Geneva Meeting Begins In Bid To Halt Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict
GENEVA, June 20 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- A crucial international meeting aimed at halting the hostilities between Israel and Iran began Friday in Geneva, marking the start of an intensive two-week diplomatic effort to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul are holding talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to address Tehran's nuclear activities and identify potential diplomatic off-ramps to avoid escalation.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is also attending the meeting, according to Anadolu Ajansi.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards ceremony held last night. Wong, 64, brings over four decades of journalistic experience, having begun his career as a junior reporter at The Star in Penang in 1984. He then climbed the ladder to serve in various positions at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. Wong is the 14th recipient of the prestigious award, joining the ranks of past luminaries, including the first recipient, the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu (1988), the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee of the New Straits Times (1992), and Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notable past recipients include Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong said he felt "small and humbled" to be among these luminaries. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Apart from journalism, Wong has also held corporate leadership roles, serving as group chief editor, managing director, and chief executive officer of Star Media Group (SMG). In 2023, he was appointed Bernama chairman. He had earlier served as a member of its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and as a member of its Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to write analysis pieces for Bernama. Wong remains a columnist for The Sunday Star, where his popular "On The Beat" column has run since 1997, despite no longer being with SMG. Over the years, Wong has delivered numerous exclusives, including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US President Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorist training in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian elected into the Paris-based World Editors Forum and served as Chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. "This is an honour for me and certainly the pinnacle of my journalism journey," he said. He advised journalists to go beyond standard news writing by dabbling in news analysis and commentaries. Wong is also the author of 'Penang's History, My Story', published in 2014 by The Star, and translated into Bahasa Melayu by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater. "My advice to fellow journalists is never to stop writing. "I wish to commend my fellow veterans like Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang who still write, whether regularly or occasionally. "Old journalists should never fade away, but continue writing," he added. The veteran journalist has also embraced digital platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube to share his views. Wong said he strongly advocates for the engagement of professionally trained journalists, emphasising that "we have undergone years of training, and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia's multi-racial society." "More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish," he said. Wong dedicated the award to all journalists, particularly veterans and seniors, for their tireless service to the profession. -- Bernama
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Iran-Israel war 'reaching point of no return'
ISTANBUL: The escalating Iran-Israel confrontation is quickly reaching "the point of no return", Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, as Washington mulled the prospect of entering the war. Iran and Israel have been at war for eight days after Israel, saying the Islamic republic was on the brink of acquiring a nuclear weapon, launched a massive wave of strikes on its arch-rival, triggering an immediate response from Tehran. "Unfortunately, the genocide in Gaza and the conflict with Iran are quickly reaching the point of no return. This madness must end as soon as possible," Erdogan said, warning the consequences could affect the region, Europe and Asia "for many years." "It is imperative that fingers are removed from the triggers and buttons before more destruction, bloodshed, civilian casualties and terrible disaster occurs, that could affect our region, as well as Europe and Asia for years to come," he said. His remarks were made at an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) youth forum in Istanbul ahead of a gathering of OIC foreign ministers at the weekend. Among those due to attend was Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with the ongoing crisis with Israel likely to feature high on the agenda at the two-day talks. Erdogan had earlier warned the war could spark a surge in migration in a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "The spiral of violence triggered by Israel's attacks could harm the region and Europe in terms of migration and the possibility of nuclear leakage," he said, warning the conflict had "raised the threat to regional security to the highest level." Despite the ongoing bombardments, a Turkish defence ministry source said on Thursday there had been "no increase" in numbers crossing the country's border from Iran. The Turkish authorities have not released any figures. AFP correspondents at the main Kapikoy border crossing near the eastern Turkish city of Van reported seeing several hundred people crossing in both directions, with a customs official saying the numbers were "nothing unusual." During a visit to the frontier on Wednesday, Defence Minister Yasar Guler said "security measures at our borders have been increased."
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
Ties Within BRICS Strengthening, Mutual Trade Growing
ST. PETERSBURG, June 20 (Bernama-RIA Novosti) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that ties within BRICS are strengthening and mutual trade is growing, with the trade turnover of the participating countries already exceeding US$1 trillion. "Special attention is being paid to strengthening ties within BRICS. The mutual trade turnover between our countries has already exceeded US$1 trillion and continues to grow. All of these are elements of a global growth platform. 'And they are based on the key principles of BRICS. And this is consensus, parity, and consideration of interests towards each other," Putin said at a plenary session of the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported.
