This is Beirut

Seven Yemeni UN workers detained in Sanaa: Houthi security source

This is Beirut, 24/10 21:30 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Several Yemenis working for the United Nations in the rebel-held capital Sanaa have been detained on accusations of spying for Israel, a Houthi security official told AFP Friday, in the latest arrests targeting the world body's staff. Earlier this week, 20 UN staff, including 15 foreigners, were released after being held in their compound since a ...

12 UN Staff Leave Yemen's Sanaa After Huthi Detention: UN Statement

This is Beirut, 22/10 18:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

United Nations Houthi UN

Twelve international United Nations employees who had been held by Yemen's Huthis inside their compound flew out of the rebel-held capital on Wednesday, the UN said. The Iran-backed Huthis raided the UN compound in the capital Sanaa last weekend, holding 20 staff including 15 foreigners. Five Yemeni nationals were released on Sunday. The rebels ...

EU Takes Aim at Plastic Pellets to Prevent their Nightmare Cleanup

This is Beirut, 21/10 10:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Europe European Union Plastic UN

At first glance, the tiny plastic pellets appear relatively harmless. No bigger than a lentil, these "nurdles" are destined to be melted down to make everything from car bumpers to salad bowls. But when tens of millions of them spill from trucks or cargo ships they are devilish to clean up, blighting landscapes and washing up around the world for ...

Sweeping UN Sanctions Return To Hit Iran After Nuclear Talks Fail

This is Beirut, 28/09 05:25 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Iran UN Nuclear

Widespread UN sanctions against Iran returned into force late Saturday for the first time in a decade, after last-ditch nuclear talks with Western powers failed to produce a breakthrough. The sanctions, three months after Israel and the United States bombed Iran, bar dealings related to Tehran's nuclear and ballistic missiles program and are ...

At UN, Abbas Defends Palestinian Cause, Rejects Hamas

This is Beirut, 25/09 18:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Hamas Palestine Israel UN Mahmud Abbas

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on Thursday rejected any future role for Hamas and condemned antisemitism, as he appealed for full global support for a state in the face of Israeli annexation threats. Days after France led a special summit and several Western powers recognized a state of Palestine, the veteran 89-year-old leader was forced to ...

The United Nations: A Global Stage Without Teeth

Salam El Zaatari, 25/09 10:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

UN Syria Iraq United States

When Donald Trump addressed the UN General Assembly yesterday, his words reignited an old debate: Is the United Nations an effective institution for peace and security, or merely a costly theater where leaders posture? Trump called the UN “obsolete,” echoing his long-standing skepticism about multilateral organizations. But behind the bluster ...

Escalatorgate: Trump Demands Probe Into UN ‘Triple Sabotage’

This is Beirut, 25/09 05:35 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

UN Donald Trump United States

US President Donald Trump demanded an investigation Wednesday into what he called "triple sabotage" after an escalator, teleprompter and sound system malfunctioned as he addressed the United Nations. The UN has said the events that happened while Trump was at its headquarters in New York on Tuesday were accidental, and partly blamed ...

China Steps Into Spotlight at UN Climate Talks

This is Beirut, 24/09 05:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

United States UN China Climate

China's emissions-cutting pledge is poised to take center stage at a United Nations climate meeting Wednesday, after US President Donald Trump unleashed a blistering -- if predictable -- broadside against the science surrounding planet-warming fossil fuels. Some 118 nations will outline plans to curb global warming, which is driving disasters ...

Who Recognizes the State of Palestine, who Doesn't, and Why Does it Matter?

This is Beirut, 23/09 09:35 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Benjamin Netanyahu Europe G7 Gaza UN Palestinian state

A majority of European countries now recognisze the State of Palestine, following official declarations in New York on Monday by France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and others, after nearly two years of war in Gaza. Here is an overview of diplomatic recognition of the state, which was unilaterally proclaimed by the Palestinian leadership in exile ...

At the UN, Aoun Reaffirms Gradual Disarmament

This is Beirut, 22/09 22:50 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Lebanon UN Joseph Aoun

President Joseph Aoun is set to deliver Lebanon’s address before the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. Aoun, who arrived in New York on Sunday, held a series of meetings on Monday with representatives of the Lebanese diaspora as well as with European leaders, urging the latter to pressure Israel to end its ongoing air raids on ...

UK and Portugal to Recognize Palestinian State ahead of UN Debate

This is Beirut, 21/09 12:20 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Portugal United Kingdom Palestinian Statehood UN Gaza UN General Assembly

Britain was set Sunday to recognize a Palestinian state, UK media said, ahead of key UN talks where several nations are poised to follow suit to pressure Israel over Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer "will set out the position later on today," his deputy David Lammy told the BBC, stopping short of confirming that there would be a full recognition ...

UN Security Council Rejects Bid to Stop Iran Sanctions “Snapback”

This is Beirut, 19/09 17:50 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

UN Iran Sanctions

The U.N. Security Council on Friday voted down a resolution that sought to prevent the automatic reimposition of sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program, just days before world leaders gather for the annual U.N. summit. The draft, introduced by South Korea, fell short of the nine votes needed. Only China, Russia, Pakistan, and Algeria backed ...

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