Syria’s Assad says Russian military needed in Syria long term: agencies
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday Russian forces were needed in the country long-term and for more than just fighting terrorism, Russian news agencies reported, citing an interview with the leader.
Turkey calls on United States to return ‘constructive dialogue’
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday the U.S. administration should leave aside “wrongful rhetoric” and return to “constructive dialogue” after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of sanctions unless Ankara freed an American pastor.
Over 600 migrants force entry into North African Spanish enclave
More than 600 African migrants forced their way through the heavily fortified border fence separating the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday, using circular saws, shears and mallets to cut through the wire.
Turkey says will not tolerate threats after U.S. warns of sanctions
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday Turkey would never tolerate threats from anybody after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of “large sanctions” unless Ankara freed an American pastor on trial in Turkey on terrorism charges.
Portugal wants Britain to welcome all EU migrants after Brexit
Portugal’s foreign minister told Britain on Thursday it should keep its doors open to “construction workers and waiters” as well as high-end professional migrants after it leaves the European Union.
Brazil’s center party bloc endorses Alckmin presidential bid
Brazil’s five-party centrist coalition has united behind business-friendly presidential candidate Geraldo Alckmin, boosting the chances of a reformist winning the October election.
Factbox: Risks to Middle East oil and gas shipping routes
Saudi Arabia said on Thursday it was suspending oil shipments through the Red Sea after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis attacked two crude tankers, underscoring risks caused by the conflict in the world’s top oil exporting region.
Poland’s president signs law to accelerate changes in Supreme Court
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has signed into law an amendment smoothing the way for the ruling party to name the next chief of the Supreme Court, despite ongoing street protests and objections from opposition parties.
Russia says torture banned, will prosecute guards caught on video
Russia will prosecute perpetrators of torture in its prisons, including guards caught on video beating an inmate that has led to a public outcry, the deputy justice minister told the United Nations human rights watchdog on Thursday.
Trump says U.S. to sanction Turkey, urges pastor’s immediate release
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States would impose significant sanctions on Turkey over its detention of American Christian pastor Andrew Brunson and called on Ankara to immediately release him.
