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international relations

EU will provisionally apply contested South America trade deal

EU will provisionally apply contested South America trade deal

The European Commission announced Friday it will provisionally implement a mammoth trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur, prompting a public split between its two largest member states France and Germany. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced the bloc would go forward with agreement pending the EU top

Belarus opposition leader fears her country could become Putin's 'consolation prize'

Belarus opposition leader fears her country could become Putin's 'consolation prize'

Exiled Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya told AFP in an interview that her country must not become a "consolation prize" for Russian President Vladimir Putin amid intense efforts to end the Ukraine war. Tikhanovskaya said it was crucial for Ukraine to win its battle but that Belarus, a

Japan ruling party approves plans to beef up intelligence

Japan ruling party approves plans to beef up intelligence

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling party has approved plans to beef up the country's intelligence capability, a party official said Friday, as the premier pushes ahead with a defence overhaul. Newly empowered after a landslide victory in snap elections this month, Takaichi has vowed to

Melania Trump to preside over UN Security Council meeting

Melania Trump to preside over UN Security Council meeting

Melania Trump will preside over a UN Security Council meeting next week, her office has announced, in the first such appearance by a US first lady. "First Lady Melania Trump is set to make history at the United Nations, taking the gavel as the United States assumes the Security

Philippines, US, Japanese planes drill over Bashi Channel

Philippines, US, Japanese planes drill over Bashi Channel

The Philippine, US and Japanese militaries conducted joint exercises this week over the Bashi Channel that separates the Philippines from Taiwan, officials said Friday. Aircraft from the three nations patrolled over the Philippines' northernmost Batanes islands in drills aimed at showcasing their "ability to operate seamlessly together in

Iran says 'good progress' in US talks, next round within a week

Iran says 'good progress' in US talks, next round within a week

Iran and the United States made "significant progress" in talks in Switzerland on Thursday, mediators said, after the latest round of negotiations to avert a war between the longtime foes, and agreed to further discussions next week in Austria. The Oman-mediated negotiations follow repeated threats from Donald

Venezuela interim leader asks Trump to lift blockade, sanctions

Venezuela's interim leader on Thursday asked US President Donald Trump to end punitive sanctions and other measures aimed at the South American country, calling the two nations "friends" following the US capture and ouster of Nicolas Maduro. In December, Trump ordered a "blockade" of