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☆ US to keep Russia's food exports flowing if grain deal revived, Blinken says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Michelle Nichols | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Russia last month quit the July 2022 deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey aimed at easing a global food crisis after Russia's invasion of Ukraine five months earlier. PRICING PRESSURESBlinken told reporters that Russia's exports of food have exceeded levels prior to its invasion of Ukraine. The United Nations has argued that the Black Sea deal helped everyone because it brought prices down 23% from a record high in the weeks following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. After Moscow quit the deal, it began targeting Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure on the Black Sea and Danube River, sending global grain prices soaring. Moscow has said it may resurrect the Black Sea agreement if its demands to improve its own exports of grain and fertilizer are met.

Persons: Mehmet Bey, Mehmet Emin Calsikan, Antony Blinken, we'll, Blinken, Russia's, Dmitry Polyanskiy, Polyanskiy, Moscow, Vladimir Putin, Michelle Nichols, Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk, Katharine Jackson, Jonathan Oatis, Susan Heavey Organizations: REUTERS, UNITED NATIONS, United, United Nations, Security, Russia, JPMorgan, The United Nations, European, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Yenikapi, Istanbul, Turkey, United States, Russia, United Nations, Ukraine, Moscow, Washington, Africa, Asia, America

REUTERS/Souleymane Ag Anara/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Aug 2 (Reuters) - The United States ordered the evacuation of some staff and families from its embassy in Niger after military officers seized power there, the State Department said on Wednesday, even as the mission will remain open and senior leadership will continue working from there. "The United States remains committed to our relationship with the people of Niger and to Nigerien democracy. The State Department is advising Americans not to travel to Niger. There are about 1,100 U.S. troops in Niger, where the U.S. military operates from two bases. Washington evacuated all government personnel from the U.S. embassy in Khartoum and suspended operations there due to the security risks.

Persons: Matthew Miller, Miller, Idrees Ali, Daphne Psaledakis, Eric Beech, Lisa Shumaker, Alistair Bell, Chris Reese Organizations: REUTERS, United, State Department, Department of State, U.S, Embassy, Department, The State Department, Islamic, ., Rapid Support Forces, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Thomson Locations: Niamey, Niger, United States, Nigerien, U.S, France, Germany, Italy, al Qaeda, Islamic State, Sudan, . Washington, Khartoum

China's Ministry of State Security on Tuesday said China should encourage its citizens to join counter-espionage work, including creating channels for individuals to report suspicious activity and rewarding them for doing do. A system that makes it "normal" for regular people to participate in counter-espionage should be established, the ministry said. That followed an expansion of China's counter-espionage law that took effect in July and bans the transfer of information it sees as related to national security. It has alarmed the United States, which has warned that foreign companies in China could be punished for regular business activities. China's declaration that it is under threat from spies comes as Western nations, most prominently the United States, accuse China of espionage and cyberattacks, a charge that Beijing has rejected.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Mark Schiefelbein, Matt Miller, Cheng Lei, Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk, Mark Porter, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: China's Ministry of State Security, Astellas Pharma, Thomson Locations: United States, Diaoyutai, Beijing, China

Washington's objective is to support West Africa's regional bloc ECOWAS in its efforts to reverse the takeover, the senior State Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We don't think it's fully successful, and we think there's a narrow opportunity to reverse it," the official told reporters. ECOWAS on Sunday gave Niger coup leaders one week to reinstate ousted Bazoum or face sanctions and the possible use of force. A change in government would affect Washington's ability to engage in Niger, though there are some exceptions to the law for counterterrorism, the official said. Niger and its neighbors Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Chad are all struggling to repel Islamist insurgents.

Persons: Mohamed Bazoum, Bazoum, Washington, Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis, Marguerita Choy Organizations: West, ECOWAS, senior State Department, Sunday, Islamic, ., U.S, Thomson Locations: Niger, U.S, West, Central Africa, France, Islamic State, al Qaeda, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Chad

DAKAR, July 31 (Reuters) - Niger's regional and Western partners have announced a series of sanctions against the country following last week's coup. Another 978.47 billion francs was supposed to come from project grants and loans from external partners. These sanctions have been imposed on Niger since the coup:WEST AFRICA REGIONAL BLOCThe Economic Community of West African States and the West African Monetary and Economic Union have imposed some of the most stringent sanctions on Niger so far since the coup. Niger had planned to raise 490 billion CFA francs ($834 million) from the regional debt market in 2023. FRANCEFrance, another major partner of its former colony, suspended development aid and budget support with immediate effect, demanding a prompt return to constitutional order.

Persons: Daphne Psaledakis, Gabriela Baczynska, Juliette Jabkhiro, Nick Macfie Organizations: WEST AFRICA REGIONAL BLOC, Economic, West, Monetary and Economic Union, European Union, UNITED STATES, ., Thomson Locations: DAKAR, Niger, West African States, FRANCE France, France, Mali, Burkina Faso, United States, Washington, Brussels, Paris

☆ How to watch Australia, Canada and Nigeria battle for Wwomen's World Cup knockout phase spot
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +23 min

Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images Norway celebrates scoring in its 6-0 victory against the Philippines on Sunday. Aisha Schulz/AP Sweden's Amanda Ilestedt, center, heads the ball to score the opening goal against Italy on July 29. John Cowpland/AP Italy's fans cheer before their team's match against Sweden at Wellington Regional Stadium, New Zealand. John Cowpland/AP China's Wang Shuang celebrates after scoring against Haiti during a Women's World Cup match on Friday, July 28. John Cowpland/AP US forward Alex Morgan is surrounded by Vietnam defenders during their opening match on July 22.

