Russia’s Putin Can Rule Till 2036, Voters Say
Russia’s long-ruling President Vladimir Putin could remain in power until 2036 after voters backed controversial changes to the constitution, official results showed Wednesday.
Europe
U.S. cuts high-tech sales to China to protest Hong Kong crackdown
The Trump administration said it was now blocking transfers of sensitive U.S. technology to Hong Kong after China on Tuesday formally put in place a harsh new national security law on the former British territory.
Doubts Over Hungary‘s Support For Persecuted Christians
Hungary’s right-wing government has come under pressure amid reports that it spends more on anti-migration propaganda than on support for persecuted Christians.
EU extends sanctions on Russia
The European Union has decided to extend sanctions it imposed on Russia in 2014 following Russian military action against Ukraine. The decision to extend the economic measures was made by the Council of the European Union on June 29.
Poland’s President Facing Liberal Challenge In Sunday Poll
Poland’s right-wing president, Andrzej Duda, was seeking a second five-year term in an election amid controversy. Sunday’s poll was seen as a test whether voters share his plans of implementing a conservative agenda. His policies include judicial reforms that the European Union claims undermine democracy.
At UN, Arab League head warns of ‘religious war’ if Israel annexes in West Bank
The United Nations, European Union countries, and the Arab League joined Wednesday in calling for Israel to abandon its plans to annex parts of the West Bank, as the Jewish state’s envoy to the international body insisted the step would not stand in the way of peace with the Palestinians.
Frustration and Hope as World Deals with Virus and Visitors
Hope but also frustration and uncertainty marked the world’s efforts Sunday to deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Serbia’s Populists Expected To Win Vote
Serbia’s ruling populists were due to tighten their grip on power in the first European national election since the coronavirus pandemic. Voting began Sunday in the, heavily Orthodox, Balkan nation despite concerns about ongoing COVID-19 cases and what critics view as the autocratic style of the current president.
U.S., Russia To Hold Arms Talks Next Week In Move To Preserve New START
The United States says disarmament talks between its top arms control negotiator and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov will take place next week in Austria.
UN Nuclear Watchdog Ramps Up Pressure On Iran To Access Sites
The board of governors of the United Nations’ atomic agency issued a resolution on June 19 urging Iran to provide access to two sites where nuclear activity may have occurred in the past.
Europe’s Top Court Overturns Hungary’s ‘Authoritarian’ NGO Law
The European Union’s top court ruled Thursday that Hungary’s legislation requiring non-governmental organizations to reveal their foreign donors is against EU rules. The Luxemburg-based Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) condemned a law that forces NGOs receiving at least 7.2 million Hungarian forints ($23,000) to register with authorities.
White Silence’ in Budapest As Hungarians Mourn Virus And Policy Victims
Hungarians dressed in white have braved pouring rain to mourn those who died of the government’s coronavirus measures and COVID-19 patients who passed away. Their ‘White Silence’ rally in Budapest was, at times, interrupted by the tolling of small church bells on top of two ladders.
With a bit of oomph, Brexit deal feasible in July, says UK’s Johnson
Leaders from Britain and the European Union agreed on Monday that talks on their future relationship should be stepped up to clinch a deal, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggesting an agreement could be reached in July with “a bit of oomph”.
EU urges US to join new Israeli-Palestinian peace push, rejects Trump plan
European Union foreign ministers on Monday urged the United States to join a new effort to breathe life into long-stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, but they rejected US President Donald Trump’s Middle East plan as the basis for any international process.
Europe’s Reopens Borders But Concerns Remain Over Pandemic
Borders reopened across Europe on Monday after three months of coronavirus lockdowns. But many restrictions persist and remain unclear how willing Europeans will be to travel this summer.
Cities in Turmoil after Killing Of Another Black Man by U.S. Police
More anti-racism and counter-protests are due to continue in the U.S. and around the world after the second high profile killing of a black man in the United States within weeks. U.S. authorities say an Atlanta police officer has been fired following the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, over the weekend. A second officer has been placed on administrative leave.
Hungary Faces Court Case For Emptying Hospitals In Pandemic (Worthy News Investigation)
A human rights group supports a European court case against Hungary for “failing to protect its citizens” and “causing death” by emptying hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dozens of Migrants Drown off Coast Tunisia
While much of the world focuses on the coronavirus pandemic, many migrants continue to die in the Mediterranean Sea, trying to reach Europe. In the latest incident, authorities say that the bodies of 46 people have been recovered off the coast of Tunisia. The tragedy happened after their boat capsized near the city of Sfax at the weekend.
U.S. Senate Panel Approves Subpoenas In Russia Probe
The Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee has approved subpoena power for a politically charged congressional investigation of the Justice Department’s probe into Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and its contacts with Russia.
Slovakia School Attack Kills One, Injures Five
A knife-wielding man fatally stabbed a school deputy head and injured at least five in northern Slovakia before being killed by police, officials say.