Finnish border closed to Russians with tourist visas
September 30, 2022 GMTCOPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Finland's border with Russia was closed to Russians with tourist visas Friday, curtailing one of the last easily accessible routes to Europe for Russians trying to flee a military mobilization aimed at bolstering the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.
Finland bans entry to Russian tourists starting at midnight
September 29, 2022 GMTHELSINKI, Finland (AP) — Finland announced it would ban Russian citizens with tourist visas from entering the country starting Friday, curtailing one of the last easily accessible routes to Europe for Russians trying to flee a military mobilization aimed at bolstering the Kremlin's war in Ukraine.
South African president to meet with Biden on Friday
September 15, 2022 GMTJOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is headed to the United States, where aides say he's expected to press for more negotiations between Russia and Ukraine during talks with U.S.
‘Historic’ Cuban official, José Ramón Balaguer, dies at 90
July 16, 2022 GMTHAVANA (AP) — José Ramón Balaguer, a longtime member of Cuba’s communist leadership who as health minister sent thousands of the island’s doctors on missions to win hearts and minds in Venezuela and developing countries around the world, has died at age 90.
Senate approves Lisa Cook as first Black woman to Fed post
May 10, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed economist Lisa Cook on Tuesday to serve on the Federal Reserve's board of governors, making her the first Black woman to do so in the institution's 108-year history.
Japan PM, pope discuss nuclear arms after NKorea test launch
May 4, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Pope Francis vowed to work together to try to rid the world of nuclear weapons, the Vatican and Japanese officials said Wednesday as new nuclear threats worried Asia and Europe.
Russian talking point: Blaming US for Ukraine church split
March 22, 2022 GMTWhile Russia has sought to justify its assault on Ukraine with complaints about NATO's eastward expansion, it has also claimed that foreign actors have encroached on its religious turf in Ukraine — even alleging the United States helped instigate an Eastern Orthodox schism there.
Leaders of Turkey, Greece hold talks in rare meeting
March 13, 2022 GMTISTANBUL (AP) — The leaders of Greece and Turkey held talks over lunch in Istanbul on Sunday in a rare meeting between the neighboring countries, which have been at odds over maritime and energy issues, the status of Aegean islands and migration.
Stanford mourns death of goalkeeper Katie Meyer, 22
March 3, 2022 GMTSTANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Stanford goalkeeper Katie Meyer, who memorably led the Cardinal to victory in the 2019 NCAA College Cup championship game, has died. She was 22.
War, peace, stalemate? Week ahead may decide Ukraine’s fate
February 13, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Even if a Russian invasion of Ukraine doesn't happen in the next few days, the crisis is reaching a critical inflection point with European stability and the future of East-West relations hanging in the balance.
Iraqi officials: 4 rockets target US Embassy in Baghdad
January 13, 2022 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — At least four rockets targeted the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone on Thursday, two Iraqi security officials said. The area is home to diplomatic missions and the seat of Iraq's government,
China denounces US law on Xinjiang imports
December 24, 2021 GMTBEIJING (AP) — The Chinese government on Friday denounced a U.S. law that restricts imports from Xinjiang as a violation of international law and dismissed complaints of abuses against mostly Muslim minorities in the northwestern region as lies.
China defends border law after Indian criticism
October 28, 2021 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China on Thursday defended a new border law following criticism by India that it might disrupt the resolution of a 17-month-old standoff over disputed territory in the remote Ladakh region that has led to violent clashes.
Ukraine’s leader takes UN to task as ‘retired superhero’
September 23, 2021 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — Leaders who are “playing” at unity and stuffing pressing problems into an overflowing bag of woe. A world that's in the same boat, but first-class passengers get the lifeboats.
Biden team surprised by rapid Taliban gains in Afghanistan
August 16, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and other top U.S. officials were stunned on Sunday by the pace of the Taliban's nearly complete takeover of Afghanistan, as the planned withdrawal of American forces urgently became a mission to ensure a safe evacuation.
Armenian leader praises Biden’s genocide recognition
April 24, 2021 GMTYEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — Armenia’s leader is praising President Joe Biden’s recognition of the deaths of 1...
China sanctions Britons over West’s Xinjiang criticism
March 26, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — China slapped sanctions on several British politicians and organizations Friday after the U...
Qatar emerges from Gulf spat resolute and largely unscathed
January 6, 2021 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qataris awoke to a surprise blockade and boycott by Gulf Arab neighbors 3 1/2 years ago, and this week were jolted again by the sudden announcement that it was all over...
China condemns new US Hong Kong sanctions, Taiwan arms sale
December 8, 2020 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China lashed out at the U.S. on Tuesday over new American sanctions against Chinese officials for their actions in Hong Kong, along with the sale of more U...
China denounces US sanctions over Hong Kong crackdown
November 10, 2020 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China on Tuesday denounced new U.S. sanctions against four Chinese officials over a crackdown on political rights in Hong Kong, saying such moves “grossly interfere in China’s internal affairs...
China cites ‘malicious slander’ as Houston consulate closes
July 23, 2020 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China said Thursday that “malicious slander” is behind an order by the U.S. government to close its consulate in Houston, Texas, maintaining that its officials never operated outside ordinary diplomatic rules...
Chinese diplomat derides UK’s move to offer HK citizenship
July 6, 2020 GMTLONDON (AP) — The Chinese ambassador to Britain accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday of meddling in China's affairs by offering citizenship to 3 million people from Hong Kong following the imposition of a national security law...
China demands US withdraw sanctions on tech suppliers
May 25, 2020 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China demand Monday that Washington withdraw export sanctions imposed on Chinese companies in the latest round of a worsening conflict over technology, security and human rights...
Trump says US working on trade deal with Ecuador
February 12, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he's working on a trade deal with Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno, who became the first chief of state from the small South American nation in 17 years to meet with an American president in Washington...
Iraqi Shiite militia supporters break down US embassy gate door, storm inside compound as gunshots, sirens ring out
December 31, 2019 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi Shiite militia supporters break down US embassy gate door, storm inside compound as gunshots, sirens ring out.
Putin, Trump to hold summit in Helsinki on July 16
June 28, 2018 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will hold a summit in Helsinki on July 16, a long-expected encounter that comes amid spiraling tensions between Moscow and Washington...
What’s next for Turkey after vote grants Erdogan vast powers
June 25, 2018 GMTISTANBUL (AP) — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is ushering in a new era for Turkey after weekend elections saw him win a presidency granting him the vastly expanded executive powers he has long sought...
As Olympics shift to sports, what on Earth just happened?
February 11, 2018 GMTPYEONGCHANG, South Korea (AP) — And now: sports.
After a weekend in which a fusillade of can't-believe-it political surprises got the world talking about Olympic-flavored international relations rather than just the thrill of victory, the 2018 Winter Games settled Sunday into what everyone came here for...
Iran says Trump’s ‘absurd tweets’ have incited disruption
January 4, 2018 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — Iran charged Wednesday that the U.S. "has crossed every limit" in international relations by expressing support for Iran's anti-government protesters and said President Donald Trump's "absurd tweets" have encouraged disruption...
Turkey votes to expand president’s powers; critics cry fraud
April 16, 2017 GMTISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won a historic referendum Sunday that will greatly expand the powers of his office, although opposition parties questioned the outcome and said they would challenge the results...