Iran’s late president Raisi laid to rest in home city of Mashhad
Tehran, May 23 - Iran's late president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash at the weekend, was laid to rest in his home city of Mashhad on Thursday.
Heal, unite and rebuild: Sri Lankan President’s Vesak Day message
Colombo, May 23 - Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe called on the country to heal, unite and rebuild, as the South Asian nation began a two-day Vesak festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha.
Turkey mulls ‘foreign influence’ law despite opposition criticism
Istanbul, May 23 - The Turkish government is preparing to pass a law that could mean jail sentences for people accused of working under foreign influence against the Turkish state, according to local media and a draft legislation seen by news agency DPA.
South Korea reports first ‘highly pathogenic’ bird flu case in more than three months
Seoul, May 23 - South Korea's Agriculture Ministry said on Thursday it has confirmed the first highly pathogenic avian influenza case in more than three months on a farm in the southeastern part of the country.
Putin on two-day state visit to Belarus
Moscow, May 23 - Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to travel to Belarus for a two-day state visit.
Hezbollah commander killed in Lebanon, claims Israel
Beirut/Tel Aviv, May 23 - Israel said on Thursday it had killed a commander of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in southern Lebanon.
Pro-Palestinian activists occupying Berlin university plan to stay
Berlin, May 23 - Pro-Palestinian activists who have been occupying rooms at Berlin's Humboldt University since Wednesday plan to stay until their demands are met, a representative told news agency DPA.
Myanmar seizes over 1,600 tons of illegal teak timber in April-May
Yangon, May 23 - Myanmar authorities have seized 1,631 tons of illegal teak timber across the country from April to mid-May this year, the state-owned television channel MRTV reported on Thursday.
Over 17,500 acres of poppy farms destroyed in north Afghanistan: Officials
Kabul, May 23 - The counter-narcotics police have wiped out over 17,500 acres of poppy farms in north Afghanistan's Badakhshan province in the past one month, officials have said.
Namibia seeks leading role in critical minerals supply for green energy
Windhoek (Namibia), May 23 - Namibia is positioning itself as a crucial player in the global supply chain of critical minerals essential for the green energy transition, a senior official said Thursday.
South Korea remains unchanged on China-Taiwan issue: Foreign Ministry
Seoul, May 23 - South Korea remains committed to respecting the 'One China' policy amid tensions in the Taiwan Strait following the inauguration ceremony of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te earlier this week, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
Taipei slams ‘provocation’ as China simulates Taiwan ‘blockade’
Beijing/Taipei, May 23 - Three days after the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, China has begun a major military exercise apparently to simulate a blockade around the island.
Yoon meets ex-US Secretary Pompeo, discusses Korean Peninsula issues
Seoul, May 23 - South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol met with former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss issues surrounding the Korean Peninsula, as well as the Seoul-Washington alliance, the presidential office said on Thursday.
France arrests man over suspected attack plot on Olympic torch relay
Paris, May 23 - French security forces arrested a man suspected of planning an attack during the Olympic torch relay through the western city of Bordeaux, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said.
North Korea’s provocations threaten regional peace and security: South Korea
Seoul, May 23 - South Korea said on Thursday that North Korea's nuclear and missile threats are what undermine peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, after Russia's top diplomat denounced Seoul's joint military exercises with the US and Japan as a source
IMF approves $164.6 mn funding for Rwanda
Kigali (Rwanda), May 23 - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday announced the approval of 164.6 million U.S. dollars in funding for Rwanda to strengthen its economic resilience against future climate shocks.
Hungary won’t detain Israel’s Netanyahu despite ICC ruling
Budapest, May 23 - Hungary has said it would not enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on its territory.
Norway bars entry to most Russian tourists
Copenhagen, May 23 - Norway will bar entry to Russian tourists starting next week, the government said on Thursday, as Oslo continues to tighten its 198-kilometre Arctic land border with its neighbour.
Tough times ahead for Sharif govt as Oppn plans grand alliance, long marches to Islamabad
Islamabad, May 23 - A grand opposition alliance is in the making in Pakistan which plans to “topple” the coalition government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by holding massive rallies, protest sit-ins and forming a combined joint resistance.
Israel war cabinet approves new guidelines for hostage talks with Hamas
Tel Aviv, May 23 - Israel War cabinet has approved new guidelines regarding the hostage-ceasefire “indirect” talks with Hamas.