commission determined that government officials were accountable for an adoption system plagued by corruption and misconduct, motivated by desires to reduce social welfare expenses and executed by state-approved private organizations that routinely falsified children’s backgrounds.

Many adoptees are hopeful the commission’s discoveries will establish legal foundations for compensation lawsuits targeting the government or adoption organizations. However, other government abuse survivors acknowledged by the commission have frequently faced extended court proceedings after state attorneys challenged favorable verdicts, referencing expired limitation periods or questioning the commission’s conclusions.

President Lee Jae Myung delivered an apology in October regarding South Korea’s historical adoption issues.

Jung, who maintains close ties with Lee, stated the administration is prepared to broaden legal remedies and accelerate compensation for government abuse victims whose situations have received commission verification.

Through new legislation that became effective in February, abuse victims now have a three-year period to file damage claims even after limitation periods have lapsed. Jung’s department, which defends the government in legal proceedings, announced last week its intention to withdraw time-based appeals in over 800 cases.

Jung indicated his department will apply similar methods to future adoptee lawsuits.

“Once the truth commission firmly establishes the basic facts (regarding the abuses), we intend to cooperate to ensure the process moves swiftly,” Jung said.

Several adoptees, including Yooree Kim, who was placed with a French family in 1984 without her birth parents’ approval and reports suffering abuse from her adoptive parents, have pursued compensation through the state compensation system. This framework theoretically permits victims to seek claims without prolonged legal proceedings. However, despite having four weeks to decide on requests, the Justice Ministry has delayed responses for over six months, according to adoptees’ attorney Choi Jung Kyu.

Jung promised to direct staff members to resolve these delays but doesn’t believe a separate expedited compensation system is necessary, despite advocacy group recommendations.

From the 1970s through the early 2000s, South Korea annually sent thousands of children to the United States, Europe and Australia, reaching a high point of over 6,000 yearly during the 1980s. Military leadership at that time viewed population increases as major obstacles to economic objectives and considered adoptions a method to decrease the population requiring government support.

The earlier truth commission’s conclusions matched previous Associated Press reporting. AP investigations, conducted with Frontline (PBS), utilized thousands of documents and numerous interviews to demonstrate how South Korea’s government, Western nations and adoption agencies collaborated to send approximately 200,000 Korean children abroad, despite ongoing evidence that many were obtained through corrupt or illegal practices.

Jung also addressed initiatives to fight trafficking and forced labor at salt production facilities and other locations, plus widespread mistreatment of migrant workers, which has generated persistent criticism of South Korea’s exploitation of some of Asia’s most vulnerable populations.

These concerns have become more pressing following the Trump administration’s launch of investigations last month into dozens of nations accused of inadequately addressing forced labor.

This action was part of efforts to establish new tariffs and trade restrictions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned President Donald Trump’s previous tariffs based on emergency authorities. The United States also blocked imports from a major South Korean salt facility accused of utilizing slave labor last year, marking the first trade partner to impose punitive measures against a decades-old problem at salt farms on islands near the country’s southwestern coast.

Jung pledged to intensify efforts to “uproot” trafficking and labor violations, including directing prosecutors to pursue stronger penalties for infractions and enhancing oversight of businesses employing foreign workers.

“We cannot monitor every corner of the private sector, but I think we are capable of supervising these matters more thoroughly than almost any other country,” Jung said.

A fresh survey from Budapest reveals that Hungary’s center-right Tisza party has moved ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s governing Fidesz party as Sunday’s parliamentary election approaches, according to polling data released Friday by the newspaper Nepszava.

The longtime nationalist leader confronts what appears to be his most significant political threat in a decade and a half, though a substantial portion of voters remain uncommitted, making the election’s final result difficult to predict.

According to the Publicus Institute survey, Tisza party, under the leadership of former government official Peter Magyar, captured 52% support among voters who have made their decision, while Fidesz secured backing from 39% of this group.

When examining the complete voter pool of 1,000 respondents, the polling data revealed 38% support for Tisza compared to 29% for Fidesz. A significant 25% of those surveyed indicated they remained undecided about their voting intentions.

Recent polling trends from multiple organizations show consistent patterns, with surveys from March and early April demonstrating Tisza maintaining leads over Fidesz across different research firms. The data spans from March 17 through April 9, with undecided voters consistently representing between 18% and 26% of respondents across various polls.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian military troops intercepted Iranian-made Shahed drones across several Middle Eastern nations during recent conflicts with Iran, marking the first time he has publicly confirmed such overseas military activities.

The Ukrainian leader disclosed these operations during a Wednesday press conference with journalists, though his comments were held under embargo until Friday’s release.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian personnel participated in active military missions beyond their borders, deploying Ukraine-manufactured interceptor drones that have been proven effective in combat situations. He characterized these interventions as part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to assist allied nations in defending against the same drone technology that Russia regularly deploys in its ongoing assault on Ukraine.

PULA, Croatia (AP) — Evening approaches along the Adriatic coastline as Marijan Jakopovic readies his vessel and fishing gear for another night at sea, continuing a routine he’s followed for three decades. However, the 55-year-old Croatian fisherman says the industry has never faced such challenging circumstances.

Escalating fuel costs triggered by the Iranian conflict are devastating Croatia’s commercial fishing sector, compounding existing challenges including depleted fish populations, regulatory restrictions, and competition from imported frozen seafood.

These fishermen supply fresh catch during Croatia’s busy summer tourist months, and they’re cautioning that another spike in fuel prices could spell disaster if the Iranian ceasefire fails.

“This is turning into an almost hopeless situation,” said Jakopovic, who operates from Lanisce, a small community on Croatia’s northern Istrian peninsula.

The cost of blue diesel—specialized fuel exclusively for agricultural and fishing operations—has skyrocketed approximately 70% within 30 days in Croatia. Official statistics show prices jumped from 0.80 euros ($0.94) per liter on March 8 to 1.36 euros ($1.59) per liter by April 7.

While Croatia’s administration implemented temporary price controls, these measures couldn’t completely shield the industry from financial impact. Neighboring nations have experienced similar effects despite implementing government subsidies and pricing restrictions.

Vedran Spehar, a high-ranking official from Croatia’s Ministry of Economy, told state-run Croatian Radio this week that blue diesel would have cost at least 2 euros ($2.34) per liter without government intervention, which also prevented supply shortages.

Croatia joined the European Union in 2013 and switched to euro currency in 2023, a change that coincided with widespread price increases. The economic consequences of Ukraine’s war had already elevated energy and food costs before the Iranian conflict began.

Currently, Croatia experiences the EU’s highest inflation rate at 4.8% annually.

According to Jakopovic, mounting expenses now force some fishing crews to allocate up to 70% of their income toward fuel costs, varying by vessel type. This doesn’t include additional expenses for crew wages, boat maintenance, and fishing equipment.

These difficulties aren’t recent developments.

Croatia’s commercial fishing has struggled for years despite booming tourism along the nation’s spectacular coast and islands—over 20 million visitors came to the country last year alone.

Fish prices at Croatian markets and restaurants may increase this year.

Almira Raimovic sells seafood at Pula’s northern market. She anticipates that if fishermen increase their prices to offset fuel expenses, both retail and wholesale costs will rise accordingly.

Raimovic previously worked as a fisher but switched to a more lucrative business—using her former fishing vessel for tourist excursions. While Mediterranean populations will continue purchasing fish, consumer behavior may need to adapt, she noted.

“The focus will likely shift to cheaper fish, sardines and anchovies, which are still more affordable than other (fish),” she said. “Rising fuel prices will affect everyone, inflating the cost of living and of food across all sectors, not just fishing.”

Fishing crews have previously voiced concerns about declining fish populations, seasonal prohibitions on certain species, catch quotas, and protected marine areas established to safeguard threatened wildlife.

As an EU member nation, Croatia follows the organization’s stringent sustainable fishing regulations.

These factors require fishermen to travel greater distances and remain at sea longer, increasing fuel usage. This destructive cycle threatens to eliminate many operations since each fishing expedition now involves excessive financial risk, Jakopovic explained.

“We don’t know how much longer we will be able to keep working,” he said.

BEIJING — In a significant diplomatic development, Taiwan’s opposition party leader held a historic meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, marking the first high-level encounter of this nature in more than a decade. The meeting focused on maintaining stability and peace surrounding the self-governing island that Beijing considers part of its territory.

During the gathering, both Xi and Cheng Li-wun, who leads the pro-Beijing Kuomintang Party, expressed their commitment to pursuing peaceful reunification between Taiwan and mainland China, although the specific path to achieving this goal remains undefined. Despite talk of peace, China continues to maintain that military action remains an option and has intensified its military activities near Taiwan, deploying naval vessels and military aircraft closer to the island while systematically reducing Taiwan’s diplomatic partnerships worldwide.

