Hamas says discussing Gaza ceasefire proposals from mediators
It said it sought "to reach an agreement that guarantees ending the aggression, achieving the withdrawal (of Israel from Gaza)...Geostrategy
Eight-country coalition aims to tax luxury air travel
Seville, Spain -- Countries including France, Kenya, Barbados and Spain on Monday launched a coalition to push for taxes on...Business Geostrategy Climate Change
Europe’s tussle with Big Tech involves dominance, data, disinformation
Paris, France - Irish regulators on Friday handed out a 345-million-euro ($369-million) fine to TikTok over data breaches, part of a...Ireland issues the most stringent fines on this front as Dublin hosts the European offices of several big tech firms and data privacy is enforced by local regulators.
The EU has had little success in getting tech companies to pay more taxes in Europe, where they are accused of funneling profits into low-tax economies.
Libya flood toll is partly due to years of division, say analysts
TRIPOLI, LIBYA - Over a decade of bloody power battles in Libya have resulted in vital infrastructure falling into disrepair, culminating...Libya has been wracked by conflict and division ever since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.
Tripoli-based prime minister blamed the tragedy on the absence of adequate development plans and the "effect of the years" on the dams.
UAE, China’s Hainan Province ink multiple deals to boost trade, economic ties
DUBAI, UAE - The UAE and China's Hainan Province have signed four major private-sector agreements aimed at boosting the rapidly...UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade promoted the country’s unrivalled access to global markets, which have been enhanced by CEPA program.
He highlighted the growing relationship between Hainan and the UAE, which resulted in bilateral non-oil trade doubling in 2022 to reach $900 million.
Iran seizes two oil tankers and arrests crews for alleged fuel smuggling
Tehran, Iran - Iran has seized two oil tankers allegedly carrying smuggled fuel in the Gulf and arrested their crews, state..."The seized tankers... flying the flags of Panama and Tanzania were transporting more than 1.5 million litres (400,000 gallons) of Iranian oil and gas," an official said.
In recent weeks, the US military has intensified its presence in the Gulf, accusing Iran of seizing vessels, or attempting to, in this shipping lane.
Turkey-China nuclear power plant deal possible soon: Minister
Dubai, UAE -- The talks between Turkey and China to build a nuclear power plant in eastern Thrace are progressing and...Senior officials from the Chinese government visited eastern Thrace and saw the sites where the construction is planned, Middle East Eye reported.
Russia is already building a power plant in Akkuyu that will become partly operational next year.
Saudi business delegation visits ZSBVC steel factory in Vietnam
HANOI, VIETNAM - A delegation of 80 Saudi businessmen, representing over 50 companies, and representatives from national specialized bodies and...The visit aims to explore investment opportunities, enhance trade, investment and industrial cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.
The visiting delegation was briefed on the production lines at Zamil Steel Building Vietnam Co and witnessed the skill of the workers.
Transfer of Iran’s unfrozen foreign assets to Qatari banks soon
TEHRAN, IRAN – The foreign minister of Qatar said the procedures for the transfer of Iran’s unfrozen foreign assets to...Qatar has been a mediator in talks that led to a prisoner exchange deal between Iran and the United States.
The deal involves the release of five prisoners from each side and the unfreezing of some US$6 billion worth of Iranian funds.
Saudi hosts Yemen’s Iran-backed rebels for talks on ending war
Houthis headed for Riyadh on an Omani plane, days after Saudi de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met...Senior Houthi figures took off from Yemen's capital Sanaa for their first public visit to oil-rich Saudi since Riyadh began spearheading a military intervention
The official Saudi Press Agency said Riyadh "invited a delegation from Sanaa to visit the kingdom" to complete talks held in the Yemeni capital earlier this year
Turkey casts doubt on need for new Russian gas hub
Putin first raised the idea of creating "a gas hub in Turkey for supplies to other countries" during talks with...Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar told a group of reporters on Thursday that Turkey already had a well-functioning gas trading platform
Russia currently ships gas to Turkey via two pipelines running under the Black Sea and Turkey sends some of that gas onto southeastern European countries
Palestinian fighters in Lebanon camp agree on truce
SIDON, LEBANON - Palestinian fighters agreed a new ceasefire on Thursday after more than a week of deadly violence in Lebanon's...At least 17 people have been killed and around 100 wounded in the fighting in Ain al-Helweh refugee camp, on the outskirts of Sidon, Lebanon.
Previous ceasefires had collapsed when the warring parties failed to honour commitments to hand over fighters wanted by the other side.
