Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israeli forces will remain within the newly seized Syrian territory indefinitely Read Full Article at RT.com

The flight was terminated «after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult»

In his opinion, the core reason behind the conflict needs to be addressed in order to resolve it

«On-duty air defenses shot down four Ukrainian UAVs: two over the Belgorod Region, one over the Bryansk Region and one over the Kursk Region,» the ministry said

The Russian government approved the list of unfriendly countries in March 2022

«While it's uncertain whether or not the President-elect will directly address this incident, he has been clear in his recent comments on ATACMS strikes inside Russia that he opposes actions that may lead to a heightening of tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the run-up to potential peace talks,» the analyst said

China and India are preparing for high-level talks aimed at improving bilateral relations. The meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will focus on border issues, including finding a resolution to the boundary question. This follows recent disengagement agreements and patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after a prolonged standoff.

Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan addressed key national issues during his final live press conference of the year on Tuesday, with a focus on the Montagne Posee Prison riot, the Assumption Island Hotel project, the recent return of two Seychellois hostages from Iran, and investigations into gas-related incidents earlier this year. Montagne Posee Prison riot The president discussed the prison riot that took place on December 6 and 7 at the Montagne Posee Prison, which escalated following the isolation of an inmate convicted of drug importation, after they demanded his release. President Ramkalawan emphasised that the disturbances began with the prisoners themselves, rejecting any notion that inmates could dictate operational decisions within the prison. He highlighted that the priority during the incident was ensuring the safety of four prison officers who had been taken hostage and were later released. Ramkalawan explained that the Seychelles Police, supported by the military as allowed under the Constitution, led the operation to restore order. He acknowledged that force had been used and noted that investigations were ongoing to determine whether any excessive force had occurred. As per procedure, the deaths during the incident have triggered automatic investigations, including one first by the police, followed by the joint investigation by the Ombudsman, and the Seychelles Human Rights Commission (SHRC). He underscored long-standing systemic issues within the prison, including corruption and collusion between inmates and prison guards, which have allowed prohibited items such as mobile phones, drugs, and even Wi-Fi access into the facility. Ramkalawan stated that the prison was not purpose-built for its current function and lacks the infrastructure necessary for proper supervision and control. Corruption, he added, extends to various sectors, including the prison staff, further complicating the situation. “At a certain point in time, the Montagne Posee Prison will need to be redesigned and rebuilt… The maximum-security prison at Bon Espoir will be ready around February. The remand centre will be ready this week… So we can ensure that the ringleaders can go to the maximum-security prison,” said Ramkalawan. Ramkalawan stressed that with new leadership under Prison Commissioner Janet Georges, the prison system would be restructured to reassert control, ensuring that it functions as a secure correctional facility rather than being influenced by inmates. The President also acknowledged challenges in human resources within the prison system, noting issues involving both local and foreign staff, some of whom have been compromised. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing these systemic challenges and restoring order within the prison. Assumption Island Hotel Project President Ramkalawan addressed growing concerns surrounding the proposed Qatari luxury hotel project on Assumption Island, located 39.4 km from the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), which manages Aldabra, has called on the government to scale down the project. Notably, SIF chairman Bernard Georges, who is also the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, expressed the SIF’s and personal concerns, and a global petition led by the Friends of Aldabra group has gained significant attention, including support from international figures such as actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Responding to questions on these developments, Ramkalawan reaffirmed Seychelles' sovereignty, stating that the international community does not financially support Aldabra and emphasising that its preservation relies on SIF funds from the Vallee de Mai, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Fond Ferdinand forests on Praslin Island. He commended the efforts of SIF for their work while dismissing external pressures, asserting that decisions about Seychelles' natural heritage are for the nation to make. Ramkalawan addressed confusion surrounding the project, contrasting the current plans with previous proposals under the former Parti Lepep government, which had intended to establish an Indian military base on Assumption Island. He asserted that the former plan, including a larger airport strip and infrastructure for 1,000 Indian personnel, posed a far greater threat to Aldabra’s ecosystem. He pointed out that he halted this development. “I put a stop to that... I said that no foreign base would be made on Seychelles soil... Stop hypocrisy!” the President exclaimed. Indeed, when his party, the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS), had obtained the majority in parliament for the first time in 2016, while he was the Leader of the Opposition, they refused to approve the government’s Indian base plan. Regarding his role as SIF patron and Bernard Georges’ stance, Ramkalawan acknowledged Georges’ concerns while highlighting that biodiversity conservation recommendations would be made by SIF scientists. He commented on the strict conservation measures being proposed by SIF, such as removal of all rats, joking that Assumption Island might end up in a better ecological state than Aldabra itself. He reminded the public of Assumption’s history of exploitation, particularly through guano exports, and underscored the government’s commitment to protecting both Assumption and Aldabra, with conservation remaining a top priority. Return of Seychellois hostages President Ramkalawan confirmed the safe return of two Seychellois men who had been held in Iran since 2018 as guarantees in a drug trafficking case. He revealed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Trafficking in Persons Department had been monitoring the situation closely. The men reportedly endured torture and beatings during their captivity, evidence of which surfaced in videos. Ramkalawan stated that the Seychelles’ government, namely its Foreign Affairs and the Trafficking in Persons departments, had worked on a joint plan with Iran to secure the men’s release. Initially, Seychelles was expected to send two individuals to Iran as part of the arrangement, but the hostages were unexpectedly sent home by the Iranian authorities before this could occur. He confirmed that the men are not being held in police detention as suspects but are under protective care due to the severe trauma they experienced. He stressed that they are victims in this situation and will undergo questioning as part of efforts to identify and take action against those responsible for their ordeal. It is not known exactly how many Seychellois are still abroad as drug-trafficking-related hostages or are dead in Iran, as not all have been reported missing by their families. Gas incidents investigation President Ramkalawan provided an update on the series of unidentified gas incidents that occurred in April this year on Mahe Island, leading to the temporary closure of several schools, as well as the Supreme Court, Magistrates' Court, and the National Assembly. The gas caused difficulty in breathing and widespread panic. He explained that while the investigation was ongoing, authorities believe the incidents were not organised by a group but rather carried out by certain individuals or possibly one individual acting alone as part of a singular plan. Ramkalawan indicated that the substance used is suspected to be a particularly strong type of pepper spray. He assured the public that the investigation is continuing in order to identify and apprehend those responsible for the incidents.

