MH17 investigators say phone taps reveal Russian political ties
Investigators released a series of phone intercepts on Thursday which they said revealed Moscow’s influence over pro-Russian rebels accused of downing Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine five years ago.
Pope tells tech companies they are responsible for child safety
Pope Francis said on Thursday that technology company executives and investors must be held accountable if they put profit before the protection of children, including from easy access to pornography on the web.
Macron faces ghost of ‘Yellow Vest’ past in Christmas run-up
Agostinho Barreto has stowed away his neon yellow vest and stopped occupying road junctions in protest against the burden of high French taxes. But the garage owner still seethes with anger at the mention of President Emmanuel Macron.
Lebanon bank staff to strike until security plan agreed: union
Lebanon’s bank staff union called on Thursday for employees to stay on strike until it receives details of a security plan, especially on how to deal with customers.
UK’s Johnson says he is not complacent in face of Labour challenge
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was not complacent about the outcome of the Dec. 12 election, because any vote for smaller parties could strip him of a majority and lead to a Labour-led coalition in power.
Georgia’s parliament fails to pass electoral changes, triggering protest
Georgian lawmakers failed on Thursday to pass constitutional amendments aimed at holding elections in 2020 under a proportional voting system, triggering protests outside parliament by thousands of opposition and civil activists.
Sliding UK health service performance sparks pre-election war of words
Britain’s National Health Service recorded its worst ever performance in treating patients on emergency wards last month, a blow to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s claim that only his Conservatives can safeguard the cherished institution.
Turkey to deport American Islamic State detainee after Greece slams door
Turkey said on Thursday it would deport an American suspected Islamic State fighter to the United States after he was refused entry to Greece, and sent eight people with links to the group to Germany and Britain.
No more surrender for Brexit Party’s Farage in British election
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage on Thursday rejected demands to further help British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in next month’s general election by pulling out of contests with the opposition Labour Party, saying he aimed to win enough seats to hold…
Moldovan parliament approves Ion Chicu as new prime minister
Moldova’s parliament on Thursday approved former finance minister Ion Chicu as prime minister along with a new government composed mainly of ministers who support Moscow-backed President Igor Dodon.
