INSIDER
Hong Kong police offer rewards for arrests of 8 pro-democracy activists who live abroad
Read full article: Hong Kong police offer rewards for arrests of 8 pro-democracy activists who live abroadHong Kong police have offered rewards for information leading to the arrests of eight pro-democracy activists who went into exile abroad and are accused of violating the territory's harsh National Security Law.
The politicians vying to lead Italy's next government
Read full article: The politicians vying to lead Italy's next governmentThe main candidates in Italy's general election on Sunday to elect a new Parliament and determine who next governs the country include both familiar names and lesser-known ones.
EXPLAINER: Who gains or loses, what's next in Italy crisis
Read full article: EXPLAINER: Who gains or loses, what's next in Italy crisisItalian Premier Mario Draghi's decision to turn in his resignation after his “unity” coalition broke apart dramatically in Parliament was the latest step in a political crisis that could take months before a new government is solidly in place to lead the European Union's third-largest economy.
Italian PM Draghi wins vote but unity coalition unravels
Read full article: Italian PM Draghi wins vote but unity coalition unravelsItalian Premier Mario Draghi has won a confidence vote in the Senate, but boycotts by three of his key coalition allies in the voting have virtually doomed his unity government’s prospects of survival.
Italy's Draghi meets with president amid 5-Star tensions
Read full article: Italy's Draghi meets with president amid 5-Star tensionsItaly's Premier Mario Draghi is meeting with Italy’s president to discuss the future of his government amid simmering tensions with a coalition member, the 5-Star Movement.
Italy seizes $156 million in oligarch wealth, pressing Putin
Read full article: Italy seizes $156 million in oligarch wealth, pressing PutinEuropean governments are moving against Russian oligarchs to put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to back down on his war in Ukraine, seizing superyachts and other luxury properties from billionaires on sanctions lists.
US and Russia face deep differences ahead of Ukraine talks
Read full article: US and Russia face deep differences ahead of Ukraine talksAfter tough talk between Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin over the Russian troop buildup on the Ukraine border, both sides insist they are hopeful that a pathway to easing tensions could open during diplomatic talks set for January.
G7 warns Russia of 'massive' consequences if Ukraine invaded
Read full article: G7 warns Russia of 'massive' consequences if Ukraine invadedThe Group of Seven economic powers have told Russia to “de-escalate” its military buildup near the Ukrainian border, warning that an invasion would have “massive consequences” and inflict severe economic pain on Moscow.
UK seeks unity at G7 meeting over Russia's 'malign behavior'
Read full article: UK seeks unity at G7 meeting over Russia's 'malign behavior'Top diplomats from the Group of Seven nations were meeting in Liverpool for talks dominated by Russia’s military buildup near its border with Ukraine and what host country Britain called Moscow’s “malign behavior" around the world.
Italy, France deepen economic, defense cooperation
Read full article: Italy, France deepen economic, defense cooperationItalian Premier Mario Draghi said that a bilateral treaty signed Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron to deepen bilateral cooperation would in turn strengthen the European Union.
Afghan translator safe in Italy, worries for family he left
Read full article: Afghan translator safe in Italy, worries for family he leftA 39-year-old man who served as a translator for the Italian military and embassy in Afghanistan says he is relieved to be safe in Italy but worries about how his wife and four young children are faring back in Kabul.
The Latest: US warns of credible threat at Kabul airport
Read full article: The Latest: US warns of credible threat at Kabul airportThe U.S. State Department is urging all Americans in the vicinity of the Afghanistan’s Kabul airport to leave the area immediately because of a specific, credible threat.
The Latest: US strikes at IS in retaliation for bombing
Read full article: The Latest: US strikes at IS in retaliation for bombingThe United States military has struck back at the Islamic State, bombing an IS member in Afghanistan less than 48 hours after a devastating suicide bombing claimed by the group killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at the Kabul airport.
The Latest: Taliban cleric to rule on Herat women's rights
Read full article: The Latest: Taliban cleric to rule on Herat women's rightsThe Taliban have appointed a hard-line cleric as the women’s affairs minister in Herat, a province they captured earlier in the week in their blitz across Afghanistan.
G-20 talks in Italy yield pledge to fight hunger in Africa
Read full article: G-20 talks in Italy yield pledge to fight hunger in AfricaA meeting of G-20 foreign and development ministers has ended with officials vowing to join efforts to fight hunger in the world, especially in Africa, in the wake of the pandemic, as well as climate change.
