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Pipeline uncertainty leaves Germany with energy jitters
Pipeline uncertainty leaves Germany with energy jitters
Business and Economy
by  AFP

The Nord Stream pipeline, which supplies Germany with most of its Russian gas, will be shut down for routine maintenance from Monday -- with fears rising that it may remain off for good. - 'One or two months' - Russia has already cut supplies via the Nord Stream pipeline by 60 percent in recent weeks, citing technical issues -- which Berlin dismisses as cover for a "political" decision.

Will Belarus join Moscow's Ukraine offensive?
Will Belarus join Moscow's Ukraine offensive?
World
by  AFP

Belarus has served as a staging ground for Russia's intervention in Ukraine, but strongman Alexander Lukashenko has so far avoided becoming a party to the conflict. Despite officially being a non-belligerent, the Belarus strongman has demanded that his country be included in any talks and a deal to end the conflict.

Argentina turmoil sparks panic buying and price hikes
Argentina turmoil sparks panic buying and price hikes
World
by  AFP

A political crisis in inflation-ravaged Argentina that was sparked by the economy minister's resignation has spooked markets and generated fears resulting in panic buying and hasty price hikes, as the informal exchange rate soars. The official exchange rate is 132.

TikTok sued in US after girls die in 'Blackout Challenge'
TikTok sued in US after girls die in 'Blackout Challenge'
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Video-sharing sensation TikTok is being sued in California after children died while taking part in a "Blackout Challenge" that makes a sport of choking oneself until passing out. TikTok has featured and promoted an array of challenges in which users film themselves taking part in themed acts that are sometimes dangerous.

Asian stocks extend global rally as recession fears ease for now
Asian stocks extend global rally as recession fears ease for now
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Asian markets rose Friday on easing recession fears, while there were growing hopes that Joe Biden will remove some Trump-era tariffs from Chinese goods. Biden is also reported to be holding a meeting later Friday with top advisers to discuss whether or not to lift some of the Trump-era tariffs imposed on around $300 billion of Chinese imports.

Australia seeks end to trade rows in China meeting
Australia seeks end to trade rows in China meeting
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Australia will press China to end trade "blockages" Friday as the two nations seek to defrost icy relations with their first foreign ministers' meeting since 2019. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she aimed to "stabilise" relations when she meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi later in the day on the sidelines of a Group of 20 meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

Le Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU est appelé à voter jeudi sur l'autorisation d'aide humanitaire transfrontalière à la Syrie sans l'aval de Damas, que la Russie accepte de prolonger de seulement six mois alors que l'Occident réclame un an.
Le Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU est appelé à voter jeudi sur l'autorisation d'aide humanitaire transfrontalière à la Syrie sans l'aval de Damas, que la Russie accepte de prolonger de seulement six mois alors que l'Occident réclame un an.
World
by  AFP

The United Nations Security Council will continue negotiating Friday on extending authorization of aid transfers across Syria's border, one day after a scheduled vote was scrapped following disagreement between Russia and the West. Uncertainty remained as to whether the proposal would suit Russia and whether a vote would be possible on Friday.