The Wednesday trial of ousted former president Mohamed Morsi for escaping Wadi El-Natrun Prison in January 2011 was postponed to 5 February, state media reported. The defence repeated its request to the Cairo Criminal Court for the introduction of new defendants and questioned the possibility that “Israeli elements” committed these …
Read More »New US Defence Secretary highlights importance of relations with India
Terming India as an important “net provider of security” in the region, US President Barack Obama’s pick for Defence Secretary has said strengthening defence ties and expanding collaboration on military technology with the country would be his top priority. “India and the United States have built a strong strategic partnership. …
Read More »Biden to discuss Ukraine situation with Merkel and Poroshenko
US Vice-President Joe Biden will huddle with leaders from Germany and Ukraine on an upcoming visit to Europe, as allies plot a response to increased violence in Ukraine. Biden later this week will travel to Belgium and Germany, where he will attend a high-profile security conference in Munich. “This will …
Read More »Kerry hosts coalition meeting aiming to counter IS
Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed to the State Department senior diplomats from nearly 60 nations, including more than 35 Washington-based ambassadors from partner countries in the international coalition against ISIL. Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL John Allen and other senior US officials briefed the …
Read More »EU could apply sanctions on South Sudan if violence continues
The EU Wednesday warned South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and former vice president turned rebel leader Riek Machar that if they continue to violate the ceasefire mechanism or fail to finalise a political agreement, appropriate sanctions will need to be adopted by the international community. EU High Representative Federica Mogherini …
Read More »NATO Chief meets Greek Defence Minister
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met here on Wednesday the new Greek Minister of Defence Panos Kammenos and thanked Greece for its continued commitment to the 28-member alliance. He stressed that Greece has contributed substantially to NATO for over six decades and said he counts on the steadfast commitment of …
Read More »Tunisia announces new cabinet
Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Habib Essid on Monday (February 2nd) announced the formation of a coalition government. The new cabinet is dominated by Nidaa Tounes but includes its rival Ennahda, as well as smaller parties. The announcement came after modifications were made to its initial formation after the main parliamentary blocs …
Read More »Egypt, US discuss security in the region
Egyptian Defence Minister Sedki Sobhi discussed regional security and “terrorism” with United States Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel over the phone on Tuesday evening. A readout of the phone call provided by the US Department of Defense said the top defence officials spoke to “exchange information about the security environment” …
Read More »EU criticizes Egypt for mass death verdict
A court in Egypt violated the country’s international human rights obligations by sentencing 183 men to death Monday for killing 13 policemen, the European Union said. “Today’s decision of a court in Egypt to sentence 183 defendants to death following a mass trial is in violation of Egypt’s international human …
Read More »French FM to visit India
French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius, accompanied by a delegation of fellow dignitaries, is scheduled to visit India on an official trip starting February 5. According to reports, Fabius will be holding meetings with various personages in the national capital, including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, …
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