Two North Korean fishermen picked up by South Korean patrols in March remain stranded in the South as Pyongyang refuses to respond to requests for their return.
Their case has now become the longest unresolved repatriation of reluctant North Korean defectors. In previous similar incidents, North Koreans who asked to return were usually sent back quickly. This time, North Korea has cut all communication, including hotline calls from the South.
Experts say Pyongyang’s silence reflects a broader political message. The North has expressed strong opposition to Seoul’s recent security alignment with the US and Japan, particularly under now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Last year, North Korea amended its constitution to formally declare South Korea a hostile state. Roads and rail lines across the border have been destroyed, and the frontier is sealed with anti-tank barriers.
Some analysts believe the two men may be trying to protect their families. North Korea is known to punish relatives of defectors, and reports suggest those crackdowns have worsened. The men’s continued insistence on returning could be a way to avoid retaliation against loved ones still inside the country.
With no response from Pyongyang and no other channel of contact, the two fishermen remain in limbo, waiting for a decision that may not come any time soon.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
At the second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, China and five Central Asian countries signed the "Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation," establishing a new legal foundation for strategic partnership.
Smoke rises over Tehran as Israeli airstrikes and Iranian missile attacks push regional tensions to the brink. Dozens of civilian casualties have been reported on both sides.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that interest rate forecasts may change based on future data and highlighted expected inflation growth in the coming months.
Türkiye’s Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is vital for regional peace and stability, highlighting their strong defense under the principle “Two states, one nation, one army.”
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement, marking a significant step toward ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
At the second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, China and five Central Asian countries signed the "Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation," establishing a new legal foundation for strategic partnership.
The potential for U.S. military involvement in a conflict with Iran is revealing a rare rift within President Donald Trump's core political base, the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) coalition.
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin outlined Russia’s stance on the Ukraine war, NATO expansion, the Iran-Israel conflict, and future ties with the U.S., signalling openness to dialogue but firmly on Moscow’s terms.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement, marking a significant step toward ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
At the second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, China and five Central Asian countries signed the "Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation," establishing a new legal foundation for strategic partnership.
The potential for U.S. military involvement in a conflict with Iran is revealing a rare rift within President Donald Trump's core political base, the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) coalition.
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin outlined Russia’s stance on the Ukraine war, NATO expansion, the Iran-Israel conflict, and future ties with the U.S., signalling openness to dialogue but firmly on Moscow’s terms.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement, marking a significant step toward ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
At the second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, China and five Central Asian countries signed the "Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation," establishing a new legal foundation for strategic partnership.
The potential for U.S. military involvement in a conflict with Iran is revealing a rare rift within President Donald Trump's core political base, the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) coalition.
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin outlined Russia’s stance on the Ukraine war, NATO expansion, the Iran-Israel conflict, and future ties with the U.S., signalling openness to dialogue but firmly on Moscow’s terms.
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