France urges Russia to free Ukrainian sailors
France added its voice to international calls on Monday for Russia to release three Ukrainian naval ships seized near Crimea over the weekend.
Qatar expects to receive six F-15 fighter jets from U.S. by March 2021
Qatar expects six F-15 warplanes to be delivered to its air force by March 2021, a military official said on Monday, the first batch of 36 it agreed to buy from the United States last year for $12 billion.
Saudi crown prince to start visit to Egypt on Monday: MENA
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince was due to arrive in Egypt on Monday for a two-day visit, state news agency MENA reported, part of his first trip abroad since the murder of prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Tunisia activists to protest against Saudi Crown prince visit
Tunisian rights groups on Monday will stage a protest against a visit of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, activists said.
Ukraine reserves right to defend itself against Russia: foreign minister
Ukraine reserves the right to defend itself against Russia and does not rule out Moscow committing further acts of aggression either on land or at sea, Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin told reporters on Monday.
Kremlin says Russia’s seizure of Ukrainian navy ships was lawful
The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia’s seizure of three Ukrainian navy vessels off the coast of Russia-annexed Crimea on Sunday was in strict accordance with international and domestic law.
Comoros lawmakers defeat move giving president full powers before elections
A group of Comoros lawmakers have defeated a move which would have allowed President Azali Assoumani to bypass parliament before elections which he wants to contest despite violent opposition.
Latvian president nominates populist party candidate for PM post
Latvia’s president nominated Aldis Gobzems from the populist party KPV LV as prime minister on Monday and gave him two weeks to form a cabinet and secure majority support in parliament following an inconclusive election last month.
North, South Korea join hands to get wrestling on U.N. culture list
North and South Korea joined forces to get their ancient wrestling tradition onto a U.N. list of cultural treasures on Monday – a step forward in their rapprochement as their governments grapple with deeper divides.
Russia accuses Ukraine of provoking Kerch Strait incident
Russia’s foreign ministry accused Ukraine on Monday of deliberating provoking an incident in the Kerch Strait near the peninsula of Crimea on Sunday in order to create a pretext for new sanctions to be imposed on Moscow.
