Spain: More animal eyes sent to Ukrainian Embassy, offices
December 5, 2022 GMTMadrid (AP) — Three parcels containing animal eyes and addressed to Ukraine's embassy in Madrid and consulates in Barcelona and Malaga were intercepted at offices of the national postal company, Spanish police said Monday.
Ukraine says animal eyes sent to some embassies, consulates
December 2, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — Ukrainian embassies and consulates in six European countries have received packages containing animals' eyes in recent days, a Ukrainian official said Friday.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko wrote on Facebook that the “bloody parcels” were received by the Ukrainian embassies in Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Croatia and Italy, as well as by consulates in Naples, Italy; Krakow, Poland and the Czech city of Brno.
1 injured by small blast at Ukrainian embassy in Madrid
November 30, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Spanish police are investigating reports of a small blast at the Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid on Wednesday, the Interior Ministry said.
In a statement to media, the ministry said police were told an employee at the embassy was slightly injured while handling a letter.
Biden formally nominates new ambassador to Russia
September 20, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday formally nominated a veteran foreign service officer with years of experience in Russian affairs to be the next U.S. ambassador to Russia.
The White House announced the nomination of Lynne Tracy, the current U.S.
African soccer players denied British entry to play West Ham
August 17, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Two African soccer players have been unable to enter Britain to face English team West Ham in a Europa Conference League game, Danish club Viborg said Tuesday.
Entry visas were not processed in time for Nigerian player Ibrahim Said and Gambian forward Alassana Jatta to play in London on Thursday in the playoff round of the third-tier European competition.
Harris vows US will strengthen its Pacific islands relations
July 13, 2022 GMTSUVA, Fiji (AP) — U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris assured Pacific island leaders of more U.S. engagement after acknowledging Wednesday the United States may not have previously provided the diplomatic attention the region deserved.
US Vice President Harris to announce investments in Pacific
July 12, 2022 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will announce new investments in the Pacific and the opening of two embassies when she addresses a summit on Wednesday of island nations that are increasingly coming under Chinese influence.
Russia sticks US, UK embassies with ‘unrecognized’ addresses
July 8, 2022 GMTMoscow has taken a page out of Washington’s playbook to troll both the U.S. and the U.K. by renaming the streets in front of their embassies in the Russian capital.
The streets are now officially named for the two separatist regions of eastern Ukraine where fighting is now the fiercest.
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un congratulates Queen Elizabeth II
June 3, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea says its leader, Kim Jong Un, sent a letter congratulating Queen Elizabeth II as Britain began a four-day celebration marking her 70 years on the throne.
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry said on its website Thursday that Kim sent a letter congratulating the queen and the British people.
Military-led Myanmar seeks to reassure foreign investors
April 21, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar officials sought Thursday to counter worries over sanctions, energy shortages and currency controls that are adding to the military-led government's challenges in managing the economy.
Feds: Intruder killed at Peruvian ambassador’s residence
April 20, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Secret Service officers shot and killed an intruder who was smashing windows at the residence of the Peruvian ambassador to the United States on Wednesday, authorities said.
The ambassador and his family were inside the residence in the Forest Hills neighborhood of northwest Washington when they heard several windows being smashed just before 8 a.m.
For Russian diplomats, disinformation is part of the job
April 19, 2022 GMTAs governments and social media companies have moved to suppress Russia's state media and the disinformation it spreads about the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin's diplomats are stepping up to do the dirty work.
Indonesia jails activist lawyer over Islamic radicalism
April 6, 2022 GMTJAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A former Indonesian human rights lawyer who joined an Islamic hard-line group was sentenced to three years in prison on Wednesday on charges of incitement with the aim to establish a caliphate in a secular country.
Live updates: Zelenskyy recalls envoys to Georgia, Morocco
March 31, 2022 GMTUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recalled Ukraine’s ambassadors to Georgia and Morocco, suggesting they haven’t done enough to persuade those countries to support Ukraine and punish Russia for the invasion.
Germany’s diplomacy pivots toward fighting climate change
February 9, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Germany's diplomatic priorities will tilt toward addressing the threat of climate change as one of the key global challenges of the 21st century, Germany's foreign minister announced Wednesday.
Fire hits Russian Embassy in Manila, employees evacuated
February 5, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — A large fire broke out at the Russian Embassy in the Philippine capital, prompting the evacuation of employees and their families but causing no injuries, Russian and Filipino authorities said Saturday.
Western embassies reject Serbia PM’s protest allegations
January 21, 2022 GMTBELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — The United States, the U.K. and Germany on Friday rejected allegations that the three countries financed protests that have shaken the Balkan nation's populist government.
The embassies of the allied countries issued a joint statement that described the accusations as “damaging.”
From Serbia, Afghan boxers seek refuge, careers in West
December 5, 2021 GMTBELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — They practiced in secret and struggled to get to an international tournament in Europe. Now, members of the Afghan national boxing team are seeking refuge in the West, hoping to continue both their careers and their lives without danger or fear.
