UN extends Central African Republic peacekeeping mission
November 15, 2022 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council extended the nearly 17,500-strong U.N. peacekeeping mission in the troubled Central African Republican for a year on Monday, with Russia, China and Gabon abstaining.
UK delays N Ireland election call to buy time for talks
November 9, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — The British government on Wednesday delayed calling a fresh election in Northern Ireland, hoping to buy time to break an impasse over post-Brexit trade rules that put the administration there on ice.
UN: 2022 likely deadliest for Palestinians in West Bank
October 29, 2022 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Mideast envoy said 2022 is on course to be the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since the U.N. started tracking fatalities in 2005, and he called for immediate action to calm “an explosive situation” and move toward renewing Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
Ethiopia’s Tigray forces say willing to enter peace process
September 12, 2022 GMTNAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The Tigray forces battling Ethiopian troops say they’re willing to abide by an immediate cessation of hostilities and participate in a peace process led by the African Union, a significant shift to which Ethiopia's government has not yet responded.
Israel grants more Palestinian permits ahead of Biden visit
July 12, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Israel said Tuesday it would increase the number of work permits issued to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and allow thousands more Palestinians to gain legal status ahead of President Joe Biden's visit to the region later this week.
Palestinian president and Israeli defense minister meet
July 7, 2022 GMTRAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz met Thursday in the occupied West Bank to discuss security coordination ahead of U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to the region next week.
Ethiopia names negotiators for looming Tigray peace process
June 28, 2022 GMTNAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Ethiopian authorities have named a team of seven negotiators for possible peace talks with Tigray forces.
The announcement comes after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced earlier in June the formation of a committee to handle negotiations with Tigray's ruling party, which the government declared a terrorist group last year.
Kenya mediates Congo peace talks, but breakthrough elusive
April 28, 2022 GMTKAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Some Congolese armed groups in peace talks in Kenya asked for more time before laying down their weapons, Kenyan authorities said Thursday, signaling the talks had not yet made a breakthrough.
UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan extended for a year
March 16, 2022 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council extended the mandate for the 19,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping force in South Sudan for a year Tuesday, while demanding an immediate end to fighting in the country and political dialogue to advance a plan to prevent the world’s newest nation from returning to civil war.
Libya’s east-based lawmakers name new PM, fueling divisions
February 10, 2022 GMTCAIRO (AP) — Libya’s east-based parliament on Thursday appointed a new prime minister, a development that counters U.N. efforts to reconcile the divided country and will likely produce two parallel administrations.
Amnesty joins rights groups in accusing Israel of apartheid
February 1, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Amnesty International said Tuesday that Israel has maintained “a system of oppression and domination” over the Palestinians going all the way back to its establishment in 1948, one that meets the international definition of apartheid.
Cambodian leader to make controversial visit to Myanmar
January 6, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen begins a visit to strife-torn Myanmar on Friday that he hopes will invigorate efforts by Southeast Asian nations to start a peace process, but critics say will legitimize the rule of the military that seized power last year and its campaign of violence.
EXPLAINER: Libya future at stake after failing to hold vote
December 29, 2021 GMTCAIRO (AP) — Libya failed to hold its first presidential election as planned this month, a major blow to international efforts to end a decade of chaos in the oil-rich Mediterranean country.
Jordan says King Abdullah met with Israeli Islamist lawmaker
November 9, 2021 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — The head of the Islamist party in Israel's governing coalition met with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman on Tuesday, the latest sign of warming ties between the two countries.
EXPLAINER: Why are UK and the EU still fighting over Brexit?
October 13, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — “Get Brexit done” was British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s slogan when he ran for election two years ago. Since then, the U.K. has pulled out of the European Union after more than four decades of membership and several years of wrangling over divorce terms.
Police in N Ireland arrest 2 more over journalist’s slaying
October 1, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Police in Northern Ireland arrested two more men Friday over the death of journalist Lyra McKee, who was shot and killed while covering a 2019 riot in the city of Londonderry.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the men, ages 44 and 53, were arrested in the city area under the Terrorism Act.
2 charged with murder of N Ireland journalist Lyra McKee
September 17, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Two men appeared in court Friday in connection with the murder of Lyra McKee, a Northern Irish journalist shot dead as she covered rioting in Londonderry in 2019.
Gearoid Cavanagh, 33, and Jordan Devine, 21, were charged with murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of petrol bombs, throwing petrol bombs, arson and riot
Pelosi warns UK not to imperil N Ireland peace with Brexit
September 17, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned Britain on Friday that there will be no U.S.-U.K. trade deal unless the British government solves post-Brexit disagreements with the European Union that risk destabilizing Northern Ireland’s peace.
Leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Palestinians meet in Cairo
September 2, 2021 GMTCAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s president held talks in Cairo on Thursday with the King of Jordan and the president of the Palestinian Authority aimed at reviving the Middle East peace process and strengthening a ceasefire that halted the Israel-Hamas war.