Xi greeted Cheng and her delegation to enthusiastic applause from attendees on both sides. “The larger trend of compatriots on both sides of the strait walking nearer, closer, and together will not change. This is a historical necessity. We have full confidence in this,” he said.

“Although people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait live under different systems, we will respect each other and move towards each other,” Cheng said, adding: “We will seek systemic solutions to prevent and avoid war.”

Cheng’s visit to Beijing began Tuesday following stops in Shanghai and Nanjing.

The Kuomintang leader has consistently positioned herself as an advocate for peaceful relations between Taiwan and China. She has resisted significant increases to Taiwan’s military budget, and her party continues to obstruct President Lai Ching-te’s special defense funding proposal for weapons procurement, including development of the Taiwan Dome air defense system with missile interception capabilities.

The island has maintained separate governance from China since 1949, following a civil conflict that brought Communist forces to power in Beijing. The defeated Kuomintang military and political leadership retreated to Taiwan, establishing their own administration there.

Both leaders expressed support for the 1992 Consensus while rejecting Taiwan’s independence.

The 1992 Consensus represents an informal understanding, never officially documented, acknowledging that both Taiwan and China belong to one China. The KMT interprets this as “One China” with different understandings of what constitutes China, though the Communist Party has never recognized this distinction.

Cheng stated that both parties would collaborate to ensure “the Taiwan Strait will no longer be a flash point with the possibility of conflict, and will not become a chess piece played by the outside world.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — American and Iranian diplomats made final preparations Friday for crucial talks set to commence Saturday in Islamabad, as both nations work to stabilize a fragile ceasefire amid ongoing Israeli-Hezbollah hostilities and Iran’s continued restrictions on the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.

Vice President JD Vance was scheduled to depart Washington to lead the American delegation, while Iran has yet to announce its representatives as it continues demanding that the U.S. stop Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The Tasnim news agency, which has ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, warned that discussions would “remain suspended” without such action.

Kuwait reported Thursday evening that it was targeted by a drone strike, which it attributed to Iran and its regional militia partners. While Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has denied conducting the attack, the organization has previously executed similar operations throughout the Middle East without claiming responsibility.

Alongside the Iran discussions, Israel-Lebanon talks are also scheduled to commence next week at the State Department in Washington, potentially strengthening regional ceasefire initiatives, according to a U.S. official and an informed source who requested anonymity given the sensitive nature of the discussions.

This development follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Thursday announcement that he has given approval for direct talks with Lebanon “as soon as possible” with goals of dismantling Iranian-supported Hezbollah forces and establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The two nations have remained technically in a state of war since Israel’s founding in 1948, and Netanyahu later emphasized that no ceasefire currently exists between them. Israel’s decision to pursue Lebanese negotiations comes amid disputes over whether the ceasefire agreement includes halting Israel-Hezbollah combat, and follows Israel’s devastating airstrikes on Beirut that marked the most lethal day in Lebanon since hostilities began February 28.

The Washington discussions are anticipated to include U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa representing America and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter speaking for Israel, according to the informed source.

Lebanese officials had not issued a response by Friday morning, and Lebanon’s representative remains unclear. Axios initially reported the timing and venue details.

Following ceasefire victory declarations, both Iran and the United States have seemingly increased pressure on one another. Iranian semi-official media outlets have suggested military forces have placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil transport waterway that Tehran has effectively closed. Trump has cautioned that American forces would strike Iran more forcefully than previously if it fails to honor the agreement.

Thursday evening, President Donald Trump questioned the ceasefire’s success, posting on his social media platform: “Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz.”

“That is not the agreement we have!” Trump wrote regarding the limited number of vessels Iran has permitted through the essential waterway.

Demonstrating Iran’s ongoing strait control, a Botswana-flagged liquefied natural gas vessel that attempted to exit the Persian Gulf following Revolutionary Guard instructions suddenly reversed course and returned early Friday, according to ship-tracking information.

Saudi Arabia reported that recent attacks have harmed a critical pipeline within the kingdom. The Saudi Press Agency, citing an unnamed official, stated that the important East-West pipeline, which transports oil to the Red Sea while bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, sustained damage during recent strikes.

Uncertainty persists regarding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile at the center of regional tensions, the timeline for normal strait traffic restoration, and Iran’s future missile capabilities and proxy support throughout the region.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, cautioned in a Thursday social media message that continued Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon would result in “explicit costs and STRONG responses.”

Qalibaf has been mentioned as a potential negotiator who might meet with Vance in Islamabad. The White House confirmed Vance would head the delegation for Saturday’s talks.

Trump revealed Thursday that he has requested Netanyahu reduce the intensity of Lebanese strikes.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli strikes on central Beirut and other Lebanese areas Wednesday resulted in over 300 deaths and more than 1,100 injuries. Israel stated these strikes targeted Hezbollah, which entered the conflict supporting Tehran.

Early Friday, Israel’s military announced it had struck approximately 10 rocket launchers in Lebanon that had fired projectiles toward northern Israel Thursday.

Four oil tankers and three bulk carriers passed through the strait Thursday, increasing the total vessels crossing since the ceasefire to at least 12, according to data firm Kpler.

Iranian semi-official news outlets published a Thursday chart suggesting the Revolutionary Guard deployed sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict — potentially a message designed to pressure the United States.

The chart, distributed by ISNA news agency and Tasnim, displayed a large circle labeled “danger zone” in Farsi covering the shipping route through the strait, which previously handled 20% of all traded oil and natural gas.

Sultan al-Jaber, head of the United Arab Emirates’ major oil company, stated that approximately 230 oil-laden ships await passage through the strait and must be permitted “to navigate this corridor without condition.”

The strait’s effective closure has driven oil prices dramatically higher, impacting gasoline, food, and other essential goods costs well beyond the Middle East. Brent crude’s spot price, the international benchmark, reached around $96 Friday, representing a 35% increase since the war’s beginning.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that his nation will endure significant challenges both on the battlefield and in diplomatic circles during the upcoming spring and summer months as the war continues.

Speaking to reporters in comments released Friday by his office, Zelenskyy revealed that international allies have requested Ukraine to decrease its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as worldwide energy prices have climbed due to Middle East conflicts and Iran-related tensions. The Ukrainian leader did not identify which specific partners made these requests.

“This spring–summer period will be quite difficult politically and diplomatically. There may be pressure on Ukraine,” Zelenskyy stated. “There will also be pressure on the battlefield.”

“I believe it will be very difficult for us until September,” he added.

The Ukrainian president outlined conditions for potential de-escalation, stating that Russia must stop attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure and agree to participate in three-way peace negotiations facilitated by the United States. However, he acknowledged that Washington appears hesitant to invest additional time in Ukraine’s peace process at this time.

Over recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have intensified strikes against Russian energy facilities, targeting oil revenue streams as Moscow has benefited from rising petroleum prices and relaxed U.S. sanctions. Ukrainian military officials have taken credit for more than twelve attacks on Russian oil installations, with major strikes targeting Baltic ports Ust-Luga and Primorsk, which serve as Russia’s primary petroleum export terminals.

“Russians now have major problems with some of their facilities. After any strike on our energy sector, we respond – and that is entirely fair. If Russians want this to stop, they must stop their strikes, and then we will act in kind,” Zelenskyy explained.

The Ukrainian leader disclosed that during Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, partner nations requested Ukraine to reduce its Russian oil facility attacks, but he countered that Russian petroleum has minimal global market influence.

Zelenskyy emphasized his desire for renewed international sanctions pressure on Russia. With a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran announced Tuesday, he expressed optimism that American sanctions on Russian oil, which were temporarily relaxed during the Middle East conflict, would be fully restored.

In March, the United States granted a 30-day exemption allowing nations to purchase sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products to help stabilize global energy markets disrupted by the Iran conflict.

For diplomatic progress, Zelenskyy suggested that three-way discussions on ending the war should occur within the next three months if Russia seeks de-escalation. This year’s three rounds of trilateral negotiations have produced minimal advancement, with Ukraine rejecting Russian demands to surrender remaining eastern Donbas territories that Moscow has failed to capture.

Combat continues along more than 1,200 kilometers of front lines, with both nations escalating drone strikes on targets distant from active fighting zones.

