Author: Steven Sahiounie

A Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal “now is in sight,” the US envoy to the United Nations told the Security Council on Thursday, urging members to press Palestinian militant group Hamas to accept a bridging proposal agreed to by Israel.Months of on-off talks have circled the same issues, but Israel and Hamas have stuck to their demands.US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said a bridging proposal put forward last week by the US, Qatar and Egypt was consistent with a plan outlined by President Joe Biden in May and endorsed by the Security Council in June.“Israel has accepted…

US Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president, capping the four-day party convention in Chicago, Illinois. “I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans,” she said. “You can always trust me to put country above party and self.” “To hold sacred America’s fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power. I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations. A president who leads and listens,…

The Venezuelan Supreme Court certified the reelection of President Nicolas Maduro in last month’s vote, court President Caryslia Rodriguez said in a televised event. “The examination of election materials confirms the outcome of the presidential election of July 28, 2024, as announced by the National Electoral Council, which was won by citizen Nicolas Maduro Moros, president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, for the constitutional term from 2025 to 2031,” the justice said in comments broadcast by Venezolana de Television. In order to verify the outcome of the election, the Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Court examined voting tallies and other…

The United Nations Security Council convened today for its monthly session to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue. The session featured briefings from UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, and Louisa Baxter, Head of the Emergency Health Unit at Save the Children. During the meeting, council members unanimously stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the facilitation of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, including polio vaccines. They warned of escalating regional tensions if the conflict persists. Wennesland urges immediate ceasefire Addressing the council via video link from Jerusalem, Wennesland…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Ukraine on the first visit since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1992, NDTV said. The details of Modi’s agenda in Kiev have not been disclosed. According to the Indian TV channel, the visit will last just a few hours. The Indian premier is currently staying at a hotel. Modi arrived in the Ukrainian capital after wrapping up his visit to Poland. On Thursday, he met with Polish President Andrzej Duda and his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, in Warsaw. The two sides developed a plan for cooperation for the next few…

Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani during an official visit to Baghdad on Thursday, state news agency SPA reported. During the meeting at the presidential palace, both officials reviewed bilateral ties and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across various fields. They also addressed several regional and international issues of mutual interest. Prince Faisal conveyed the wishes of Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for further progress and continued prosperity for the government and people of Iraq. Source: Arab News

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s former chief nuclear negotiator, has been nominated as the country’s new foreign minister by recently elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, pending parliamentary approval. Araghchi, who has extensive experience in international affairs and nuclear talks, is seen as a positive choice at a time of high regional tensions. In response to his appointment, several foreign ministers have sent congratulatory messages to Araghchi, wishing him success and expressing hope for developing ties with Iran.Japanese Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa took the lead, sending a letter stating her high hope for Iran to play a more constructive role towards peace and stability…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has a shocking accusation against the US. On August 12, while in exile in India, she told the Economic Times, “I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. I beseech to the people of my land, ‘Please do not be manipulated by radicals’.” Hasina resigned on August 5 after weeks of violent street protests by students angry at a law which awards government civil service jobs. The protests began…

The next regular meeting between prime ministers of Russia and China will be held in China in 2025, according to the joint communique of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and China’s Prime Minister Li Qiang in conclusion of the 29th meeting held in Moscow. The document was posted on the website of the Russian government. “The parties agree to hold the thirtieth regular meeting of prime ministers of Russia and China in 2025,” the communique indicates. “The specific timeframe, venue and format will be agreed further via diplomatic channels,” the document reads. The mechanism of regular meetings between prime ministers…

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi may visit the Kursk nuclear power plant (NPP) in southwestern Russia early next week, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the Vienna-based international organizations Mikhail Ulyanov said. “The IAEA director general has publicly stated his intentions to visit the Kursk NPP next week. I presume that the visit is more likely to take place early next week rather than in the weekend,” the Russian diplomat wrote on Telegram. Earlier, the Russian foreign ministry’s official spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said Grossi’s visit to the Kursk nuclear power plant in late August was in the…