Next EU executive won’t let Poland, Hungary off hook on democracy: diplomats
The European Union’s next executive will keep up forceful pressure on Poland and Hungary over rule of law deficiencies, diplomats and officials said on Thursday, countering the hopes of Warsaw’s ruling nationalist, euroskeptic party.
Rouhani tells Macron Iran determined to ‘leave all doors open’ to save 2015 deal: TV
Iran is determined to “leave all doors open” to save its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, Iranian state TV quoted President Hassan Rouhani as saying in a telephone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.
Pence calls on Saudi Arabia to release critic of Islam
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday called out ally Saudi Arabia for the suppression of religious liberties and urged it to release Raif Badawi, a blogger imprisoned for insulting Islam.
U.S. imposes sanctions on four Iraqis over human rights: Treasury website
The United States imposed sanctions on four Iraqis it accuses of human right abuses and corruption, according to the Treasury Department website.
Russia summons U.S. diplomat in Moscow in protest over visa row
Russia summoned a representative of the U.S. embassy in Moscow on Thursday to issue a protest after U.S. officials alleged Russia had refused visas to teachers at an international school in Moscow, the Russian foreign ministry said.
Germany presses Iran to meet nuclear deal obligations
Germany and the other countries that remain party to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal expect Tehran to uphold its side of the accord, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said, describing recent pronouncements by the Iranians as “unacceptable”.
Poland says Trump to attend World War Two event in Warsaw
Poland said on Thursday U.S. President Donald Trump would attend events in Warsaw marking the 80th anniversary of the Nazi invasion of the country – though the White House said the trip was not yet confirmed.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards impound foreign ship in the Gulf: state TV
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has seized a foreign ship smuggling fuel in the Gulf, state television quoted Iran’s elite force as saying in a statement on Thursday.
U.S. sanctions on Myanmar military leaders inadequate: U.N. investigator
Sanctions imposed this week by the United States on Myanmar’s military leaders over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims do not go far enough, U.N. special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Thursday.
India queries Chinese app TikTok after call for ban by Hindu group
India’s IT ministry has asked Chinese video app TikTok, one of the world’s most popular, to explain how it collects user data and creates awareness for safe use of its platform, according to government officials and a document seen by Reuters.
