Russia and Ukraine swap prisoners in first sign of thawing relations
Russia and Ukraine began a long-awaited prisoner swap on Saturday in a step that could ease bitter tensions over Moscow’s annexation five years ago of the Crimea region.
Germany’s Merkel presses call for peaceful Hong Kong resolution
German Chancellor Angela Merkel renewed her calls for a peaceful solution to unrest in Hong Kong on Saturday.
France hopes new Italian government will help boost ties: Le Maire
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Saturday he hoped the arrival of a new Italian government would strengthen bilateral ties between Rome and Paris as well as their cooperation on European matters.
Planes leave Moscow and Kiev in Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap
A plane with Ukrainian markings has taken off from Moscow’s Vnukovo airport on its way to Kiev as part of a prisoner swap operation, a Reuters witness and Russian news agencies reported.
France to pursue efforts to bring Iran to comply with nuclear deal: minister
France will continue efforts to bring Iran into full compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal, French defense minister Florence Parly said, adding that U.S. and European moves to strengthen security in the Gulf must be “complementary and well coordinated”.
Zimbabweans mourn founding father Mugabe but confused about burial
Zimbabweans on Saturday mourned the death of their country’s founding father Robert Mugabe but confusion swirled about when his body would be returned from abroad or when he would be buried, two years after he was toppled in a coup.
Detained Ukrainian sailors waiting for flight from Moscow -lawyer
All 24 Ukrainian sailors detained in the Kerch Strait last year are waiting for a flight from Moscow’s Vnukovo airport, their lawyer Nikolai Polozov told 112 TV on Saturday.
Relief efforts ramp up amid fear of ‘staggering’ death toll in storm ravaged Bahamas
Charities, government agencies and even cruise ships loaded with supplies and volunteers rushed emergency aid to the storm-ravaged Bahamas on Saturday amid fears of a “staggering” death toll left in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.
Pentagon chief says U.S. working toward ‘good deal’ with Taliban
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday that while it was seeking a political agreement with the Taliban, Washington would not accept just any deal after a wave of violence cast a shadow over its talks with the insurgent group.
Hong Kong police stave off airport protest after night of violence
Hong Kong police checked people traveling to the airport for passports and air tickets on Saturday, preventing protesters gathering for another “stress test” of road and rail links in the Chinese-ruled city.
