Ukraine officially celebrates Christmas on December 25 for the first time | Russia-Ukraine war News

Ukraine officially celebrates Christmas on December 25 for the first time | Russia-Ukraine war News

The change reflects Ukrainians’ dismay at the 22-month-old Russian invasion and their assertion of a national identity. Ukrainians have celebrated Christmas on December 25 for the first time, as part of an ongoing effort to remove Russian influence from their country. The change was enacted in a law signed by…

Serbia police fire tear gas as opposition backers demand election annulled | Politics News

Serbia police fire tear gas as opposition backers demand election annulled | Politics News

President Aleksandar Vucic condemns ‘attempted violent takeover’ amid protests over alleged election fraud. Riot police in Serbia have fired tear gas and pepper spray at opposition supporters demanding the annulment of elections marred by claims of widespread fraud. Hundreds of protesters attempted to storm Belgrade City Hall on Sunday evening…

Chad votes in favour of new constitution backed by military rulers | Military News

Chad votes in favour of new constitution backed by military rulers | Military News

Referendum held earlier this month has been approved by 86 percent of voters, say the officials. Chadians have voted in favour of a new constitution that critics say could help consolidate the power of military leader Mahamat Idriss Deby. The referendum held earlier this month was approved by 86 percent…

Iran summons Russia’s envoy again over islands dispute | Politics News

Iran summons Russia’s envoy again over islands dispute | Politics News

This is the second time the Russian envoy to Tehran is being summoned over the same issue. Tehran, Iran – Iran has once more summoned the Russian envoy to Tehran after Moscow signed another joint statement with Arab nations calling for negotiations over three disputed islands that the United Arab…

Ex-Palestinian PM Fayyad: ‘PLO should expand to include Hamas’ | Israel-Palestine conflict

Ex-Palestinian PM Fayyad: ‘PLO should expand to include Hamas’ | Israel-Palestine conflict

Former Palestinian Authority PM Salam Fayyad says Palestinians should be tending to their own interests, not Israel’s. “No national liberation movement in history is based on what its enemy wants,” says the former prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, Salam Fayyad. For the Palestinian Authority to have any legitimacy in…

‘Our lives are still fractured’: Northern Ireland’s ‘peace babies’ | Politics

‘Our lives are still fractured’: Northern Ireland’s ‘peace babies’ | Politics

Belfast, Northern Ireland — The political leaders caught up in the 30-year Troubles of Northern Ireland were so consumed with fighting over “land, soil, territory”, that they completely neglected the environmental welfare of that very same land, soil and territory, say young people born since the Good Friday Agreement (GFA)…

DR Congo’s provisional election results show lead for President Tshisekedi | Politics News

DR Congo’s provisional election results show lead for President Tshisekedi | Politics News

Electoral authorities announce results of voting by diaspora in the US, Canada, South Africa, Belgium and France. Democratic Republic of the Congo has begun to announce the results of general elections marred by chaotic organisation and credibility concerns. Electoral authorities on Friday announced the results of voting by diaspora Congolese…

Biden pardons thousands of marijuana offenders, gives clemency to 11 people | Drugs News

Biden pardons thousands of marijuana offenders, gives clemency to 11 people | Drugs News

The US president says the actions are meant to address disparities in sentencing that have long taken a toll on the Black community. US President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of people convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, says…

Sanctions threat looms over Bangladesh’s garment sector ahead of elections | Business and Economy News

Sanctions threat looms over Bangladesh’s garment sector ahead of elections | Business and Economy News

Dhaka, Bangladesh — Weeks after turbulent wage-hike protests and subsequent factory closures, Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, a key revenue earner for the nation, is dealing with a new phase of anxiety: “possible” economic sanctions by the country’s Western partners. The United States and European Union collectively account for more…

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 667 | Russia-Ukraine war News

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 667 | Russia-Ukraine war News

As the war enters its 667th day, these are the main developments. Here is the situation on Friday, December 22, 2023.   Fighting Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said at least three people were killed and five injured after Russia bombed two coal mines in Toretsk in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk…