Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Aerial images released by the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer show Rio de Janeiro’s iconic statue display images and prayers for Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalised with double pneumonia. The Vatican says his condition continues to improve.
Myawaddy (Myanmar) (AFP) – Hundreds of exhausted young men lie in an open-sided detention centre in Myanmar, waiting to be sent back to their home countries via Thailand. They are among some 7,000 people from multiple countries who have been released from the scam compounds which have sprung up in Myanmar’s lawless border areas in recent years.
Kiew (AFP) – On the eve of an anticipated meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, which could lead to the signing of a deal on US access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth, Kyiv residents share their thoughts.
Los Angeles (AFP) – The exclusive Green Room lounge is ready to host Oscar winners after they pick up their award on stage during the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, which will be held on Sunday at Los Angeles’s Dolby Theatre.
Paris (AFP) – IOC presidential candidate Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior tells AFP he has the experience to deal with heads of state in a “complicated world” where previously undisputed truths such as “universality, fraternity and unity” are now disputed. The 65-year-old Spaniard and his six rivals to succeed Thomas Bach as the most powerful person in global sport will learn their fate when their fellow IOC members vote on March 20 in the Greek resort of Costa Navarino.
Washington (AFP) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts a roundtable with US business leaders and British Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson at the British embassy in Washington DC, ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. “We want to work with you, we want to welcome you to Britain, we want a new partnership,” says Starmer.
Washington (AFP) – US President Donald Trump describes the European Union, whose creation was encouraged for decades by Washington, as “formed in order to screw the United States”. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Trump also announces that tariffs on EU products would be 25 percent in general.
Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Israel freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners on Thursday, shortly after saying the Palestinian militant group Hamas had handed over coffins believed to contain the bodies of four hostages.
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that security guarantees are vital ahead of talks in Washington on Friday over a mineral resources deal.
Afghanistan (AFP) – The death toll from recent heavy rain and hail in Afghanistan has risen to 39. Flash floods ripped through the western border province of Farah, washing away 21 people, while three more were killed when a hail storm caused their house to collapse.
Buenos Aires (AFP) – Pensioners protest against Milei’s reforms outside the Argentine Congress in Buenos Aires. Milei has faced numerous mass demonstrations since taking office, with pensioners protesting his budget cuts and veto of pension hikes. IMAGES
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – “We are not debtors,” says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking ahead of a visit to the United States, where he could sign an agreement giving the country access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. US President Donald Trump has demanded compensation for military and financial aid provided by the Biden administration to Kyiv, which is still fighting off Russian forces three years after Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
