Britain and the EU reached a historic deal on Friday on the terms of the Brexit divorce after Prime Minister Theresa May rushed to Brussels for early morning talks. The European Commission said it “recommends sufficient progress” had been made by Britain on separation issues including the Irish border, Britain’s divorce bill, and citizens rights. The agreement paves the way for EU leaders at a summit on December 14-15 to open the second phase of Brexit negotiations, covering trade talks and a transition period.
UN Calls For Caution As Donald Trump Recognises Jerusalem Israel’s Capital
In the wake of the announcement by the United States President recognising Jerusalem as capital of Israel, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed the need for a two-state as solution to the lingering conflict between Israel and Palestinian. The UN chief stressed that Jerusalem was an issue that must be resolved through direct negotiations between the parties.
Man Appears In Court For Allegedly Plotting To Kill British PM May
British security services have foiled a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Theresa May, in Downing Street. Two men have been arrested on the suspicion of plotting to kill the Prime Minister by using a bomb disguised as a bag to blow off the gates of Downing Street and then attack her with knives, Reuters reports.
Venezuela Launches Oil-Backed Cryptocurrency
Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has announced a new cryptocurrency amid an economic crisis and a plunge in the value of the bolivar, the country's national currency. According to Reuters, Maduro made the announcement during a Christmas television special, stating that the as-yet-to-be-launched cryptocurrency would be backed by commodity reserves, including oil.
UN Security Council To Meet Friday On Jerusalem
The UN Security Council will meet on Friday in emergency session to discuss the decision by US President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the council’s leadership announced Wednesday. The talks — requested by eight nations — will begin at 10:00 am (1500 GMT), but there are other items on the agenda, so the Jerusalem issue may not come up until the late morning, said Japan, which holds the council’s rotating presidency.
Spain Withdraws International Arrest Warrant For Ousted Ex-Catalonia Leader
A Spanish Supreme Court judge has withdrawn an international arrest warrant for ex-Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont and four other ministers. They fled to Belgium a month ago after declaring unilateral independence in a referendum ruled illegal by the Spanish Supreme Court.
Barcelona Attack: Police Raid Home Of Imam Linked To Cell Behind Twin Terror Attacks
Catalan investigators on Saturday raided the house of an imam in the town of Ripoll they believe may have overseen the cell which killed 14 people in twin terrorist attacks in Barcelona and the seaside resort of Cambrils. Police are trying to piece together how a cell composed of multiple sets of brothers from the same sleepy Pyreenes town came to carry out the devastating attacks, amid reports they planned to blow up the Sagrada Familia.