President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about a two-week Middle East ceasefire’s success amid Iran’s ongoing control of the Strait of Hormuz, as Kuwait pointed fingers at Iran and allied groups for Thursday drone attacks that violated the truce.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard paramilitary forces rejected Kuwait’s accusations of conducting strikes against Gulf nations following Kuwait’s public statement.

In a development that could strengthen regional peace efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his approval for direct negotiations with Lebanon. As of Friday morning, Lebanese officials had not issued a response.

Netanyahu’s statement followed Israel’s Wednesday bombardment of Beirut that resulted in over 300 deaths. Sources indicate the discussions are planned for next week in Washington.

Major uncertainties persist regarding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile that sits at the center of regional tensions, the timeline for restoring regular shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s future capacity for missile launches and proxy group support.

Diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran aimed at resolving the crisis are set to commence Saturday in Islamabad, with the White House confirming Vice President JD Vance will head the American team.

Throughout Thursday night and into Friday morning, residents in Tehran and surrounding Iranian regions reported hearing sounds consistent with air defense systems and explosions.

Iranian officials, however, made no public statements acknowledging any attacks during this timeframe.

Similar incidents have occurred following previous military exchanges with Israel, as forces remained in heightened alert status.

Japan announced plans to release an additional 20 days’ worth of oil reserves in May, marking the second round of releases to address Middle East supply concerns.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated the government reserve release would begin in early May, following last month’s initial release.

Japan began tapping approximately 50 days’ worth of oil reserves in March from government, private sector, and Gulf nation holdings.

According to the Natural Resources and Energy Agency, Japan maintained 230 days’ worth of oil reserves as of April 6, with 143 days stored in government facilities.

Takaichi noted her administration’s efforts to establish oil import routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz while working to expand supplier diversity.

Pakistani officials announced Friday they would provide arrival visas for individuals traveling to Islamabad for the Iran-U.S. negotiations, acknowledging significant international media attention surrounding the talks.

Financial markets are showing signs of tension as the recently brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran faces mounting challenges, according to market analyst Gregor Stuart Hunter’s Friday assessment of global trading conditions.

The fragile peace agreement appears increasingly unstable following Israeli military operations in Lebanon that sparked retaliatory strikes from Hezbollah, while shipping traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted, drawing sharp criticism from President Trump.

Market investors displayed caution as Iranian officials claimed Israel’s military actions in Lebanon breach the terms of the U.S.-Iran deal, dampening the positive market sentiment that had emerged after the ceasefire announcement. Friday trading showed S&P 500 electronic futures holding steady, while the MSCI Asia-Pacific stock index excluding Japan climbed 0.8%.

Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday his intention to pursue diplomatic discussions with Beirut, following what military analysts described as the most devastating Israeli bombing campaign of the conflict, which resulted in over 300 Lebanese casualties. Hezbollah’s response came Friday with a missile launch targeting Israel, activating emergency sirens across multiple cities including Tel Aviv.

President Trump took to Truth Social to express frustration with Iran’s handling of maritime traffic, criticizing the country for doing a “very poor job” of facilitating ship passage through the waterway. “That is not the agreement we have!” Trump posted on the social media platform.

The Strait of Hormuz previously handled approximately 20% of worldwide oil and natural gas shipments before the conflict began. Current vessel traffic has dropped to less than 10% of typical volumes as ships must navigate both explosive devices and complex approval processes, with Iranian authorities requiring permission for each individual vessel.

The virtual shutdown of this critical shipping lane during the six-week military engagement between U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran has created widespread disruption in international markets, driving oil prices higher and creating energy supply shortages globally.

Economic ripple effects from the conflict are spreading beyond the immediate region, with Chinese manufacturing prices recording their first increase in three and a half years during March, according to government statistics released this week.

Oil markets reflected ongoing supply concerns as Brent crude prices increased 0.7% to reach $96.57 per barrel. In response to energy security worries, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Friday that Japan will begin releasing strategic petroleum reserves equivalent to 20 days of consumption starting in May.

Japanese financial markets showed strength with the Nikkei 225 advancing 1.6%, boosted by record-setting performance from Fast Retailing shares after the Uniqlo parent company reported quarterly profits that exceeded analyst projections.

European market indicators pointed to positive opening sessions, with continental futures up 0.6%, German DAX contracts gaining 0.6%, and FTSE futures rising 0.2% in pre-market trading.

LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II firmly believed that for a monarch to be effective, the public needed to see them clearly. This philosophy led her to introduce innovative fashion choices, including a transparent plastic rain jacket that allowed crowds to spot her even during England’s unpredictable storms, rather than hiding behind a traditional dark umbrella.

This distinctive raincoat is among nearly 300 clothing pieces and fashion items now featured in a new exhibition opening Friday at Buckingham Palace’s King’s Gallery. The display honors the late queen’s legacy as Britain approaches what would have been her 100th birthday celebration. This comprehensive showcase represents the most extensive collection of her fashion choices ever assembled, documenting Elizabeth’s journey and her influence on British style.

“I think she had a definite sense of what suited her,” exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut said. “She absolutely knew how she wanted to appear.”

Many pieces will seem familiar since Elizabeth ranked among history’s most photographed individuals. However, seeing her elegant evening gowns, classic tweed ensembles, and signature scarves displayed on museum figures rather than the queen herself creates an unusual viewing experience.

The collection also features truly unique pieces.

Among them is the outfit, including matching undergarments, worn by Elizabeth’s body double during the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. The spectacular sequence showed the 86-year-old monarch apparently jumping from an aircraft into the stadium with actor Daniel Craig portraying James Bond. To maintain the surprise, the real queen later appeared in the audience wearing an identical ensemble.

Both outfits, created by Elizabeth’s trusted designer Angela Kelly, are presented together, though the stunt performer’s version features a large back zipper to accommodate parachuting equipment.

The display, selected from approximately 4,000 pieces from the queen’s personal collection, demonstrates how clothing became one of her most effective communication methods as she transformed from a young royal into Britain’s longest-serving sovereign.

This strategic approach often appeared in her color selections and decorative elements, exemplified by the green and white Norman Hartnell evening gown she selected for a state dinner during her 1961 Pakistan visit, showing respect by wearing the host country’s national colors.

“The queen had an intimate understanding of how fashion could lend itself to diplomacy, a trait which, while its origins certainly lay in earlier reigns, the queen developed into nothing short of an art form,” de Guitaut said. “Color or embellishment communicated messages of respect to her host nation before she had even uttered a word in her speech.”

Especially in her later years, Elizabeth chose vibrant or unusual colors for major public appearances to ensure easy visibility, guaranteeing attendees could claim they had actually seen their monarch.

The exhibition also features the queen’s casual wardrobe. Tweed suits from Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s Scottish highland retreat, are shown alongside clothing for horseback riding, walking, and other outdoor activities. A heavy wool coat designed by Kelly during Elizabeth’s final years appears next to pieces from Burberry and British designer Hardy Amies.

Garments from significant moments throughout the queen’s extensive life are featured, ranging from her baptismal gown, originally ordered by Queen Victoria for future King Edward VII’s christening, to outfits from her marriage ceremony and coronation.

The display includes design sketches and personal notes revealing the queen’s hands-on involvement in creating her wardrobe.

Naomi Pike, commissioning editor for Elle UK, believes the collection properly acknowledges Elizabeth’s fashion icon status, despite other royals like her younger sister Princess Margaret and daughter-in-law Princess Diana receiving more style attention during her lifetime.

“I think we’re very quick in this day and age to afford people icon status. … It’s thrown around so easily,” Pike said. “But I think in the case of the queen, she was an icon and so much of that comes down to having a very strong sense of personal style.”

While the formal gowns may attract the most attention, the exhibition offers unexpected discoveries. Among items showing “what the monarch wore,” curators included a well-worn fairy costume created from a ballet tutu with attached wings.

This piece particularly delights Cecilia Oliver, a textile conservator at the King’s Gallery, who called it the “cutest thing in the world.”

“I think what I love most about it is that it was bought for Elizabeth as a child, and to think of her as this tiny little girl that then grew up into this magnificent woman with all this weight of responsibility on her shoulders, it just feels very, sort of sentimental,” Oliver said.

Oliver became emotional describing the months spent preparing the exhibition and the honor of working with so many items connected to someone recognized worldwide but truly understood by few.

“As a conservator, I have a really intimate knowledge of these pieces. I’ve been able to touch them. I’ve been able to smell them. I’ve been able to understand them,” she said. “And through that, I felt really close to her.”

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style continues through Oct. 18 at the King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.

The week spanning April 3 through 9, 2026, witnessed significant religious and political events throughout Latin America and the Caribbean region.