UN Security Council condemns attacks on Afghan civilians
August 3, 2021 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council condemned deliberate attacks on civilians in Afghanistan and all instances of terrorism “in the strongest terms” on Tuesday, while declaring its opposition to restoration of rule by the Taliban.
Afghan president seeks defense of cities as Taliban advance
August 2, 2021 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Afghan president on Monday blamed the American troops' speedy pullout for the worsening violence in his country and said that his administration would now focus on protecting provincial capitals and major urban areas in the face of the rapidly advancing Taliban.
UK irks EU with call to change post-Brexit trade rules
July 21, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — The British government said Wednesday that post-Brexit trade rules it negotiated with the European Union “cannot go on” and need a major rewrite, straining already tense U.K.-EU relations and drawing a message of concern from the U.S.
Russia and China try to end Bosnia’s international overseer
July 14, 2021 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russia and China have circulated a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that would immediately strip the powers of the international high representative overseeing implementation of the 1995 peace agreement that ended the devastating war in Bosnia and eliminate the position entirely in one year.
Official: Afghan delegation, Taliban to talk peace in Qatar
July 14, 2021 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A high-powered Afghan government delegation, which will include the head of the country’s reconciliation council, is to meet the Taliban in Doha to jump-start a long-stalled peace process, an Afghan official said Tuesday.
Great Brexit sausage fight goes into freezer for 3 months
June 30, 2021 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The great Brexit sausage fight is going into the freezer for the next three months.
The European Union and the United Kingdom agreed Wednesday not to let a fight over the transport of chilled meats from Britain to Northern Ireland sputter out of control for the moment and further damage already fraught relations, which have been fundamentally changed since the U.K.
EXPLAINER: Why are Palestinians protesting against Abbas?
June 28, 2021 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Thousands of Palestinians have taken to the streets in recent days to protest against President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority, whose security forces and supporters have violently dispersed them.
Critic of Palestinian Authority dies after violent arrest
June 24, 2021 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — An outspoken critic of the Palestinian Authority who was a candidate in parliamentary elections called off earlier this year died after Palestinian security forces arrested him and beat him with batons on Thursday, his family said.
Poll finds dramatic rise in Palestinian support for Hamas
June 15, 2021 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — A new poll released Tuesday finds a dramatic surge in Palestinian support for Hamas following last month's Gaza war, with around three quarters viewing the Islamic militants as victors in a battle against Israel to defend Jerusalem and its holy sites.
Russia ready to promote direct Israeli-Palestinian contacts
May 5, 2021 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Russia is ready to promote direct contacts between Israel and the Palestinian leadership and working toward a high-level meeting of the Middle East Quartet mediating the Israel-Palestinian peace process, the Russian foreign minister said Wednesday...
Review: ‘Human Factor’ gets personal about Mideast peace
May 3, 2021 GMTReady for a documentary about three decades of agonizing fits and starts of the Mideast peace process, from the perspective of U...
UN-led informal Cyprus talks stall, new round planned
April 29, 2021 GMTGENEVA (AP) — U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots failed to make headway in informal talks on the future of their ethnically divided island, but talks will continue and “I do not give up...
Turkish Cypriots to UN: two-state basis best for Cyprus deal
April 28, 2021 GMTGENEVA (AP) —
Cyprus’ rival leaders remained polar opposites on what is needed for a peace deal on reunifying the ethnically divided island nation as U...
Afghan president appoints 2 ministers, angers ruling partner
March 20, 2021 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has made two key Cabinet changes, evoking a strong response Saturday from powerful governing partner Abdullah Abdullah amid increasing pressure from the U...
Taliban expect US withdrawal, vow to restore Islamic rule
March 19, 2021 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — The Taliban warned Washington on Friday against defying a May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of American and NATO troops from Afghanistan, promising a “reaction," which could mean increased attacks by the insurgent group...
Russia hosts Afghan peace conference, hoping to boost talks
March 18, 2021 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Russia hosted a peace conference for Afghanistan on Thursday, bringing together government representatives, the Taliban and international observers in a bid to help jump-start the country's stalled peace process...
EXPLAINER: Stakes high as Moscow opens 1st of 3 Afghan meets
March 17, 2021 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Russia is to host on Thursday the first of three international conferences aimed at jump-starting a stalled Afghanistan peace process ahead of a May 1 deadline for the final withdrawal of U...
US presents warring Afghan sides with draft peace agreement
March 9, 2021 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Frustrated by a stalled peace process and escalating violence, the U.S. has presented an eight-page draft peace agreement to Afghanistan's warring sides for review...
Report: Blinken offers plan to bolster Afghan peace process
March 7, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken is proposing a series of steps to help jumpstart Afghanistan’s stalled peace process between the government and Taliban, according to a letter from Blinken to Afghanistan’s president Ashra Ghani published Sunday by Afghanistan’s TOLONews...
EU top official regrets ‘mistakes’ over vaccine export gaffe
February 10, 2021 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union's top official expressed regret for creating a row with Britain last month when the bloc briefly considered applying an emergency restriction on exports of COVID-19 vaccines also to the U...
