Croatia raises foreign workers quota over skills shortages
Croatia on Thursday raised the number of licenses for foreign workers in 2019 in an effort to make up for shortages of skilled domestic workers, notably in construction and tourism.
Albania expels Iranian diplomats on national security grounds
Albania has expelled Iran’s ambassador and another diplomat for “damaging its national security”, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday. Albania did not identify the two, and did not say when they were expelled or if they had left the NATO member c…
Danish lawmakers approve funding to hold foreign criminals on tiny island
The Danish parliament approved funding on Thursday for a plan to hold foreign criminals on a tiny island, despite criticism from the United Nations and local opposition.
North Korea media says denuclearization includes ending ‘U.S. nuclear threat’
Any deal for North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal must include “completely removing the nuclear threats of the U.S.”, North Korean state media said on Thursday, in one of the clearest explanations of how North Korea sees denuclearization.
British ministers split over next Brexit steps if PM’s deal fails
British ministers are divided over the government’s next steps if Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal with the European Union is not approved by parliament next month.
Vietnam jails tycoon ‘Aluminium Vu’ at center of corruption scandal
A court in Vietnam has handed a 17-year prison sentence to a tycoon at the heart of a corruption scandal that has ensnared several senior police and government officials, the Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday.
SDF: U.S. withdrawal from Syria will spark Islamic State revival
The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces said on Thursday a White House decision to withdraw from Syria will allow an Islamic State revival and threaten the battle in eastern Syria.
France says Islamic State not wiped from map, troops to remain in Syria
France will keep its troops in northern Syria for now because Islamic State militants have not been wiped out and continue to pose a threat to French interests, officials said.
Indonesia uses tougher anti-terror law to detain suspects for holidays
Indonesian police have detained about 20 suspected militants as security is stepped up ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, a commander said on Thursday.
Both candidates in Madagascar presidential run-off claim victory
Both candidates competing to become Madagascar’s next president claimed victory after an election runoff, even though only a small percentage of the results have yet been declared.