In Mexico, the sacred period of Holy Week continued with traditional observances as religious devotees in Atlixco participated in Good Friday ceremonies, donning chains as part of their spiritual penance rituals.

Meanwhile, civil unrest erupted in Venezuela where law enforcement officers confronted demonstrators who were calling for increased wages, improved retirement benefits, and enhanced worker compensation packages.

Political activity also made headlines in Peru, where supporters gathered in Lima to attend a campaign event for Rafael López Aliaga, the presidential hopeful representing the Popular Renewal political party.

The photographic collection highlighting these events was assembled by Silvia Izquierdo, a photographer working from Rio de Janeiro.

TOKYO (AP) — The ancient art of Japanese Kabuki theater centers around a time-honored tradition where stage names pass from father to son across generations, with elaborate ceremonies marking these transitions every few years.

Currently, this sacred ritual unfolds as Kazuyasu Terajima, 48, receives the prestigious title of eighth Kikugoro from his 83-year-old father, the seventh Kikugoro, who inherited the same name from his own father decades earlier.

“Taking on the name is about taking on the spirit and responsibility that’s created and getting passed down over generations by those who came before us,” the younger Kikugoro, Kazuyasu Terajima, told reporters recently.

“The job of the Kabuki actor is to carry on and develop in the present what we have inherited from our predecessors and make sure it gets passed on to those who come after us.”

The Danjuro family represents another renowned Kabuki dynasty, with the 13th Danjuro receiving his inherited name during ceremonies in 2022.

This theatrical art form, which originated in the 1600s, remains vibrant in contemporary Japan. The Oscar-nominated film “Kokuho,” recognized for makeup and hairstyling, demonstrates Kabuki’s enduring appeal, achieving record-breaking box office success as Japan’s highest-grossing domestic live-action film.

Traditional Kabuki performances feature intense tales of honorable samurai seeking vengeance through secret identities, or beautiful women transforming into serpents, blending live musical accompaniment, choreographed movement, and vocal performances with highly stylized acting techniques — with male performers portraying every character, adorned in vibrant costumes and elaborate face paint.

Male actors specializing in female characters earn the designation “onnagata,” while versatile performers like Kikugoro master both masculine and feminine roles.

Western audiences often find Kabuki’s complete rejection of naturalistic representation striking, as performers abandon any pretense of realistic behavior. Actors freeze in dramatic poses called “mie” mid-dialogue to emphasize themes of bravery or escape, with these pivotal moments highlighted by rhythmic wooden clappers resembling claves.

Performers deliver dialogue in melodic, poetic cadences. Live musical accompaniment creates atmospheric effects, with massive drums mimicking thunder when struck forcefully or gentle snowfall when played softly. Delicate bells might represent fluttering butterflies.

Rotating stage sets provide spectacular backdrops, including cherry trees releasing cascades of pink paper blossoms. Some productions incorporate acrobatic elements, such as wire-suspended actors portraying joyful foxes dancing overhead.

Kabuki’s theatrical magic includes on-stage costume and character transformations performed before audiences, converting human characters into demons with assistance from stage assistants wearing anonymous black garments called “kurogo.”

Striking similarities exist between Kabuki and Shakespearean drama. The beloved play “The Love Suicides at Sonezaki” depicts young lovers choosing death together, echoing Romeo and Juliet themes.

These resemblances occurred coincidentally. Chikamatsu Monzaemon, who created this work for Japan’s Bunraku puppet theater, lived during the isolationist Tokugawa era of the 18th century and likely never encountered Shakespeare’s writings, though Shakespeare had penned his similar romance decades before Chikamatsu’s birth.

For the new Kikugoro, 48-year-old Terajima embraces a destiny determined at birth, following his predecessors’ path. Despite lifelong training from childhood, he expresses no reluctance about his predetermined role as Kikugoro.

“I totally adored and admired my predecessors,” he said at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Tokyo last month.

“First of all, I am filled with gratitude to our predecessors who created great works that continue to be loved by generations that came after. So I am grateful to be born into the family of such ancestors.”

Terajima appeared alongside his 12-year-old son Kazufumi, who will inherit his father’s previous title, Kikunosuke — the traditional name for younger family members, passed down through generations like the Kikugoro designation.

Young Kikunosuke expresses passion for Kabuki performance, though like typical children, he enjoys video games and the Japanese rock group Mrs. Green Apple.

The demanding training requires significant dedication, including daily morning runs, strict dietary discipline, and early bedtimes.

“It’s not only hard physically. It’s also pretty hard mentally, and I sometime took it out on my parents,” he said with a smile, carrying himself with a controlled professional pose way beyond his age.

The name-succession ceremony, known as “shumei,” began last year with father and son performances across Japan and continues throughout this year.

American scholar James R. Brandon, who dedicated his research to Kabuki, characterizes it as following a specific code, “a theater in which the art of acting is central, and in which playwright and actor cooperate to achieve the unique style of performance found only in Kabuki.”

Japanese tradition emphasizes proper methodology, called “kata,” which becomes the template for future generations pursuing this art form, according to Brandon.

Despite concerns about Kabuki’s future survival, the new Kikugoro maintains faith in Kabuki’s “kata,” believing no changes are necessary since the art form’s essential spirit remains eternally relevant.

“By using kata, what we want to truly communicate the most in the tradition of Kabuki is human compassion, that spirit of caring for others,” he said.

Vice President JD Vance departs Friday for Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad, where he’ll spearhead diplomatic negotiations with Iranian officials as a fragile ceasefire teeters on the edge of failure.

President Donald Trump has chosen Vance, who has historically questioned foreign military involvement and expressed concerns about endless overseas conflicts, to broker a resolution to the six-week war and prevent Trump’s dramatic threat to destroy Iran’s “whole civilization.”

The temporary truce appears increasingly unstable, with Iranian public positions and those of the United States and Israel appearing impossible to reconcile. Domestic pressure is mounting in America for a swift conclusion to the conflict, particularly as Vance may seek the presidency in two years.

Accompanying Vance will be Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who participated in three previous rounds of indirect negotiations with Iranian representatives. These earlier discussions focused on addressing American concerns regarding Tehran’s nuclear weapons development, ballistic missile capabilities, and backing of armed proxy organizations across the Middle East before the February 28 war commenced.

The White House has released minimal information regarding the negotiation structure or whether discussions will occur directly or through intermediaries, offering no specific expectations for the meetings.

Vance’s participation represents an unprecedented level of direct American governmental contact with Iranian leadership. The most significant previous engagement occurred in September 2013, when President Barack Obama telephoned newly-elected Iranian President Hassan Rouhani regarding nuclear issues following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Disagreements over ceasefire conditions emerged almost immediately after Tuesday evening’s truce announcement by both the White House and Iran.

Iranian officials maintained that ending Israeli military operations in Lebanon constituted part of the ceasefire agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump stated the truce excluded Lebanon, allowing Israeli actions there to continue.

American officials simultaneously demanded Iran fulfill commitments to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Republic had blocked this vital shipping corridor in response to escalating Israeli strikes against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Trump criticized Iran’s performance Thursday evening, stating the country was “doing a very poor job” facilitating oil tanker passage. “That is not the agreement we have!” he wrote on social media.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly indicated that Vance, Witkoff, Kushner and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “have always been collaborating on these discussions.” She expressed Trump’s optimism for achieving a permanent agreement during the two-week ceasefire period. “President Trump has a proven track record of achieving good deals on behalf of the United States and the American people, and he will only accept one that puts America first,” Kelly said.

This mission represents Vance’s most significant responsibility to date, having maintained a relatively low profile during his first year in the Trump White House while figures like Elon Musk and Rubio served as prominent presidential advisers.

Vance’s responsibilities are expanding rapidly, beginning with domestic fraud prevention in government programs and now extending to resolving America’s Middle Eastern military engagement in an extraordinarily complex situation.

The vice president, who served as a Marine during the Iraq War and spent two years as a U.S. senator before assuming his current role, possesses limited diplomatic background.

Vance rejected suggestions Wednesday that Iranian officials specifically requested his participation in negotiations. “I don’t know that. I would be surprised if that was true. But, you know, I wanted to be involved because I thought I could make a difference,” he told reporters.

Jonathan Schanzer, former Treasury Department official and current executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, described Vance as an intriguing selection given his minimal Iran policy experience.

Trump has acknowledged his vice president was “less enthusiastic” than other senior Republican administration officials, potentially making Vance an appealing negotiating partner for Iran, according to Schanzer.

“I think they probably prefer him knowing that his perspective on foreign intervention is one of skepticism,” Schanzer said regarding Iranian preferences. “I do think that he’s going to need some help. I don’t think he’s ever been engaged in negotiations with this kind of weight, this kind of seriousness. This is as serious as it gets.”

