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JOHANNESBURG – Four men from South Africa who were deceived into joining Russian military operations in Ukraine have arrived back in their home country, according to the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

The men touched down at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday, where law enforcement officials were present to meet them, SABC reported.

When contacted for details, a police representative refused to provide comment and referred questions to the nation’s foreign affairs department. Officials from the foreign ministry did not immediately return requests for information.

In November, South African authorities announced they would launch an investigation into how 17 of their nationals became involved with mercenary operations in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The probe began after the men reached out desperately seeking assistance to return to South Africa.

Earlier this month, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following their discussion, Ramaphosa’s administration released a statement saying both leaders had “pledged their support to the process of returning South Africans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.”

According to South African legal statutes, citizens are prohibited from offering military support to foreign nations or enlisting in overseas armed forces without official authorization from South Africa.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian officials announced Wednesday they will halt diesel fuel exports to Ukraine following ongoing disruptions to Russian oil deliveries through a key pipeline crossing Ukrainian soil.

Oil shipments from Russia to both Hungary and Slovakia have been cut off since January 27th following damage to the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude oil into Central Europe. Ukrainian authorities attribute the damage to Russian military strikes.

Both Hungary and Slovakia, nations that secured temporary waivers from European Union restrictions on Russian oil purchases, have pointed fingers at Ukraine for intentionally blocking the fuel supplies, though they have not offered proof of these claims.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó declared in a social media video Wednesday that the supply disruption represents “a political decision made by the Ukrainian president himself.”

Ukrainian officials have rejected these allegations.

Szijjártó also stated that Hungary maintains sufficient oil stockpiles to meet needs for over three months and emphasized the country’s energy security remains intact.

While nearly all European nations have dramatically cut or completely eliminated Russian energy purchases, Hungary — despite being both an EU and NATO member — has continued and even expanded its Russian oil and gas imports since Moscow began its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022.

Hungarian nationalist leader Viktor Orbán has consistently maintained that Russian energy sources are essential for the nation’s economic stability, claiming that transitioning to alternative energy suppliers would trigger immediate economic devastation — a position challenged by some energy analysts.

Recognized as Moscow’s strongest supporter within the EU, Orbán has actively resisted the bloc’s sanctioning efforts against Russia following its invasion and has criticized measures targeting Russian energy revenues that help fund the military operation.

With April elections approaching that could prove the most difficult challenge to his 16-year tenure, Orbán has initiated an intense campaign criticizing both Ukraine and the EU, attempting to persuade Hungarian voters that their neighboring country represents a serious threat and that only he can ensure Hungary’s protection.

After the Druzhba pipeline interruptions began in late January, Hungarian leadership requested that Croatia permit Russian oil delivered by ship to flow through the Adria pipeline to Hungarian and Slovakian refineries.

Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar indicated his nation would not permit Central European energy security to be compromised but rejected Hungary’s proposal.

In a Monday post on social media platform X, Šušnjar stated there are “no technical excuses left for staying tied to Russian crude for any EU country.”

“A barrel bought from Russia may appear cheaper to some countries, but helps fund war and attacks on Ukrainian people,” he wrote.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The former president of Kosovo made an impassioned final appeal Wednesday to international judges, positioning himself as a champion of peace while requesting full acquittal on what he described as baseless accusations of murder, torture and persecution stemming from his country’s fight for independence.

“Throughout my life, I stood with the people of Kosovo defending freedom, life and dignity. I was always guided by the Western ideals of democracy, equality and justice,” Hashim Thaci declared to the panel at the conclusion of his trial spanning nearly three years at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.

Emotional supporters packed the courtroom’s public viewing area at the start of his address, pressing against the glass barrier to gesture toward their former leader before security personnel intervened. At least one observer was seen shedding tears during Thaci’s remarks.

The prosecution is demanding maximum sentences of 45 years behind bars for Thaci along with co-defendants Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. Additionally, Thaci confronts a second upcoming trial on witness intimidation allegations scheduled to commence this month.

Thaci stepped down from the presidency in 2020 to confront 10 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly perpetrated during Kosovo’s 1998-99 independence war against Serbia. He and three other former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commanders have remained in detention since November 2020 at the Hague-based tribunal, which operates as part of Kosovo’s legal framework. The defendants now face what could be months of waiting before judges deliver their verdicts.

During his final courtroom address, Thaci, who has consistently maintained his innocence, stated “the only just decision would be my full acquittal.”

He described leaving his studies in Switzerland to help protect his homeland from violent assaults by Serbia, eventually becoming a prominent KLA negotiator in Western-mediated peace discussions and subsequently his nation’s president.

“During all that time, the only power I had was the power of my voice,” he testified.

“I used my voice to promote a multi-ethnic and tolerant society in my country, in Kosovo,” he continued.

However, prosecutor Kimberly West presented a dramatically different narrative on Monday, telling judges that witnesses offered “overwhelming evidence” showing Thaci and his co-defendants implemented a strategy of targeting political rivals and civilians viewed as collaborators and traitors while leading the Kosovo Liberation Army.

Thaci also rejected allegations that Kosovo Albanian combatants removed organs from captives during the conflict, calling such claims “Russian and Serbian propaganda.”

Wednesday’s final arguments followed a massive demonstration Tuesday in Kosovo’s capital city of Pristina, where thousands rallied in solidarity with Thaci and the other former fighters facing trial, coinciding with the country’s independence anniversary celebration.