US warns that Islamic State extremists still a world threat
Read full article: US warns that Islamic State extremists still a world threatAs the Biden administration rapidly completes the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, members of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State are meeting to plot future steps against the extremist group.
UNHCR appeals to Italy not to impede migrants rescue boats
Read full article: UNHCR appeals to Italy not to impede migrants rescue boatsThe head of the U.N. refugee agency says he has urged Italy not to unnecessarily impede NGOs that operate migrant rescue ships in the central Mediterranean, as warmer weather is expected to bring the usual seasonal uptick in the departure of smugglers’ boats from Libya.
In Italy spy story, Navy captain struggled with mortgage
Read full article: In Italy spy story, Navy captain struggled with mortgageA view of the Russian Embassy in Rome, Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Italy has ordered two Russian Embassy officials expelled and arrested an Italian Navy captain on spying charges after police caught the Italian allegedly giving classified documents to one of the Russians in exchange for money. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)ROME – Italy’s spy thriller took a decidedly mundane turn Thursday with indications that the Italian Navy captain accused of passing classified documents to Russia was desperate for extra money to pay his mortgage and support his four children. Walter Biot, an Italian Navy frigate captain most recently assigned to a policy position at the Defense Ministry, was being held at Rome’s Regina Coeli prison. He voiced concern that if his father receives a dishonorable discharge from the Navy, the family would face even more devastating financial problems.
Italy orders 2 Russian Embassy officials expelled for spying
Read full article: Italy orders 2 Russian Embassy officials expelled for spyingA view of the Russian Embassy in Rome, Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Italy has ordered two Russian Embassy officials expelled and arrested an Italian Navy captain on spying charges after police caught the Italian allegedly giving classified documents to one of the Russians in exchange for money. The Russian observed with him, a member of the Russian armed forces stationed at the Russian Embassy in Italy, was initially detained but not immediately placed under arrest given his diplomatic status. AdHe was ordered expelled along with another Russian Embassy official allegedly involved, Di Maio told lawmakers. The Russian Embassy in Rome confirmed the detention of a diplomat who belonged to the military attache’s office but wouldn’t comment on the incident.
EU top diplomats in Libya to support interim authorities
Read full article: EU top diplomats in Libya to support interim authoritiesGerman foreign Minister Heiko Maas speaks in Tripoli, Libya, Thursday, March 25, 2021. The European foreign ministers also called on mercenaries and foreign fighters to leave the country immediately. Ad“This (withdrawal) is indispensable so that Libya can regain its sovereignty and security,” said France’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. “We have talked about the tasks ahead and about how we can concretely support (Libya) where there is a wish for it,” said Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. EU top diplomats also stressed the need to reopen the country's Mediterranean coastal road linking the east and the west.
US sanctions 24 China and Hong Kong officials ahead of talks
Read full article: US sanctions 24 China and Hong Kong officials ahead of talksThe U.S. sanctioned an additional 24 Chinese and Hong Kong officials over Beijing's ongoing crackdown on political freedoms in the semi-autonomous city, including a decision to overhaul Hong Kong's electoral system. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)HONG KONG – The U.S. sanctioned an additional 24 Chinese and Hong Kong officials over Beijing’s ongoing crackdown on political freedoms in the semi-autonomous city, just ahead of the Biden administration's first face-to-face talks with China. The planned changes to Hong Kong's electoral law give a pro-Beijing committee power to appoint more of Hong Kong’s lawmakers. Last June, Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on the city and Hong Kong authorities have arrested most of the prominent pro-democracy supporters and outspoken critics. Starting last October, the U.S. had already sanctioned 10 officials including Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam and Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Zhang Xiaoming.
Italy presses UN for answers on envoy's slaying in Congo
Read full article: Italy presses UN for answers on envoy's slaying in CongoThe trip was undertaken at the U.N.’s invitation, according to Di Maio. The Italian embassy in Kinshasha, Di Maio noted, has two armored vehicles at the ambassador's disposal for moving around the city and the country. But for Monday's mission, to visit a WFP school food project in Rutshuri in eastern Congo, Attanasio was traveling in U.N. vehicles. Only hours earlier, Di Maio, flanked by Premier Mario Draghi, met the arrival of the bodies of the two Italians at a Rome military airport. Italy will reinforce its commitments to aid Africa, Di Maio said, calling that the “best way to honor the memory″ of the two slain Italians.
