Russian oil company Lukoil says it is selling its international assets in response to sanctions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump that aim to push Russia to agree to a ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. The company said in a statement that it was already talking with potential purchasers. The transactions would be carried out under a sanctions grace period that allows transactions with Lukoil until Nov. 21, and the company said it would seek an extension if necessary to complete the transactions. Lukoil has stakes in oil and gas projects in 11 countries. It has refineries in Bulgaria...
Peace Talks Hosted By Turkey Between Pakistan And Afghanistan Hit Impasse In Istanbul
Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have hit an impasse in Istanbul after three days of negotiations, with state media in both countries Tuesday blaming each other for the failure to reach a deal while efforts by Turkey were still underway to end the deadlock. The Istanbul talks are part of a broader diplomatic push to ease months of heightened tension between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border attacks and militant safe havens — issues that have strained relations since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan four years ago. Delegations from the two neighbors remain in Turkey, but it was not immediately clear...
South Korea’s President Faces High-Stakes Diplomacy At APEC Summit
South Korea’s new president will host leaders from 20 countries for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where the American and Chinese leaders are set to hold a high-stakes meeting on the sidelines. The two-day annual APEC summit, which opens in Gyeongju on Friday, is likely to test Lee Jae Myung’s diplomatic abilities as he faces tough foreign policy challenges. Lee, in office less than five months, seeks to get along with friends and rivals alike with his self-proclaimed “pragmatic diplomacy.” But prospects for greater cooperation with Washington and Tokyo are in doubt due to Trump’s tariff war and the election of a new ultraconservative leader...
6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Istanbul
A powerful earthquake hits western Turkey on Monday, causing at least three buildings, already damaged by a previous tremor, to collapse, officials reported. The magnitude 6.1 quake was centered in the town of Sindirgi in Balikesir province, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management agency, AFAD. It struck at 22:48 local time (1948 GMT) at a depth of 5.99 kilometers (3.72 miles.) The quake, which was followed by several aftershocks, was felt in Istanbul, and the nearby provinces of Bursa, Manisa and Izmir. At least three unoccupied buildings and a two-story shop collapsed in Sindirgi, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said. The structures had already...
American Singer And Dancer Ciara On Her 40th Birthday Expresses Appreciation God, Looks Ahead To Greater Accomplishments
Ciara: “I’ve never felt more alive, more grounded, or more ready for what God’s about to do in my life! 🙏🏽✨ 40s really are the new 20s… but with a little extra wisdom, grace, and power. “Grateful for all I’ve accomplished, every lesson, every blessing, and every step that’s led me here. The next 20 will be even better! Excited for what’s to come. Let’s go! 💃🏽💫”
“Europe Is Working Hard On Making More Private Capital Available, So Entrepreneurs Can Scale Up In Europe.” EC President Ursula Von Der Leyen Announces In Sweden
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Sweden: “Touchdown in Stockholm and working dinner with @SwedishPM and Swedish companies. “Europe is working hard on making more private capital available, so entrepreneurs can scale up in Europe. “We are building a Savings and Investment Union learning from the positive experience of Sweden. “At same time, we will accelerate the adoption of new technologies and increase R&D spending in Europe.”
“I’m With Them All The Way, And The U.S. Is With Them All The Way”—President Throws Support For Japanese Family Whose Loved Ones Remain Missing
White House: “President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister @takaichi_sanae meet with Japanese families whose loved ones were abducted by North Korea decades ago but remain missing. ❤️”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson Receives European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen.
“Nordic Prime Ministers and EU Commission President @vonderleyen in Stockholm today “The Nordic trust and the shared values on which our societies are built – democracy, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality, and sustainability – are more important than ever.”