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Argentina classifies Hamas as terrorist organization
Argentina has classified the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas as a terrorist organization. "Hamas has claimed responsibility for the atrocities committed during the attack on Israel on October 7. These are part of a long history of terrorist attacks in the name of Hamas," the office of President Javier Milei announced on Friday evening. The United States, Canada and the European Union listed Hamas as a terrorist organization long ago. But Argentina is one of the few countries to have taken this step in Latin America, along with Paraguay and Costa Rica. Other countries such as Colombia and Bolivia broke off their relations with Israel due to its offensive in the Gaza Strip. Milei is seen as a staunch ally of Israel and unreservedly supports the policy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in the war in Gaza. The Jewish community in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires is one of the largest outside Israel.
New offer made in wage dispute at German seaports
The Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) has presented an offer in the wage dispute over the pay of port workers. It includes two options with different terms, each with a significant real wage increase, the association announced on Saturday. The trade union verdi announced that it would now present the offer to its members for a vote. The ZDS and verdi spent two days in the northern port city of Bremen negotiating pay for around 11,000 employees from Hamburg, Bremen and the state of Lower Saxony. It was already the fourth round of negotiations in the wage dispute. The wage dispute...
Open-air festival in Slovakia cancelled after thunderstorm
An open-air festival in the city of Trenčín in Slovakia has been cancelled prematurely after a storm devastated the site and several visitors were injured. "Based on the available information, inspecting all the structures could not be completed in less than 24 hours, which makes it impossible to continue with the festival programme," the organizers announced on social media on Saturday. As the day progressed, the festival site gradually emptied, the Aktuality.sk news website reported. The Pohoda (Comfort) festival at the Trenčín airport grounds was supposed to run from Thursday to Saturday evening. The event, at which James Blake, the band Morcheeba, the Black...
Iraq to host talks aimed at normalizing Turkey-Syria ties
Iraq said on Saturday it is planning to host talks between Turkey and Syria to help normalize ties between its two neighbours after a rupture of more than a decade. Relations have soured between Ankara and Damascus after a civil war erupted in Syria in 2011. Turkey supported opposition insurgents seeking to oust incumbent Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey has since launched military operations in neighbouring Syria. On Saturday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said his country has launched an initiative to mediate between Turkey and Syria, the official Iraqi news agency INA quoted him as saying in the United States. Hussein added that he...
Kiev spy chief says several attempts made to assassinate Putin
There have been several attempts to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to military intelligence service chief Kyrylo Budanov on Saturday. "But as you can see, they were unsuccessful," Budanov told New Voice, a Ukrainian website. The general did not say what his claim was based on. He also did not say whether his or other Ukrainian intelligence services might have been involved in the plans. Budanov has made provocative comments in the past, as a form of psychological warfare. The Kremlin responded, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov making clear that the president's safety would be protected. "The threat from the Kiev regime...
Iraq to host talks aiming to normalize Turkey-Syria ties
Iraq said on Saturday it is planning to host talks between Turkey and Syria to help normalize ties between its two neighbours after a rupture of more than a decade. Relations have soured between Ankara and Damascus after a civil war erupted in Syria in 2011. Turkey supported opposition insurgents seeking to oust incumbent Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey has since launched military operations in neighbouring Syria. On Saturday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said his country has launched an initiative to mediate between Turkey and Syria, the official Iraqi news agency INA quoted him as saying in the United States. Hussein added that he...
Kremlin spokesman vows response to US missiles stationed in Europe
The Kremlin indirectly threatened the West with a fierce response to the deployment of US weapons in Europe, after Berlin and Washington agreed to place long-range US missiles in Germany that would have the range to strike well into Russia. "Of course" Moscow will respond to this deployment, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in response to a question from a Russian television journalist on Saturday. "There has always been a paradoxical situation: The US has deployed missiles of various ranges and calibres, and these have traditionally always been aimed at our country." Russia, on the other hand, has aimed its missiles at targets...
Erdoğan says Turkey nearing completion of Iraq, Syria offensives
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Saturday said Ankara is close to realizing its goals in its ongoing military operations against Kurdish fighters in neighbouring Iraq and Syria's north. Erdoğan's remarks come a day after the Turkish Defence Ministry announced one soldier had been killed and another injured in northern Iraq after an improvised explosive device detonated, and accused the "separatist group" of the incident. Turkey often uses the term to refer to the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkey, the US and EU also classify the PKK as a terrorist group. "We are going to complete the lockdown of the area of...