Congo, Italy, UN probe ambassador's killing amid questions
Read full article: Congo, Italy, UN probe ambassador's killing amid questionsAn Italian Carabinieri unit is expected in Congo Tuesday to investigate the killings of the Italian ambassador to Congo, an Italian Carabinieri police officer and their driver in the country's east. In the specific area of the attack, several armed groups are active including the FDLR, the Nyatura militia and remnants of the former M23 rebels. AdIt’s unusual for a top diplomat to be targeted in eastern Congo, but attacks have been rising, Pierre Boisselet, coordinator of the Kivu Security Tracker, said. “Usually violence by armed groups targets civilians,” or civilians are hurt amid clashes between armed groups and the army. More than 2,000 civilians were killed last year in eastern Congo provinces by armed rebel groups, according to U.N. reports last week.
Many world leaders express hope, relief after Biden win
Read full article: Many world leaders express hope, relief after Biden winA passer-by takes a selfie with an extra newspaper reporting on President-elect Joe Biden's win in the U.S. presidential election, in Tokyo Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. Other leaders who sent congratulations included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Prime Minister Janez Jansa was the only world leader who congratulated Trump even before all the votes were counted, and showed support after Biden’s win was announced. Many people, particularly in nations with turbulent politics, took Biden's win as improving the outlook for respect of democracy. In Egypt, where the government is cracking down on dissent, pro-democracy activists welcomed Biden’s win.
Turkey says will work with Italy for Libya peace, slams EU
Read full article: Turkey says will work with Italy for Libya peace, slams EUTurkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, right, and Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio say goodbye by using their elbows after their joint press conference, in Ankara, Turkey, Friday, June 19, 2020. Turkey says the EUs naval operation dubbed Irini is focusing its efforts on the Tripoli-based administration and not enough on Hifters forces who launched an offensive in April 2019 to capture the capital. We will continue to work with Italy for a last peace and a solution-oriented political process, Cavusoglu told reporters, praising Italy for what he described as its balanced stance on Libya. He maintained that the operation ignores alleged constant arms transfers to Hifter by France.Cavusoglus comments come amid growing tensions between Turkey and France over Libya. He also defended the EU naval operation, describing it as balanced.The aim is to control the arrival of all armaments, Di Maio said.
Greece, Italy sign deal on demarcating maritime boundaries
Read full article: Greece, Italy sign deal on demarcating maritime boundariesGreek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, right, and his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio asign an agreement following their meeting , in Athens, on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Greece will lift all restrictions on Italian tourists entering the country gradually between June 15 and the end of the month, Greece's foreign minister said Tuesday. (Costas Baltas /Pool via AP)ATHENS ATHENS, GreeceGreece and Italy signed an agreement Tuesday demarcating their maritime boundaries, amid tension in the Mediterranean region over rights to natural resources. Greece and Cyprus in particular have been locked in a tense diplomatic standoff with Turkey over drilling rights at sea. Last November, Turkey signed a maritime boundary agreement with Libyas UN-backed government that was strongly opposed and considered illegal by Greece, Egypt and Cyprus.
EU unveils sanctions plan to hit Turkey over Cyprus drilling
Read full article: EU unveils sanctions plan to hit Turkey over Cyprus drillingItalian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, right, talks to Cyprus' Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides, left, and Malta's Foreign Minister Carmelo Abela during an European Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting at the Europa building in Brussels, Monday, Nov. 11, 2019. European Union foreign ministers are discussing ways to keep the Iran nuclear deal intact after the Islamic Republic began enrichment work at its Fordo power plant. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)BRUSSELS The European Union on Monday unveiled a system for imposing sanctions on Turkey over its unauthorized gas drilling in Mediterranean waters off Cyprus but no Turkish companies or officials have yet been targeted. EU foreign ministers adopted a mechanism making it possible "to sanction individuals or entities responsible for, or involved in, unauthorized drilling activities of hydrocarbons." Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of union with Greece.
EU extends Venezuela sanctions for a year
Read full article: EU extends Venezuela sanctions for a yearItalian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, right, talks to Cyprus' Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides, left, and Malta's Foreign Minister Carmelo Abela during an European Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting at the Europa building in Brussels, Monday, Nov. 11, 2019. European Union foreign ministers are discussing ways to keep the Iran nuclear deal intact after the Islamic Republic began enrichment work at its Fordo power plant. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)BRUSSELS The European Union is extending sanctions against Venezuela for a year due to the political and economic crisis that it blames on the government of President Nicols Maduro. EU foreign ministers decided at a meeting on Monday to prolong an arms embargo and ban on equipment sales that could be used against demonstrators until Nov. 14, 2020. The ministers say the sanctions "are flexible and reversible" and do not target ordinary Venezuelans.