Luke Puto almost gave up on his love of sports. After losing friends in the 2018 Humboldt bus crash, he realized it is never too late to follow a dream.

Two officers with the Central Saanich Police Service (CSPS) have been arrested and charged with sexual assault after an investigation by Vancouver police, the VPD said Tuesday at a news conference.

The federal government is promising a suite of measures to disrupt the flow of fentanyl and strengthen 24/7 surveillance of the Canada-U.S. border — including outfitting the RCMP with helicopters, drones and mobile surveillance towers and creating a new «strike force.»

This is the moment a delivery driver hurls a chronically ill boy's Christmas gift across a family's front garden after they failed to answer the door in time.

Keely Hodgkinson has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year yesterday after a phenomenal year, winning gold at Paris 2024 as well as becoming the sixth fastest woman in history.  

A study has shown that those who drink moderate amounts as part of a Mediterranean diet can cut the likelihood of a heart attack by half.

The Labour party has abandoned a vow to compensate women who were hit by increases in the state pension age, despite Sir Keir Starmer supporting the cause as recently as 2022.

Jurors heard suggestions today that Nasen Saadi, 20, was actually the victim of a case of 'mistaken identity' amid investigations into the vicious attack on 34-year-old Mrs Gray.

US federal agencies have initiated several reviews into whether Elon Musk complied with protocols designed to safeguard state secrets Read Full Article at RT.com

Both Moscow and Kiev would need to agree before Western troops could be sent to Ukraine, the German Defense Minister has said Read Full Article at RT.com

The United States has firmly denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the bombing that killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in Moscow Read Full Article at RT.com

The Dutch player, 28, will kick off her World Championship campaign on Tuesday when she takes on Kevin Doets for the chance to face Michael Smith in round two.

State Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev described the move as «logical and justified» in an interview with the Zvezda TV channel

During a similar survey in September, 39% of respondents supported this opinion

Russian exports grew by 11.3%, while imports declined by 22.2%

Considérée comme la plus grande compétition sportive et culturelle du fenua, la Toa Mo’a Huahine a débuté depuis dimanche à Huahine. A cette occasion, plus d’un millier de personnes ont fait le déplacement. Depuis, les épreuves sportives s'enchaînent dans la bonne humeur.

Tandis qu'aux Raromatai se déroule actuellement la To'a Mo'a, aux Marquises des centaines d'athlètes s'affrontent dans 8 disciplines inscrites dans ces nouveaux Jeux des Marquises, 8 ans après la dernière édition.

Dans un courrier adressé au pays, le syndicat et l’association des auto-écoles pointent du doigt la cellule permis de conduire du centre de formation professionnelle des adultes (CFPA). Ils dénoncent une «concurrence déloyale» et l’abus d’utilisation des fonds publics.

The Winnipeg Police Service is providing more details about three threats made toward two schools Monday and Tuesday, which resulted in the arrest of a 13-year-old girl.

Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with sexual assault, authorities announced Tuesday.

A would-be thief got away with a bag of dirty diapers after snagging what they thought was a package off an Edmonton porch.

According to the newspaper’s sources, the United States has been creating a storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons at Lakenheath