Crew of tanker seized by Iran have spoken to families: owners
The owners of a British-flagged oil tanker seized last week by Iran said crew members had been able to talk directly to their families for a limited time and all those on board were reported to be safe and well.
Senate panel to vote next week on sanctions on Russia-to-Germany gas pipeline
A U.S. Senate committee is due to vote next week on a bill that would slap sanctions on companies and individuals involved in building the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany that the Trump administration says would strengthen Mos…
Under siege, Venezuelan opposition lawmakers keep their congress alive
Venezuela’s opposition says President Nicolas Maduro is seeking to close down the last institutional space they have left to contest his government – the National Assembly legislature, headed by Juan Guaido.
U.S. sanctions target food subsidy scam in Venezuela
The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on 10 people and 13 groups in a Venezuelan food subsidy scheme that lined the pockets of President Nicolas Maduro, his stepsons and others while ordinary Venezuelans suffer food shortages, the U.S. Treasu…
Turkish military chiefs discuss possible offensive in Syria
Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar met military officials on Thursday to discuss a possible offensive east of the Euphrates River in Syria as Ankara ramped up warnings of a cross-border operation.
Brexit whirlwind heads toward election or no-deal, unless someone moves
To solve the Brexit riddle that has paralyzed British politics for three years, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just three main options: an election, a new deal or a no-deal Brexit.
As mood sours, Syrians report forced deportations from Turkey
When Syrian real estate worker Abu Ahmad was stopped by police in Istanbul he expected a ritual ticking-off for his expired documents, before being allowed on his way. Instead he says he was bundled into a bus packed with 50 men and deported to Syria.
U.S. sanctions Maduro stepsons over Venzuela food scam: website
The United States imposed Venezuela-related sanctions on Thursday against 10 individuals, including the stepsons of leader Nicholas Maduro and 13 entities, according to the Treasury Department website.
Ukraine seizes Russian tanker, frees crew after Moscow threat
Ukraine on Thursday seized a Russian tanker for its alleged involvement in the capture of three Ukrainian navy vessels by Russia, prompting Moscow to warn of consequences if any Russian citizens were “taken hostage”.
Irish PM: ‘I hope UK’s Johnson hasn’t chosen no-deal’
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Thursday said it was not yet clear whether his British counterpart Boris Johnson had chosen to leave the European Union without a deal, but that the decision was Britain’s alone to make.