Kosovo proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2008, though Belgrade continues to reject this declaration. Relations between the two nations remain strained despite nine years of European Union-facilitated negotiations backed by the United States.

Many Kosovo citizens view the court proceedings as an effort to distort their historical narrative, arguing it attempts to equate Serbia’s actions with their own suffering.

Ethnic Albanians comprised the majority of the approximately 13,000 war casualties in Kosovo. The conflict concluded after a 78-day NATO bombing campaign against Serbian military forces. Nearly one million ethnic Albanian Kosovars were forced to flee their residences.

Reflecting on his decision to join the struggle, Thaci stated: “I did not return to risk my life for control or for power. I returned to my homeland, risking my life, for freedom and for peace.”

LYON, France — Authorities in France have detained 11 individuals in connection with the fatal assault of a young nationalist student, marking another chapter in the country’s escalating political tensions as the 2027 presidential race approaches.

Twenty-three-year-old Quentin Deranque, characterized as an ardent nationalist, succumbed to his injuries at a medical facility on Saturday. The student had been severely beaten two days prior during violent confrontations between opposing political factions in Lyon. The altercation occurred on the sidelines of a student gathering featuring far-left European Parliament member Rima Hassan as the main speaker.

Medical examination revealed Deranque sustained a broken skull and severe brain trauma that proved fatal, according to Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran. Authorities launched a homicide investigation and are exploring additional criminal charges. Dran’s office confirmed that officers apprehended a man and woman Wednesday morning, adding to nine others already in custody since Tuesday evening.

Hassan, a French-Palestinian politician born in a Syrian refugee camp, represents the far-left France Unbowed party in the European Parliament. Following the initial attack but prior to Deranque’s death, Hassan posted on social media expressing her shock at the violence and denouncing it.

The student’s death has unleashed a wave of political finger-pointing, with much criticism directed at France Unbowed. Political adversaries claim the party’s aggressive far-left stance, including harsh criticism of Israel, promotes violence and social discord.

The organization operates under the leadership of seasoned left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a former Trotskyist who sought the presidency unsuccessfully in 2012, 2017, and 2022, never reaching the final round. He’s positioning for another anticipated campaign when President Emmanuel Macron’s final term concludes next year.

On Tuesday, Mélenchon rejected any responsibility for the Lyon tragedy, stating: “We have absolutely nothing to do, either directly or indirectly, with the death of this young Deranque.”

However, reports indicate that among those detained is a parliamentary assistant to France Unbowed legislator Raphaël Arnault. The lawmaker acknowledged his aide’s arrest on social media without providing details and announced the termination of the employee’s contract.

Political violence has remained a constant element in French society, with extreme left and right factions maintaining deep-seated animosity that occasionally turns violent, though fatal encounters have been uncommon in recent years.

With municipal elections scheduled for next month and campaigning intensifying, political opponents across the right and far-right spectrum are holding Mélenchon’s party accountable for Deranque’s death, urging voters to reject France Unbowed at the ballot box.

The backlash extends beyond traditional opponents, with former President François Hollande, a prominent left-wing figure, declaring that moderate leftist parties, including his Socialist Party, will not align with Mélenchon’s organization in future elections as they have previously.

“The relationship with France Unbowed is over,” Hollande declared.

Denmark’s King Frederik touched down in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, on Wednesday for his second royal visit to the Arctic territory in just one year, demonstrating Danish solidarity as President Donald Trump continues his efforts to obtain the strategic island.

The monarch’s arrival follows diplomatic discussions that began last month between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States, aimed at addressing mounting tensions within the NATO alliance sparked by Trump’s persistent acquisition remarks.

According to Denmark’s prime minister, who spoke Friday about recent talks, she and Greenland’s leader had productive discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, she cautioned that Trump remains committed to his goal of acquiring Greenland.

Upon landing, King Frederik was greeted on the airport tarmac by Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and parliamentary leader Kim Kielsen, embracing both officials. The king sported a distinctive black winter jacket featuring both Danish and Greenlandic flags positioned on the left chest area.

Wednesday’s itinerary includes stops at a local educational facility, Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command headquarters in Nuuk, and Royal Greenland, the territory’s primary seafood company and largest business enterprise.

Annual royal visits to Greenland represent a longstanding Danish tradition, with family members frequently donning traditional island attire including white anoraks for men, colorfully beaded collars for women, and sealskin footwear.

King Frederik has substantial personal experience in Greenland, having previously completed a four-month research expedition across the island’s ice sheet.

Thursday’s schedule will take the monarch to Maniitsoq, located approximately 87 miles north of Nuuk along the western coastline. His final stop Friday will be the Arctic Basic Training program in the western community of Kangerlussuaq.

A group of four Chagossians has established what they describe as a permanent settlement on a remote Indian Ocean atoll, in an effort to disrupt Britain’s planned handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius scheduled for 2025.

The group, led by Misley Mandarin, arrived Monday on Ile du Coin atoll and are currently residing in tents. Mandarin expects ten additional people to join them next week, with many more planned arrivals throughout the coming year.

Speaking to Reuters by phone Tuesday, Mandarin revealed that his 74-year-old father Michel accompanied him on the journey. The elder Mandarin was just 14 years old when he was forced to leave the island decades ago.

“I am not in exile anymore. This is my homeland,” declared Misley Mandarin, who was born in Mauritius after his family’s displacement.

