Iraq has released an Australian mechanical engineer on bail who was detained for more than four years over a dispute with the central bank, authorities said Friday, though he remains barred from leaving the country. Simon Harris, foreign minister for Ireland, where Pether's family lives, "This evening, I have been informed of the release on bail of Robert Pether, whose imprisonment in Iraq has been a case of great concern.
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A senior UN official expressed dwindling hope for Russia-Ukraine negotiations amid escalating attacks, including a record drone assault. While Germany pledges long-range missile support to Ukraine, peace talks remain stalled, with both sides trading accusations of unrealistic demands and deception.
A rare oarfish, also known as a 'doomsday fish', appeared on Tasmania's west coast. Sybil Robertson discovered the large, silver fish on the beach. Experts say encountering oarfish is exceptionally unusual. These deep-sea creatures live in deep ocean waters. Oarfish are not strong swimmers and often float vertically. A marine biologist encountered one in 2022 on the Great Barrier Reef.
In Dalian, China, two Japanese men were killed. Police arrested Yuan, a Chinese business partner, in connection with the deaths. Yuan, a long-time resident of Japan, had business dealings with the victims. The incident occurred after previous attacks on Japanese schoolchildren in China. Dalian has historical significance as a former Russian naval base seized by Japan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks firm concessions from the West to end the Ukraine war, demanding a halt to NATO's eastward expansion and Ukraine's neutrality. Amidst stalled negotiations and intensified military operations, Putin insists on controlling eastern regions.
UN chief Antonio Guterres called Monday for an independent investigation into the killing of dozens of Palestinians near a US-backed aid centre in Gaza after rescuers blamed the deaths on Israeli fire and the military denied any involvement. It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food," Guterres said in a statement, without assigning blame for the deaths.
Mohammed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, faces federal hate crime charges for allegedly attacking pro-Israeli protesters in Colorado. He reportedly planned the attack for a year, using Molotov cocktails and gasoline, injuring twelve. Soliman expressed no remorse and desired the victims' deaths.
Italy's foreign minister on Wednesday again urged Israel to stop its strikes on Gaza, while warning that expelling Palestinians from the territory "is not and never will be an acceptable option". "I want to reiterate today in this chamber with the utmost clarity -- the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza is not and will never be an acceptable option," Tajani said.
In April 2022, the UAE Cabinet launched an updated Golden Visa system to attract global talent, offering long-term residency to graduates from the world's top 100 universities. This initiative aligns with the UAE's Centennial 2071 vision, emphasizing science, technology, and entrepreneurship. The policy shift allows Golden Visa holders to sponsor family members, encouraging long-term settlement and professional growth.
Thomas Mann, a Nobel laureate and literary giant, fled Germany in the 1930s, later using his voice to condemn the Nazi regime through essays and BBC broadcasts. His early success with "Buddenbrooks" propelled him to fame, but his opposition to authoritarianism led to exile and the revocation of his citizenship.
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to withdraw substantial federal funding from California, potentially starting Friday. Federal departments have been instructed to identify grants for withholding, with research grants possibly being terminated. This action follows Trump's criticism of California's Democratic leadership and disagreements over policy, raising concerns about the state's education sector and overall funding stability.