Lahm and Müller celebrate 10th anniversary of 2014 World Cup title
Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm shared a short message on X to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the nation's World Cup title in Brazil and looked back with pride to the achievement in 2014. "Every generation has its own story. Ours began in 2010 and reached its glorious peak on that magical night in Rio in 2014," Lahm wrote. "Ten years have passed, but the moment we lifted the World Cup trophy to the sky remains unforgettable forever." Midfielder Thomas Müller, who played at this summer's Euro 2024, also celebrated the day with a message to the fans: "10 years ago… One of the best moments of my life." Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 with a goal by Mario Götze in extra time at the iconic Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro. On their way to the title, they thrashed hosts Brazil with 7-1 in a historic semi-finals match. The players who were part of the squad celebrate the 10th anniversary of their title in an event in South Tyrol in autumn.
Title holder Zverev not sure yet whether he will play in Hamburg
Alexander Zverev has arrived in his home city of Hamburg but will only decide after first training sessions whether he will participate in the ATP tournament there next week. Zverev damaged his knee last week at Wimbledon, and while the injury is not serious he will not want to take any risks a fortnight before the start of the Olympic tournament in Paris where he aims for back-to-back gold medals. "I trained for two hours today without painkillers," the Hamburg title holder said in a news conference on Saturday. For comparison, in London, he "shot himself up with painkillers to the limit,"...
Apple Vision Pro debuts in UK, Canada, France, Australia and Germany
US tech company Apple's Vision Pro headset is now available in Apple stores across Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Australia. Apple markets Apple Vision Pro as a "spatial computer" where digital media is integrated with the real world. The company has avoided marketing the device as a virtual reality headset when discussing the product in presentations and marketing. Previously, the mixed reality device was only available in Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, mainland China, and the United States. The device, touted as "the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created" by boss Tim Cook, seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world and unlocks powerful spatial experiences in visionOS, controlled by the most natural and intuitive inputs possible - a user's eyes, hands, and voice, the company said earlier. However, the device received mixed reviews soon after its launch in the US. While some were impressed with the technology, others raised concerns about its functionality, ease of use, and comfort during extended use. The $3,500 headset's demand also declined over the time. Its overall sales is less likely to surpass 500,000 units in 2024, according to market tracker IDC. Apple expects that the recent international launch would offset the dwindling US sales.
Morata and Alcaraz hope for double Spanish joy at Euros and Wimbledon
National football team captain Alvaro Morata and tennis star Carlos Alcaraz are supporting each other to deliver Euro 2024 and Wimbledon trophies for Spain on Sunday. Title holder Alcaraz faces Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final in the afternoon in London before the footballers take on England in the evening in Berlin. "I hope at least that Sunday will be a memorable day for the whole of Spain," Morata said in a UEFA video. "We will be supporting you wholeheartedly, and as you always say we both know what it takes [to win]. I hope we can see each other next week in...
Israeli media say Hamas military leader believed killed in airstrike
The leader of Hamas' military wing is believed to be among the victims of an airstrike that the Hamas-run health authority in Gaza say killed at least 71 people and injured hundreds, Israeli media reported on Saturday. The Haaretz newspaper said army sources believe Mohammed Deif, head of the al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in the attack, which Hamas said hit the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in central Gaza. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said the strike targeted Deif, along with Hamas' military leader in the central city of Khan Younis, Rafa Salama. They have not yet confirmed whether the pair, considered "masterminds of the massacre on October 7," were killed. The IDF said the strike "was carried out in a fenced-in area controlled by Hamas and where, according to [IDF] information, only Hamas terrorists and no civilians were present." "It was a precise attack. It is estimated that most of the victims were also terrorists who were with Deif and Salama," it added. The IDF said the target zone was an open area surrounded by trees, several buildings and barracks, with no tents nearby. According to Palestinian reports, the strike hit tents housing displaced people. None of the reports could be independently verified.
German conglomerate BayWa strengthens financial position
German conglomerate BayWa has said it will seek advice on restructuring options in response to a challenging financing situation. Following constructive discussions with financing partners, and the implementation of a number of measures, the company's board is confident that its financial position can be significantly bolstered. BayWa, which is active in the agriculture, energy and construction sectors, reaffirmed its commitment to its consolidation strategy.
