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Iran agrees to fourth round of nuclear talks with the U.S.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
Germany halts new aid to Rwanda over Congo conflict
Reuters
Germany announced on Tuesday that it is stopping new development aid to Rwanda and reviewing its existing commitments, citing concerns over Rwanda’s role in the conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
The German development ministry said that Berlin had informed Rwanda in advance of the decision and urged the African nation to withdraw its support for the M23 rebel group, which has made significant advances in eastern Congo.
The move comes amid accusations from Congo, U.N. experts, and Western governments that Rwanda is backing the M23 group. Rwanda, however, denies these claims, asserting that its actions are aimed at defending itself against ethnic Hutu-led militias that threaten Tutsi populations in Congo and Rwanda’s own security.
In a statement released late Tuesday, Rwanda’s foreign ministry criticized Germany’s decision, calling it “wrong and counterproductive.” The ministry added, “Countries like Germany that bear a historical responsibility for the recurring instability in this region should know better than to apply one-sided, coercive measures.”
Germany’s development ministry had last pledged aid worth 93.6 million euros (approximately $98 million) to Rwanda for the period 2022 to 2024. Since January, the M23 group has captured large areas of eastern Congo, including valuable mineral deposits, marking a significant escalation in a conflict that has its roots in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the long-standing struggle for control over Congo’s vast mineral resources.
The decision by Germany underscores growing international concern over the destabilizing impact of external involvement in the Congo conflict and highlights the challenges of balancing development assistance with regional security considerations.
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Ukraine to host security coalition meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that leaders of the "coalition of the willing" will meet in Kyiv on Saturday, as Europe weighs its long-term security role in Ukraine's future.
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Ukraine sanctions Chinese and Iranian firms over alleged support for Russia
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on one Chinese firm and three Iranian companies, as outlined in a presidential decree issued Friday.
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Switzerland, U.S. to advance trade talks, Swiss president says
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter said Switzerland and the U.S. have agreed to accelarate trade talks.
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azerbaijan
Azerbaijan reaffirms green transition plans at Copenhagen Ministerial
Azerbaijan showcased its green transition plan at the Copenhagen Ministerial, targeting 30% renewable energy by 2030. The country also secured a $300 billion climate finance pledge and helped finalize a key carbon market agreement, highlighting its growing role in global climate action.
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