Israel, Lebanon clash over offshore energy, raising tensions
BEIRUT/TEL AVIV (Reuters) – Israel described as “very provocative” on Wednesday a Lebanese offshore oil and gas exploration tender in disputed territory on the countries’ maritime border, and said it was a mistake for international firms to participat…
North Korea hits back at U.S., calls Trump administration ‘racist’
GENEVA (Reuters) – North Korea struck back at the United States on Wednesday, accusing the Trump administration of being a billionaires’ club that harbors a “policy of racism” while denying freedom of the press and health coverage to citizens.
German parties agree on climate as coalition talks progress
BERLIN (Reuters) – Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives agreed with their would-be Social Democrat (SPD) partners on Wednesday on climate targets for 2030, a sign of steady progress in coalition talks which both sides aim to conclude within a week….
Lebanon’s Berri says government might stumble over tension
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said on Wednesday the work of Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri’s government work could be obstructed by political tension, al-Manar TV reported, as a row involving President Michel Aoun showed no …
More than 200 companies have Israeli settlement ties: U.N.
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United Nations human rights office said on Wednesday it had identified 206 companies so far doing business linked to illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and it urged them to avoid any complicity in “pervasive” violations…
Israel, Lebanon argue over offshore energy block, Beirut slams ‘threat’
BEIRUT/TEL AVIV (Reuters) – Israel described as “very provocative” on Wednesday a Lebanese offshore oil and gas exploration tender in disputed territory on the countries’ maritime border, and urged international firms not to bid.
Turkish court jails three for life over bombing of German tourists
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A Turkish court sentenced three people to multiple life sentences on Wednesday in connection with a bombing that killed 12 German tourists in Istanbul two years ago.
U.S. defends role of Lebanon army as Israel threatens to attack it
TEL AVIV (Reuters) – The United States pledged continued support for Lebanon’s military on Wednesday, calling it a potential counterweight to Iranian-backed Hezbollah, even as Israel said the two forces were indistinguishable and fair game in any futur…
Kenyan TV stations to stay shut after covering opposition `inauguration’
NAIROBI (Reuters) – Three Kenyan TV stations will stay off the air indefinitely as the government investigates a “swearing in” of opposition leader Raila Odinga, the interior minister said on Wednesday, following the symbolic but direct challenge to Pr…
Ending North Korea oil supplies would be seen as act of war, says Russia
MOSCOW (Reuters) – The delivery of oil and oil products to North Korea should not be reduced, Moscow’s ambassador to Pyongyang was cited as saying by RIA news agency on Wednesday, adding that a total end to deliveries would be interpreted by North Kore…
