Berlin to limit sensitive military tenders to German firms
Angela Merkel’s government said on Wednesday it would restrict tenders for the procurement of sensitive weapon systems to German companies, a protectionist measure by a chancellor who has come out strongly against such barriers.
No coalition without Merkel, say German Social Democrats
Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD) signaled on Wednesday they could quit their coalition with Angela Merkel’s conservatives if she is forced out as chancellor, piling pressure on their partners to avoid a snap election as they pick a new leader.
Russia discharges second Chinese national to recover from coronavirus
Russia discharged a Chinese national from hospital in the Siberian city of Chita on Wednesday after he recovered from a coronavirus infection, local authorities said.
Italy’s government presses ahead with new motorway rules: deputy minister
Rome will push ahead with new rules making it easier to revoke motorway concessions, Italy’s Deputy Economy Minister said, in a move aimed at forcing Atlantia to accept contractual changes following a deadly bridge collapse.
New Ukraine chief of staff: compromises possible in Russia talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s new chief of staff Andriy Yermak said there could be compromises in Kiev’s negotiations with Moscow over the future of the Donbass region but also stressed there could be no elections while Ukraine did not cont…
Turkey will hit Syrian government forces anywhere if troops hurt: Erdogan
Turkey’s military will strike Syrian government forces by air or ground anywhere in Syria if another Turkish soldier is hurt, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.
Putin and Erdogan discuss conflict in Syria’s Idlib province
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed the escalating conflict in Syria’s Idlib province by phone, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.
United Nations says Haftar’s forces have not granted landing permits for its flights
The United Nations said eastern Libyan forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar have refused to grant landing permits for flights bringing U.N. staff to and from Libya, a statement said on Wednesday.
More than half Malta’s traffic police arrested for fraud
Well over half of Malta’s traffic police force, including its chief, have been arrested for suspected overtime fraud, after an anonymous tip off from a whistleblower.
Factbox: Coronavirus forces delay of trade fairs and conferences
Over two dozen large trade fairs and industry conferences in China and overseas have been postponed due to travel curbs and concerns about the spread of the 2019 coronavirus, potentially disrupting billions of dollars’ worth of deals.
