Med & South
Israeli critics warn EU against legitimising Palestinian ‘vaccination apartheid’
A group of prominent Israelis have warned Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz not to cooperate with Israel on vaccines, citing what they termed vaccination “apartheid” vis-à-vis the country’s Palestinian population.
UN advance team arrives in Libya to monitor ceasefire
The advance team of a UN observer mission has arrived in Libya, which after a decade of conflict and chaos plans to hold elections in December, informed sources said Wednesday (3 March).
Iran rules out nuclear deal meeting, says time not ‘suitable’
Iran on Sunday (28 February) dismissed Europe's offer for an informal meeting involving the United States on the troubled 2015 nuclear deal, saying the time is not "suitable" as Washington has failed to lift sanctions.
US urges Iran to comply ‘fully’ with nuclear verification
The United States on Monday (22 February) urged Iran to comply "fully" with verification of its nuclear program, voicing concern about a temporary arrangement worked out with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iran, IAEA thrash out ‘temporary solution’ ahead of deadline
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said Sunday (21 February) he had negotiated a "temporary solution" after two days of talks with Iranian officials to allow the agency to continue its inspections work in the country.
US offers to meet Iran, reverses Trump steps in push to save nuclear deal
US President Joe Biden's administration offered talks with Iran led by European allies and reversed two largely symbolic steps against Tehran imposed by Donald Trump, as it sought to salvage a nuclear deal on the brink of collapse.
Europe to meet US on Iran as nuclear deadline looms
Top diplomats from European powers and the United States will hold talks on Thursday (18 February) to see how to revive the 2015 deal on Iran's nuclear drive, days ahead of a deadline set by Tehran.
UN-led talks elect Libyan transitional government, EU hails ‘milestone’
Libya embarked Saturday (6 February) on a new phase of its post-Gaddafi transition after an interim executive was selected to lead the country until December elections following a decade of chaos.
In first for Europe, Iranian diplomat faces sentencing for terrorism
An Iranian diplomat accused of planning to bomb a meeting of an exiled opposition group is to be sentenced in the first trial of an Iranian official for suspected terrorism in the European Union since Iran's 1979 revolution.
UN court says it can hear Iran-US sanctions case
The UN's top court has said it can hear Iran's bid to overturn US nuclear sanctions reimposed by Donald Trump, prompting "disappointment" in Washington, which had argued the issue lies outside its jurisdiction.
UN lists candidates to run Libya’s transitional government until this year’s vote
Participants at Libya’s UN-sponsored peace talks have approved a list of candidates seeking to lead a transitional government that will prepare the North African state for a national election at the end of 2021, the United Nations said.
Russia suggests Mideast peace conference, US pledges to renew Palestinian ties
Russia backed a Palestinian proposal for a Middle East peace conference, suggesting it could be held at ministerial level in spring or summer, as the US said it would move towards renewing ties with the Palestinians under Joe Biden.
Islamic State claims Baghdad twin bombing that killed 32, wounded 110
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a twin suicide bombing that killed 32 people and wounded 110 at a crowded market in central Baghdad on Thursday (21 January).
EU warns Iran nuclear deal at ‘critical juncture’
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has warned the Iran nuclear deal is at a "critical juncture", as Tehran's moves to breach it threaten efforts to get the US back on board.
Israel authorities approve new West Bank settler homes
Israel on Sunday (17 January) advanced plans for 780 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank, settlement watchdog Peace Now said, adding the move puts Israel "on a collision course" with the incoming US administration.
Biden aide slams Trump move on Yemen rebels
The outgoing Trump administration's decision to classify Yemen's Huthi rebels as terrorists will only cause more suffering for the people of that war-torn nation, Joe Biden's nominee for national security advisor said Saturday (16 January).
EU urges Israel to facilitate Palestinian vote
The European Union on Saturday (16 January) welcomed a promise by Palestinian leaders to hold their first elections in 15 years, urging Israel to facilitate the ballots.
Tunisia pushes for UN monitors for Libya’s frail ceasefire
Tunisia, the current president of the UN Security Council, called Monday (4 January) for a resolution sending international monitors to support Libya's brittle ceasefire to be adopted as soon as possible.
EU warns Iran enrichment would threaten nuclear deal
The European Union warned on Monday (4 January) that Iran's move to enrich uranium to 20% would be a "considerable departure" from Tehran's commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal.
UN chief seeks monitors for Libya’s fragile ceasefire
UN chief Antónioo Guterres has proposed international monitors to support Libya's fragile ceasefire amid hopes that foreign fighters will soon leave and the country can turn the page on a decade of war.
Turkey bolsters influence across North Africa’s Maghreb
Turkey is boosting its influence across North Africa, analysts say, intervening militarily in war-torn Libya and using "soft power", trade and investment in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.
Nickolay Mladenov unable to take up role as UN Libya envoy
Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov has told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres he will be unable to take up the role as United Nations Libya envoy next year due to “personal and family reasons,” a UN spokesman said on Tuesday (22 December).
Polisario suffers setback as EU Parliament group leader resigns over ceasefire
The campaign for Western Saharan independence has suffered another diplomatic blow after the head of the European Parliament’s group on Western Sahara resigned, accusing the pro-independence Frente Polisario of committing ‘a serious strategic error’ by ending a 30-year ceasefire with Morocco.