Between the 1960s and 1970s, British authorities forcibly relocated as many as 2,000 Chagossians from the archipelago, with most settling in Mauritius and Britain. Many of these displaced people continue to seek the right to return to their birthplace.

The 2024 sovereignty agreement between Britain and Mauritius permits Britain to maintain control over the strategically vital U.S.-UK military installation on Diego Garcia, the archipelago’s largest island, through a 99-year lease arrangement.

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has called on both nations to reject ratifying the deal, warning it could continue historical violations of rights.

Mandarin stated his goal is to enable the 322 individuals he says were born on Ile du Coin and remain alive “to come home before they die.”

He emphasized that their settlement poses no threat to the American military facility on Diego Garcia.

However, Mauritius Attorney General Gavin Glover characterized the landing as illegal during an interview with private Radio Plus, calling it a “publicity stunt organised to create a situation of conflict with the British government.”

Glover noted that Mauritius will not assume control over the Chagos Archipelago until the treaty receives official ratification.

A Berlin appeals court has issued a groundbreaking decision forcing Elon Musk’s social media platform X to provide qualified researchers with access to public information related to Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary election.

The ruling, announced Tuesday by Democracy Reporting International, one of the organizations that brought the case, requires X to share data including post reach and user engagement metrics connected to Hungary’s electoral process. A court representative confirmed Wednesday that the decision goes into effect immediately.

Legal experts consider this verdict a significant breakthrough in enforcing the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which requires major online platforms to provide researchers with data access to help identify threats like false information, hate speech, and electoral interference.

X has not provided any response to requests for comment regarding the court order.

The case was filed by two organizations: Democracy Reporting International (DRI) and the Society for Civil Rights (GFF). These same groups had previously been unsuccessful in obtaining comparable information from X for Germany’s 2025 federal election.

Initially, a lower court determined that the matter fell under Irish jurisdiction, since X operates its European headquarters there. However, the Berlin appeals court took a different approach, ruling that German courts have authority when local issues are involved, such as when German researchers are prevented from accessing essential data for work serving the public interest.

The appeals court sided with the two advocacy organizations, stating that X’s refusal to cooperate hindered their research capabilities within Germany.

“No appeal can be lodged against the decision,” stated Joschka Selinger, an attorney representing GFF. He added that the ruling could be enforced through financial penalties if X refuses to comply.

The case comes as Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban confronts his most serious political challenge since his Fidesz party gained control in 2010. The center-right opposition Tisza party currently leads in most public opinion surveys, though government-aligned polling organizations show Fidesz ahead, and many voters have not yet decided.

Hungary’s past elections have been marked by allegations of media manipulation and the spread of false information.

Hungarian government officials did not provide an immediate response when contacted for comment Wednesday.

DRI argued that this court decision will make it easier for civil society organizations throughout Europe to use national courts to protect digital rights.

Legal observers interpret the ruling as a warning to major platforms subject to DSA regulations that blocking researcher access could result in legal action across EU member nations.

ROME (AP) — Authorities in Italy’s capital are examining how a cherished elephant monument created by renowned Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini sustained damage to its left tusk’s tip for the second time in recent years.

Investigators discovered the broken marble piece, measuring 11 centimeters (4 inches), close to the monument during the weekend. Officials announced Wednesday they had established the fragment wasn’t part of Bernini’s original creation but had been attached during restoration efforts in 1977.

The identical section had previously been damaged through vandalism in 2016, according to Rome’s municipal government.

Authorities are currently examining surveillance footage to determine whether someone was responsible for causing the damage once more.

The compact elephant statue, situated close to Rome’s famous Pantheon, attracts numerous visitors. Pope Alexander VII asked Rome’s most celebrated Baroque artist, Bernini, to create the design after Dominican monks found a small Egyptian obelisk within their nearby monastery grounds, which sits next to the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.

The elephant statue, positioned in Piazza della Minerva facing the basilica, supports the ancient obelisk on its back.

Based on Rome’s municipal website, Bernini and the monks had conflicting views about the project: The sculptor thought the obelisk’s weight could be supported by the elephant’s four legs alone, while the monks demanded additional stone reinforcement beneath its belly for better stability.

The monks prevailed in this dispute, and the resulting sturdy appearance earned the elephant the nickname “Minerva’s Piglet,” since its short legs and central support make it resemble a pig rather than an elephant.

Local folklore suggests Bernini sought payback against the monks by positioning the elephant’s rear end with its tail raised toward their monastery.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek officials announced Wednesday they are collaborating with four European nations to establish deportation facilities in third-world countries, primarily targeting locations in Africa, for asylum seekers who have been denied refugee status.

Migration Minister Thanos Plevris revealed during an interview on Greek state television ERT that his country is partnering with Germany, Netherlands, Austria and Denmark to develop these “return hubs,” with Africa being the preferred continent. According to Plevris, officials from all five nations have already conducted preliminary discussions, with technical working groups scheduled to convene next week.

“We are not speaking theoretically any more, we are speaking practically,” Plevris stated. The minister declined to identify specific African nations under consideration and noted that the continental preference “was not binding.” He explained that larger European partners are handling direct negotiations with potential host countries, “but we are participating too.”

These deportation facilities would serve individuals whose asylum requests have been denied and whose home nations refuse repatriation, Plevris clarified. He suggested the centers would discourage potential migrants with slim chances of receiving asylum approval. While the minister indicated an initial framework should emerge within months, he provided no timeline for when such facilities might become operational.

