'UN must step in and guide Afghanistan away from catastrophe'

New Delhi (IANS) The United Nations (UN) must step into this vacuum in Afghanistan and the Secretary General must immediately convene the Security Council meet and seek a clear mandate to empower the UN, both in the country and at the negotiating…

US blames Iran for tanker attack, prepares for response

Washington (IANS) The US has blamed Iran for carrying out last week's deadly drone attack on an oil tanker in the north Arabian Sea, saying "an appropriate response" is forthcoming.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the State Department…

NZ allows workers quarantine-free travel from Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu

Wellington (IANS) New Zealand on Monday announced its decision to allow seasonal workers quarantine-free from Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the decision at a press conference that seasonal workers will be…

Rockets hit Kandahar airport, flights suspended

Kabul (IANS) Flights in Afghanistan's Kandahar airport were suspended on Sunday after rockets struck the nation's second main international airport, a local official confirmed.

"The initial information found Taliban militants fired…

Myanmar likely to hold general elections in 2nd half of 2023

Nay Pyi Taw (IANS) Myanmar is likely to hold new general elections in the second half of 2023, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chair of the newly-formed State Administration Council, said on Sunday.

"The constitution…

Pak refuses to accept more Afghan refugees

New Delhi/Islamabad (IANS) Pakistani National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusuf has said that the country cannot accept additional Afghan refugees and the international community is obliged to make arrangements for them inside Afghanistan.

Yusuf…

Troika Plus to discuss Afghan crisis

Islamabad (IANS) Amid escalating bloodbath in neighbouring Afghanistan -- Pakistan, China, Russia and the US will be meeting in Doha on August 11, to discuss the security situation there and ponder on ways to prohibit the Himalayan South Asian nation…

France urges UK to lift 'discriminatory' quarantine for travellers

Paris (IANS) The UK's decision to impose restrictions only for French travellers is a "discriminatory" move, Minister of State for European Affairs Clement Beaune said here, calling on Britain to review it "as soon as possible".

"It's…

Afghan offensives kill 100 militants in 24 hrs

Kabul (IANS) At least 100 Taliban militants were killed and about 90 others wounded during multiple offensives carried out by the Afghan security forces across the country in just 24 hours, officials confirmed on Friday.

In Herat province,…

Massive wildfire erupts in Turkey

Ankara (IANS) A massive wildfire erupted in four different locations in Turkey's southern province of Antalya, a popular destination for foreign tourists, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli said.

"Unfortunately, wind…