Turkey says six Turks held by Haftar in Libya, demands release
Turkey said on Sunday that six of its citizens were being held by eastern Libyan forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, and that the militia would become a “legitimate target” if they were not released immediately.
Two aides of Lebanese minister shot dead as convoy hit by gunfire – minister
Two bodyguards of a Lebanese Druze minister were killed on Sunday when his convoy came under fire as it passed through an area loyal to a rival Druze faction, in what the minister called an assassination attempt.
Istanbul’s LGBT community holds small rally after march banned
Istanbul’s gay and transgender community gathered for a small rally that ended with tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday after their annual march was banned for the fifth consecutive year.
Italy’s PM Conte says no talks on Sunday in Brussels over EU debt action
Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said he will not discuss with European Union leaders on Sunday possible EU action over Rome’s debt, for which a decision by the European Commission is expected on Tuesday.
U.S. envoys on hand as Israel digs down in east Jerusalem
U.S. envoys attended the inauguration of a Jewish heritage site in East Jerusalem on Sunday, signaling support for Israel’s hold over parts of the city that Palestinians want for a future state.
Timmermans faces Eastern resistance for top EU job; search for ECB head postponed
Dutch socialist Frans Timmermans has emerged as the favorite to be named the EU’s next chief executive, diplomats and officials said on Sunday ahead of a summit in Brussels, but faces resistance from eastern European countries.
U.S. Democratic candidates dump on Trump over North Korea meeting
U.S. candidates running for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination on Sunday criticized President Donald Trump’s latest overture to North Korean leader Kim Jung Un, saying the leaders’ meeting lacked substance and elevated a ruthless dictator.
Germany’s Merkel sees difficult talks to choose EU Commission head
Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday that negotiations among European Union leaders to choose a new president of the EU Commission will be complicated.
Czech PM warns of snap election if coalition crumbles
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Sunday there would be a snap election if his coalition partner goes through with threat to quit, raising the prospect of more political turmoil after weeks of street protests against his rule.
Highlights: EU leaders meet to decide on bloc’s top jobs, Timmermans frontrunner
European Union leaders meet on Sunday to decide who wins the bloc’s top posts, with Dutch socialist Frans Timmermans in pole position to be named the EU’s next chief executive, diplomats and officials said.
