Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrives in North Korea
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov landed in North Korea, marking another step in the growing strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang....
Switzerland has announced the lifting of a wide array of economic sanctions on Syria, including measures targeting the country’s central bank. The move follows a series of international steps aimed at supporting Syria’s recovery after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
In a statement released on Friday, the Swiss Federal Council confirmed that while targeted sanctions against individuals and entities closely associated with the former Syrian government will remain in effect, broader economic restrictions are being lifted to encourage a new phase of transition.
"The aim of this decision is to promote the country's economic recovery and an inclusive and peaceful political transition," the council said.
The latest development builds on Switzerland’s earlier easing of sanctions in March. With the new decision, the country is lifting bans on the provision of certain financial services, trade in precious metals, and the export of luxury goods. Additionally, 24 entities — including the Central Bank of Syria — have been removed from the Swiss sanctions list.
This move aligns Switzerland with recent actions taken by key international actors. The European Union officially lifted its economic sanctions on Syria at the end of May, following a similar policy shift by the U.S. Treasury Department earlier in the same month.
Switzerland’s announcement is being viewed as a significant diplomatic gesture in support of Syria’s post-Assad reconstruction process, and may pave the way for increased engagement by European and global financial institutions.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
Dozens of international and domestic flights were cancelled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, but Bali’s main airport remains operational.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was successfully held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, highlighting the region’s revival and the deepening economic cooperation among member states.
French member of parliament Olivier Marleix was found dead at his home on Monday, with suicide being considered a possible cause.
A British man accused of running a $100 million fake wine loan scam pleaded not guilty in New York, denying claims that he sold investors a vintage collection that didn’t exist. The high-stakes fraud allegedly duped victims with promises of rare bottles and big returns.
The U.S. is set to support Lebanon’s military readiness with a $100 million deal to sustain A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, enhancing the Lebanese Armed Forces’ ability to uphold the recent ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
The U.S. unexpectedly recorded a $27 billion budget surplus in June, reversing last year’s deficit. This improvement reflects stronger customs collections and significant cuts in education spending amid ongoing fiscal challenges.
Cameroon prepares for presidential elections on October 12 amid rising political tensions and declared candidates challenging long-time leader Paul Biya’s rule.
Norway could soon receive a major boost to its airborne defence, as Washington signals readiness to expand military cooperation through a new high-value arms deal.
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