German defense minister sets out Syria plan to NATO; Turkey, U.S. supportive
Germany’s defense minister presented to NATO her proposal for a security zone in northern Syria on Thursday, receiving support from Turkey and the United States but also a warning from the alliance’s chief that it may need to involve the United Nations…
Back an election and we can still ratify a Brexit deal, UK PM Johnson tells Labour
Parliament could still pass a deal to leave the European Union if it backs the government’s attempt to hold a new election, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in a letter on Thursday.
Swiss investigate J. Safra Sarasin amid Brazilian ‘car wash’ probe
Swiss federal prosecutors said they had opened an investigation of private bank J. Safra Sarasin as part of a wide-ranging corruption probe surrounding Brazilian state oil company Petrobras and construction firm Odebrecht.
Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters rally for Catalan separatists
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.
UK’s Johnson to ask parliament for December 12 general election
Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that he was asking parliament to approve a national election to take place on Dec. 12 as part of his efforts to ensure Britain leaves the European Union.
Truck deaths underscore shift in UK-bound migrant route after Jungle camp closure
When France shut the Calais shanty town known as the Jungle in 2016, migrants seeking entry to Britain were forced to look for less safe passage up the coast in Belgium – the route taken by a truck in which 39 bodies were found this week.
Pence takes aim at China in wide-ranging critique ahead of trade talks
Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of curtailing “rights and liberties” in Hong Kong in a wide-ranging critique of Beijing’s behavior but also insisted that the United States does not seek confrontation or to “de-couple” from its main …
Ethiopia activist calls 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.
UK government to take first step to asking for early election: Sky
Britain’s government will take the first step toward calling an early national election, Sky News said on Thursday, reporting that ministers would submit a motion to parliament which would be discussed early next week.
Protest-hit Lebanon’s banks to stay shut until calm returns
Banks in Lebanon will remain closed until stability is restored out of safety concerns, the banking association said on Thursday, as protests raged demanding the government resigns.
