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China has released three Americans deemed wrongfully detained in a prisoner swap with the United States, fulfilling a significant objective of President Joe Biden's outgoing administration. The individuals—Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung—were the last Americans classified as wrongfully detained by the State Department, although other cases have been highlighted by activists. Swidan was arrested in 2012 on drug charges, which his supporters contest, while Li and Leung faced espionage convictions. A State Department spokesperson announced their imminent return to their families, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday, emphasizing the administration's diplomatic efforts with China. This release marks a broader trend, with over 70 unjustly detained Americans freed globally during Biden's term. The administration continues to engage with China, contrasting its approach with that of Russia, while President-elect Donald Trump has promised a more confrontational stance toward Beijing.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 10 pmeznews.inRussia's deputy U.N. ambassador, Dmitry Polyanskiy, warned on Wednesday that any reduction in support for Ukraine by President-elect Donald Trump's administration would be a "death sentence" for the Ukrainian army. Speaking at the U.N. Security Council, Polyanskiy accused Ukraine of attempting to provoke NATO into a direct conflict with Russia and criticized the outgoing Biden administration for escalating support to Kyiv. He claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fears Trump's return and suggested that Trump may conduct an audit of U.S. assistance to Ukraine. Meanwhile, sources revealed that Trump is considering retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg for a special envoy role to propose a plan for ending the Ukraine war. Polyanskiy emphasized Russia's right to respond to Western escalations, highlighting the risks of a global nuclear conflict, while U.S. Deputy U.N. Ambassador Robert Wood reaffirmed Washington's commitment to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities.
Published: Nov 28 2024, 3 ameznews.inPakistan police announced on Wednesday the arrest of nearly 1,000 protesters who gathered in the capital, Islamabad, demanding the release of jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan. Since August 2023, Khan has faced numerous legal challenges, which he claims are politically motivated to hinder his return in upcoming elections. The protests, which drew over 10,000 participants despite a government-imposed lockdown, were met with a significant security response, resulting in clashes that left at least five security personnel dead. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the police for their actions, while PTI leaders vowed to continue their movement. Calls for reconciliation are growing amidst concerns over the government's heavy-handed tactics, including internet blackouts and school closures. Human rights advocates urged both Khan's party and the ruling coalition to engage in meaningful dialogue to avoid further unrest in a country already grappling with political tensions.
Published: Nov 28 2024, 1 ameznews.inFederal government employees are expressing fear after Elon Musk publicly identified their names and positions on X, targeting those in climate-related roles. As co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has suggested mass firings, labeling these employees as holding "fake jobs." His posts, shared from an account named Fentasyl, have drawn backlash, with individuals like Mary Cummings reporting threats and intimidation after criticizing Musk's companies. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, condemned Musk's tactics as attempts to instill fear among federal workers. Musk's actions have led to heightened anxiety, with employees concerned they may become personal targets. Despite criticism, some, like Vivek Ramaswamy, acknowledge the need for bureaucratic reform while refraining from commenting directly on Musk's approach. The situation raises significant concerns about workplace safety and the potential chilling effect on government employees.
Published: Nov 28 2024, 1 ameznews.inHezbollah declared "victory" over Israel on Wednesday, following the implementation of a truce between the two sides. In a statement, the Iran-backed militant group emphasized that divine support favored their cause, asserting that its fighters are fully prepared to confront any future Israeli actions. The announcement underscores Hezbollah's commitment to remaining vigilant against what they describe as Israeli ambitions and aggression. The declaration comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with both sides navigating a delicate ceasefire. As the situation evolves, Hezbollah's readiness signals ongoing volatility and the potential for renewed conflict.
