Teheran (AFP) – Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei says Iran is not currently involved in negotiations with the United States, despite a halt in recent fighting between the two sides. “At present, we are not engaged in any negotiations with the United States,” says Baqaei.
Birao (AFP) – Dozens of displaced families are living in limbo in precarious shelters in Birao in northeast Central African Republic, after fleeing the fighting which broke out between the Alliance for Patriotric Resurgence (ASP) and the country’s military forces nearly a month ago in Am-Dafock, near the Sudanese border. “We fled the war in a panic, leaving everything behind, our fields, our animals,” says one displaced person. “We are living like animals.” Before the new arrivals, 22,000 Sudanese refugees already lived in Birao.
Berlin (AFP) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz gives a press conference after a deadly vehicle and machete attack near Berlin’s Pride parade killed one and wounded 29, at which he appears to criticise his country’s security services for allowing the attacker near the event. “I still don’t understand how it was even possible for this man, who is under constant surveillance, to get anywhere near Christopher Street… without being noticed,” he says.
Frankfurt (Germany) (AFP) – Jurgen Klopp poses for photos as he is unveiled as the new head coach of the German men’s national football team, replacing Julian Nagelsmann who was dismissed after the team’s disappointing World Cup performance. Klopp’s appointment was widely expected for weeks and his contract will see him through to the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Burgohondo (Spain) (AFP) – Wildfires burning near Madrid remain uncontained and out of control, with the smell of smoke drifting into parts of the Spanish capital and strong winds expected to hamper firefighting efforts, regional authorities said. The overnight advance of the fires was limited, but weather conditions are expected to complicate efforts to bring the blazes — less than 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Madrid — under control.
Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – British Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrives in Manchester to open his newly created “Number 10 North” office in a flagship move to devolve centralised power in London. Burnham says the office will put “power in every postcode so that people can turn things around for themselves and make changes”. Burnham — who took over from Keir Starmer in 10 Downing Street on Monday — aims to work in Manchester at least one day a week.
New Delhi (AFP) – Talks between the Indian government and the youth-led “Cockroach” movement fail to make headway on the protest demand for the resignation of the education minister, both sides say. “If we do not get Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, these protests will become even more widespread,” says Ashutosh Ranka, spokesman for the Cockroach Janta Party protest group.
Saint Petersburg (AFP) – Ukrainian drones hit a warehouse for a Russian e-commerce giant near Saint Petersburg early Friday, triggering a fire that sent smoke pouring over the historic city, according to local officials. Kyiv has targeted Saint Petersburg as it steps up long-range drone strikes on Russian energy, military and logistics sites in recent weeks. IMAGES
Villars-sur-Ollon (Switzerland) (AFP) – “You feel like you’re flying,” says tourist Anais Fougairolles after experiencing a new swing installed at 2,110 metres atop the Swiss Alps in the Villars resort. The ski area’s director Martin Deburaux says he hopes the swing will allow the resort to attract thrill seekers during the snowless seasons as it prepares for “more unpredictable snowfall” amid climate change.
Harlow (United Kingdom) (AFP) – New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham visits a pub in Essex after announcing a tax cut for struggling pubs, clubs and live music venues in a bid to ease the cost of living crisis. “Pubs need to know that the cavalry is coming,” says Burnham. The latest tax cut is expected to save some 32,000 hospitality businesses in England around £1,100 ($1,400) a year, but ministers have struggled to give full details of how it would be funded.
Manila (AFP) – The UK’s new Foreign Minister Ed Miliband highlights the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to ease the cost of living crisis, supporting Ukraine against “Russian aggression” and relieving the suffering of the people of Gaza whilst on the sidelines of the ASEAN Southeast Asian summit in Manila in footage provided by the UK government. The summit comes during Miliband’s first week in his new role in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new cabinet.
La Guaira (Venezuela) (AFP) – Hundreds of animals rescued from the rubble after the twin earthquakes in Venezuela remain in temporary shelters, waiting to be reunited with their families or adopted. The Mision Nevado shelter in hard-hit La Guaira has already reunited more than 50 pets with their owners and is taking care of over 300 animals. “It’s always emotional for us,” says veterinary student and shelter worker Amanda Gonzalez. “Because when an animal connects with a person, that’s pure energy to us. But at a reunion, we all end up crying.”
