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Mogadishu votes in first local elections in decades under tight security
Somalians turned out in droves on Thursday to vote in local elections in the capital Mogadishu -- the first by universal suffrage in nearly 60 years -- with the city locked down amid security concerns.
Prime minister hopeful Tarique Rahman arrives in Bangladesh
Aspiring prime minister and political heavyweight Tarique Rahman was welcomed back to Bangladesh on Thursday by huge crowds of joyous supporters after 17 years in self-imposed exile.
Cambodian PM's wife attends funerals of soldiers killed in Thai border clashes
The wife of Cambodia's leader has attended funerals for soldiers killed in border clashes with Thailand, according to an official Facebook post, even though Phnom Penh has not announced any military deaths.
Prime minister hopeful Tarique Rahman arrives in Bangladesh: party
Aspiring prime minister and political heavyweight Tarique Rahman was welcomed back to Bangladesh on Thursday by huge crowds of supporters after his 17 years in self-imposed exile.
Pacific archipelago Palau agrees to take migrants from US
The tiny Pacific island nation of Palau has agreed to accept up to 75 non-American migrants from the United States under a deal worth $7.5 million, the two countries have said.
Pope Leo expected to call for peace during first Christmas blessing
Pope Leo XIV is expected to renew his calls for peace Thursday when he delivers his first Christmas blessing from St Peter's Basilica at the end of a year overshadowed by conflict, but also marked by hopes for peace in Gaza.
North Korea's Kim visits nuclear subs as Putin hails 'invincible' bond
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a nuclear submarine factory and received a message from Russia's Vladimir Putin hailing the countries' "invincible friendship", state media said Thursday.
Trump takes Christmas Eve shot at 'radical left scum'
US President Donald Trump seized on the occasion of Christmas Eve to assail opposition Democrats, branding them "radical left scum" as he sent out holiday greetings.
'At your service!' Nasry Asfura becomes Honduran president-elect
It took longer than expected, but Nasry Asfura has gone from businessman to mayor to president-elect of Honduras, carrying the blessing of US President Donald Trump who has described him as a "friend of freedom."
Trump-backed Nasry Asfura declared winner of Honduras presidency
Nasry Asfura, a conservative businessman backed by US President Donald Trump, was declared winner of the Honduran presidential vote Wednesday, weeks after a razor-thin election marred by delays and allegations of fraud.
Bolivian miners protest elimination of fuel subsidies
Hundreds of Bolivian miners protested on Wednesday against the elimination of long-standing fuel subsidies by the government.
Trump says comedian Colbert should be 'put to sleep'
On the eve of Christmas, President Donald Trump has unleashed a fresh blast of vitriol at late-night comedy talk shows, saying comedian Stephen Colbert is a "pathetic trainwreck" who should be "put to sleep."
UN experts slam US blockade on Venezuela
Four United Nations rights experts on Wednesday condemned the US partial naval blockade of Venezuela, determining it illegal armed aggression and calling on the US Congress to intervene.
Two police killed in explosion in Moscow
Two police officers were killed in an overnight explosion in Moscow when they tried to stop a suspicious person, Russia's Investigative Committee said in a statement Wednesday.
EU 'strongly condemns' US sanctions against five Europeans
The European Union and some member states reacted sharply Wednesday to US sanctions imposed on five European figures involved in regulating tech companies, including former European commissioner Thierry Breton.
Thailand-Cambodia border talks proceed after venue row
Cambodian and Thai officials began four days of talks at a border checkpoint on Wednesday aimed at negotiating an end to deadly clashes, Phnom Penh said.
Kosovo, Serbia 'need to normalise' relations: Kosovo PM to AFP
Kosovo and Serbia need to "normalise" their relations, Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti told AFP Wednesday, several days before legislative elections where he is seeking to extend his term with more solid backing.
Zelensky reveals US-Ukraine plan to end Russian war, key questions remain
Ukraine won some concessions in the latest version of a US-led draft plan to end the Russian invasion, revealed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, though key questions remain over territory and whether Moscow could accept the new terms.
US says China chip policies unfair but will delay tariffs to 2027
US trade officials determined that China should be punished for employing unfair tactics to dominate the semiconductor industry, but will wait 18 months to impose tariffs, American authorities said Tuesday.
North Korean POWs in Ukraine seeking 'new life' in South
Two North Korean prisoners of war held by Ukraine have said they hope to start a "new life" in South Korea, according to a letter seen by AFP on Wednesday.
Thai border clashes hit tourism at Cambodia's Angkor temples
Chasing visitors around Cambodia's Angkor temple ruins to offer his services, tour guide Bun Ratana says he has had little work since deadly clashes with Thailand broke out, despite it being high season.
Asian markets mostly up after US growth fuels Wall St record
Most Asian stocks rose Wednesday and gold topped $4,500 for the first time as investors tracked a record on Wall Street following forecast-beating US economic growth data.
Chevron: the only foreign oil company left in Venezuela
The US oil company Chevron is walking a tightrope amid tensions between Washington and Caracas to retain its fragile position as the only foreign company allowed to exploit Venezuela's oil reserves —- the largest in the world.
US denies visas to EU ex-commissioner, four others over tech rules
The US State Department said Tuesday it would deny visas to a former EU commissioner and four others, accusing them of seeking to "coerce" American social media platforms into censoring viewpoints they oppose.
S&P 500 surges to record after strong US economic report
The S&P 500 powered to a fresh record Tuesday following data showing surprisingly robust third-quarter US economic growth as markets hope for a year-end "Santa Claus Rally."
French parliament passes emergency budget extension
French lawmakers Tuesday passed last-minute legislation to keep the government in business into January after the divided legislature failed to agree a full budget for the coming year.
Ukraine retreats in east as Russian strikes kill three, hit energy
Ukraine pulled out troops from a town in the east after fierce battles, it said on Tuesday, as relentless Russian strikes killed three civilians and cut power to thousands in freezing winter temperatures.
Macron meets French farmers in bid to defuse anger over trade deal
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday met with farmers' unions to discuss a controversial free trade deal and the government's handling of a cow disease that has led to protests and roadblocks.
World is 'ready' for a woman at helm of UN: Chile's Bachelet tells AFP
Michelle Bachelet, a trailblazer for Latin America as its first woman to serve as defense minister and the first elected as Chilean president, now aims to become the UN's first female secretary general, and says the world is "ready."
Latest Epstein files renew scrutiny of Britain's ex-prince Andrew
A man who appears to be Britain's former prince Andrew discussed arranging meetings with "inappropriate friends" with Ghislaine Maxwell, the accomplice of notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to newly released US government documents.
Wall Street stocks edge higher
Wall Street's main indices edged higher Tuesday despite stronger-than-expected US growth figures dampening hopes for further interest rate cuts, while gold and silver struck fresh records.
Vietnam Communist Party endorses To Lam to stay in top job
Vietnam's Communist Party on Tuesday endorsed General Secretary To Lam to remain in the top job for the next five years, according to two sources briefed on a meeting where senior officials agreed a slate of candidates to be announced at the party congress in January.