Author: Anadolu Agency

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday welcomed announcements by Azerbaijan and Armenia that they have concluded negotiations on a draft peace agreement. “He (Guterres) is encouraged by the progress made by the parties towards normalization of relations and strongly supports their efforts to resolve all outstanding issues in the interest of long-term peace in the region,” Guterres’ spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Relations between the two former Soviet republics have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Karabakh – a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan-and seven adjacent regions. Most of the territory was liberated…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday discussed humanitarian and peace efforts with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state of the Holy See, emphasizing the Vatican’s role in facilitating the return of Ukrainian children and securing the release of prisoners from Russia. In a statement on X, Zelenskyy said he wished Pope Francis, who is under treatment for double pneumonia in Rome, a speedy recovery and thanked him for his moral support for Ukraine. He said the Holy See had received a list of Ukrainians detained in Russian prisons and camps, expressing hope for its assistance in securing their freedom. “The…

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a phone conversation initiated by the Armenian side, discussing the finalization of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Kremlin said Friday. Pashinyan informed Putin that Armenia and Azerbaijan had completed negotiations on the text of the agreement, with Yerevan ready to sign the deal. In response, Putin reiterated Russia’s consistent support for normalizing relations between Armenian and Azerbaijan, emphasizing that stability, security, and sustainable socio-economic development in the South Caucasus remain key priorities. He assured that both Armenia and Azerbaijan could rely on Moscow’s assistance in achieving…

US President Donald Trump on Friday described his recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “very good and productive,” expressing optimism about ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. “There is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end,” Trump wrote on social media. However, Trump also warned of a dire situation for Ukrainian troops, saying that thousands are “completely surrounded by the Russian military” and in a “very bad and vulnerable position.” He stressed his request to Putin to “spare” their lives, calling the potential loss a “horrible massacre, one not seen…

European stock markets ended Thursday with losses as US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on all wines, champagnes, and alcoholic products from the EU unless the union withdraws a 50% tariff on American whisky. He accused the EU of being “one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World,” claiming it was formed to “take advantage” of the US. “If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES,” Trump…

The World Trade Organization (WTO) said Thursday that Canada has submitted a complaint over US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures. “Canada has requested WTO dispute consultations with the United States regarding the imposition by the United States of import duties on certain steel and aluminum products from Canada,” said a WTO press release. The organization said Canada claimed that the measures, which terminate Canada’s exemption from additional duties on certain steel and aluminum products and increase duties on aluminum articles, and which took effect on 12 March, are inconsistent with US obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade…

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said his country sees that Türkiye is advocating for stability in the South Caucasus. “Our perception is that Türkiye, at least the messages it gives are in this direction, advocates for stability in the South Caucasus. We see that Türkiye, both at the presidential and foreign ministers levels, supports the signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Pashinyan told Turkish media outlets in Yerevan, his country’s capital. Armenia’s prime minister said representatives of Türkiye and his country are in constant contact, noting the presence of a “very direct conversation” between the two countries.…

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and head of the Vatican, marked the 12th anniversary of his papacy in the hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for respiratory illnesses. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for 28 days following a severe bout of bronchitis in February and was later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. The Vatican provided an update on his condition, saying that he continued respiratory physiotherapy today. It was also reported that Pope Francis remains on non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night and receives high-flow oxygen support throughout the day. To mark the anniversary…

The UN on Thursday expressed concern about growing tension in Bosnia and Herzegovina, calling for peace and stability. “We call on all political leaders to fully support and facilitate the work of state institutions in order to consolidate peace and ensure stability throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina,” spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Urging “relevant actors to exercise restraint,” Dujarric urged them to “refrain from divisive discourse and actions and instead to commit to constructive dialogue and cooperation.” Dujarric’s statement comes amid escalating tensions after a Bosnian court last month sentenced Milorad Dodik, president of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Serb entity…

The EU is “ready” in case the US responds to countermeasures taken by the EU against Washington’s tariffs on steel and aluminum, a European Commission spokesperson said on Thursday. “We are ready for whatever may happen. We have been ready for over a year,” Olof Gill said in a news conference in Brussels. Gill expressed regret over the 25% tariffs that the US imposed on steel and aluminum imports on Wednesday. “We urge the US to immediately lift the decreed tariffs and start negotiations to avoid new tariffs in the future,” he added. Stating that they want to negotiate with…