Unilateralism will strengthen pandemic: UN assembly chief
United Nations: The new president of the UN General Assembly warned Tuesday that unilateralism will only strengthen the COVID-19 pandemic and called for a new commitment to global cooperation, including on the fair and equitable distribution of vaccines. Turkish diplomat and politician Volkan Bozkir announced that the General Assembly will hold a high-level special session […]
EU wants better coordination on virus, announces summit
Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that the bloc must rise above its fragmented approach on dealing with the coronavirus by centralising more decision-making on health issues. She also told EU legislators that Italy will host a global health summit next year, during its G20 presidency. Von der Leyen fully acknowledged […]
UN experts decry continued abuse as Syria’s war grinds on
Geneva: UN-backed investigators pointed Tuesday to signs that Syria’s government continues to perpetrate rape, torture and murder as the country’s nine-year conflict grinds on, while citing possible war crimes by a Turkey-backed coalition of rebel groups and calling on Ankara to do more to help prevent them. The report from the Commission of Inquiry on […]
Roadside bombing targets British convoy in Iraq
Baghdad: A roadside bombing targeted British diplomatic vehicles in Baghdad on Tuesday, the British Embassy and Iraqi officials said. There were no injuries but the attack is fueling concerns of armed groups outside of the state’s control. The attack targeted an embassy convoy on a Baghdad highway close to the Umm al-Tabool Mosque, the British […]
European Union’s top court supports net neutrality rules
London: The European Union’s highest court has given its support to the bloc’s rules that stop internet providers from charging customers for preferential access to their networks. The European Court of Justice on Tuesday issued its first interpretation of the EU’s net neutrality rules since they were adopted in 2015. The rules require telecommunications providers […]
UN rights chief decries racism in US, keeps eye on Hong Kong
Geneva: The UN human rights chief appealed Monday for “urgent and profound action to combat systemic racism” in the United States, and encouraged Hong Kong authorities to “monitor closely” the enforcement of a national security law in China derided by many activists. The comments from Michelle Bachelet came in a catch-all speech to open the […]
UN atomic watchdog: Hopeful of greater trust with Iran
Berlin: The head of the United Nations’ atomic watchdog agency told board members on Monday he is hopeful Iran’s decision to let inspectors in to two disputed sites could lead to greater trust with Tehran. Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in late August secured an agreement with Iran to inspect […]
Chinese military calls US biggest threat to world peace
Beijing: China’s Defence Ministry on Sunday blasted a critical US report on the country’s military ambitions, saying it is the US instead that poses the biggest threat to the international order and world peace. The statement follows the September 2 release of the annual Defence Department report to Congress on Chinese military developments and goals […]
Iraq’s top Shiite cleric backs early parliamentary elections
Baghdad: Iraq’s top Shiite cleric on Sunday threw his support behind the prime minister’s announcement to hold parliamentary elections ahead of schedule next year, saying the timing should not serve the interests of political groups. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani’s comments came in a statement released by his office after a meeting with UN envoy to […]
Warring Afghans meet to find peace after decades of war
Dubai: Afghanistan’s warring sides started negotiations on Saturday for the first time aimed at ending decades of war, bringing together delegates appointed by the Afghan government and the Taliban. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attended the opening ceremony, which was held in Qatar where the meetings will take place. It’s the latest in a […]