Efforts to end Myanmar’s ethnic conflicts shaken by coup
February 5, 2021 GMTJAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The coup that removed an elected government and reimposed military control in Myanmar has raised even more uncertainty about a fragile peace process aimed at ending decades of conflict between the military, armed ethnic groups and militias...
Experts group urges delayed US troop pullout in Afghanistan
February 3, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The United States should urgently re-open talks with the Taliban to delay a full withdrawal of U...
Border checks stopped at N Ireland ports after threats
February 2, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Politicians in Britain, Northern Ireland and the European Union on Tuesday condemned threats against border staff that prompted authorities to suspend checks at ports and underscored the tremors Brexit has sent through Northern Ireland's peace process...
UN chief sees `hope’ for Israel-Palestinian peace progress
January 29, 2021 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday “there are reasons to hope” for progress toward ending the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict after years of inaction...
Review: ‘Human Factor’ gets personal about Mideast peace
January 21, 2021 GMTReady for a documentary about three decades of agonizing fits and starts of the Mideast peace process, from the perspective of U...
Arab League head hopes Biden changes Trump Mideast policies
January 19, 2021 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The head of the Arab League expressed hope Monday that the Biden administration will change President Donald Trump's policies and launch a political process supported by regional and international parties to achieve independence for the Palestinians...
Official: Gunmen kill two women judges in Afghan capital
January 17, 2021 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Gunmen fired on a car in northern Kabul on Sunday, killing two women judges who worked for Afghanistan's high court and wounding the driver, a court official said...
Egypt, Germany, France, Jordan meet to revive Mideast talks
January 11, 2021 GMTCAIRO (AP) — Egypt on Monday hosted the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Jordan to discuss ways to revive peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, a week before President-elect Joe Biden takes office...
Officials: Attacks across Afghanistan kill at least 5
December 28, 2020 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — At least five people were killed in separate attacks across Afghanistan on Monday, officials said, raising further concerns about the fate of peace talks that have been suspended until at least next month.
Official warns of humanitarian disaster if Afghan talks fail
November 18, 2020 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The U.N. ‘s top official for refugees said Tuesday that if the Afghan peace process collapses and violence continues, there will be a humanitarian disaster as thousands of displaced people struggle to survive the coronavirus pandemic and the harsh winter...
Palestinians push for international conference, US is open
October 26, 2020 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The Palestinian foreign minister said Monday an international peace conference is the only way to generate momentum to bring Israelis and Palestinians to negotiate a peace agreement...
US envoy warns new violence threatens Afghan peace process
October 19, 2020 GMTKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan warned Monday that “distressingly high” levels of violence threaten to derail ongoing peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban...
Yemen’s rival sides complete war’s largest prisoner exchange
October 16, 2020 GMTSANAA, Yemen (AP) — Yemen’s warring sides completed a major, U.N.-brokered prisoner swap on Friday, officials said, a development that could revive the country’s stalled peace process after more than five years of grinding conflict...
Judge orders ex-Colombian president freed from house arrest
October 10, 2020 GMTBOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Powerful ex-Colombia President Álvaro Uribe was ordered freed from house arrest Saturday while he is investigated for possible witness tampering, the latest chapter in a case that has revealed lingering tensions over the country's peace process...
AP Interview: Top Afghan negotiator lauds India’s support
October 10, 2020 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — Afghanistan’s chief peace envoy said Saturday that India’s civil and military leadership are supportive of an inclusive, peaceful settlement of the Afghan peace process and that Kabul’s interactions with New Delhi are expected to further deepen in the coming weeks and months...
Trump’s Mideast deals tout ‘peace’ where there was never war
September 14, 2020 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — For the first time in more than a quarter-century, a U.S. president will host a signing ceremony between Israelis and Arabs at the White House, billing it as an "historic breakthrough" in a region long known for its stubborn conflicts...
Pakistan issues orders enforcing UN sanctions on Taliban
August 23, 2020 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan has issued sweeping orders enforcing financial sanctions against Afghanistan’s Taliban, just as the militant group is in the midst of a U...
Colombia sanctions 5 soldiers in murder of ex-guerrilla
August 12, 2020 GMTBOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombian authorities are taking disciplinary action against five soldiers for their roles in the violent death of a former guerrilla whose murder has become one of the most notorious crimes during the nation’s peace process...
Colombian leader faces criticism for opining in Uribe case
August 6, 2020 GMTBOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombian leader Iván Duque is facing criticism for personally opining on the judicial proceedings against his mentor, the powerful ex-President Álvaro Uribe, who has been placed under house arrest while being investigated for witness tampering...
Jean Kennedy Smith dies at 92; last surviving sibling of JFK
June 18, 2020 GMTJean Kennedy Smith, who was the last surviving sibling of President John F. Kennedy and who as a U...
UN seeking Mideast mediators meeting on Israel-Palestinians
June 5, 2020 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Mideast envoy is trying to arrange a meeting of key global mediators to discuss prospects and threats to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the United Nations said Friday...