Positioned at Europe’s southeastern border, Greece has served for decades as a primary gateway into the European Union for individuals escaping violence and economic hardship across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Annual arrivals number in the tens of thousands, with most undertaking perilous maritime journeys from Turkey’s coastline to Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, or making extended Mediterranean crossings from North Africa to southern Greek territories including Gavdos and Crete.

Greek authorities have adopted increasingly strict migration policies, with the coast guard frequently facing allegations of conducting “pushbacks” — immediate deportations of new arrivals without asylum processing opportunities. Officials categorically reject such accusations.

According to Plevris, illegal border crossings dropped 21% in 2025 compared to 2024, representing 13,000 fewer arrivals, with a 40% decrease recorded over the past five months.

European legislators recently approved revised immigration regulations permitting member states to refuse asylum and deport migrants from designated safe countries or those eligible to seek protection in non-EU nations.

Plevris emphasized his government’s renewed focus on removing rejected asylum seekers. Greece currently processes approximately 5,000-7,000 deportations annually, but with roughly 40,000-50,000 new arrivals yearly — about half of whom face asylum rejection — current removal rates remain insufficient, the minister acknowledged.

The Greek official confirmed plans to travel to Rome next week for discussions with Italian and Spanish counterparts, including meetings with Pakistani officials to enhance cooperation on deportation procedures with origin countries.

Iranian and Russian naval forces are carrying out combined military training exercises Wednesday in waters off Iran’s southern coastline, according to reports from Iranian news outlets, while diplomatic leaders from both nations work simultaneously to strengthen economic partnerships.

The maritime training operations are taking place in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean regions, as reported by the FARS news agency. Officials describe the exercise as designed to improve security collaboration and naval partnership in these strategic waterways. This military activity comes just days after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards completed separate training exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian naval commander Hassan Maghsoodloo explained that the training focuses on developing unified responses to maritime dangers. According to FARS reporting, Maghsoodloo stated that the exercise aims at “Creating convergence and coordination in joint measures to counter activities threatening maritime security and safety … as well as combating maritime terrorism, are among the main goals of this joint exercise.”

The United States Naval Institute has noted that publicly available tracking information suggests the USS Lincoln may be operating near the waters where the training is scheduled to occur.

Beyond the naval activities, Iranian and Russian government representatives made progress this week on expanding economic collaboration. High-ranking officials from both nations reached agreements Tuesday to accelerate delayed contracts and eliminate obstacles impacting shared development projects, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, conducted meetings in Tehran with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilyov to explore expanded cooperation across multiple economic areas. Larijani characterized the relationship between Tehran and Moscow as being at an “excellent” stage that has surpassed standard diplomatic connections, observing that both nations have encountered comparable external pressures and sanctions in recent years, Tasnim reported.

Tsivilyov characterized the discussion atmosphere as “positive” and affirmed Russia’s dedication to ongoing collaboration with Iran, particularly in economic and energy fields, while also emphasizing Iran’s strategic significance in Russian foreign policy.

The energy minister is in Tehran for the 19th Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission meetings. Earlier Tuesday, he conducted discussions with Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad regarding enhanced cooperation in petroleum, energy, transportation and commerce sectors, according to the Shana News Agency, which operates under Iran’s Oil Ministry. Both Iran and Russia, facing comprehensive US sanctions, have expanded political and economic coordination in recent years as a response to Western pressure.

Vice President JD Vance revealed that the United States and Iran continue to clash over fundamental nuclear agreement terms, despite both nations committing to further dialogue after recent Geneva negotiations.

During a Fox News interview, Vance described the diplomatic meetings as producing mixed outcomes. “In some ways it went well. They agreed to meet afterward,” Vance explained. “But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through.” Vance identified stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons as a primary non-negotiable demand.

Despite Iran’s ongoing assertions that its nuclear activities serve civilian purposes only, Vance indicated intelligence suggests otherwise. “There are a number of things that make it clear that they are interested in acquiring a nuclear weapon,” the Vice President stated.

Vance emphasized that President Donald Trump remains committed to finding a solution that blocks Iran’s nuclear weapon development through diplomatic channels or alternative approaches. “We’re going to keep on working it,” Vance explained, noting that Trump “reserves the ability to say when he thinks that diplomacy has reached its natural end.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered a markedly different perspective on the Geneva meetings, characterizing them as “constructive” and claiming both parties established shared “guiding principles.” However, an Israeli official dismissed Araghchi’s statements to Channel 13 as a “smokescreen,” predicting “the odds for a deal are low.”

Israeli leadership has voiced deep doubts about achieving a workable nuclear agreement with Iran. At last week’s Conference of Presidents’ 51st Annual National Leadership Mission, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared his concerns. “I will not hide from you that I expressed my skepticism of any deal with Iran because, frankly, Iran is reliable on one thing: they lie and they cheat,” Netanyahu declared.

Netanyahu outlined specific requirements for any future agreement, including restrictions on Iran’s missile development program. He referenced the Missile Technology Control Regime’s 300-kilometer limitation, stating, “There’s an MTCR limitation of 300 kilometers, and Iran is supposed to adhere to it. Of course, it doesn’t.” The Prime Minister also demanded provisions addressing Iran’s regional proxy support, uranium enrichment cessation, and enhanced inspection protocols.

Prior to the initial US-Iran discussions, Tehran demanded negotiations focus solely on nuclear matters, rejecting inclusion of missile programs and human rights concerns. This past January, Iranian authorities violently suppressed domestic demonstrations, with human rights groups reporting thousands of deaths over two days.

