Author: Deutsche Presse-Agentur - Dpa

UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen stated that a lack of commitment to a peace solution in Syria has resulted in the renewed escalation of violence in the country’s long-running civil war. “What we see in Syria today is a mark of a collective failure,” said the Syria mediator. Pedersen said he has repeatedly warned of the risk of escalation and the danger of relying on conflict management instead of conflict resolution. The recent developments pose a threat not only to the Syrian civilian population, but also to regional and international security, he added. Pedersen, a Norwegian diplomat, also urged the…

Ukraine could agree to a ceasefire with Russia if NATO extends its protection to the parts of the country controlled by Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday. “If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control,” Zelensky said in an interview with the British TV channel Sky News. “We need to do it fast. And then on the [occupied] territory of Ukraine, Ukraine can get them back in a diplomatic way.” He said this plan hadn’t before been considered…

Germany and Türkiye plan to increase cooperation on renewable forms of energy, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck told the German-Turkish Energy Forum in Berlin on Wednesday. “The time for action has come,” Habeck, a member of the Greens, said. “We have made great progress over recent years, and Türkiye has big plans for decarbonizing its industry,” he added. Engaging in constructive dialogue, particularly in challenging times as these, was important, Habeck said. Germany had to diversify its economic and trade relations, he said. “This is the lesson that Germany has learnt from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.” Turkish Energy Minister…

Georgia on Thursday said it will suspend accession talks with the European Union until the end of 2028. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze from the nationalist Georgian Dream ruling party said Brussels’ demands for negotiations were a form of blackmail and said integration was a two-way process. “In addition, we will not accept any budget support from the European Union until the end of 2028,” he said in Tbilisi, according to media reports. Kobakhidze further criticized a European Parliament resolution that questioned the results of parliamentary elections in late October that saw Georgian Dream declared the victor. The government’s move immediately…

A new EU sanctions package against Russia, including measures that would target Chinese-based companies producing drones for Russia’s war against Ukraine, was discussed for the first time on Wednesday, dpa has learned. Representatives of the 27 member states discussed the new proposals from the European Commission in what would be the EU’s 15th sanctions package following Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour over two years ago. The proposals also include taking stricter action against the so-called Russian shadow fleet used for transporting oil and oil products, according to the information. Russia has long been accused of using ships that are…

The Instagram page of lawmakers representing Bavaria’s conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) party in the German parliament was hacked on Wednesday, with pro-Palestinian content temporarily posted on the account. One image showed the the slogan “Free Palestine” over a clenched fist in the Palestinian colours. An adjacent illustration showed a small boy balanced on a large orb holding the Palestinian flag amid rubble, with ominous black birds hovering overhead. The site had been hacked, a spokeswoman for the parliamentary group confirmed to dpa. The posts have since been taken down and control over the site has been restored, she said.…

Russia is expelling two staff members from German public broadcaster ARD, a regional branch of the broadcaster confirmed on Wednesday. The WDR, which is responsible for covering Russia for the ARD broadcasting network, confirmed that two ARD employees – a correspondent and a technician – must return their accreditation and leave Russia by December 16. The spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that the move was in response to the expulsion of correspondents from Russian state television by German authorities. The German Foreign Office in Berlin denounced the move even before official confirmation from Russian authorities: “If…

The world’s oldest man has died at the age of 112 in England. John Tinniswood was born in Liverpool on August 26, 1912 and became the world’s oldest living man in April. He died on Monday at his care home in Southport “surrounded by music and love,” his family said in a statement on Tuesday. The family said: “John always liked to say thank you. So, on his behalf, thanks to all those who cared for him over the years, including his carers at the Hollies care home, his GPs, district nurses, occupational therapist and other [National Health Service] staff.”…

Jannik Sinner sealed a stellar season by leading Italy to a second consecutive Davis Cup title on Sunday. The world No. 1 clinched the decisive win in Malaga, beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, securing a 2-0 victory for the defending champions over the Netherlands. Earlier, Matteo Berrettini played his part with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 win over Botic van de Zandschulp, following his dramatic victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis in Italy’s semifinal triumph over Australia. With the Davis Cup added to his 2024 trophy haul, Sinner now boasts the Australian Open, US Open, ATP Finals and three Masters 1000 titles.…

Jannik Sinner sealed a stellar season by leading Italy to a second consecutive Davis Cup title on Sunday. The world No. 1 clinched the decisive win in Malaga, beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, securing a 2-0 victory for the defending champions over the Netherlands. Earlier, Matteo Berrettini played his part with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 win over Botic van de Zandschulp, following his dramatic victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis in Italy’s semifinal triumph over Australia. With the Davis Cup added to his 2024 trophy haul, Sinner now boasts the Australian Open, US Open, ATP Finals and three Masters 1000 titles.…