Europe

Israel says It Will Pursue Annexation “Responsibly”

Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi said Wednesday that Israel will act “responsibly” in pursuing plans for annexing parts of the West Bank, Israel Hayom reported. Responding to German and EU concerns that unilateral annexation would jeopardize a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Ashkenazi said annexation plans would be carried out “in dialogue with our neighbors.” The statements were made at a press conference in Jerusalem with German foreign minister Heiko Maas.

Europe’s Antiracism Protests Clouded By Violence

Protests, sometimes marred by violence, continue in Europe and elsewhere against perceived racist police brutality following the recent death of the unarmed black man George Floyd in U.S. police custody. The London police chief on Sunday condemned assaults the previous day against police in which at least fourteen police were reportedly injured.

Germany Furious About U.S. Planned Withdrawal of Troops

Senior legislators from German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative block condemned Saturday the reported decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw a quarter of the American troops stationed in Germany.

No progress: EU, UK remain far apart in post-Brexit talks

Another round of trade discussions between the European Union and the U.K. ended Friday – and once again there were no signs of progress ahead of a looming deadline on whether a transition arrangement can be extended.

Europe, World Shocked Over U.S. Violence

Protestors in Europe and other countries have joined demonstrators in the United States to express outrage over the death of George Floyd. The unarmed black man died in the U.S. city of Minneapolis after a white police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck until he stopped breathing.

Palestinians Warn Israel Of “Serious Consequences” Over West Bank Annexation

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) warned Israel on Wednesday of “serious consequences,” if the Jewish state continues its attempts to annex parts of the West Bank and Jordan Valley. “There would be consequences for this measure on the economic and political Palestinian-Israeli relationship,” said PLO Secretary-General Saeb Erekat.

European Leaders Asked Netanyahu Not to Annex Parts of the West Bank Unilaterally

A number of European heads of state recently wrote to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asking him not to proceed with plans for unilateral annexation of parts of the West Bank, Israel’s Channel 13 reported Tuesday. French President Emmanuel Macron made the request of Netanyahu “in a spirit of friendship.”

Spain Opens For Tourists After Tough Lockdown

European nations are slowly ending lengthy lockdown measures linked to the coronavirus pandemic, including hard-hit Spain. While still mourning its reported 28,000 coronavirus deaths, Spain wants to ease restrictions and reopen for massive tourism.

Chechen Leader Hospitalized With COVID-19

There was mounting uncertainty Saturday over the health of Chechen autocratic leader Ramzan Kadyrov after conflicting reports over whether he suffers from the coronavirus disease COVID-19.

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