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish legislators moved forward Wednesday with a comprehensive peace plan designed to end a 40-year armed conflict with Kurdish militants, though they emphasized that any legal concessions must come only after complete disarmament verification.

The National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission endorsed the reform package by an overwhelming margin, with the final tally showing 47 members supporting the measures, two opposing, and one abstaining, according to Haberturk broadcaster.

The approved framework outlines temporary legal provisions that would allow Kurdistan Workers’ Party members to rejoin Turkish society if they abandon violence, based on the commission’s final report shared with media outlets.

Additional proposals include expanding speech protections, releasing elderly and ill inmates, preventing the prosecution of non-violent actions under terrorism statutes, and ending the government practice of installing appointed officials to replace elected pro-Kurdish mayors.

Turkey, along with the United States and European Union, has classified the PKK as a terrorist organization. The group has conducted an armed campaign since 1984 that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and extended into Iraq and Syria.

Originally pursuing Kurdish independence, the organization later modified its objectives to seek self-governance and enhanced rights within Turkey.

According to the commission’s findings, government confirmation that the PKK has abandoned weapons and disbanded represents “the most critical threshold in the process.”

The proposals fall short of recommending parole for detained PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, instead advocating adherence to European Court of Human Rights and Turkish Constitutional Court decisions regarding detention improvements. Acknowledging widespread public resistance to PKK leniency, the document avoids broad pardons and suggests individual case evaluations for fighters.

“The report is not an amnesty arrangement,” Parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmus emphasized before the voting, characterizing the commission’s efforts as “a clear expression of the determination to build the future together without denying our suffering.”

The document states that “legal regulations must not create a perception of impunity or amnesty in society.”

Officials have not indicated what the subsequent phase of the process will entail.

Established in August to supervise peace efforts, the commission was formed after the PKK responded to Ocalan’s appeal by announcing in May its intention to disarm and disband, concluding more than four decades of conflict. The organization subsequently conducted a ceremonial weapons surrender in northern Iraq and began removing remaining fighters from Turkish territory.

The PKK has not issued an immediate response, though the group has previously demanded formal legal assurances from the government to advance the process.

In a broadcast statement, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised the commission’s work, stating it has “put forward a perspective that will give momentum” to reconciliation initiatives.

The commission’s recommendations also encompass broader democratic reforms, including media law revisions to safeguard expression rights and legitimate criticism. The proposal suggests that when mayors face removal, replacements should be selected through municipal council internal elections rather than government appointments.

ISLAMABAD — Fourteen retired international cricket captains have written to Pakistan’s leadership demanding improved prison conditions and medical treatment for Imran Khan, the former cricket star turned politician who has been behind bars since 2023.

The group of cricket legends, which includes Indian icons Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, sent their appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting that Khan receive treatment with “dignity and basic human consideration.” Their letter highlighted worries about reports suggesting Khan’s vision has declined significantly during his incarceration.

“Recent reports concerning his health — particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody — and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern,” the former captains stated in their correspondence.

Pakistani officials have not yet responded publicly to the letter, though prison authorities maintain Khan receives adequate facilities. His defense attorney Salman Safdar, who visited Khan recently, has supported these claims about improved conditions.

Members of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf opposition party concluded a multi-day protest outside parliament Wednesday after medical professionals reported substantial improvement in Khan’s right eye condition and confirmed no problems with his left eye.

The 73-year-old Khan achieved cricket immortality by leading Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup before transitioning to politics. He held the office of prime minister from 2018 until his removal in 2022, followed by his imprisonment in 2023 on corruption and additional charges.

Khan maintains his innocence, claiming all legal proceedings against him stem from political persecution rather than legitimate criminal activity.

Health concerns intensified in late January when Khan required hospitalization for eye treatment. His legal representative Safdar revealed last week that Khan had lost approximately 85% of vision in his right eye.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi dismissed such reports as “propaganda” the previous day. Government representatives, referencing physicians who examined Khan, stated his right eye vision had shown marked improvement, though Khan’s relatives and personal doctor say they cannot verify his condition without direct access.

The letter’s signers include notable former captains such as Australia’s Ian Chappell, West Indies’ Clive Lloyd, Australia’s Allan Border, England’s Michael Brearley, England’s David Gower, New Zealand’s John Wright, and Australia’s Kim Hughes, according to Australia’s The Age publication. “Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolizing his all-round brilliance, charisma and competitive spirit,” their letter stated.

The cricket veterans also pressed Pakistan to provide “immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing.”

Former Pakistani cricket stars including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar have publicly voiced similar concerns following encouragement from former Indian batsman Ajay Jadeja for Pakistani players to speak up.

Khan began his international cricket career in 1971 facing England and assumed captaincy duties in 1982. Considered among cricket’s greatest all-around players, he stepped away from the sport shortly after securing Pakistan’s sole World Cup championship in 1992. He established the PTI political party in 1996 and ascended to national leadership in 2018.

Parliamentary opposition forces removed Khan from the prime minister’s position in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion, leading to his eventual imprisonment following court verdicts. Khan contends his removal resulted from a conspiracy backed by the United States involving domestic political opponents and Pakistan’s military establishment — allegations rejected by Washington, military officials, and Prime Minister Sharif, who replaced him.

Even while incarcerated, Khan continues to wield considerable influence within Pakistan’s political landscape.

