In tech-laggard Cuba, President Diaz-Canel launches twitter account
Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel launched a twitter account on Wednesday after saying that digitizing one of the western hemisphere’s least connected countries is a priority to boost the economy and defend the revolution.
Russian website names third GRU officer involved in Salisbury poisoning
The Russian news website Fontanka named on Wednesday a third GRU military intelligence operative, Sergey Fedotov, as having been involved in trying to kill ex-spy Sergei Skripal in the English city of Salisbury.
EU’s Barnier says Brexit deal may be ‘within reach’ next week, demands Irish checks
European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Wednesday an agreement with Britain could be “within reach” next week, calling for decisive progress in the talks in time for a summit of all 28 EU leaders.
NATO member Romania warns of increased Russian activity in Black Sea
NATO member Romania voiced concern on Wednesday over increased Russian military activity in the Black Sea which it borders and said strengthening European defense would be a major theme when it assumes the rotating European Union presidency in January….
Merkel welcomes Brexit progress but says devil is in detail
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday welcomed progress in negotiations on a Brexit deal and said she wanted a close relationship with Britain after it leaves the European Union, especially on security matters.
Ethiopian PM meets with soldiers demanding pay rises: TV
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met on Wednesday with several hundred soldiers who had marched on his office to demand pay rises and were invited in to see him, his office and state media reported.
Austria has concerns about U.N. migration pact, might back out
Austria may follow the United States and Hungary in backing out of a United Nations agreement on migration, its government said on Wednesday, citing concern about its sovereignty and potential restrictions on its freedom to act.
Macron’s pensions shake-up to take effect in 2025
A promised pensions overhaul by French President Emmanuel Macron will be introduced in 2025, but workers will retain benefits already accrued under the existing system, said the man liaising between government and unions over the reform.
Kosovo stages second Gay Pride parade under heavy security
Hundreds of people turned out on Wednesday for Kosovo’s second Gay Pride parade under heavy police escort after a party that espouses Islamic values urged the government to scrap the event.
Italians warm to their ‘Mr Nobody’ PM Conte, polls show
When Giuseppe Conte was named prime minister in June, very few Italians had ever heard of him, yet his approval ratings have climbed steadily and he is now the country’s most popular active politician, opinion polls show.