The White House has not identified additional negotiation participants beyond Vance, Witkoff and Kushner, though Kelly confirmed that National Security Council, State Department and Pentagon officials “will also play a supportive role.”

During preliminary indirect nuclear discussions before the war, Democratic lawmakers and nuclear specialists questioned whether Kushner and Witkoff possessed sufficient technical expertise. The White House has not disclosed whether nuclear experts accompanied the pair during those talks, despite Trump’s continued reliance on them for challenging negotiations since returning to office.

Joel Goldstein, a Saint Louis University law professor specializing in vice presidential history, noted that vice presidents commonly handle important presidential negotiations.

However, he added, “I don’t recall a situation where a vice president has been sent to negotiate a ceasefire or peace in connection with a war the United States was involved with.”

Both Vance and Rubio are considered leading Republican presidential candidates for 2028, though neither has clearly indicated campaign intentions.

According to an anonymous source familiar with internal discussions, Vance’s team is not approaching these negotiations with future political considerations in mind.

Goldstein explained that as vice president, Vance would naturally inherit any administration consequences if he eventually pursues the presidency. Leading these negotiations further connects him to the conflict’s outcome.

“The fact that he’s involved in the negotiations in a very visible way, that means that, if things go south, that people will be pointing fingers at him,” Goldstein said.

Conversely, Goldstein noted, “If things go well, then it will be something that he could point to.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Singapore Friday for crucial talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as his nation works to stabilize fuel supplies during ongoing Middle East disruptions.

The meeting comes as Australia faces growing concerns over diesel shortages that have impacted farming and mining operations, while panic purchasing has left gas stations empty across the country.

Singapore serves as Asia’s central oil trading hub and provides Australia with its largest source of gasoline, along with significant amounts of diesel and aviation fuel.

“This is an important relationship at a time when fuel security is on the agenda, right around the globe due to the conflict in the Middle East,” Albanese told reporters following his Thursday evening arrival in Singapore.

The energy partnership flows both ways, with Australia providing approximately one-third of Singapore’s liquefied natural gas while receiving roughly 26% of its processed fuel from the island nation.

“Australia and Singapore are strategically aligned. We share values and we share a relationship of trust between each other. And that is why it’s so important that at difficult times in the world we can rely upon each other,” Albanese explained.

Australia joins other Asian nations grappling with fuel supply concerns following Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that previously handled about 20% of global oil transport before the current conflict with the United States and Israel.

Maritime traffic through the strait remains nearly frozen despite a tentative peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran.

Australia consumes approximately 1 million barrels of oil daily and imported 84% of its petroleum products last year. The nation now operates just two refineries, a sharp decline from eight facilities in 2005.

Singapore operates as a major Asian refining center with three facilities capable of processing about 1.2 million barrels daily, though output has decreased due to crude supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz closure.

Recent data from road insurer NRMA shows Singapore accounts for 54.7% of Australia’s gasoline imports, totaling nearly 6 billion liters. South Korea follows at 22.5%, with India third at 11.5% or 1.25 billion liters.

Since early March, Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have engaged in ongoing discussions with Asian partners regarding fuel security.

Australian officials report conducting talks with Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, China and other regional allies.

MORBI, India — An industrial city responsible for manufacturing more than 80% of India’s ceramic tiles has experienced an unprecedented slowdown over recent weeks due to fuel supply disruptions.

The ongoing conflict in Iran has created severe shortages of natural gas needed to power the tile-making kilns in Morbi, while available fuel has become prohibitively expensive for manufacturers trying to remain competitive. The majority of natural gas supplies arrive through imports via the Strait of Hormuz.

Located in Gujarat state, Morbi has flourished as a key export hub thanks to its strategic location near Arabian Sea ports and access to local raw materials.

The energy crisis has forced many factory workers to seek jobs elsewhere or return to their home states. Only a minimal workforce remains to perform basic maintenance tasks at the shuttered facilities.

Hareshbhai Bhadja, a partner at manufacturing company GC Granito, explained the scope of the shutdown: “Out of the odd 650 or 700 manufacturing units, only four to five large ones are operational as they can afford to use the more expensive propane gas.”

A recent ceasefire agreement has sparked optimism among local manufacturers.

Several production facilities are preparing to restart operations following supply guarantees from Gujarat Gas, the state government’s gas utility. It remains uncertain whether fuel costs will return to pre-conflict levels.

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk is scheduled to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on April 13 for diplomatic talks focused on defense industry partnerships and international security matters, according to Friday media reports from Seoul.

Tusk’s arrival on Sunday will mark a historic milestone as the first time a Polish prime minister has made a bilateral trip to South Korea in 27 years, sources from the presidential Blue House confirmed to reporters.

The diplomatic meeting occurs as both nations continue to strengthen their military cooperation ties.

Back in 2022, the two countries established a massive $44.2 billion defense framework deal that allows South Korean firms to provide military equipment to Poland while also manufacturing weapons jointly within Polish territory.

Following that initial agreement, major South Korean defense contractors like Hanwha Aerospace and Hyundai Rotem have secured additional multi-billion-dollar deals to deliver military hardware including tanks and missile launching systems.

According to media sources, both leaders intend to explore opportunities for expanding their strategic alliance across multiple sectors.

Given Poland’s significant role in both the European Union and NATO, discussions are also anticipated to cover wider international concerns with Seoul, including the current Middle East crisis, the reports indicated.

SEOUL, South Korea — Top diplomatic officials from China and North Korea have committed to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding collaborative efforts following high-level discussions in Pyongyang, according to state media reports released Friday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in North Korea’s capital on Thursday, marking his first diplomatic mission to the country since 2017.

According to China’s Xinhua news agency, Wang met with his North Korean counterpart, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, where they addressed current global and regional matters during Thursday’s session, though specific topics were not disclosed. North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency stated that both officials committed to enhancing strategic dialogue between their respective foreign policy departments.

State media from both nations did not reveal whether discussions included the United States or other international concerns such as the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The diplomatic visit occurs ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned trip to Beijing for a postponed summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for May.

While North Korea and China have traditionally maintained what’s often characterized as a relationship “as close as lips and teeth,” recent years have seen questions arise about their bond. North Korea has concentrated on building stronger ties with Russia, providing military personnel and weapons for Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine, while China appears hesitant to join an anti-Western coalition with North Korea and Russia.

However, both nations have been working to strengthen their partnership. In September, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Xi conducted their first leadership meeting in over six years, during which they committed to mutual assistance.

Transportation links between the countries were restored last month when North Korea and China restarted direct aviation and railway passenger services that had been halted since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

A high-ranking Russian official declared Friday that Moscow remains committed to supporting Cuba and will continue providing energy assistance to help the island nation overcome challenges created by U.S. sanctions.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov made the statements during a press briefing in Havana following diplomatic discussions, according to Russian news outlets. He emphasized that Russia has no plans to retreat from its regional interests regardless of American objections.

The Russian official indicated that Moscow’s assistance would extend beyond the recent major oil shipment delivered to Cuba last month.

“I am certain that the events of recent weeks in our relations will have us moving forward to find solutions to the toughest problems…emerging from the illegal and absolutely unacceptable blockade of the island by the U.S.,” Ryabkov stated.

“We cannot betray Cuba. That is out of the question. We cannot leave it on its own.”

According to Ryabkov, addressing Cuba’s energy requirements remains a top priority for Russian policy.

“It is too early to say what the next steps will be. But it is clear we will not be limiting our supplies to the load that was aboard the tanker Anatoly Kolodkin,” he explained.

“Russia has no plans to walk away from the Western hemisphere, no matter what Washington might say,” news agencies reported him stating. “They are obsessed with pushing Russia and China out of the region.”

The diplomat also referenced recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, saying they “make it clear that using force, sanctions and political diktat do not produce desired results.”

Last month, the sanctioned Russian vessel Anatoly Kolodkin delivered approximately 700,000 barrels of crude oil to Cuba, marking the first major fuel shipment since Washington implemented measures to restrict the island’s energy supplies.

U.S. officials stated they permitted the tanker’s delivery on humanitarian grounds.

Moscow has been working to restore the strong relationship it maintained with Cuba during the Soviet period and has called on Washington to end its economic blockade of the island.

In February, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez traveled to Moscow for meetings with President Vladimir Putin and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared Thursday that the ongoing Iran conflict must serve as a pivotal moment for the United Kingdom after twenty years of successive crises, vowing to bolster the nation’s economy and defense capabilities for an increasingly unstable global environment.

