Sweden’s center-left in slim lead as uncertain election nears: poll
The Swedish centre-left bloc holds a slim lead over the center-right ahead of Sunday’s national election, a survey showed, but both are short of a majority and the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats could yet emerge as the largest single party.
France says Russia tried to intercept satellite communications in 2017
Russia attempted to intercept transmissions from a Franco-Italian satellite used by both nations’ armies for secure communications, French Defence Minister Florence Parly said on Friday, describing the move as an “act of espionage”.
Brazil presidential election thrown into chaos after front-runner stabbed
Brazil’s presidential race was thrown into chaos on Friday with the far-right front-runner Jair Bolsonaro in serious but stable condition in an intensive care unit after being stabbed at a rally, his wound severe enough that his son said he was unlikel…
White House adviser Kudlow says U.S. still talking to China on trade: CNBC
White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow told CNBC on Friday the United States was continuing to talk with China about a number of trade issues, but so far, China had not met U.S. requests.
German forces land in Norway for major NATO exercises
German troops and vehicles arrived in Norway on Friday for the largest exercise on NATO’s northern flank since the Cold War – a sign that the alliance wants to sharpen its defenses against Russia after years of cuts and far-flung combat missions.
Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa names ex-banker Mthuli Ncube finance minister
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday appointed former banker Mthuli Ncube as finance minister and kept Winston Chitando in charge of mining, placing two technocrats at the helm of plans to rescue the country’s battered economy.
Serbia, Kosovo leaders abruptly cancel EU-brokered meeting on land swap
The presidents of Serbia and Kosovo abruptly called off a face-to-face meeting in Brussels on Friday, deflating hopes of a deal involving a land swap that could allow both nations to move toward EU membership.
EU’s Barnier says ready for new Irish border solutions as Brexit deadline looms
The European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said in evidence published on Friday that he was willing to consider new ways to solve the Irish border issue, the toughest of remaining issues in Britain’s exit negotiation.
Myanmar says court in Reuters reporters’ case was independent
Myanmar’s government spokesman said on Friday a court that convicted two Reuters journalists under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act was independent and followed due process, after international calls for the pair to be released.
Turkey calls for ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib, Russia opposes
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called for a ceasefire in the rebel-held region of Idlib in northwest Syria on Friday and said an anticipated government assault on insurgents there could result in a massacre.
