US economy grew at a solid 2.8% pace last quarter on strength of consumer spending
Washington — The U.S. economy grew at a healthy 2.8% annual rate from July through September, with consumers helping drive growth despite the weight of still-high interest rates. Wednesday’s report from the Commerce Department said the gross domestic product —…
US experts see Pyongyang’s Russia gambit as no-win situation for China
China’s response to Russia’s growing influence over North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong Un, likely combines “exasperation” and “panic” as Beijing appears to be losing control over its client state, according to former U.S. policy and intelligence officials. They…
France allows six Russian army deserters, and partners, to enter country, apply for asylum
London — Thousands of Russians, including soldiers, have fled their country to seek asylum in the West since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, although only a fraction of asylum applications has been approved. However, in a landmark case, France has…
UN rights chief urges Bangladesh to sustain ‘unprecedented’ momentum for change
The protests, which highlighted demands for human rights, accountability and social justice, must be met with meaningful reforms, High Commissioner Volker Türk urged. “This unique, unprecedented moment in the history of Bangladesh is the result of young men and women…
UN envoy urges responsible leadership amid Kosovo-Serbia tensions
Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), briefed ambassadors in the Security Council on recent developments, calling for greater cooperation to stabilize the region and safeguard fundamental freedoms. She…
Stories from the UN Archive: What UNRWA built
UNRWA was established by UN Member States in 1949 to carry out direct relief and development programmes for Palestinian people who lost their homes following the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. UN Photo has curated a collection from its archive that follows…
War in Ukraine: Live updates from the Security Council and the field
The UN Security Council is meeting in emergency session on Ukraine, amid unconfirmed reports that troops from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) – more commonly known as North Korea – have been deployed to fight alongside Russian forces….
Middle East crisis: Live updates on 30 October from the UN and the region
Top UN officials continued to line up on Tuesday to defend the irreplaceable role of the global body’s agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, insisting that if implemented, the Israeli parliament’s decision to ban it would only deepen suffering in Gaza….
Beijing files WTO complaint over EU’s new taxes on Chinese EVs
Beijing — Beijing said Wednesday it had lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization over the European Union’s decision to impose hefty tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars. The extra taxes of up to 35% were announced Tuesday after an…
China stimulus should go hand in hand with reforms, ex central bank adviser says
BEIJING — China’s stimulus efforts could come with a cost and they must be carried out alongside reforms to ensure sustainable economic growth, Liu Shijin, a former central bank adviser, said in remarks published Wednesday. “Stimulus could come with a…