Rooney compares Spain's Nico Williams to the young Cristiano Ronaldo
Former England great Wayne Rooney has said that Spain winger Nico Williams reminds him of the young Cristiano Ronaldo with whom he used to play at Manchester United. Rooney said in his column in The Times newspaper on the eve of Sunday Euro 2024 final between England and Spain that Williams will be a big threat for the Three Lions in Berlin. "Williams, for me, is exceptional. He reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo when Cristiano was young," Rooney said. "He’s a big lad, he’ll take the ball and sometimes tries too much but usually makes the right decisions." "He is an incredible threat in...
Storms hit Austria with 190,000 lightning strikes in one day
Heavy rain and hailstorms caused damage across Austria on Friday, with weather forecasting service UBIMET recording 190,000 lightning strikes in the Alpine country in a single day, the highest figure this year. In the western state of Vorarlberg, rainfall in the Rhine Valley near Lake Constance was so heavy that trees buckled, roofs were blown away and roads were flooded due to blocked drains. Due to the large quantity of run-off water flowing into the Rhine, authorities closed off areas near the river to the public as a precaution. The Austrian Hail Insurance (Österreichische Hagelversicherung) company estimated the total damage in Vorarlberg at around €1.2 million ($1.3 million). More than 5,000 hectares of crops were devastated, it said. Roads in the neighbouring state of Tyrol that were blocked by mudslides were partially reopened on Saturday. The Oberinntal and Villgratental roads remained closed. In the south-eastern state of Styria, storms caused flooding and fallen trees. Meanwhile, in the neighbouring southern state of Carinthia, emergency services were deployed to several lakes to rescue swimmers, stand-up paddlers and surfers who were unable to reach the shore due to strong waves. Around 40 flights had to be cancelled at Vienna Airport on Friday evening due to the adverse weather conditions.
Floods, hailstones cause havoc across Germany
Heavy rains caused havoc across Germany on Friday, with flooding reported in numerous regions. A major storm in the southern German state of Bavaria left roads and cellars flooded, with fallen trees causing disruptions. According to a police spokesman in the city of Kempten, south-west of Munich, roads were turned white by hailstones, with around 320 operations reported by emergency services between 6 pm (1600 GMT) and midnight. Most affected were the Allgäu region and the Lindau district, near Lake Constance and the border to Austria. Follow-up operations, including pumping out cellars, continued into the night. Another 230 operations were recorded by the police...
French sports minister swims in River Seine ahead of Paris Olympics
French sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra took a dip in the River Seine on Saturday, less than two weeks before the start of the Paris Olympics where triathletes and open water swimmers are to their events in the river. Wearing a wetsuit, Oudéa-Castéra slightly slipped before entering the water where she swam with French para-triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant. The event took place close to Pont Alexandre III where the Olympic triathletes will have their swim portion and the open water swim events are also to be held there at the July 26-August 11 Games. Oudéa-Castéra swam the day after the city said that Seine water quality was good enough to stage the planned Olympic events in six of the last seven days. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo also plans to swim in the Seine on Wednesday, and so reportedly does French President Emmanuel Macron. Hidalgo had initially wanted to take her dip on June 23 but water quality was not deemed good enough at the time. Heavy rain in Paris and upstream areas was the main reason for water quality problems.
Pakistani court overturns ex-PM Khan's conviction in marriage case
A local court in Pakistan on Saturday acquitted former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife of charges related to violations of Muslim marriage laws, effectively rendering him a legally free man. A district court in Islamabad ordered prison authorities to immediately release Khan if there was no other case pending against him. The cricketer-turned-politician faces multiple charges in more than 100 cases. His sentences and convictions in other cases have either been suspended or overturned by the courts. “There is no case that could keep Khan in prison,” a party spokesperson told dpa. However, Khan will not be immediately released from the jail. The...
'Right warning shot' - German women's coach still upbeat for Olympics
German women's team coach Horst Hrubesch hopes that their 3-0 defeat in Iceland was a warning at the right time ahead of the Olympic tournament which starts in less than a fortnight. The loss in chilly Reykjavik on Friday night was the heaviest loss for the team since being beaten by the same score by France in 2018. The team can make up for it in on Tuesday at home against Austria in the final Euro 2025 qualifier. Germany had clinched their place at the finals in Switzerland before the last two games. Hrubesch said he was not concerned regarding the Paris Olympics...
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