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Lebanon, Israel hold first direct talks in decades: source to AFP
Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks Wednesday in decades, part of a year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism in the war with militant group Hezbollah, a source close to the talks told AFP.
South Korean prosecutors demand 15 years for former first lady
South Korean prosecutors demanded Wednesday a 15-year prison term for former first lady Kim Keon Hee for alleged stock fraud and corruption crimes.
France's Macron in China with Ukraine on the agenda
French President Emmanuel Macron touched down on Wednesday in China, where he is expected to put pressure on his counterpart Xi Jinping to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and discuss trade relations.
South Korea's ousted leader urges rallies a year after martial law
South Korea's ousted former leader Yoon Suk Yeol issued a call from prison on Wednesday urging his supporters to rally for "freedom" and defending his decision to declare martial law a year ago.
EU agrees deal to ban Russian gas by autumn 2027
European Union lawmakers and member states reached a deal Wednesday to ban all imports of Russian gas by autumn 2027, as the bloc seeks to choke off key funds feeding Moscow's war chest.
South Korea overcame 'crisis', leader says year after martial law
South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday the country had overcome an "unprecedented crisis" of democracy one year on from ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law that sparked political turmoil.
Ukraine war fuels debate on neutrality in Austria
For 70 years, neutrality has been the cornerstone of Austria's foreign policy, but debate on it has resurfaced since Russia invaded Ukraine.
How anti-China disinformation shaped South Korea's year of crisis
Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt to impose martial law last year plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades, providing fertile ground for disinformation to grow.
US, Russia find 'no compromise' on territory after Ukraine talks
High-stakes US-Russia talks on ending the war in Ukraine failed to yield a breakthrough on Tuesday, as the Kremlin said "no compromise" had been found yet on the key question of territory.
South Korean leader says country overcame 'crisis' on martial law anniversary
South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday the country had overcome an "unprecedented crisis" of democracy one year on from ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law that sparked political turmoil.
Most Asian markets rise as traders await key US data
Markets mostly rose Wednesday, following a resumption of Wall Street's rally, but gains were muted as investors await the last tranche of US data before next week's Federal Reserve meeting.
Tens of thousands of Gazans need medical evacuation: MSF
A Doctors Without Borders official has pleaded for countries to open their doors to tens of thousands of Gazans in dire need of medical evacuation, warning that hundreds have already died waiting.
France's Macron visits China with Ukraine on the agenda
French President Emmanuel Macron is due in Beijing on Wednesday, where he is expected to put pressure on his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and discuss trade relations.
In Data Center Alley, AI sows building boom, doubts
As planes make their final approach to Washington DC's Dulles Airport, just below lies Ashburn, a town otherwise known as Data Center Alley -- where an estimated 70 percent of all global internet traffic at any moment finds its way.
What are 'rare earths' for?
Crucial for making smartphones, fighter jets and electric cars, "rare earth" metals have become a strategic bargaining chip since main producer China this year introduced restrictions on their exports.
Polarised South Korea marks martial law anniversary
South Koreans are expected to take to the streets on Wednesday for a rally marking the first anniversary of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law that plunged the deeply divided country into political turmoil.
US, Russia find 'no compromise' on key territory issue after Ukraine talks
High-stakes US-Russia talks on ending the war in Ukraine failed to yield a breakthrough on Tuesday, as the Kremlin said "no compromise" had been found yet on the key question of territory.
Steve Witkoff, neophyte diplomat turned Trump's global fixer
The American at the forefront of negotiating an end to the Ukraine war is not a veteran diplomat or the US secretary of state but a billionaire real estate developer, Steve Witkoff.
Sabrina Carpenter condemns 'evil' use of her music in White House video
US pop singer Sabrina Carpenter on Tuesday disavowed the use of one of her songs in a video shared by the White House on social media, describing the clip depicting immigration enforcement raids as "evil and disgusting."
US stocks resume upward climb despite lingering valuation worries
Wall Street stocks resumed their upward climb Tuesday after the previous day's stutter, as markets weighed expected additional interest rate cuts and favorable seasonal dynamics against valuation concerns.
Pentagon chief says US has 'only just begun' striking alleged drug boats
The United States has "only just begun" targeting alleged drug-trafficking boats, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted Tuesday despite a growing outcry over strikes that critics say amount to extrajudicial killings.
Putin receives top US negotiators in high-stakes Ukraine talks
Top US negotiators vying to end the war in Ukraine met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in a high-stakes meeting happening as Moscow pressed battlefield advances.
Under Trump pressure, Honduras vows accurate vote count
Honduras' electoral body, under pressure from Donald Trump, vowed Tuesday its final tally of votes cast in a weekend presidential election would "scrupulously respect the popular will."
Pope urges halt to attacks in Lebanon as first voyage abroad ends
Pope Leo XIV called for an end to hostilities in Lebanon and new approaches for peace in the Middle East before returning to Rome on Tuesday, ending his inaugural visit abroad as pontiff.
Denmark starts work on rocket fuel facility for Ukraine
Danish and Ukrainian officials have marked the start of construction of a facility that will supply rocket fuel to Ukraine, believed to be the first such scheme in a NATO nation.
Pope urges end to hostilities at end of Lebanon trip
Pope Leo XIV called for an end to hostilities in Lebanon and said the Middle East needed new approaches for peace as he finished a three-day trip to the country by urging an end to divisions.
US to hold talks with Putin on ending Ukraine war
Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday for high-stakes talks on ending the war in Ukraine.
German economy in 'deepest crisis' of post-war era: industry group
Germany's economy is suffering its "deepest crisis" since the aftermath of World War II, an industry group warned Tuesday, calling on Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government to take urgent action to spark a revival.
Stocks firm as US rate cut outlook tempers Japan bond unease
Stocks mostly rose Tuesday following the previous day's stutter, as weak data reinforced optimism for US interest rate cuts and tempered concerns over rising Japanese bond yields.
OECD raises US, eurozone growth targets as world economy 'resilient'
The world economy has been "surprisingly resilient" in the face of adversity this year, the OECD said Tuesday, raising its growth estimates for key economies, notably the US and the eurozone.
Pope Leo holds Beirut mass, visits port blast site
Tens of thousands of people gathered at Beirut's waterfront as Pope Leo XIV held mass on Tuesday morning, the highlight of the Catholic leader's visit to the capital.
Most Asian markets rise as US rate cut bets temper Japan bond unease
Asian stocks mostly rose Tuesday following the previous day's stutter, as more weak data helped solidify US interest rate cut optimism and tempered nervousness over rising Japanese bond yields.