Alexander Lukashenko
Putin reinforces military, security bonds with Belarus at Minsk meeting
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, the Belarusian capital. The meeting raises new questions about the role Belarus may play in Russia's war against Ukraine.
'The Kremlin really controls the armed forces of Belarus,' analyst says
'We cannot close the door or turn the page': Belarusian dissidents in Lithuania fear Lukashenko's crackdown
President Biden issues executive order with sanctions against Belarus officials
The Taliban claims responsibility for deadly car bombing in Kabul
UNESCO: Great Barrier Reef should be listed as 'in danger.' Australia disagrees.
Top of The World: Australia plans to fight a UNESCO proposal to add the Great Barrier Reef to it’s list of World Heritage sites “in danger.” And, Belarus has responded to new Western sanctions by saying they border on a “declaration of economic war.” Also, the WHO says more than half of poorer countries receiving doses through COVAX do not have enough supplies.
Germany apologizes for genocide in Namibia
Top of The World: Germany on Friday formally acknowledged that it committed genocide in the colonial-era killings of tens of thousands of people in Namibia. And, Moscow banned French and Austrian passenger airlines from flying over Russian airspace. Also, US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced in a memo on Thursday new steps to combat the growing number of hate crimes in the US.
Blinken continues diplomatic mission in the Middle East
Top of The World: Sec. Blinken announced plans to reopen a diplomatic office in Jerusalem that oversees outreach to the Palestinians. And, Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko is defending his decision to divert a passenger jet. Also, Syrians living in government-held areas are heading to the polls on Wednesday, for the second presidential election since the uprising-turned-war started in the country 10 years ago.
EU imposes sanctions on Belarus over Protasevich arrest
Top of The World: The EU has agreed to impose sanctions on Belarus, in response to the forced diversion of a commercial flight to detain activist and opposition journalist Roman Protasevich. And, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the Middle East following a deadly 11-day war between Israel and Hamas and vowed to aid Gaza. Also, Tuesday marks one year since the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Belarus opposition figure detained after flight diverted
Top of The World: Outrage and condemnation grew more intense on Monday from Western countries over the arrest of 26-year-old Belarusian activist. And, a ceasefire after 11 days of deadly airstrikes and rocket attacks between Israel and Hamas is holding. Also, Samoa’s first and newly elected woman prime minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, was locked out of Parliament on Monday.
Belarus targets journalists, activists in new raids
Authorities in Belarus raided homes and offices of journalists and human rights activists Tuesday in the latest move to squelch protests against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Anti-terrorism police investigating knife attack in Paris
In Paris, near the former office of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, at least two people were stabbed Friday, with one suffering serious injuries. And, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has apologized for the killing of a South Korean government worker who was shot and burned after crossing into the North just off the shore. Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a cyber truce between Moscow and Washington.
Belarus opposition leader: 'We are fighting for the future of our children'
Many in Belarus and across Europe say the Aug. 9 presidential election was rigged and that Svetlana Tikhanovskaya is the true president.
Lithuanian foreign minister calls for support for Belarusian protesters
Linas Linkevicius, the Lithuanian minister of foreign affairs, has been one of the most vocal world leaders speaking up against Alexander Lukashenko. He tells host Marco Werman why he supports the protesters.
Belarusian authorities crank up pressure on opposition
Authorities in Belarus on Tuesday steadily cranked up the pressure on protesters, jailing several opposition activists, summoning others for questioning and selectively ordering dozens of demonstrators to appear in court.