Lebanon parliament speaker optimistic on forming government soon: MP
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said on Wednesday he was optimistic that there would be a breakthrough soon in the standoff over forming a government, according to a member of parliament from his party.
UK may not put Brexit deal to parliament without assurances on backstop – minister
Britain’s cabinet may not put the government’s Brexit divorce deal before parliament unless the European Union gives further reassurances on the so-called Northern Irish backstop, trade minister Liam Fox said.
EU leaders to issue Brexit statement on Thursday: Tusk
European Union leaders will issue a formal statement on Brexit late on Thursday after hearing from Prime Minister Theresa May on the state of Britain’s plans to leave the bloc, EU summit chair Donald Tusk said on Wednesday.
Lebanon will form government ‘despite obstacles’: foreign minister
Lebanon will definitely form a new government despite the obstacles, its caretaker foreign minister said on Wednesday, after President Michel Aoun intervened in the stalled process and warned of a “catastrophe” if his efforts failed.
Polish PM calls for confidence vote to strengthen hand before EU meeting
Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday he will call for a vote of confidence in the government to ensure it has a mandate for its reforms before this week’s summit of European Union leaders.
Police hunt through eastern France for Strasbourg Christmas market attacker
Police searched through eastern France on Wednesday for a man suspected of killing at least two people in a gun attack on a Christmas market in Strasbourg and who was known to have been religiously radicalized while in jail.
Germany has no indication France attack suspect has Islamist links
Germany has no information indicating that a man suspected of killing three people in an attack on a Christmas market in Strasbourg has an Islamist background, an Interior Ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday.
Hungary passes law to set up new courts overseen by justice minister
Hungary’s government will set up new administrative courts overseen by the justice minister under a law passed on Wednesday which rights groups say could undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Turkey will start operation east of Euphrates in Syria in a ‘few days’, Erdogan says
Turkey will start an operation east of the Euphrates river in northern Syria in a “few days”, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, a move that could further complicate relations with the United States.
Bolivia court building razed during protest over Morales candidacy
The regional Supreme Electoral Court building in Bolivia’s biggest city was burned down on Tuesday night during a protest against President Evo Morales’ bid to seek a fourth term.
