Russian Delegation Heads to Türkiye for Talks with Ukraine, News Agencies Say
State agency TASS said talks would take place later on Wednesday in Istanbul.
Data from tracking site Flightradar24 showed the plane used by Russian delegation chief Vladimir Medinsky to fly to previous talks in Istanbul had taken off from Moscow.
The warring sides held two previous rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers.
But they have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three and a half years of war.
US President Donald Trump last week threatened heavy new sanctions on Russia and countries that buy its exports unless a peace deal was reached within 50 days.
But three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Putin, unfazed by Trump's ultimatum, would keep on fighting in Ukraine until the West engaged on his terms for peace, and that his territorial demands may widen as Russian forces advance.
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Al Arabiya
11 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Central African Republic rebels found guilty of war crimes by ICC
International Criminal Court judges convicted two leaders of a predominantly Christian rebel group in the Central African Republic of multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity on Thursday, sentencing each to more than a decade in prison. Former Central African Republic soccer federation president Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona and Alfred Yekatom, a rebel leader known as Rambo, were found guilty of their involvement in atrocities including murder, torture, and attacking civilians. The court sentenced Ngaïssona to 12 years and Yekatom to 15 years. The charges stem from their roles as senior leaders in a militia known as the anti-Balaka, which engaged in bitter fighting with the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel group in 2013 and 2014. The interreligious violence left thousands dead and displaced hundreds of thousands. Mosques, shops, and homes were looted and destroyed. Anti-Balaka forces attacked localities with Muslim civilians, killing and dislocating many of them,' Presiding Judge Bertram Schmitt said, reading out the verdict in The Hague. Malick Karomschi, president of the Muslim Organization for Innovation in the Central African Republic, a nongovernmental organization that supports victims of sexual violence, said that he's glad that justice has been served. 'We feared the worst–that they would be acquitted–so the fact that they were found guilty is already a good thing,' Karomschi told The Associated Press. The pair maintained their innocence during the trial, which opened in 2021. It was the first case at the global court to focus on the violence that erupted after the Seleka seized power in the Central African Republic in 2013. The country has been mired in conflict since rebels forced then President Francois Bozize from office. Anti-Balaka militias fought back, also targeting civilians and sending most of the Muslim residents of the capital Bangui fleeing in fear. The trial of an alleged Seleka commander, Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, is ongoing. Last year, judges at the court unsealed another arrest warrant in the investigation. According to prosecutors, Edmond Beina commanded a group of about 100–400 anti-Balaka fighters responsible for murdering Muslims in early 2014. Separate proceedings against Beina and five others at a specially-created court are slated to begin in the Central African Republic on Friday.
Arab News
11 hours ago
- Arab News
Lebanon's president urges unity to seize Arab support, pledges no more wars
BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday warned that his country cannot endure another war, stressing that national unity and Arab cooperation are key to Lebanon's recovery. 'The Lebanese can no longer withstand any additional war,' Aoun said, as he urged leaders to reject divisions and foreign meddling, and instead harness growing regional support to rebuild the nation. He was speaking to a delegation of prominent Sunni religious leaders headed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian at the Republican Palace. The president condemned what he termed Lebanon's historical 'fatal error' —seeking foreign backing against domestic opponents. 'We all saw the devastating consequences of this approach,' Aoun said. 'Instead, I want to strengthen partnerships with my brothers and allies domestically to counter external threats, regardless of their source.' Aoun cited Israel as exemplifying the divide-and-conquer strategy that, he said, Lebanon must resist through internal unity. 'Our cohesion confronts this approach and addresses all challenges,' he said. The president gave reassurances about the country's future, saying that 'Lebanon is secure, and we will not return to warfare rhetoric. Our framework is Lebanon itself, destined only for stability and prosperity.' Fresh from diplomatic talks in Manama, where Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa on Wednesday announced plans for a permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut, Aoun praised recent interfaith coordination that prevented regional tensions from destabilizing Lebanon. Highlighting the emerging opportunities for Lebanon's recovery, his call was to seize the support offered by Lebanon's regional neighbors. 'We have tremendous prospects ahead of us. You witness how our Arab brothers are extending their hands and approaching us. We must capitalize on these chances and transform our nation's circumstances.' He commended the collaboration between Mufti Derian and the Druze spiritual leader, Sheikh Aql Sami Abi Al-Mona, during Syria's Sweida clashes, calling it evidence of 'elevated national consciousness and profound responsibility.' The president criticized those 'spreading rumors to intimidate citizens against one another,' while celebrating the dual contributions of Lebanon's Sunni community: internal moderation and affirming Lebanon's Arab identity. Aoun praised the community's sacrifices, noting religious and political leaders who died serving Lebanon, from clerics Sheikh Ahmed Assaf, Mufti Hassan Khaled, and Mufti Subhi Al-Saleh, to prime ministers Riad Al-Solh, Rashid Karami, and Rafic Hariri. 'No individual possesses the power to eliminate another in Lebanon, nor does anyone hold superior merit,' Aoun said. 'United, we all serve Lebanon's interests. Divided, we destroy the entire nation, leaving no protection for anyone.' Aoun reported significant progress in government reform, claiming achievements unseen in nearly 15 years — recognition he attributed to international observers. While acknowledging the absence of quick fixes, he emphasized making the most of available opportunities. Addressing corruption — which he identified as Lebanon's core problem alongside impunity — Aoun vowed continued action. 