Pope Leo inaugurates Vatican-run ecological training centre
Pope Leo on Friday (September 5) inaugurated a new Vatican-run ecological training centre in the Italian countryside, an initiative Catholic officials...
The United States has announced visa restrictions on unnamed Central American government officials associated with Cuban medical missions, citing concerns over labor practices.
On June 3, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions targeting several Central American government officials. These individuals are alleged to be connected to Cuban medical mission programs that the U.S. government claims involve elements of forced labor and the exploitation of Cuban healthcare workers. The specific officials and countries involved were not disclosed. reuters.com
In a statement, Secretary Rubio asserted that the Cuban labor export program "abuses the participants, enriches the corrupt Cuban regime, and deprives everyday Cubans of essential medical care that they desperately need in their homeland." He emphasized that these measures aim to promote accountability for those who support and perpetuate such practices. reuters.com
Cuba's government has historically defended its international medical missions as acts of solidarity, dispatching doctors to global crises and routine assignments. These missions have been a significant source of revenue for Cuba, especially amid ongoing economic challenges. The Cuban foreign ministry has not immediately responded to the latest U.S. allegations. reuters.com
This move follows a previous expansion of visa restrictions by Secretary Rubio in February 2025, which targeted Cuban officials believed to be tied to overseas labor programs. The U.S.-Cuba relationship remains strained, rooted in decades of discord since the 1959 revolution and the imposition of a longstanding U.S. trade embargo.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday called for a wide-ranging re-examination of the Federal Reserve’s role and authority, including its control over interest rate policy, as the Trump administration steps up its campaign to assert greater oversight over the central bank.
The Trump administration is preparing to introduce new rules that would restrict or potentially block imports of Chinese-made drones and medium to heavy-duty vehicles, citing national security concerns.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer carried out a major cabinet reshuffle on Friday (September 5), appointing new deputies as well as foreign and interior ministers in a bid to reassert control following the resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner.
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo confirmed on Friday (September 5) that his racing career has come to an end, announcing he will take on a new role as a global motorsports ambassador for Ford.
Lebanon’s cabinet on Friday (September 5) endorsed an army proposal to disarm Hezbollah, saying the military would begin implementing it, though without a set timeline and while noting the army’s limited resources.
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