News
Murder exposes secret prostitution ring in Peruvian Congress
A shocking scandal has engulfed the Peruvian Congress, exposing a potential criminal network operating within the legislative body.
Azerbaijan’s Aliyev lines up with Russia and Trump, admits Georgia interference
Azerbaijan’s president voices rightwing narratives and slams Western meddling in Rossiya Segodnya interview.
Athens conditions support for Albania’s EU accession on protection for Greek minority
Athens backs the EU integration of the Western Balkans but has tied its support for neighbouring Albania to specific commitments.
Czech EPH signs agreement with Italian Enel to buy its stake in Slovenske Elektrarne
Italian utility sells out to politically well-connected partner EPH after years of rowing with Slovak government over country's main power group.
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North Korean troops face heavy losses in Russia-Ukraine War as conflict intensifies
North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have suffered significant losses, with “several hundred” killed or wounded during combat in the Kursk region.
Trial of seven AbzasMedia journalists begins in Baku
Defence alleges political motives in case that could result in prison terms of up to 12 years of Azerbaijani journalists.
Uzbek national arrested in Moscow bombing that killed Russian chemical defence chief Kirillov
Russian authorities have detained a 29-year-old Uzbek national suspected of organising the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian military’s chemical and biological defence forces.
Kosovo’s president slams EU’s “unfair” treatment
Vjosa Osmani criticises the EU for maintaining punitive measures on Kosovo, and failing to consider membership application.
Uzbekistan’s Moscow embassy “clarifying” details on man detained after scooter-bomb assassination of Russian general
Speed of arrest of Uzbek suspect will inevitably prompt some scepticism over whether the accused is a scapegoat.
Adylbek Kasymaliev appointed new chief of Kyrgyzstan’s cabinet ministers, predecessor dismissed amid tax corruption scandal
National security chief says fiscal fiddle may have cost country toward $350mn.
Istanbul cruise port debt “re-restructured”, banks take 49% stake
Dogus Galataport has three-year buyback option. With accrued interest, €1.5bn owed. Lenders may gain option to move to 51%-ownership if repayment plan fails.
Iran boosts oil, gas output amid US crackdown on sales
Iran’s oil and gas output has ramped up over the past three months, Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Bovard said on December 18, as the country is poised to face heightened pressure under a second Trump administration.
Mexican cartel boss who created fearsome Zetas returns to face justice after US deportation
Osiel Cárdenas Guillén, one of the most feared figures in Mexico’s narco history, has returned to Mexican soil following his deportation from the United States.
Turkey launches Persian news media aimed at Iran
Turkey's state television channel TRT launched its Persian-language service on December 18, the broadcaster announced.
Israeli settlers from extremist sect cross into Lebanon, IDF confirms
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that settler activists crossed into Lebanese territory earlier this month near the village of Maroun al-Ras, in what the military described as a “grave incident.”
Russia sells stakes in Kazakhstan uranium JVs to China
Move kicks off debate on whether move illustrates a loss of Kremlin influence in Central Asia.
Transparency International slams Czech government for giving up on anti-corruption drive
NGO accuses ruling ODS of obstructing legislation to tackle country's embedded corruption.
Fitch cuts outlook on Romania’s rating to negative over political uncertainty
Fitch revised the outlook on Romania's long-term forex Issuer Default Rating to negative after the presidential elections were scrapped over alleged Russian interference.
North Korean troops suffer casualties in Ukraine conflict
North Korean soldiers have been reported killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region of Russia, according to US officials.
South Korea intensifies military drills to bolster defences against North Korean drone threat
South Korea is stepping up its military readiness with a series of high-stakes drills aimed at enhancing its defences against North Korean drone incursions