Palestinian groups lay down time frame for national unity plans
All major Palestinian factions including Fatah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad met virtually to discuss major challenges and the need for unity. They have decided to convene a special session of Palestinian Liberation Organization’s Central Council
International Criminal Court condemns US sanctions on its officials
The US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced sanctions against ICC officials over its investigation into allegations of war crimes against the US troops in Afghanistan
Tunisian parliament votes to approve third government in less than a year
Hichem Mechichi’s government won the majority in the parliament although many members expressed reservations with it and voted for it only to avoid early elections
Lebanon struggles to rebuild after Beirut blasts
Lebanon has a new prime minister in Mustapha Adib but to many, he is part of the same corrupt and inefficient old leadership that created the crisis in the country
Barring US, all parties reiterate commitment to Iran nuclear deal
Delegates from Iran, Russia, China, the UK, France and Germany said the deal was a key component in the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture. They also rejected US bids to trigger snapback sanctions
Concern over growing number of accidents in India’s shipyards
At least eleven workers lost their lives after a 70-crane jetty crane collapsed on them and crushed them to death in Visakhapatnam based Hindustan Shipyard Limited last month. The accident and delay in investigation has reaffirmed the ongoing crisis in shipyards
Venezuela’s pardon of opposition leaders is a major step in promoting national reconciliation
As many as 110 right-wing opposition leaders who have either been convicted or are being tried were pardoned by President Nicolás Maduro. This will enable them to take part in the electoral process for the National Assembly
Opposition claims victory in Montenegro’s parliamentary elections
Though the final results are yet to be declared formally, it is most likely the end of the three-decade rule of the Democratic Party of Socialists and its leader Milo Djukanovic