'We have to step up our military capabilities' Von der Leyen says at European Political Community Summit in Yerevan
Armenia is host to the 8th meeting of the European Political Community which opened in Yerevan on Monday (4 May). ...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 19th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Trump signs landmark crypto bill into law
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed the GENIUS Act into law, establishing the nation’s first regulatory framework for dollar-backed stablecoins. Hailed as a major victory for the crypto industry, the law sets transparency and reserve standards for issuers, while critics warn of gaps in oversight and security protections.
2. Israel and Syria agree to ceasefire with regional backing, U.S. envoy says
The U.S. ambassador to Türkiye announced that Israel and Syria have reached a ceasefire following days of cross-border strikes. Backed by Türkiye, Jordan, and regional actors, the deal aims to ease tensions after Israeli airstrikes targeted Syrian troops near Damascus. There is no immediate comment from the Israeli or Syrian governments.
3. Russian drone attack on Odesa kills 1, sets apartment building ablaze
At least 20 drones targeted the Ukrainian port city of Odesa early Saturday, sparking a massive fire in a residential building and killing one person, according to Mayor Hennady Trukhanov. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as smoke poured from upper floors and parents carried children to safety. The number of injured is still being assessed.
4. Baku hosted Joint Meeting of ASOSAI and ARABOSAI organizations
Baku welcomed representatives from the Asian and Arab Supreme Audit Institutions for a joint meeting focused on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and climate change. Azerbaijani officials and international speakers emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and experience-sharing to enhance audit efficiency and address global challenges.
5. Congo, M23 to sign declaration to end conflict in eastern region
After months of Qatari mediation, Congo and the M23 rebel group have agreed on a declaration of principles, including an immediate ceasefire and plans for broader peace negotiations. The U.S.-backed deal aims to end deadly fighting in the country's mineral-rich east, though key issues like rebel withdrawal and detainee releases remain unresolved.
Ukraine is monitoring “unusual activity” along its border with Belarus, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video statement released on Saturday (2 May). He warned that Kyiv is ready to respond if necessary amid continued regional tensions linked to Russia’s war.
Hundreds of young people in South Korea have gathered in Seoul to take part in a city-backed “power nap contest”, aimed at drawing attention to the country’s chronic sleep deprivation.
Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz is set to visit Armenia in early May to take part in the 8th European Political Community Summit, in what will be the highest-level Turkish visit to the country to date. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly expected to miss the forum.
China has moved to block U.S. sanctions on five of its oil refineries, in a fresh escalation of tensions over trade and energy policy.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will “soon be reviewing” a new 14-point proposal sent by Iran, casting doubt on the chances of a deal after Tehran called for security guarantees, an end to naval blockades and a halt to the war across the region, including in Lebanon.
Armenia is host to the 8th meeting of the European Political Community which opened in Yerevan on Monday (4 May). Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed European Union leaders and heads of international organisations, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
European allies are stepping up efforts to meet military commitments following criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 4th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to travel to the Vatican and Italy this week for a series of meetings, according to Italian media reports, in a visit that comes amid strained relations between Washington and parts of Europe and heightened tensions involving Pope Leo XIV.
Ukraine has launched a new wave of drone strikes on Sunday (3 May) across Russia, hitting key infrastructure and causing casualties in several regions, officials on both sides said.
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