France considers response as Burkina Faso severs relations
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations....
The U.S. and EU are calling for a full investigation into Georgia's contested election, as President Zourabichvili urges protests over results that strengthen ties with Russia.
The United States and the European Union have called for a comprehensive investigation into reported election violations in Georgia, where the president urged protests following a contested parliamentary vote on Monday.
With nearly all precincts reporting, the results marked a setback for pro-Western Georgians, who had framed the election as a choice between the ruling party, known for strengthening ties with Russia, and an opposition committed to accelerating European integration.
President Salome Zourabichvili urged citizens to protest Saturday's parliamentary election results, which the electoral commission claimed were won by the ruling Georgian Dream party with nearly 54% of the vote. Opposition groups disputed the outcome, citing significant irregularities reported by monitors.
On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States supports calls from observers for a full investigation, saying, “Going forward, we encourage Georgia's political leaders to respect the rule of law, repeal legislation that undermines fundamental freedoms, and address deficiencies in the electoral process together.”
The European Union had earlier urged Georgia to conduct a prompt and transparent inquiry into the reported voting irregularities, asserting in a joint statement with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, “The EU recalls that any legislation that undermines the fundamental rights and freedoms of Georgian citizens and runs counter to the values and principles upon which the EU is founded, must be repealed.”
Zourabichvili, once aligned with Georgian Dream and elected president in 2018 as an independent, urged Georgians to assemble in central Tbilisi on Monday evening to demonstrate to the world their refusal to accept the election results.
The election results present a potential setback for the EU’s goal of expanding to include more former Soviet countries.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July.
At least 188 people have been killed and 1,520 injured after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said. The quakes caused widespread destruction around Caracas, collapsing buildings and trapping residents, with fears the toll could rise significantly.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has warned Ukraine not to try to draw his country into the war, saying any such move would change the conflict "instantly".
Protesters gathered in Beirut’s southern suburbs after Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement in Washington aimed at ending fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near Oman, with two U.S. officials accusing Iran of the attack.
Kazakhstan has not received an official request from Russia for petrol supplies, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said, as fuel shortages and sales restrictions in Russia raise concerns over fuel supplies across Central Asia.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (26 June) condemned as "interventionist, irresponsible and provocative" a statement issued following a joint meeting of foreign ministers from the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Manama, Bahrain.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo, marking another milestone in the carrier's long-term fleet modernisation programme aimed at improving efficiency, expanding capacity and enhancing the passenger experience.
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