Workers at Argentina’s ports walked off the job Wednesday for a two-day strike protesting proposed changes to the country’s labor laws, according to union officials.

The maritime workers federation FESIMAF organized the work stoppage to oppose President Javier Milei’s labor reform legislation.

Port operations are being disrupted across Argentina, with the most significant impact expected at Rosario, which ranks among the globe’s major agricultural shipping centers. The strike is affecting vessel loading, unloading operations, pilot boat services, and other commercial shipping activities, industry officials report.

Guillermo Wade from the Chamber of Port and Maritime Activities confirmed the strike’s immediate effects on port functions. “Ships are being loaded, but once they’re two or three feet short of the draft needed for dispatch, they’ll almost certainly stop,” Wade told Reuters.

Union representatives defended their action in a social media post. “This action aims to defend our labor rights and the stability of our jobs,” FESIMAF stated.

The proposed labor reforms have sparked widespread resistance from Argentine labor organizations, who claim the legislation would weaken worker protections that have been in place for years.

The country’s lower legislative chamber is set to consider the reform bill Thursday, following its passage in the Senate last week.

Adding to the labor tensions, Argentina’s influential CGT labor confederation has scheduled a nationwide strike for Thursday as well.

Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo voiced strong support for a major new trade agreement between the European Union and India following discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The comprehensive trade pact, finalized at the end of January, will slash tariffs on the majority of goods while helping both regions reduce their dependence on American trade relationships as global commerce tensions continue to escalate.

Speaking to Reuters by phone, Orpo emphasized the deal’s significance in the current international climate. “In today’s world, the value of the trade agreement is extremely high. What we need globally is more free trade, not tariffs,” the Finnish leader stated.

According to a statement from the Indian Prime Minister’s Office, both leaders expressed enthusiasm for the EU-India agreement, describing it as something “which will serve as a catalyst for shared progress and prosperity.”

Officials anticipate the trade deal will take effect within the next twelve months.

While the European Union’s approval process has sometimes encountered hurdles – as seen with the Mercosur trade agreement that EU legislators are now challenging in court – Orpo expressed confidence that the India deal would face no similar roadblocks from member nations.

“I conveyed greetings from last week’s European Council meeting, where everyone was unusually unanimous and satisfied that the trade agreement has been concluded,” Orpo explained.

The Finnish Prime Minister, who is also participating in India’s AI Summit during his visit, announced that Finland aims to double its trade volume with India by the early 2030s.

Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Orpo said he urged Modi to support Finland and the EU’s stance and to maintain pressure on Russia for achieving peace. The two leaders did not discuss Russian oil exports to India during their talks.

“Modi strongly emphasised that he is working to find solutions to the crisis in Ukraine,” Orpo reported.

SOFIA, Bulgaria — Bulgaria’s President Iliana Yotova established a temporary government on Wednesday to oversee the nation’s upcoming parliamentary vote in April, as the country works to address ongoing political turmoil and financial challenges.

According to Yotova, the interim administration’s primary responsibility will be organizing transparent and fair elections. She emphasized the government must also address citizens’ concerns about increasing costs for goods and services after Bulgaria adopted the euro as its currency in January.

The president announced that the temporary cabinet will take their oath of office during a formal parliamentary ceremony, and she plans to issue an official order scheduling emergency parliamentary elections for April 19.

The previous governing coalition, headed by the center-right GERB party, stepped down after widespread demonstrations throughout late 2025. Citizens took to the streets expressing frustration over government corruption, social inequities, and what many viewed as excessive influence from wealthy oligarchs.

This governmental breakdown has led to yet another election — marking the eighth such vote since April 2021. Political experts predict the results may strengthen nationalist parties and groups with ties to Russia.

The new interim Prime Minister, 50-year-old Andrey Gyurov, earned his economics degree from Truman State University in Missouri and completed doctoral studies at the University of Vienna in Austria. His career includes leadership roles in academic institutions and European financial organizations, leading to his 2023 appointment as deputy governor of Bulgaria’s central bank in Sofia. Previously, he served as a parliamentary member and led the reformist “We Continue the Change” political group.

Gyurov will work alongside a cabinet of specialists focused on two main objectives: conducting fair and open elections while rebuilding citizen confidence in government institutions that have suffered during the political uncertainty affecting this EU and NATO member country.

This marks Bulgaria’s 12th temporary government, with six of those appointed by former President Rumen Radev. Radev has since left the presidency to establish his own political organization and will run as a candidate in the upcoming emergency elections.

MOSCOW — Cuba’s top diplomat arrived in the Russian capital Wednesday for high-level discussions as the Caribbean island nation battles widespread electrical blackouts and critical fuel shortages intensified by American oil sanctions.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez of Cuba conducted negotiations with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and was scheduled for a subsequent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During their discussions, Lavrov called upon the United States to abandon blockade plans against Cuba, noting the island’s difficulties in securing oil imports for electrical generation and fuel processing facilities following President Donald Trump’s tariff warnings against countries providing petroleum to Cuba.

“Together with most members of the global community, we are calling on the U.S. to show common sense, take a responsible approach and refrain from its plans of sea blockade,” Lavrov stated while meeting with Rodriguez.

The Russian foreign minister pledged Moscow’s continued commitment to “supporting Cuba and its people in protecting the country’s sovereignty and security.”

Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov emphasized that “Russia, like many other countries, has consistently spoken against the blockade of the island.”

