Europe Moving Towards Digital Euro Raising Prophetic Concerns
The European Central Bank (ECB) says it moves towards issuing a digital version of the euro currency that critics fear could replace banknotes.
Europe
Armenia Ready To Discuss Ceasefire As Conflict Escalates
Armenia says it is ready to discuss a ceasefire in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, where heavy fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in recent days has killed dozens and left scores wounded. The announcement comes amid international calls to end the most significant escalation in years.
UK, EU chiefs to discus Brexit, free trade talks Saturday
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to speak to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday to “take stock” of negotiations on a post-Brexit free trade deal and to “discuss next steps,” a British government spokesman said.
EU threatens Britain with legal action over bill to override Brexit deal
The European Union said Thursday it will take legal action against the British government for violating the terms of their Brexit agreement.
EU consider deployment of military observers to Libya if a ceasefire holds
The European Union is considering the possible high-risk deployment of EU military observers to Libya in the event a ceasefire holds in the war-torn North African country, Politico reports. Libya has been the scene of a years-long civil war between Tripoli’s UN-backed Government of National Accord headed by Fayez al-Sarraj, and rebel General Khalifa Haftar, leader of the Libyan National Army (LNA).
EU Rejects Hungary’s Call For Ouster Of Rule-Of-Law Official
The European Union’s executive has rejected a demand by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to dismiss its top rule of law official for comments about Hungary’s ‘ailing democracy.’
U.S. Might Close Embassy Unless Iraq Prevents Iran Militia Attacks
The Trump administration may close its embassy in Iraq if the government does not take steps to protect it from attacks by Iranian-backed militants.
Concerns over Christian Refugees in Hungary where U.S. Broadcaster Returns
There is mounting concern about the plight of persecuted Christian refugees in Hungary despite government pledges to help them.
Belarus Admits Detaining Hundreds After Massive Rallies
Authorities in Belarus have admitted detaining hundreds of people in a weekend of massive protests against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko across the country.
Abbas to UN: No peace, no security, without resolution to Israel-Palestinian conflict
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday called on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to convene an international conference early next year to launch “a genuine peace process” between Israel and the Palestinians.
EU Condemns Belarus President’s Inauguration Amid Violence
The European Union said Thursday it doesn’t recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the President of Belarus after being sworn in for a sixth term during a secret ceremony.
Eritrea Releases 69 Christian Prisoners After Years In Jail
Eritrea released at least 69 Christian prisoners this month, including many detained in horrific circumstances for their faith “for up to 16 years without trial,” aid workers told Worthy News.
Israel joins new regional forum in hope of selling gas to Europe
Against a backdrop of rapidly changing geopolitics in the Middle East, Israel on Tuesday joined Egypt, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Palestinian Authority to sign the statute of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), formally establishing the brainchild of Israel and Egypt as a regional intergovernmental organization, based in Cairo.
Pompeo threatens China with sanctions over Iran arms deals
President Trump will impose sanctions on China if Beijing authorizes arms sales to Iran following his move to dismantle the 2015 nuclear deal and renew international sanctions on Tehran.
U.S. Imposes New Sanctions On Iran Defense, Atomic Industries
The United States has imposed sanctions on more than two dozen people and entities involved in Iran’s atomic activities or its missile and conventional weapons programs, as Washington unilaterally seeks to enforce a UN arms embargo against the Middle East country.
‘Russian President’s Friend Laundering Millions Through Bank’
Leaked documents suggest that one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest friends used a prominent British bank to launder millions of dollars and evade Western sanctions. Separately the company of U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly benefited from laundered money, but officials denied those charges.
Bulgaria Jails Two Men Over Bus Bombing Killing Israeli Tourists
A Bulgarian court sentenced two Islamic militants to life imprisonment without parole over a 2012 bus bombing that killed five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian driver in an attack blamed on Lebanon’s Shi’ite Muslim group Hezbollah.
Europe Racing To Limit Second Wave Of Coronavirus Infections
Europe is racing to contain rising coronavirus infections and prevent more hospitalizations and deaths. Authorities in several countries announced new restrictions, sparking protests in Spain, which saw one of the lockdowns.
Hungary’s Anti-Migrant Orbán Keeps Borders Closed Amid Coronavirus
Hungary’s fiercely anti-migration Prime Minister Viktor Orbán says his nation is facing “a second wave of coronavirus infections” and will keep its borders closed to most foreigners, despite European Union concerns about that decision.
Belarus Protest Organizer Charged With Undermining National Security
Political and social unrest is rising in Belarus after a protest organizer was charged with undermining national security. Authorities in have linked Maria Kolesnikova to what they view as attempts to destabilize the former Soviet nation.