News
Situation along Afghan-Tajik border “not stable” – Dushanbe
Tajikistan asks for Russian help to thwart Islamic militant attacks.
South Africa charges international shipping lines with alleged cartel conduct on key China trade routes
Eight cargo shipping companies are accused of colluding to charge the same rate increases on routes between China and South Africa, with some routes to West Africa also affected.
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Brazilian right turns to technocrat warrior as Bolsonaro faces 27-year fall
Brazil's conservative movement is on the lookout for a new champion to challenge President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in next year's elections, as former president Jair Bolsonaro’s once-formidable political dynasty crumbles.
Bulgaria withdraws 2026 budget after biggest protests in years turn violent
Mass protests against the plan drew tens of thousands of people onto the streets and triggered clashes between police and demonstrators.
Honduras presidential race deadlocked as Trump makes unsubstantiated fraud claims
Honduras's presidential election remained virtually tied late on December 1 with two conservative candidates separated by just 515 votes, as officials urged patience whilst they complete a hand count of ballots.
Pope Leo concludes Lebanon visit with peace appeal after 150,000 attend Beirut Mass
Pope Leo concludes first foreign trip with peace appeal after 150,000 attend Beirut Mass, visiting 2020 port blast site and calling on Middle East leaders to reject “mindset of revenge and violence."
ECB refuses to back EU’s plan for €140bn Ukraine loan
The European Central Bank has refused to support a €140bn EU loan package intended for Ukraine, dealing a significant blow to a controversial initiative that sought to finance Kyiv using a cash pile from the investment of Russian frozen assets.
Beijing and Tokyo trade barbs after maritime standoff
The islands are, however, Japan held and Tokyo has long rejected China’s territorial claim and a lesser claim by a Taiwanese county in the east of the self-governing island nation.
China once more moves to escalate tensions with Japan
China has escalated its diplomatic confrontation with Japan by issuing a further formal complaint to the United Nations over remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan.
Russian military claims capture of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk, but Ukraine says fighting continues
Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov told President Vladimir Putin that Russian forces had seized the cities of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region and Vovchansk in Kharkiv region during a visit by the Russian leader.
Beijing tells nationals to evacuate Tajik-Afghan border area as number of Chinese citizens killed in cross-frontier attacks rises to five
Identity of group, or groups, that mounted armed assaults remains unknown.
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US offers Maduro exit to Russia as Trump confirms talks
The United States has presented Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro with an option to depart his country for Russia or another destination of his choice, a senior Republican senator revealed on November 30.
Kosovo’s Vetëvendosje forms broad coalition for December snap election
Vetevendosje failed to form a government after the February general election, which left no party with a clear majority and coalition talks at a standstill.
Azerbaijan opposition leader Ali Karimli detained in Ramiz Mehdiyev treason investigation
Popular Front Party chairman Ali Karimli's detention triggered a cascade of law enforcement actions targeting opposition figures across Azerbaijan and abroad.
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Conservative Asfura leads tight Honduras presidential race with Trump's backing
Conservative National Party candidate Nasry Asfura, endorsed by US President Donald Trump, held a narrow lead in Honduras' presidential election on November 30, with preliminary results showing him marginally ahead in a closely contested race.
Libya’s NOC reviews Polish firm PUNA’s exploration plans for 2025–26 in Murzuq Basin
Libya’s NOC held a technical meeting on November 27 with PGNiG Upstream North Africa B.V. to review the Polish firm’s exploration activities for 2025 and its planned programmes for 2026 in the Murzuq Basin.
US-Ukraine delegations meeting in last chance to coordinate peace talk positions before US-Kremlin meeting
US officials met with a Ukrainian delegation in Florida to thrash out a timetable for presidential elections, the possibility of land swaps between Russia and Ukraine and other issues that remain unresolved on November 30.
Kazakhstan tells Ukraine to cease "unacceptable" attacks on its main oil export facility on Russian Black Sea coast
Drone strikes are “harming bilateral relations”, warns Astana.
Moldova temporarily closes airspace after Russian drones cross territory
Two Russian drones crossed its territory during a large strike on Ukraine on the night of November 28-29, in the third such incident in nine days.
Georgians mark a year of non-stop anti-government protests in Tbilisi
Large scale rallies began a year ago after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze suspended membership negotiations with the European Union, essentially freezing Georgia’s bid to join to the bloc in a dramatic political pivot.