Published: Nov 28 2024, 1 ameznews.inRussia announced on Wednesday that it would expel a correspondent and a cameraman from Germany's ARD in retaliation for alleged German actions against journalists from Russia's Channel One, which Berlin denies. WDR, the regional arm of ARD, condemned the move, highlighting that it further restricts reporting capabilities from Moscow amidst ongoing intimidation faced by journalists for nearly three years. A German foreign ministry spokesperson refuted claims that the Channel One office in Berlin was being closed, attributing the Russian journalists' departure to residence law issues, which are managed by regional authorities independently of the federal government. The spokesperson emphasized that Russian journalists can operate freely in Germany and that the government maintains close communication with German media in Moscow due to concerns over escalating actions against journalists. Russia's Foreign Ministry stated it would consider new accreditations for ARD journalists if Germany allowed Channel One staff to work without restrictions.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 11 pmeznews.inA senior US administration official has urged Ukraine to lower its military service age to 18 in a bid to enhance its fighting capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking to reporters, the official emphasized the urgent need for increased manpower, noting that Ukraine is currently not mobilizing or training sufficient new soldiers. "The need right now is manpower," he stated, highlighting that Russian forces are making steady advances in the east and pushing back Ukrainian positions in areas such as Kursk. The official underscored that a boost in mobilization could significantly impact the current battlefield dynamics, stressing the importance of strengthening Ukraine's military resources at this critical juncture.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 11 pmeznews.inSeveral nominees for Donald Trump's incoming administration have reported receiving bomb threats, prompting an investigation by the FBI. The transition team's spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that these alarming threats were directed at key appointees. In a statement, Leavitt condemned the incidents as "violent, unAmerican threats" aimed at both the nominees and their families. This troubling development occurs as the Trump administration prepares for its transition from the Biden administration, raising concerns about the safety of officials involved in the process. The FBI's involvement underscores the seriousness of the threats, as the nation grapples with heightened political tensions.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 11 pmeznews.inIsrael has filed an appeal with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against its arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, issued for alleged "war crimes" during the Gaza conflict with Hamas. The Israeli government is seeking a suspension of these warrants pending the appeal's outcome, challenging the ICC's jurisdiction and legitimacy. Netanyahu's office described the court's actions as biased, particularly in light of support from the United States and France, who have condemned the warrants. However, the UK and Canada have indicated they will comply with the ICC's ruling. The warrants, which also include Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, cite crimes against humanity and war crimes from October 8, 2023, to May 20, 2024. Netanyahu has denounced the court's actions as "anti-Semitism" and vowed to resist its authority.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 11 pmeznews.inIn Irpin, Ukraine, the remnants of a destroyed bridge, once a strategic target for Russian troops, have become a focal point for "dark tourism." Spanish traveler Alberto Blasco Ventas, 23, is among the thrill-seeking visitors drawn to the war-torn region, despite concerns from family about safety. He joined a tour organized by War Tours, which has seen a modest influx of tourists since January, primarily from Europe and America, with profits supporting the Ukrainian military. While some locals view this tourism as "blood money," others, like local councillor Mykhailyna Skoryk-Shkarivska, acknowledge its potential to generate income. Despite ethical dilemmas, the tourism sector is rebounding, with a reported 4 million foreign visitors last year, double that of 2022, as Ukraine prepares for a post-war future, leveraging its newfound global attention to boost its tourism brand.
Published: Nov 28 2024, 12 ameznews.inA viral video capturing a United Airlines passenger violently attacking his seat mid-flight has sparked widespread shock on social media. The incident, which occurred on November 16 during a flight from Austin to Los Angeles, shows the individual standing on his reclined seat, stomping on it and attempting to dismantle it. Fellow passenger Gino Galofaro filmed the chaos and intervened, along with two others, to restrain the man using zip ties and seat belts after witnessing the flight crew's inaction. Upon landing, local law enforcement met the flight, and the disruptive passenger was banned from future travel with United Airlines. The airline praised its crew for maintaining safety. Galofaro expressed a desire to reach out to the man's family to offer support, while online commentators lightheartedly joked about the bizarre episode.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 9 pm
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