“We have our relations with Cuba, and we value these relations very much,” Peskov informed journalists. “And we intend to further develop them — of course, during difficult times, by providing appropriate assistance to our friends.”

When questioned about potential impacts on improving US-Russia relations if Moscow provides fuel assistance to Cuba, Peskov stated that “we don’t think these issues are linked.”

The Russian leader has commended Trump’s mediation efforts regarding the Ukraine conflict, with both Moscow and Washington exploring opportunities to rebuild economic partnerships.

Cuba lost a major petroleum source when Venezuela halted crude oil sales to the island in January following the US capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro during an early morning operation, subsequently transporting him to New York on drug trafficking charges.

Additionally, Mexico terminated oil deliveries to Cuba in January after Trump issued tariff warnings.

Last week, Russia’s Izvestia publication reported that Moscow’s embassy in Havana indicated preparations for humanitarian fuel deliveries to the Cuban capital in the coming period. Monday saw Russian Ambassador Viktor Koronelli confirm Moscow’s examination of assistance logistics for Cuba, though he provided no detailed timeline.

The fuel crisis has already impacted Russian tourism operations, forcing travel companies to suspend Cuban vacation packages after Havana announced it cannot guarantee aircraft fuel for incoming flights.

BANGKOK – Thailand’s top diplomat has expressed optimism about Myanmar rejoining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations following controversial elections conducted almost five years after military leaders seized control of the country.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow made these remarks Wednesday following discussions with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Than Swe during meetings held in southern Thailand.

The neighboring nation completed a three-stage electoral process spanning from December through January, marking the first voting since the 2021 military takeover that removed an elected administration and plunged Myanmar into chaos and internal conflict.

Election officials announced victory for a party backed by the military in areas where voting was permitted, though the United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned the electoral process.

MOSCOW – Moscow is calling on five European nations to back up their accusations with hard evidence after they claimed Russia poisoned opposition figure Alexei Navalny using a toxin derived from South American dart frogs, according to statements made Wednesday by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

Over the weekend, officials from Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands announced that laboratory testing of biological samples taken from Navalny had detected epibatidine – a poisonous compound naturally occurring in South American poison dart frogs that does not exist in Russia’s environment. The European officials stated that Russia possessed the “means, motive and opportunity” to poison the Kremlin opponent with this substance.

During Wednesday’s press conference, Zakharova dismissed the European claims as lacking substance. “All the accusations against Russia were of the ‘highly likely’ variety. There were no specific details. It was purely a proclamation to become the opening act of the Munich (security) conference and to overshadow the Epstein files,” she stated.

“We demand they hand over concrete data on this issue,” Zakharova added.

Russian government officials have completely denied the European allegations, while Yulia Navalnaya, whose husband was the deceased opposition leader, stated that the real circumstances surrounding her spouse’s death have now been revealed.

Romania’s Constitutional Court delivered a significant victory to the country’s pro-European Union government on Wednesday, approving sweeping changes to judicial retirement benefits and age requirements.

The ruling allows Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s administration to move forward with reforms that will gradually increase the retirement age for judges and prosecutors from approximately 50 years old to the standard 65 over the next 15 years.

Additionally, the approved measures will limit judicial pensions to 70% of an individual’s final gross salary. Currently, judicial retirement benefits fall into a special category that operates independently of tax contributions, with monthly payments reaching approximately 5,000 euros ($5,800) — significantly higher than Romania’s national average of 600 euros.

The government’s broad coalition initially attempted to implement these judicial pension modifications last year as part of requirements to secure EU recovery and resilience funding.

However, the Constitutional Court rejected the original legislation in October due to technical issues, prompting officials to draft and approve revised measures.

“The reform of special pensions has been much requested by Romanian society and we are achieving a great step towards equality,” government officials stated in their announcement.

The European Commission maintained special oversight of Romania’s judicial system for corruption concerns from the country’s 2007 EU membership until 2023.

However, recent developments have raised new concerns about anti-corruption efforts, as the pace of corruption investigations has decreased since 2023, and several high-profile acquittals have sparked questions about the momentum of graft-fighting initiatives.

These concerns intensified last December when approximately 700 judges and prosecutors made allegations of ongoing systemic misconduct within the justice system, leading to several days of street demonstrations focused on anti-corruption themes.

Bolojan’s coalition government, which assumed power in June, has weathered six no-confidence votes, primarily related to tax increases and spending reductions designed to address the European Union’s largest budget deficit and maintain Romania’s investment-grade debt status.

Despite these challenges, the four-party coalition continues to face difficulties reaching consensus on public sector employment and spending reductions, with the 2026 budget still awaiting approval.

A comprehensive international survey conducted by the Pew Research Center explored what citizens value most about their home countries across 25 nations, revealing diverse sources of national pride. The research findings show dramatically different priorities depending on the country.

According to the study, Americans overwhelmingly cite freedom as their primary source of national pride. Meanwhile, Canadians point to diversity and multiculturalism as what they value most about their nation. The survey revealed that Italians take greatest pride in their artistic legacy and cultural traditions, while citizens of India highlight their country’s economic achievements. Notably, Israel stands alone among the surveyed nations, with its residents identifying religion as their foremost reason for national pride.

VARADERO BEACH, Cuba – The pristine beaches of Cuba’s Varadero peninsula, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand, paint a picture of tropical perfection.

However, these once-bustling resort beaches have become increasingly deserted since Cuban officials declared on February 8 that the country was facing a critical jet fuel shortage.

