AnewZ Morning Brief - May 22nd, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 22th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Azerbaijan highlights COP29 achievements at Panama Climate Week

A delegation led by Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chief Negotiator of COP29, participated in Climate Week in Panama, held from May 19–21, 2025, in Panama City.

The event was organized by the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and included mandated sessions and a high-level plenary meeting.

2. Two Israeli embassy staff killed in shooting outside Washington Jewish Museum; Suspect in custody

Two staff members from the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., were shot and killed outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night, in what officials are calling a targeted and deeply disturbing act of violence. A suspect is currently in custody.

The shooting occurred near 3rd and F Streets NW, in close proximity to the museum, an FBI field office, and the U.S. attorney’s office, according to law enforcement and media reports. Authorities confirmed that the victims, a man and a woman, were shot at close range while attending a Jewish cultural event at the museum.

3. Syria, EU discuss joint recovery plans in post-sanctions phone call

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani held a phone call with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Wednesday to discuss next steps following the European Union’s recent decision to lift all economic sanctions on Syria.

According to a readout from Syria’s Foreign Ministry, Shaibani welcomed the EU’s move, describing it as a “positive indication” for stronger cooperation and long-term stability. He emphasized the need to activate early recovery and reconstruction projects, especially with EU support.

4. Canada opens talks to join Trump’s $175 bn “Golden Dome” space-based missile shield

Canadian Prime Minister Markey Carney has said that "high level" talks are taking place with the US about joining its proposed "Golden Dome" missile defence system, aimed at countering futuristic threats.

US President Donald Trump unveiled the plan for the new missile defence system on Tuesday, announcing an initial total cost of $25bn (£18.7bn). He said Canada was interested in joining the project.

5. Former Ukrainian politician shot dead outside Madrid school: Local reports

A 52-year-old man identified by Spanish media as former Ukrainian politician Andriy Portnov was shot dead outside the American School in a wealthy suburb of Madrid.

Portnov, a former adviser to ex-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who had been sanctioned by the EU, was reportedly gunned down by two or three assailants as he arrived by car around 9.15 am local time (0715GMT).

Emergency services told the Spanish daily El Pais that he died at the scene from gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot to the head and at least two others to the torso.

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