Mexico president pushes back after Canada flags concern over contract dispute
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday that contracts awarded to build gas pipelines by the previous government were ‘abusive’ in response to concerns expressed by Canada’s ambassador about the contracts being honored.
Europe safer since Islamic State defeat but threat endures, Europol says
Europeans were safer from jihadist attacks last year than at any point since Islamic State set up its caliphate in 2014, but a number of foiled attacks including plots to use poison chemicals show that the threat still endures, police agency Europol sa…
U.S. tells NATO it wants to avoid war with Iran: diplomats
Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper told NATO allies on Thursday that Washington did not want to go to war with Iran but also could not tolerate any further incidents, according to allied diplomats present.
Former allies of Turkey’s Erdogan plan rival party after Istanbul defeat
Two senior figures in Turkish President’s Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party are planning to launch a rival political group this year, people familiar with the matter said, a move that could further erode support for the country’s long-time leader on the heels of a stinging electoral defeat in Istanbul.
Dutch agency warns of cyber spying ahead of 5G report
The Dutch intelligence agency (AIVD) on Thursday warned of the escalating threat of state-backed cyber espionage, saying the Netherlands was particularly vulnerable as a hub for international business, telecoms and human rights groups.
New Istanbul mayor a catalyst for change in old Erdogan stronghold
Through his 16 years in power, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has been able to rely on the pious electorate of Istanbul’s Eyup district, where for centuries Ottoman sultans received their ceremonial sword after ascending to the throne.
Worst of yellow vest economic impact in France yet to come: Senate
The worst of the impact on the French economy of the yellow-vest protests, which rocked city centers across France last winter, is yet to come, a report said, predicting a wave of bankruptcies among small businesses in the second half of the year.
Despite need for Sinai funds, Egypt unlikely to join Kushner plan
A U.S.-proposed $9 billion aid package could tempt Egypt with long-sought financing to transform its strife-torn Sinai peninsula, but analysts say political risks are likely to outweigh any potential financial benefit.
Italy PM says he is confident of avoiding EU action over budget
Rome is holding a “constructive” dialogue with the European Commission to avoid a disciplinary procedure on the country’s budget, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday.
One dead, several wounded in two suicide bomber attacks in Tunisian capital
Two suicide bombers blew themselves up in separate attacks on police in the Tunisian capital on Thursday, killing one police officer and wounding several other people, the government said.