President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire Tuesday in the six-week Iran conflict, though Tehran continues its comprehensive blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, creating unprecedented disruptions to global energy markets.

The British leader characterized the current crisis, which has already elevated fuel costs across the UK and threatens additional inflation and economic turbulence, as a critical juncture that must serve as “a line in the sand” for the nation.

Writing in the Guardian newspaper, Starmer outlined Britain’s struggles over nearly two decades, referencing the 2008 financial meltdown and subsequent austerity measures, Brexit, the coronavirus pandemic, and Russia’s military action in Ukraine.

“Britain has been buffeted by crises for nearly two decades now,” he stated. “The war in Iran must now become a line in the sand, because how we emerge from this crisis will define all of us for a generation. And instead of hoping to return to the world of 2008, we will forge a new path for Britain – one that strengthens our energy, our defence and our economic security in a new age.”

The Labour Party leader, who assumed office in 2024 following a decisive electoral victory, has faced challenges implementing his campaign promises due to constrained government finances, internal party disagreements, and international instability.

Recent polling shows his party trailing behind Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party ahead of the 2029 elections, though British citizens have generally endorsed his choice to avoid joining Trump’s military operations against Iran, despite the American president’s displeasure.

Capitalizing on public support, Starmer emphasized that his response strategy focuses on advancing British national priorities and developing greater resilience.

“We will not look backwards. We will not aim to recreate the conditions of a world that has now passed us by, and we will build a Britain that is stronger, more secure and more resilient,” he declared. “That is what this moment demands: and Britain will not be blown off course.”

BEIJING (AP) — When global sensation BTS kicked off their first world tour in over three years, fans noticed a glaring absence from their 12-month schedule: China.

The exclusion of Chinese audiences comes as no shock to industry watchers. Beijing has maintained an unofficial blockade against South Korean entertainment since 2016, affecting everything from pop concerts to television shows and films. This restriction forces devoted Chinese fans to travel to Seoul to catch their favorite performers — a journey many made this week for BTS’s opening shows.

Beijing frequently employs economic measures during diplomatic tensions. The entertainment restriction began when South Korea agreed to host American anti-missile defense technology on its territory. What makes this particular blockade unique is its duration, which experts say reflects Beijing’s anxiety about Korean pop culture’s overwhelming appeal among Chinese youth. The government strongly promotes domestic cultural content instead.

Recent speculation about potentially relaxing these restrictions — something South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has openly hoped for as he works with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to strengthen bilateral relations — has brought renewed attention to the issue.

Beijing’s economic pressure tactics demonstrate government determination, establish clear boundaries for unacceptable behavior, and boost domestic nationalism, according to Seung-Youn Oh, a Bryn Mawr College professor researching China’s informal economic penalties.

“From China’s perspective, these actions go beyond symbolism,” she said in a written response to questions. “They are strategic tools to shape the international environment.”

Korean pop groups with international members have been permitted to perform in China. Merchandise shops selling K-pop items draw lengthy queues and require advance bookings during busy periods.

Streaming services have made Korean dramas somewhat accessible — though newer episodes often appear as unauthorized copies. A survey of four major Chinese platforms revealed roughly 50 available dramas, all produced at least four years ago.

The restrictions don’t extend to Macao and Hong Kong — where BTS plans to perform in 2027 — since both territories operate under separate governmental systems within China.

“I’m already really grateful that they can perform in places like Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan,” said Tian Xin, who traveled to Seoul last month for a free comeback concert ahead of the tour. “The rest is a matter of national policy. Of course, I still hope they can come closer to us — fans always want that.”

The missile defense installation, called THAAD, targets North Korean threats, but China argued its radar capabilities could monitor Chinese territory. While Americans operate the system, Beijing’s anger focused on South Korea’s decision to permit the deployment.

Beyond entertainment restrictions, China also forced out South Korean retail chains. The THAAD system continues operating — though recent surveillance footage and imagery suggest the U.S. may have relocated some interceptor missiles to Middle Eastern conflicts involving Iran.

Initially, China embraced the “Korean Wave” as culturally compatible entertainment that could replace Western pop culture, according to a Korea Creative Content Agency report from earlier this year. However, Korean music and drama popularity exploded during the 2010s, creating what the report described as a phenomenon requiring government oversight.

“The Chinese government had never experienced anything like that before,” said Dong-ha Kim, a professor at the Busan University of Foreign Studies.

“While the dispute over THAAD happened to coincide with that period, Beijing’s fundamental concern goes deeper,” he said. “It cannot allow foreign culture to shape the thinking of its young people, especially when its government has no control over the content.”

In 2021, the government prohibited feminine-appearing men from television, likely targeting aesthetics Chinese performers adopted from Korean and Japanese entertainers.

China also aims to build its own pop culture influence globally. Consider the Labubu toy phenomenon and expanding food and beverage franchises.

“China wants cultural governance — to grow its own music industry,” said Hyunji Lee, a financial analyst who covers the entertainment sector. “If K-pop floods back in, there’s a direct conflict.”

However, China has never officially confirmed any prohibition exists.

“China has never imposed any so-called bans on the Republic of Korea,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in 2022. Another spokesperson, Lin Jian, said last September that China welcomes “healthy and beneficial” cultural exchange with South Korea.

Optimism for lifting restrictions increased after Lee and Xi held two meetings. During Lee’s January visit to China, both governments agreed to expand cultural and content cooperation — but only incrementally, beginning with soccer and the traditional board game go.

Xi referenced two Chinese proverbs, according to South Korean officials: “Three feet of ice does not form in a single day” and “Fruit falls only when it ripens.” These sayings indicate any policy changes will require time and proper circumstances.

On Chinese social platforms, some users argued that K-pop — with its provocative choreography — isn’t suitable for children. Others worried Korean entertainment might dominate local industries. Fans expressed hope for domestic performances that would eliminate expensive overseas travel and accommodation costs.

Yu Sang, a fan and event coordinator, made five trips to Seoul last year for K-pop events and organized a “KPop Demon Hunters” gathering at a Beijing shopping center on New Year’s Eve.

“The fans in China are incredibly devoted,” she said. “If you go to the Arctic, I’ll go to the Arctic with you.”

The restrictions have transformed how South Korean entertainment companies view the Chinese marketplace.

Television drama producers have suffered the most significant losses and stand to benefit most from policy changes, more so than the K-pop industry, according to analyst Lee.

Unauthorized versions generate no revenue for producers. These dramas appear on small applications and sometimes vanish within days, based on social media reports. Some applications themselves disappear, then resurface with modified names.

Netflix and Disney+, which distribute most South Korean dramas worldwide, remain blocked in China. Access requires virtual private networks, which violate Chinese law (though enforcement varies).

The K-pop industry has adapted so China no longer represents a crucial market. Japan has become the primary anchor market, while North America serves as the main expansion target.

“China matters,” Lee said, “but it’s not something companies are desperately waiting on anymore.”

The East African nation of Djibouti will hold presidential elections on Friday, with 78-year-old President Ismael Omar Guelleh poised to secure a sixth consecutive term following parliament’s decision to eliminate age restrictions that previously would have prevented his candidacy.

This strategically positioned country, home to fewer than one million residents, sits at a crucial location along the Gulf of Aden near the Red Sea entrance. The nation serves as host to military installations from the United States, China, France, Italy, and Japan. Since 2023, commercial vessels damaged by Houthi militant attacks from Yemen have sought refuge in Djiboutian ports.

Guelleh has maintained control over the relatively peaceful nation since 1999, particularly when compared to neighboring countries like Somalia and Ethiopia. His rise to power came through selection by his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, who served as the country’s inaugural president following independence from France in 1977.

During Guelleh’s tenure, his administration has made substantial investments in port development, establishing the country as the primary maritime access point for landlocked Ethiopia, which ranks as Africa’s second-largest nation by population.

The incumbent president faces a single opponent in Mohamed Farah Samatar from the small Unified Democratic Centre party. Throughout his five previous electoral victories, Guelleh has never received less than 74% of votes cast, with his 2021 victory margin exceeding 97%.

“Let us remember we have managed to maintain the stability of our country in an unstable region. We have preserved peace when others have descended into chaos,” Guelleh stated during public remarks last month.

International human rights organizations have criticized Djiboutian officials for suppressing political opposition figures, activists, and members of the press. Since 2016, two major opposition parties have refused to participate in elections, claiming electoral authorities lack neutrality.

Government officials have dismissed allegations of systematic abuse and have rejected criticisms regarding their electoral procedures.

