BEIRUT: Former French President Francois Hollande Thursday wrapped up a two-day visit to Lebanon after meeting with top Lebanese officials to discuss matters relating to Lebanese sovereignty, the Syrian war and CEDRE reforms. Thursday morning, Hollande met President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace to discuss Lebanon’s domestic situation and the ... Read More »
The Chinese government’s top diplomat issued a stern warning on Friday against interfering in Venezuela or imposing sanctions on the South American nation, saying history offered a clear lesson about not “following the same old disastrous road”. China has repeatedly called for outsiders not to interfere in Venezuela’s internal affairs ... Read More »
Before Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatists in east Ukraine, Moscow had a Ukrainian president who did much of what it wanted. Now, as Ukraine readies to elect a new leader, none of the main candidates look that enticing to Russia. Viktor Yanukovich, the last Moscow-friendly Ukrainian president, was toppled ... Read More »
A clothing and cosmetics model and a former monk are campaigning together for Thailand’s election at a market outside Bangkok. The message: Buddhism is under threat. Their politics marks a new trend in traditionally tolerant Thailand, where Buddhist nationalist movements have never taken root in the same way as in ... Read More »
US trade deal would mean ‘submitting to someone else’s wishes’, academic says A no-deal Brexit would force the UK to “submit” to Donald Trump rather than “taking back control” from the European Union (EU), experts have warned. Any trade deal with the US would be “entirely on their terms” and ... Read More »
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei advised the government last July not to rely on a European package to protect Tehran against U.S. sanctions, after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from a nuclear deal and reimposed penalties. The release of the speech shows while President Hassan Rouhani was trying to ... Read More »
‘It’s our job to protect the rule of law,’ committee chair says The US House Judiciary Committee will launch a probe into possible obstruction of justice and abuse of power by Donald Trump. Jerry Nadler, who chairs the committee, told ABC that the panel wanted to obtain documents from more ... Read More »
Democracy movement Mouwatana opposes president Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term The coordinator of protests sweeping across Algeria for the past week has called for wholesale regime change as tens of thousands are expected to take to the streets on Friday. “What Algerians want is to get rid of not ... Read More »
Want smart analysis of the most important news in your inbox every weekday along with other global reads, interesting ideas and opinions to know? The political standoff in Venezuela teetered toward open conflict over the weekend. Clashes between opposition supporters and security forces — as well as armed mobs loyal ... Read More »
Asian shares rise sharply after US president says he will hold a summit with Xi Jinping to conclude an agreement to end trade standoff Shares in Asia have soared after Donald Trump said he would delay an increase in tariffs on Chinese goods, citing “substantial progress” in trade talks with ... Read More »
Lebanese Ministry of Information