Canada to ban handgun imports: minister
MONTREAL: Canada announced Friday it will ban the import of handguns beginning on August 19, as part of a wider proposed freeze in the wake of high-profile mass shootings in…
Future EU membership flagged as US looks to build partnerships ‘in important and dynamic region’
WASHINGTON: Recent tensions between Kosovo and Serbia amid a dispute over license plate rules should be resolved through dialogue and the implementation of previous agreements between the two countries, the…
Portugal sets new July heat record, worsening severe drought
LISBON, Portugal: Portugal recorded its hottest July on record last month, the country’s weather service said Friday. The heat worsened Portugal’s drought, with 45 percent of the mainland in “extreme…
Passive resistance as Kashmir marks three years without autonomy
SRINAGAR: An outward calm amid limited protests was seen on the streets of Srinagar, the main city of Kashmir, on Friday, as the region marked three years since the Indian…
Chad leader in Qatar amid late haggling over peace deal
DOHA: Chad’s military leader arrived in Qatar on Friday as his negotiators sought last-minute changes to a landmark deal with opposition rebels that could delay signing the accord, diplomats said.…
Five security forces killed in attack in Sudan’s Darfur: police
KHARTOUM: Five Sudanese security forces were killed in an ambush by an “outlawed” armed group in the restive Darfur region, police said in a statement Friday. “A joint security force…
15 killed as Israel unleashes a wave of strikes in Gaza
GAZA CITY: Israel unleashed a wave of airstrikes in Gaza on Friday, killing more than 15 people, including a senior militant, and wounding another 40, according to Palestinian officials. Israel…
Europeans urge Iran ‘not to make unrealistic demands’ in nuclear talks
VIENNA: Britain, France and Germany urged Iran on Friday “not to make unrealistic demands” in the talks to salvage a 2015 deal aimed at reining in Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Officials…
Lebanon’s banks confront politicians in protest against lawsuits and arrests
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s banking association ABL announced on Friday that banks would go on strike starting Monday over a build-up of “populist, harmful stances” taken against the sector, the group’s statement…
Putin hosts Erdogan for talks on trade, Ukraine, Syria
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Russia Friday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin focusing on a grain deal brokered by Turkey and the UN, prospects for talks on…