'Corruption recognizes no boundaries of color, sect, or denomination,' he concluded. Meanwhile, Mufti Derian expressed deep concern over the prevailing 'fear and anxiety among the Lebanese,' warning that the country is entering a precarious phase during continued Israeli aggression. He emphasized that UN Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the 2006 war, has been implemented solely by the Lebanese side, while Israel has consistently failed to respect its obligations under the resolution. The November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was intended to revive the terms of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, a halt to Hezbollah's military operations near the southern border, and full control of arms by the Lebanese state. But little progress has been made. 'Even the ceasefire that followed was unilateral, respected and implemented only by Lebanon. According to what we are witnessing, new agreements are now being proposed. Let Resolution 1701, which encompasses all relevant matters, be implemented in full, and let new agreements be dispensed with,' Mufti Derian said in a call for international accountability. He added: 'The Lebanese people have endured immense hardship in recent years, facing one crisis after another, and yet they have remained resilient. Today, more than ever, they need to feel the presence of a state that stands to protect them.' He reaffirmed support for Aoun in upholding the oath of office, 'which we regard as a vital gateway to rescuing both Lebanon and its people. In this critical moment, we look to you to help steer the country through uncertainty, as citizens grow increasingly anxious over the prospect of renewed Israeli aggression. We stand behind the Arab consensus, whatever all Arabs agree upon, we support,' Mufti Derian told Aoun. He praised Aoun's efforts to restore Lebanon's influential position in the region, citing his regional visits and the trust he enjoys among Arab and international partners. He also commended the president's commitment to preserve stability among Lebanon's diverse communities. 'The voice of moderation and centrism must prevail among all Lebanese,' Derian said, calling for cooperation. Lebanon is facing mounting international pressure to implement the US plan, which calls for setting a timetable for the process of restricting arms to the state in implementation of the ceasefire agreement. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack highlighted the issue on Wednesday upon his departure from Lebanon after a three-day visit filled with meetings with Lebanese officials. Barrack confirmed from Beirut airport that 'there is no deadline for this, and your neighbors are the ones who set the timetable, not the United States,' referring to Israel. On the security front, the Central Internal Security Council convened a high-level meeting, bringing together senior military, security, and judicial officials. Lebanon's Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar emphasized the importance of sustained field operations, calling for intensified patrols and a reinforced security presence in Lebanese regions to uphold internal stability. He also highlighted the need to strengthen existing measures along the Syrian border to ensure tighter control and enhanced national security. The Lebanese Army Command announced that army units arrested 78 Syrians at the Assi-Hermel and Chadra-Akkar checkpoints for illegally entering Lebanese territory. The army also said that an Intelligence Directorate patrol raided the homes of wanted individuals in Beirut's southern suburbs, specifically in the Bir al-Abed area, and arrested four citizens.
Asharq Al-Awsat
12 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
EU Approves Counter-tariffs on US Goods, Says Trade Deal within Reach
The European Commission said on Thursday a negotiated trade solution with the United States is within reach - while EU members voted to approve counter-tariffs on 93 billion euros ($109 billion) of US goods in case the talks collapse. The 27-nation bloc's executive has repeatedly said its primary focus is on reaching a deal to avert 30% US tariffs that US President Donald Trump has said he will apply on August 1. "Our focus is on finding a negotiated outcome with the US ... We believe such an outcome is within reach," an EU spokesperson said in response to reporters' questions, Reuters reported. Alongside negotiations, the Commission has pressed on with plans for potential countermeasures, merging two packages of proposed tariffs of 21 billion euros and 72 billion euros into a single list and submitting this to EU members for approval. The rate would be up to 30%, designed to mirror US tariffs, EU sources said. Diplomats said EU countries overwhelmingly approved the measures on Thursday, which the Commission later confirmed. The first package of countermeasures would enter force on August 7, with tariffs on soybeans and almonds delayed until December 1, an EU official said. The second package would enter force in two stages on September 7 and February 7. So far the EU has held back from imposing any countermeasures, despite Trump's tariffs already covering 70% of EU exports. EU member states authorised the first package of countermeasures in April, but these were immediately suspended to allow time for negotiations. CLOSING ON DEAL The EU and United States now appear to be heading towards a possible trade deal, according to EU diplomats, which would result in a broad 15% tariff on EU goods imported into the US, mirroring a framework agreement Washington struck with Japan. Trump would still need to take any final decision. The White House said discussions of a deal should be considered "speculation". Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro told Bloomberg News the report from the EU should be taken with "a grain of salt." French Finance Minister Eric Lombard and Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso told a joint press conference in Paris they were not aware of a draft agreement, Urso adding he would only pass judgment when one was reached. There was little information available about what the EU would offer the United States to secure a deal. One EU diplomat said the bloc was not looking at a pledge of investment in the United States, as Japan has agreed. Another said the EU might reduce some of its own duties. Its current import duty for cars is 10%. Under the outlines of the potential deal, the 15% rate could apply to sectors including cars and pharmaceuticals and would not be added to long-standing US duties, which average just under 5%. There could also be exemptions for sectors such as aircraft, lumber as well as some medicines and agricultural products, which would not face tariffs, diplomats said. Washington does not, however, appear willing to lower its 50% tariff on steel.
