Romanian centrists seek urgent budget approval, keep gap in check
Romania’s centrist National Liberal Party of Prime Minister-designate Ludovic Orban wants to quickly adopt next year’s budget and rein in a fiscal shortfall below the European Union’s 3% threshold while strengthening courts. Expansionary fiscal and wag…
Syrian Kurds accuse Turkey of violations, Russia says peace plan on track
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accused Turkey on Thursday of launching a large land offensive targeting three villages in northeast Syria despite a truce, but Russia said a peace plan hammered out this week was going ahead smoothly.
Russia sends S-400 missile defense systems to Serbia for military drill
Russia said on Thursday a division of its S-400 missile defense system would take part in a military drill in Serbia, underlining Moscow’s wish to keep a traditional ally on side even as Belgrade pursues links with NATO and the European Union.
Ethiopia activist appeals for calm after 16 killed in clashes
Prominent Ethiopian activist Jawar Mohammed called for calm on Thursday amid protests that have killed 16 people and are challenging Nobel Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in his political heartland.
Explainer: A journey to death in a container – What we know so far about Chinese victims
The 39 people found dead in the back of a refrigerated truck near London are believed to be Chinese nationals, British police said on Thursday.
Ethiopian activist calls for calm after 16 die in Ethiopia during clashes
Ethiopian activist Jawar Mohammed called for calm on Thursday a day after 16 people were killed during clashes between his supporters and police in the capital and other cities.
Ancient Roman home reopens in Herculaneum after 36-year wait
One of Italy’s most beautiful ancient Roman houses, which was buried under tonnes of ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, has reopened to the public 36 years after it was shuttered in disrepair.
Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters rally for Catalan independence
Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters, some waving Catalan flags and banners urging “a fight for freedom together”, rallied in support of a separate Catalonia on Thursday, broaching an issue that is anathema to Hong Kong’s rulers in Beijing.
Lebanese Druze leader calls for speedy government reshuffle: tweet
Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt said that the best solution out of mass protests triggered by an economic crisis is to speed up a government reshuffle, as proposed by President Michel Aoun, he said in a tweet on Thursday.
Argentina election: done deal or twist in the tail?
Argentines head to the polls on Sunday with the Peronist opposition strong favorites to take back the presidency from business-friendly reformer Mauricio Macri, who has been stung by a tumbling economy and financial crises.
