Russia strikes Turkish-owned bulk vessel off Ukraine’s southern coast
A bulk carrier struck during a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern coast on Friday is owned by a Turkish company, a source familiar with the incide...
Greece will allow private higher education for the first time, with four foreign university branches set to begin teaching from September in Athens and Thessaloniki.
According to the state-run news agency AMNA, the list includes the American University of Anatolia, CITY College (affiliated with the University of York), the University of Keele, Greece, and UNIC Athens, linked to the University of Nicosia.
Education Minister Sophia Zacharaki described the move as “a historic step for the benefit of younger generations”, stressing that the reform would broaden study options and enhance Greece’s standing as a regional education hub.
The ministry said licences were granted under strict conditions, including academic standards, staff qualifications, and infrastructure requirements.
For decades, Greece’s constitution prohibited private higher education. That position shifted in 2024 when parliament passed legislation to allow non-state, non-profit universities to operate under close oversight.
The reform has provoked strong criticism from student groups and unions, who argue that it undermines public education. However, the government maintains the change will help reduce the country’s long-standing brain drain, attract international students, and bring Greek higher education closer to global norms.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian has begun a two day visit to Kazakhstan, with officials from both sides describing the trip as an opportunity to advance cooperation in trade, transport, industry, mining and cultural exchanges.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their tensions through dialogue and engagement, as it pledged to work with the international community to help improve relations between the two countries.
A bulk carrier struck during a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern coast on Friday is owned by a Turkish company, a source familiar with the incident told Reuters.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has begun a multi-nation diplomatic tour of the Middle East, showing Beijing’s deepening engagement in a region undergoing conflicts, shifting alliances and major geopolitical realignments.
Pakistan and China are conducting a joint counterterrorism exercise, Warrior IX, to strengthen military cooperation. The drill comes at a time of renewed regional instability, with analysts saying it underscores both countries’ determination to deepen security ties.
A former estate of drug lord Pablo Escobar, now a wildlife park in Colombia, has marked Christmas by setting animals festive feeding challenges designed to boost their mental and physical health.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 12th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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