According to local news reports, Samatar’s campaign platform focuses on fighting corruption, reducing unnecessary government spending, and increasing social program funding. His party currently holds no parliamentary seats.

In 2020, government security forces suppressed uncommon anti-government demonstrations that began after authorities arrested a former military pilot who had publicly criticized alleged corruption and discrimination based on clan affiliations.

Parliament voted last October to eliminate the 75-year age requirement for presidential candidates and also removed the previously mandated referendum process for constitutional changes.

WASHINGTON — As a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in place, Chinese leadership is weighing how deeply to engage in securing a permanent resolution to Middle Eastern hostilities.

Following American pressure on China to help reopen the blocked Strait of Hormuz, President Trump indicated to Agence France-Presse this week that he believes Beijing influenced Iran’s decision to accept the current temporary halt in fighting.

Three diplomatic sources familiar with China’s behind-the-scenes involvement confirmed that Beijing leveraged its position as Iran’s largest oil customer to push Tehran toward renewed negotiations.

This marked a significant shift for Beijing, which had previously criticized the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran as misguided before actively joining efforts to halt the conflict, including discouraging Iranian strikes. Negotiations between the parties are scheduled to commence in Pakistan this weekend.

As the unstable truce continues, China must carefully weigh whether to deepen its diplomatic involvement while considering how prolonged warfare could damage the global economy. Regional instability conflicts with Beijing’s interests, though successful mediation efforts could enhance its international reputation and improve its negotiating position during Trump’s planned visit to China next month.

“Beijing is not in the business of expending its leverage as a favor to others or for the greater good,” said Danny Russel, a former senior diplomat in President Barack Obama’s administration.

Mao Ning, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, told reporters this week that China “has worked actively to help bring about an end to the conflict.”

China’s economy is already experiencing strain from Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global crude oil typically passes. This blockade significantly impacts Asia, apparently motivating Chinese officials to work with Pakistan in mediating the two-week ceasefire.

Beijing appears reluctant to offer long-term security guarantees for Iran as part of any peace agreement, despite Tehran’s desire for such assurances to prevent future U.S. and Israeli attacks.

Iran’s ambassador to China suggested this week that its closest allies — China and Russia — along with the United Nations should provide such guarantees, something Tehran has unsuccessfully sought before. When asked about this possibility, Mao only stated that “we hope that all parties will resolve their disputes through dialogue and negotiation.”

Nevertheless, Chinese leaders recognize that sustained warfare could seriously damage Beijing’s economic interests. Premier Li Qiang announced last month that the government projects relatively modest 4.5% to 5% economic growth this year amid a property downturn and increasing global uncertainty. This represents the lowest growth target since 1991.

According to one diplomat familiar with Chinese deliberations on the conflict, China’s primary objective remains “growth and development.”

The diplomat, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly, noted that continued closure of the strait undermines that goal. The blockade not only restricts significant crude oil supplies to China but also blocks an important shipping route for Chinese exports to the Middle East.

Trump will likely emphasize this argument to Chinese President Xi Jinping during their highly anticipated Beijing summit next month. The meeting, originally scheduled for this month, was delayed so Trump could oversee U.S. military operations against Iran.

“That the United States and Iran have at least temporarily edged away from the precipice of a catastrophic escalation owes in part to China’s support for the ceasefire that Pakistan brokered,” said Ali Wyne, a senior research and advocacy adviser for U.S.-China relations at the International Crisis Group. “Even if short-lived, that breakthrough affords Beijing another opportunity to present itself as a stabilizing force and Washington as a reckless one.”

Certainly, China’s perspective includes considerable skepticism.

Some Beijing officials view Trump’s decision to launch the Iran war, along with the January military operation to capture then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as partially motivated by his strategy to contain China, according to diplomatic sources. Beijing was a major customer and investor in Venezuela’s oil sector.

Privately, Chinese officials have indicated that both the U.S. and Iran must demonstrate compromise for any agreement to succeed. Beijing also seeks to pressure Trump into removing sanctions on Chinese companies conducting business with Iran as part of a potential settlement, diplomats report.

This situation gives Xi some advantage heading into next month’s summit.

“Trump was in a crisis, and China helped,” said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center. “The optics of that alone helps to lighten the mood and sweeten the pot.”

Russel, the former State Department official, notes signs that Beijing perceives Trump as weakened after the president failed to follow through on threats to destroy Iranian power plants and other critical infrastructure if Iran didn’t end the Hormuz blockade.

The hashtag #HeChickenedOut was trending on Chinese social media regarding Trump, and China’s state media promoted the narrative that he backed down when faced with Iranian resistance, Russel said.

Xi appears to be approaching the situation cautiously.

“Beijing’s calculation is wait-and-see, safeguard Chinese energy and commercial interests, avoid direct confrontation with the United States, stay on good terms with its important Gulf partners like Saudi Arabia and UAE, and work with whoever ends up running Iran when the dust settles,” Russel said.

Steve Bannon, who served as a senior adviser to Trump during his first term, said Trump will need to secure Xi’s commitment if he hopes to achieve a lasting peace agreement with Iran.

“Who can actually make a deal and enforce a deal? I know one group of people who can do it, and they live in Beijing,” Bannon said on his “War Room” podcast this week. He added, “Let’s just go to Beijing and sit down with a guy who can actually make a deal — Xi — and enforce a deal.”

BEIRUT (AP) — Without warning on Wednesday, Israeli warplanes unleashed a devastating assault on central Beirut, tearing apart buildings and turning residential blocks into debris piles in neighborhoods that had previously remained untouched by the conflict.

Israeli military officials later stated that the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization had moved operations into civilian and business districts well beyond the militia’s traditional base in the capital’s southern areas, where the group’s distinctive yellow banners line the streets and Israeli evacuation notices have been posted for weeks.

Lebanese Health Ministry officials reported the assault claimed more than 300 lives and left over 1,800 people injured, with the majority of victims located in Beirut and surrounding southern communities. The casualties represent the highest single-day death toll during the five-week conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Wednesday’s military strikes targeted bustling shopping areas, densely packed residential zones, and affluent waterfront neighborhoods — locations that had previously felt insulated from the warfare, aside from the constant presence of Israeli surveillance drones and sporadic explosion sounds.

A devastating attack along Corniche al-Mazraa, one of the city’s major thoroughfares, demolished an apartment complex adjacent to a well-known dried fruit and nut vendor, igniting numerous parked vehicles with occupants still trapped inside.

In the hillside community of Tallet El Khayat, another blast leveled a multi-level structure near an exclusive shopping center — local residents confirmed that a celebrated Arabic poet and her spouse were among the fatalities.

The coastal Ain el Tineh area suffered another direct hit that destroyed an apartment complex housing an exotic plant store, located close to the parliamentary speaker’s home and facing the city’s sole public beach access.

Additional bombardments demolished residential units adjacent to a renowned confectionery in the mixed-use Mar Elias district, obliterated portions of a structure containing a snack bar and beauty salon in Caracas, destroyed ground-level floors of a building on Beirut’s waterfront boulevard, and created burning wreckage in the crowded Basta community near an educational facility housing displaced families — an attack that killed a young woman and her two children among others.

SAO PAULO — A leadership vacuum in Rio de Janeiro state continues to deepen after Brazil’s Supreme Court delayed a crucial ruling Thursday on how the region will choose its next governor, leaving the nation’s most famous state in administrative limbo for over three weeks.

The state has operated without permanent executive leadership since March 23, when Governor Cláudio Castro stepped down to pursue a Senate bid in October’s elections, following legal requirements. Potential successors have been unavailable to assume control, leaving urgent matters including law enforcement decisions, transportation issues, and fuel pricing without proper oversight.

Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino requested additional time to review the case, which will determine whether Castro’s replacement serves through January via a special election or through selection by state legislators. Dino has up to three months to present his findings to the court.

Currently, the Supreme Court’s 10 justices favor legislative selection by a 4-1 margin.

Deputy Governor Thiago Pampolha would normally assume the role, but he resigned in 2025 to join a state oversight agency. State legislative speaker Rodrigo Bacellar was next in succession until his recent arrest and removal from office.

Ricardo Couto de Castro, who heads Rio’s state court system, now serves as interim governor. However, his temporary status has created difficulties in securing cooperation from other government officials, according to local news reports.

A permanently elected governor may not take office until January, as Rio residents were already scheduled to choose new leadership during October’s general elections.

Political consultant and former government minister Thomas Traumann described the ongoing crisis as both embarrassing and potentially dangerous for the state.

