Month: April 2024

…

ISLAMABAD — Russia said Tuesday that it is engaged in an “active dialogue” with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban and is working toward removing them from Moscow’s list of terrorist organizations.  “The fact is that this is our neighboring country. In one form or another, we maintain communication with them,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to …

Read more “Russia: Taliban could be removed from terror blacklist”

State Department — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the United States has urged Israel to promptly investigate an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of seven humanitarian workers. Blinken reiterated the call for Israel to prioritize the protection of civilian lives.  “We’ve spoken directly to the Israeli government about …

Read more “Blinken urges swift, impartial investigation into Israeli strike that killed aid workers in Gaza”

Maria Kobets used to work in a museum in Ukraine’s northern Chernihiv region. But when her husband, Andriy, joined the armed forces, she took over his job as a blacksmith. Lesia Bakalets has more. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets. …

GENEVA — The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights accuses Russia of serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws in its war against Ukraine. A new report by the OHCHR warns Russia’s armed attack and occupation of Ukrainian territory will have long-lasting consequences for Ukraine and its population at a time …

Read more “UN accuses Russia of human rights violations against Ukraine”

Paris — He ran as the candidate with a platform of “rupture,” championing greater sovereignty for his homeland — including by leaving the CFA West African Franc currency union, created by France nearly a century ago. The shock victory of new Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been closely followed in Paris, as questions mount on …

Read more “As Senegal’s Faye takes office, France watches closely “

ISTANBUL — A fire at an Istanbul nightclub during renovations on Tuesday killed at least 29 people, officials and reports said. Several people, including managers of the club, were detained for questioning. At least one person was being treated at a hospital, the Istanbul governor’s office said in a statement. The Masquerade nightclub, which was closed …

Read more “Fire at Istanbul nightclub during renovations kills at least 29 people”

…

…

…

The U.S. Congress left Washington for a break without deciding on a supplemental funding bill to arm Ukraine and other allies. Republicans who oppose the funding say Congress should spend its money on domestic concerns, but as VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb reports, the funding bill hits closer to home than many Americans may realize. …

Read more “Overwhelming Majority of Ukraine Supplemental Funding Spent Inside US”

…

WASHINGTON — The United States and Britain on Monday announced a new partnership on the science of artificial intelligence safety, amid growing concerns about upcoming next-generation versions. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and British Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington to jointly develop advanced AI model testing, following commitments announced at an …

Read more “US, Britain announce partnership on AI safety, testing”

As NATO marks its 75th anniversary this week, the alliance — and America’s role in European security — are issues that separate U.S. presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump. VOA correspondent Scott Stearns has our story. …

beijing — The French foreign minister pressed China on trade issues and the war in Ukraine on Monday ahead of a planned visit to France by Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this spring. Stéphane Séjourné, in talks with his counterpart Wang Yi in the Chinese capital, largely echoed positions that have been laid out by European …

Read more “France presses China on trade, Ukraine ahead of Xi Jinping visit”

…

London — A new law against hate speech came into force in Scotland on Monday, praised by some but criticized by others who say its sweeping provisions could criminalize religious views or tasteless jokes. The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act makes it an offense to stir up hatred with threatening or abusive behavior based …

Read more “Scotland’s contentious new hate crime law may impact free speech”

ATHENS — Dozens of migrants found in a wooden boat on the Mediterranean Sea between northern Africa and southern Europe have been transported to the Greek island of Crete, Greece’s coast guard said Monday. The boat with 74 people on board was found 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers, 29 miles) south of the small Greek island …

Read more “Greek coast guard rescues 74 migrants in boat on Mediterranean Sea   “

…

Moscow — Russia’s FSB security service has said that four people arrested Sunday in a foiled “terror” plot had provided money and arms for the deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall last month. More than 140 people were killed when gunmen stormed the Crocus City Hall venue on March 22 before setting the building on …

Read more “Russia says it arrested 4 more Moscow attack plotters”

…

…

…