Ethiopia to US: Stop spreading ‘false information’ about war
November 25, 2021 GMTNAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Ethiopia’s government on Thursday warned the United States against “spreading false information” as fighting in the country’s yearlong war draws closer to the capital, Addis Ababa, while thousands protested outside the U.S.
China threatens Lithuania over Taiwan office opening
November 19, 2021 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China on Friday threatened to retaliate against Lithuania after the Baltic nation allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in its capital, Vilnius.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Lithuania would “reap what it sows,” but gave no details.
Taiwan opens office in Lithuania, in move set to anger China
November 19, 2021 GMTVILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Taiwan opened a representation office in Lithuania's capital Vilnius Thursday, in a move set to anger Beijing.
The self-governing island and Lithuania agreed in July that the Vilnius office would bear the name Taiwan rather than Chinese Taipei — a term often used in other countries in order not to offend Beijing.
Kosovo sanctions 7 people, 1 company for links to Hezbollah
October 27, 2021 GMTPRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo on Wednesday sanctioned seven local businessmen and a company for links with Lebanon's military group Hezbollah.
Israel, Sudanese officials hold rare public meeting
October 13, 2021 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Senior Israeli and Sudanese officials held a rare public meeting on Wednesday, pledging to strengthen the nascent ties between the former adversaries, the Israeli participants said.
An Afghan woman in Kabul’s dashed hopes amid Taliban blitz
August 15, 2021 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Hunkering indoors and watching her country fall to the Taliban, one young woman in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul described on Sunday the anxiety, fears and dashed hopes her generation feels as embassies evacuate staff and the government all but crumbles.
China recalls Lithuania ambassador in row over Taiwan office
August 11, 2021 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China on Tuesday recalled its ambassador to Lithuania and expelled the Baltic nation’s top representative to Beijing over the country’s decision to allow self-governing Taiwan to open an office in Lithuania under its own name.
Paris police investigate gas bomb attack on Cuban Embassy
July 27, 2021 GMTPARIS (AP) — French authorities said Tuesday they are investigating a gasoline bomb attack that caused minor damage to the Cuban Embassy.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said an investigation is under way.
Cuba says its Paris embassy targeted by gasoline bombs
July 27, 2021 GMTHAVANA (AP) — The Cuban Embassy in Paris was attacked with gasoline bombs, Cuba's foreign minister said Monday night.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez did not offer any details of the incident in a post on his Twitter account announcing the attack.
Honduras opens embassy in Jerusalem, 4th country to do so
June 24, 2021 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Honduras on Thursday opened its embassy in contested Jerusalem, becoming the fourth country to follow the U.S. move under former President Donald Trump to relocate its chief diplomatic mission in Israel from Tel Aviv.
Portugal mayor: Protesters’ details were given to embassies
June 18, 2021 GMTLISBON, Portugal (AP) — The city council of Lisbon has for years provided foreign embassies with personal information about protesters who organize demonstrations outside their premises, the Portuguese capital’s mayor said Friday.
Leftist teacher inches toward victory in disputed Peru vote
June 11, 2021 GMTLIMA, Peru (AP) — Peru finished tallying votes in the country’s tight presidential contest Thursday but no winner was declared, with electoral authorities saying they were scrutinizing a small number of ballots amid unproven claims of possible vote tampering leveled by the apparent loser.
Amid brutal case surge, Afghanistan hit by a vaccine delay
June 5, 2021 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan is battling a brutal surge in COVID-19 infections as health officials plead for vaccines, only to be told by the World Health Organization that the 3 million doses the country expected to receive by April won’t be delivered until August.
Australia closes its embassy in Kabul, others scale back
May 25, 2021 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Australia is shutting its embassy in the Afghan capital later this week, citing security concerns ahead of the final withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops in what U.S. President Joe Biden has called the end of America's “forever war.”
Myanmar junta attacks western town that resisted coup
May 16, 2021 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — The U.S. and British embassies in Myanmar expressed concern about reports of fierce government attacks on a town in western Chin state, where the ruling junta declared martial law because of armed resistance to military rule.
Russia limits US & Czech embassy hires for “unfriendly” acts
May 14, 2021 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Russia has designated the United States and the Czech Republic as nations that engage in “unfriendly actions,” a move that limits the hiring of staff for their embassy operations.
The Russian government's order that was posted Friday bans the U.S.
Amid US pullout, Taliban issue threat to Afghan journalists
May 5, 2021 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban on Wednesday issued a threat to Afghan journalists they accuse of siding with Afghanistan's intelligence agency in Kabul, a warning that came amid a U.S. troop pullout and rising fears of more violence in the war-wrecked country...
Indonesia arrests firebrand cleric’s lawyer over attacks
April 27, 2021 GMTJAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Members of Indonesia’s counterterrorism police on Tuesday arrested the lawyer of a firebrand cleric and accused him of inciting people to commit terrorist acts and of pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group, officials said...
Putin: ‘Unfriendly’ embassies may face Russian hiring bans
April 24, 2021 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the country to limit the number of Russians employed at embassies of countries determined to be unfriendly, or to ban their employment entirely...