Recovery appears unlikely in the near future.

A comprehensive Reuters investigation involving hotel operators, travel companies, airlines, and local tourism workers reveals that virtually every segment of the industry has been severely impacted by the fuel crisis. This development threatens to deliver a fatal blow to an already struggling sector that serves as a lifeline for Cuba’s battered economy.

Major Canadian carriers including Air Canada, WestJet, and Transat – representing the primary airlines from Canada, Cuba’s top visitor source – have announced flight suspensions to the island. According to analytics company Cirium, this will result in up to 1,709 canceled flights through April, potentially reducing visitor numbers by hundreds of thousands during the crucial winter tourism season.

Russian aviation authorities announced last week that they plan to evacuate their tourists from Cuba in the coming days before halting all flights until the fuel crisis subsides. Russia represents Cuba’s third-largest tourist market.

International hotel chain NH announced Friday that it had shuttered all its Cuban properties, while Spanish hospitality giant Melia, Cuba’s largest hotel operator, revealed the same day it had closed three of its 30 island locations and was consolidating guests into better-equipped facilities with higher capacity.

“There is just total uncertainty,” said Alejandro Morejon, a 53-year-old tourism guide who began work in Varadero shortly after Cuba re-opened to international tourism in the 1990s. “Everything is beginning to fall apart.”

The tourism crisis represents the first major casualty in a broader U.S. campaign designed to pressure Cuba’s leadership through economic strangulation by preventing oil deliveries to the Caribbean nation.

The Trump administration has designated Cuba “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to American national security, severing Venezuelan oil supplies to the island while threatening tariffs against any country that provides fuel to Cuba.

The tourism industry generated $1.3 billion in foreign currency for the communist government in 2024, the most recent year for which dollar figures were available, representing approximately 10% of total export revenues.

Paolo Spadoni, an Augusta University economist in Georgia who specializes in Cuban economic analysis, noted that tourism, along with medical professional exports and remittances, forms the backbone of the country’s critical hard currency income.

The Trump administration has targeted all three revenue streams with renewed sanctions that had already prevented the resort industry from achieving a complete post-pandemic recovery.

“The complete collapse of Cuba’s tourism sector would create an unsustainable situation for the Cuban economy and threaten its survival,” Spadoni said.

Cuba welcomed only 1.8 million tourists in 2025, declining from 2.2 million the previous year and marking the lowest visitor count in over twenty years.

Current tourists expressed difficulty relaxing, feeling anxious following Cuba’s recent announcement about the impending jet fuel depletion.

“We’re just winging it, trying not to stress, because we don’t want it to ruin our trip,” said Tyler LaMountaine, an Alberta-based oil and gas industry worker who had come to Cuba with his wife to escape Canada’s cold winter but worried they could end up stranded by the canceled flights. “But you get scared because everyone else is scared.”

Cuban government officials announced a contingency strategy in early February to safeguard essential services including emergency medical care and elementary education.

Leadership initially assured that tourism and international aviation would remain unaffected, but two days later, authorities informed aviation stakeholders that fuel supplies would soon be exhausted.

Carriers throughout Europe, South America, the United States, Russia, and Canada have subsequently reduced flights or modified routes to accommodate the fuel shortage.

APPROACHING CRISIS

Surface conditions in Varadero appear normal at the beach destination that once served as a winter retreat for the DuPont family before Cuba’s 1959 revolution and now attracts Europeans and Canadians during the northern hemisphere’s cold months.

As of late last week, souvenir stores and most dining establishments remained operational. Beach furniture and umbrellas still lined the shores, and sunburned visitors continued collecting shells and swimming in the remarkably clear waters.

However, Reuters verified that at least two peninsula hotels had ceased operations.

A security officer at the Domina Marina resort, an extensive complex featuring multiple towers overlooking an expansive marina constructed in the early 2010s, prevented a reporter from accessing the property and confirmed its closure. The hotel’s local telephone line was disconnected.

Local employees indicated that maintaining hotel and restaurant operations will become increasingly challenging as the U.S. fuel blockade enters its third complete week.

Jorge Fernandez, who provides peninsula tours for visitors in a pink 1950s convertible, reported late last week that his fuel supply would last only one additional day.

“After that, it’s back home to invent something else to do,” the 53-year-old said.

“Trump and (Cuban President) Miguel Diaz-Canel need to come to some agreement because the only ones that are suffering here are the people,” Fernandez said. “The country is shutting down.”

BEIJING — A devastating blast at a pyrotechnics store in China’s Hubei province claimed the lives of 12 people on Wednesday, marking the second deadly incident of its kind within days as the nation observes Lunar New Year festivities.

Fire crews extinguished flames at the fireworks retailer located in Xiangyang, a town in central Hubei province, during Wednesday afternoon hours, the state-run Xinhua News Agency confirmed. Officials are currently examining what triggered the deadly blast, though the report provided no additional specifics.

Pyrotechnic displays play a central role in China’s Lunar New Year traditions, yet they have repeatedly led to tragic incidents.

Just days earlier on Sunday, a separate tragedy at a fireworks retailer in Jiangsu province’s eastern region resulted in eight deaths and left two others wounded. Officials determined that a local resident had ignited fireworks in proximity to the store.

China’s central authorities issued a safety warning on Tuesday, with the Ministry of Emergency Management declaring that “fireworks are still the biggest risks during the Spring Festival period.”