“Brazil’s government has just offered a deal to reduce diesel prices, which are high because of the conflict in the Middle East. Rio is one of the few that did not agree because there’s no one to authorize it. Now we will have Brazil’s most expensive diesel,” Traumann said. “And what if there’s violence from crime gangs tomorrow morning. Who is going to tell police to react?”

Local news outlets report that Rio’s judicial officials worry about potential delays in court proceedings as their leader manages state government duties indefinitely.

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and potential challenger to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in October’s elections, has advocated for state legislator Douglas Ruas to receive the governorship through legislative appointment.

Meanwhile, supporters of President Lula and his Rio gubernatorial candidate Eduardo Paes have called for a direct voter election to fill the position.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — In his inaugural interview with an American television network, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel firmly declared he will not resign from office, according to NBC News’ Meet the Press. A segment of the interview aired Thursday.

During the nearly five-minute preview of a longer interview set to broadcast Sunday, NBC journalist Kristen Welker questioned whether Díaz-Canel would consider resignation “if it meant saving Cuba.”

The Cuban leader responded by challenging the question itself, asking if she had ever posed such a query to other world leaders: “Is that a question from you, or is that coming from the State Department of the U.S. government?”

Díaz-Canel emphasized Cuba’s sovereignty, stating: “In Cuba, the people who are in leadership position are not elected by the U.S. government, and they don’t have a mandate from the U.S. government. We have a free sovereign state.”

The president explained his role stems from public service rather than personal gain, saying he assumed the presidency not from “personal ambition or corporate ambition or even a party ambition,” but through a mandate from citizens.

“If the Cuban people understand that I am not fit for office, that I have no reason to be here, then I should not be holding this position of president, I will respond to them,” he stated.

The interview occurs amid continued strain in U.S.-Cuba relations, though both nations have confirmed ongoing discussions without revealing specifics.

Díaz-Canel criticized what he termed America’s “hostile policy” toward his country, claiming the U.S. government has “no moral to demand anything from Cuba.”

He urged American recognition of how current policies have harmed Cuban citizens “and how much they have deprived the American people from a normal relationship with the Cuban people.”

The Cuban president expressed willingness for unconditional dialogue on any subject, “not demanding changes from our political system as we are not demanding change from the American system, about which we have a number of doubts.”

Cuba attributes its mounting economic challenges to what it calls a U.S. energy embargo, with fuel shortages impacting healthcare, public transit, and production of essential goods and services.

A Russian vessel delivered 730,000 barrels of crude oil to Cuba in late March, representing the island’s first petroleum shipment in three months. Russia has committed to sending an additional tanker.

Although President Donald Trump’s administration threatened tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba in early January, officials permitted the Russian delivery to proceed.

“Cuba’s finished,” Trump commented at the time. “They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership and whether or not they get a boat of oil, it’s not going to matter.”

The island nation generates only 40% of its fuel requirements internally and lost crucial oil supplies from Venezuela following U.S. actions against that South American nation in early January, including the arrest of its former leader.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed concern over Iran’s plan to charge transit fees for ships using the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such measures could harm worldwide commerce and energy distribution, according to Reuters.

During an address to Italy’s lower parliamentary chamber, Meloni stated, “If Iran were to succeed in obtaining the authority to apply additional tariffs to transits through the Strait, this could still lead to economic consequences and shifts in trade flows.” She continued, “We are already working with the UK-led coalition for the Strait of Hormuz, which includes more than 30 countries, to try to build security conditions that allow for the full restoration of freedom of navigation and supply.”

Meloni’s comments come amid ongoing disruptions to shipping traffic through the strategic waterway following conflict with Iran. Warnings about potential closures and attacks on critical infrastructure have significantly decreased oil shipments through this vital international trade route.

While tensions have somewhat diminished since a ceasefire took effect on Wednesday, uncertainty continues and maritime operations have not yet resumed normal activity levels.

This narrow waterway serves as one of the planet’s most crucial energy transport channels, handling approximately 20% of daily global oil and natural gas shipments. Any interruption to vessel movement through the strait can rapidly impact international markets, pushing energy costs higher and creating supply chain difficulties.

Italy has indicated boundaries regarding its participation in naval security missions. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced on Wednesday that Italy would not send warships to patrol the region without United Nations approval.

The international coalition initiative seeks to create stable conditions in the waterway and maintain uninterrupted access for worldwide energy transportation, while governments continue monitoring developments after the ceasefire and evaluating possibilities of renewed conflict.

Iranian citizens are experiencing mixed emotions following a two-week halt in hostilities with the United States, as the temporary reprieve from feared military strikes comes alongside growing concerns about increased government oppression at home.

The truce announcement provided immediate comfort to Iranians who had been anticipating what many believed could be devastating U.S. military action. Citizens with limited internet connectivity had reportedly been sharing what they thought might be their final communications before President Donald Trump revealed an agreement to pursue diplomatic talks with Iran.

While the temporary peace has offered emotional comfort, it has done little to calm deeper worries about how the Iranian government treats its own people. Opposition leaders and activists express particular concern that authorities will exploit this period to intensify their crackdown on dissidents and accelerate executions of political detainees.

Abbas Khorsandi, who serves as secretary of the Free Democratic Party of Iran, expressed urgent alarm about the safety of political prisoners. “In the current extremely critical situation, we reiterate our grave concern for the lives of political prisoners in Iran,” he stated. Khorsandi emphasized that government oppression “has continued unabated,” with “consecutive executions persisting and claiming the lives of our young people.” He warned that during the ceasefire, officials are “deeply concerned about the prospect of this societal anger manifesting in concrete form in the streets.” “As a result,” he explained, “they are intensifying executions and continuing to endanger the lives of political prisoners.”

Anxiety extends to ordinary citizens still living within Iran’s borders. A Tehran-based artist known only as Goli shared her concerns with The Media Line, expressing fear that Iran’s leadership will exploit both conflict and peace to maintain heavy security presence in public areas. “What fills me with dread,” she explained, “is that the Islamic Republic may use the war and the ceasefire as a pretext to keep military forces on the streets and effectively maintain a state of martial law, so that any protests are met with live fire from the very outset.”

Some observers believe the real conflict lies not between Tehran and Washington, but between Iranian citizens and their own government. Amelia Assadi emphasized to The Media Line that “the central issue here is the conflict between the people of Iran and the Islamic Republic, not the war, ceasefire, or any peace arrangement between the regime and the United States.” She stressed that “the struggle between the people and the Islamic Republic will never come to an end.” Describing the government as fundamentally illegitimate, she argued that “a regime that, for more than 47 years, has not ceased killing, torture and executions can never establish legitimacy among the Iranian people and is ultimately destined to fall.”

The temporary peace follows 40 days of warfare that severely damaged Iran. Senior military and security officials were killed, while crucial economic and infrastructure sectors sustained major damage. Attacks targeted petrochemical plants, steel manufacturing facilities, and energy installations. The conflict claimed over 2,000 lives and destroyed tens of thousands of homes, creating widespread displacement. As citizens prepared for what President Trump had characterized as “hell” and “a return to the Stone Age,” major retailers had already begun increasing prices on essential items.

Despite the current ceasefire, Iran remains unstable. Public focus has shifted to political prisoners awaiting execution, mass arrests conducted during wartime, and the potential for renewed widespread civil unrest. Many view this calm period as temporary, with underlying tensions that could soon reignite into broader social upheaval against the Islamic Republic.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed his cabinet to pursue immediate direct discussions with Lebanon, with the primary objectives of dismantling Hezbollah and establishing a peaceful agreement between the nations.

Netanyahu shared on social media platform X that his decision came after “repeated calls” from Lebanon seeking negotiations. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had previously posted on X that the “only solution” involves a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, followed by “direct negotiations” between the countries. Aoun noted that Lebanese security forces have been “carrying out their work fully to enforce security, despite the difficult circumstances they are facing.”

Israeli sources informed Kan News that military actions against Hezbollah will persist throughout the negotiation period, including air strikes and ground operations. These military efforts would only decrease once agreements are secured regarding Hezbollah’s disarmament and protecting northern Israeli residents’ safety.

Kan News reported that an Israeli cabinet source indicated Lebanon must remove Hezbollah ministers from government positions as a trust-building step during discussions. Israeli leadership believes an agreement could be finalized before anticipated October elections, with talks proceeding amid ongoing conflict while addressing border disputes.

This diplomatic effort follows Wednesday’s ceasefire announcement between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other. After that ceasefire was declared, Israel initiated extensive operations targeting Hezbollah. President Donald Trump clarified that Lebanon was excluded from the truce agreement, while Iran cautioned that ongoing strikes in Lebanon might threaten the ceasefire arrangement.