Chad army claims it has stopped rebel drive toward capital
April 18, 2021 GMTN'DJAMENA, Chad (AP) — The Chadian military said it had halted an advance by rebels coming from neighboring Libya, but the rebel group said Sunday that it was pressing ahead after the American and British embassies warned of a possible assault on the capital in the coming days...
Kosovo opens embassy to Israel in Jerusalem
March 14, 2021 GMTPRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday it has formally opened its embassy to Israel in the disputed city of Jerusalem...
Greek far-left hit man on hunger strike denied jail move
March 1, 2021 GMTGreece’s government Monday said it won't intervene to grant a prison-transfer demand by a convicted killer in a far-left extremist group who has been on hunger strike for more than seven weeks, triggering public protests as well as arson attacks...
Rockets target US Embassy in Baghdad, no casualties
February 22, 2021 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Three rockets were fired at Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone on Monday without causing any casualties, Iraq’s army said...
Myanmar protests in 2nd week, with neither side backing down
February 13, 2021 GMTYANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Mass street demonstrations in Myanmar entered their second week Saturday, with neither protesters nor the military government they seek to unseat showing any signs of backing down from confrontations...
Kosovo, Israel establish diplomatic ties
February 1, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Kosovo and Israel formally established diplomatic ties on Monday in a ceremony held digitally due to the pandemic lockdown...
Rejecting criticism, Pompeo says US isn’t ‘banana republic’
January 8, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has met with his designated successor as America’s top diplomat and is rejecting suggestions that the United States is a “banana republic” because of the attack on the U...
Indonesia bans militant group Islamic Defenders Front
December 30, 2020 GMTJAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia on Wednesday banned a militant Muslim group with a long record of vandalizing nightspots, hurling stones at Western embassies and attacking religious rivals...
Israel, Morocco to normalize ties; US shifts W Sahara policy
December 10, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Israel and Morocco have agreed to normalize relations as President Donald Trump, in his final weeks in office, announced the fourth Arab-Israeli agreement in four months on Thursday...
Iraq clears sit-in square, a year after mass protests began
October 31, 2020 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi security forces on Saturday cleared out sit-in tents from the capital's central square that has been the epicenter of the anti-government protest movement, a year after the eruption of demonstrations against corruption led to months of clashes with authorities across Iraq...
For North Korea, UN membership is a key link to larger world
September 24, 2020 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Hermit Kingdom? Not quite.
To pay close attention to North Korean diplomacy is to notice the many ways it upends the stereotype of the isolated, nuclear-armed wildcard of Northeast Asia...
EU warns Serbia, Kosovo over Israel embassy move
September 7, 2020 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union warned Serbia and Kosovo on Monday that they could undermine their EU membership hopes by moving their Israeli embassies to Jerusalem, as U...
Iran FM visits Baghdad ahead of Iraq PM trip to Saudi Arabia
July 19, 2020 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Iran's foreign minister on Sunday stressed that Iran-Iraq relations would not be “shaken” ahead of the Iraqi prime minister's planned visit this week to Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival...
Lebanon’s migrant workers’ plight worsens as crises multiply
May 26, 2020 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Long before the pandemic struck, they lived and worked in conditions that rights groups called exploitative — low wages, long hours, no labor law protections...
High court allows bigger award in 1998 embassy bombings case
May 18, 2020 GMTThe Supreme Court is allowing a bigger award of money to victims of the 1998 bombings by al-Qaida of the U...
Harvesters struggle to recruit foreign crews during pandemic
May 9, 2020 GMTBELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas harvester Mike Keimig is growing increasingly anxious about whether the foreign seasonal workers he needs to run his nine combines and drive his grain trucks will arrive in time for the start of the winter wheat harvest, which is just weeks away...
Distinguished Kenyan journalist Chege Mbitiru dies at 77
May 4, 2020 GMTNAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Distinguished Kenyan journalist Chege Mbitiru, whose career included work in North America and Kenya, has died at 77 of cardiac arrest...
Spain arrests ex-rapper as Islamic State fighter in Syria
April 21, 2020 GMTALMERÍA, Spain (AP) — A former London rapper who stopped making music not long after his father's extradition to face terror charges in the bombings of two U.S. embassies was arrested Monday in southern Spain on suspicion of joining Islamic State fighters in Syria.
‘Desperate’ tourists stranded by India lockdown told to wait
April 3, 2020 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — Tourists stranded in India after their vacations were abruptly ended by India’s coronavirus lockdown and grounded flights are running out of money and hoping their embassies can help them get home...
Scientists meet in Havana on diplomats’ mystery illnesses
March 2, 2020 GMTHAVANA (AP) — Some scientists who gathered Monday for a two-day conference on the mysterious illnesses suffered by U...
Iraqi officials: 3 dead, dozens wounded in Baghdad protests
January 20, 2020 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi security forces fired tear gas and live rounds during clashes with anti-government protesters overnight and Monday morning in Baghdad, killing three and wounding dozens of demonstrators, officials said...
US points to dissent in Iran in wake of deadly drone strike
January 13, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Mark Esper and other administration officials joined President Donald Trump in trying to draw attention to dissent in Iran instead of lingering questions about the scale of the threat used to justify a drone strike on Iran’s top military leader...