MIDDLE EAST

President Donald Trump lauds US economy in Davos, says little on climate woes

Davos forum: Trump to attend, but Iranian official cancels

9:07 pm January 14, 2020

Geneva: Iran’s foreign minister has cancelled an expected appearance at next week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, organizers said Tuesday, citing the “backdrop of uncertainty” in the Middle East. The move averts a possible crossing-of-paths with top U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, in the Alpine town at a time when relations between Iran […]

EU rebukes Iran over nuclear violations, sanctions possible

9:02 pm January 14, 2020

Brussels: Britain, France and Germany ratcheted up pressure on Iran Tuesday to cease its violations of a landmark nuclear deal, stressing that they want to resolve differences through talks while starting the clock on a process that could result in a so-called “snapback” of United Nations sanctions. The three countries, which signed the international agreement […]

Turkey: 115 soldiers detained over links to US-based cleric

3:41 pm January 14, 2020

Ankara: Turkish authorities on Tuesday detained 115 soldiers suspected of links to the U.S.-based Muslim cleric blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt in 2016, the state-run news agency reported. Anadolu Agency says the 115 are among a total of 176 soldiers that prosecutors ordered detained as part of an ongoing investigation into cleric […]

Iran police ordered to show ‘restraint’ at air disaster demos

6:14 pm January 13, 2020

Tehran: Police in Tehran have been ordered to show “restraint” at demonstrations that erupted after the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger jet, the Iranian capital’s police chief said Monday. “The police treated the people who had gathered with patience and tolerance” in a second night of demonstrations in Tehran on Sunday, said General […]

Tricolour fly half-mast to mourn death of Oman Sultan

5:59 pm January 13, 2020

Puducherry: The national flag flew half- mast atop government buildings here on Monday to mourn the death of Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Al Said. Following a directive from the home ministry, the buildings of Raj Nivas, the office of the Lt Governor, the Chief Secretariat and a few other official premises saw the flags flying […]