Germany suspects sabotage behind severed undersea cables

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said damage to two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea looks like an act of sabotage and a “hybrid action”, without knowing who is to blame.

A 1,170km (730-mile) telecommunications cable between Finland and Germany was severed in the early hours of…[Read more]

Germany on mysteriously severed cables in the Baltic Sea: it’s sabotage

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters in Brussels on Tuesday, the 19th of November, at a meeting of the Council of the European Union that “nobody believes” that two telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea were “cut accidentally”, but that it was not k…[Read more]

Chancellor candidate for Germany’s Green Party pledges Taurus missiles to Ukraine if elected

Missiles, which could potentially reach Moscow, have been point of contention in German politics

German Green Party chancellor candidate Robert Habeck said Sunday that he would approve the delivery of long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine if he w…[Read more]

Xi Jinping said China is ready to boost China-France ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated on Tuesday that China is committed to continuing the steady and positive progress of its relationship with France, News.azreports citing Xinhua.

China is willing to work with France to make greater contribution to the sound development of China-Europe…[Read more]

French farmers escalate protests against EU trade deal with South America’s Mercosur

French farmers launched new protests Tuesday against a proposed deal between the EU and the four South American countries of the Mercosur trade bloc. The French government is strongly opposed to the deal but protesters want French President Emmanuel Macron to do…[Read more]

Charles Dumont, composer of Édith Piaf’s Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien, dies at 95

Singer-songwriter also composed melodies for stars including Dalida, Jacques Brel and Barbra Streisand

Charles Dumont composed melodies for French and international stars ranging from Dalida to Jacques Brel, Juliette Gréco and Barbra Streisand. But the sin…[Read more]

Gisèle Pelicot slams ‘macho’ society that ‘trivialises rape’ in closing statement

In her closing statement of the mass rape trial that has sent shockwaves across the country, survivor Gisèle Pelicot said it was time for “macho” society that “trivialises rape” to change. “I’ve lost 10 years of my life that I’ll never make up for,” she added…[Read more]

World’s first wooden satellite, developed in Japan, heads to space

The world’s first wooden satellite, built by Japanese researchers, was launched into space on Tuesday, in an early test of using timber in lunar and Mars exploration.

LignoSat, developed by Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry, will be flown to the International Spa…[Read more]

Britain remains on board next-generation fighter jet plan with Japan, Italy

The British government has decided to remain on board a joint fighter jet development program with Japan and Italy following a review of defense expenditure, amid speculation the plan could be axed, a source close to the matter said Saturday.

The Labour government under…[Read more]

Japan plans automated cargo transport system to relieve shortage of drivers and cut emissions

Japan is planning to build an automated cargo transport corridor between Tokyo and Osaka, dubbed a “conveyor belt road” by the government, to make up for a shortage of truck drivers.

The amount of funding for the project is not yet set. But it’s seen…[Read more]

Germany: Scholz open to new talks with CDU leader Merz

A party ally says Chancellor Scholz would be open to talks with Friedrich Merz on when to move toward new elections — but only after dealing with urgent business in parliament. Merz earlier said this wasn’t acceptable.

The standoff between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and opposition l…[Read more]

How a German football club is making refugees feel at home

Hertha Bonn, a football club in western Germany, has started the project “Football Connects” to help refugee children integrate into society. The initiative has drawn praise from Germany’s football association.

With just a few hand gestures, Salim Mehdaoui indicates what he wants from…[Read more]

Germany’s Habeck set to run for chancellor for the Greens

Green minister and Deputy Chancellor Robert Habeck is expected to announce candidacy as leader Olaf Scholz faces pressure to call early elections after the collapse of his governing coalition.

Germany’s Deputy Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck will announce his bid for the…[Read more]

Gaza truce talks hit major snag after Qatar suspends mediation role

Qatar has paused its mediation efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, stating Saturday that it will only resume when both Hamas and Israel demonstrate genuine commitment to negotiations, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The Gulf emirate, which has hosted…[Read more]

Turkey, Greece top diplomats meet to help mend ties between regional rivals

Athens and Ankara say no magical solution is reached in their latest talks but dialogue will continue.

Turkey’s top diplomat has agreed with his Greek counterpart in Athens to keep dialogue moving forward with the goal of resolving longstanding issues that have brought t…[Read more]

Türkiye expects Washington to ease, remove trade hurdles

Türkiye expects the new administration under Donald Trump’s presidency to remove some trade barriers, Trade Minister Ömer Bolat has said.

He noted that the bilateral trade volume almost doubled compared to five years ago to $35 billion.

Türkiye and the United States had set a target of re…[Read more]

Erdoğan calls for national unity to honor Atatürk’s legacy

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for national unity on the 86th death anniversary of modern Türkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, urging all segments of society to come together and strengthen Türkiye’s cohesion.

“Let us together face and overcome the threats before us t…[Read more]

World Bank’s IFC mobilized record $3.6B for Türkiye in FY 2024

The World Bank’s private investment arm implemented a record $3.6 billion investment package for Türkiye in its financial year to the end of June, according to a senior executive.

This confirms Türkiye’s position as the third largest country of activity of the International Fi…[Read more]

Erdoğan receives Iraqi Premier Al Sudani for talks in Istanbul

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday received Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al Sudani of Iraq in Istanbul, Erdoğan’s office said.

Erdoğan welcomed Al Sudani at the Vahdettin Mansion and gave him a tour of the historical landmark that overlooks the Bosporus from the city’…[Read more]

Witness to activist’s killing says getting justice crucial for all killed by Israel

ssuring justice for Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi and all those killed by Israel is crucial, according to one of the witnesses to the killing of the Turkish American activist in the occupied West Bank in early September.

Australian citizen Helen Maria O’Sullivan testified as…[Read more]