Persons: Colombia's Manuela Vanegas, Franck Fife, Alexandra Popp, Ulrik Pedersen, Manuela Vanegas, Sajad, Jaimi Joy, Reuters Linda Caicedo, Phil Walter, Getty, Dominique Randle, Hannah Peters, Hali, Rafaela Pontes, Olivia McDaniel, Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen, Abbie Parr, Sophie Roman Haug of, Jessika Cowart, Buda Mendes, Ali Riley, Katie Bowen, Molly Darlington, Julia Stierli, Alessandra Tarantino, Ramona Bachmann, Sanka Vidanagama, James Elsby, Benzina, Edina Alves Batista, Hannah Mckay, Brenton Edwards, Panama's Aldrith Quintero, Jamaica's Deneisha Blackwood, Kameron Simmonds, Luisa Gonzalez, Allyson Swaby, Herve Renard, Wendie Renard, Debinha, Katie Tucker, Aisha Schulz, Amanda Ilestedt, John Cowpland, Rebecka Blomqvist, Wang Shuang, Maddie Meyer, Dumornay, China's Dou Jiaxing, Alex Pantling, Chloe Kelly, Carl Recine, Mary Earps, Andy Cheung, Janni Thomsen, Alex Greenwood, Lauren James, Justin Setterfield, Keira Walsh, Walsh, Argentina's Mariana Larroquette, Yamila Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Matthew Lewis, Linda Motlhalo, Lars Baron, Osinachi Ohale, Bradley Kanaris, Dan Peled, Anthony Albanese, Matt Roberts, Jéssica Silva, Vietnam's, Saeed Khan, Fiona Goodall, Daphne van Domselaar, Julie Ertz, Brad Smith, Andrew Cornaga, Lindsey Horan, Joe Prior, Catherine Ivill, Amanda Perobelli, Canada's Vanessa Gilles, Ireland's Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Murty, Katie McCabe applauds, Paul Kane, Kailen Sheridan, McCabe, Stephen McCarthy, Adriana Leon, Colin Murty, Jennifer Hermoso, David Rowland, Reuters Hermoso, Spain's Alexia Putellas, Mary Wilombe, Naomoto, Japan's Mina Tanaka, Daniela Solera, Sarina Bolden, Bolden's, Hannah Wilkinson, Bolden, Victoria Esson, Katelyn Mulcahy, Hagen Hopkins, Catalina Usme, Korea's Cho, Colombia's Jorelyn, Carolina Arias, Cameron Spencer, Reuters Usme, Kim Hye, Rebecca Welch, David Gray, Brazil's Marta, Matt Turner, Borges, Khadija Er, Victoria Adkins, Germany's Alexandra Popp, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Morocco's Fatima Tagnaout, Hamish Blair, Cristiana Girelli, Kim Price, Francesca Durante, German Portanova, Reuters Italy's Giulia Dragoni, Estefania Banini, Dragoni, Grace Geyoro, Mark Baker, Rebecca Spencer, Robert Cianflone, Bunny, Shaw, Estelle Cascarino, Portugal's Ines Pereira, Stefanie van der, Van der Gragt, Portugal's Jessica Silva, Silva, Joe Allison, Magaia, Sweden's Elin Rubensson, Amalie Vangsgaard's, Zhang Linyan, Denmark's Pernille Harder, Gary Day, Shui, Reuters England's Alessia Russo, Haiti's Tabita Joseph, England's Lionesses, Reuters Nicolas Delépine, Kerly Theus, Zac Goodwin, Jun Endo, Zambia's Agnes Musase, Reuters Aoba, Catherine Musonda, Alex Morgan, Carmen Mandato, Megan Rapinoe, Horan, Trần Thị Kim Thanh, Sophia Smith dribbles, Ane, Esther González, Costa, Costa Rica's Mariana Benavides, Katrina Guillou, Switzerland's Gaëlle Thalmann, William West, Uchenna Kanu, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Canada's Christine Sinclair, Steph Catley, Heather Payne, Australia's Kyra Cooney, Mackenzie Arnold, Ria Percival, Ada Hegerberg, Jan Kruger, Zealand's CJ Bott, Norway's Mathilde Harviken vie, Jose Breton, Benee, Ireland's, Niamh Fahey, Vanessa Gilles, Coliin Murty, Sam Kerr, Kerr, Tony Gustavsson, Christine Sinclair, Ireland, Spain –, Japan's Hikaru Naomoto Organizations: CNN, Germany, Getty, Colombia, Reuters, Norway, Sunday, FIFA, AP, New Zealand, South, Jamaica, Brazil, France, Italy, Sweden, Wellington Regional, Haiti, China, Denmark, England, Argentina, Nigeria, Australia, Canada, Reuters Australian, Vietnam, Portugal, USSF, Ireland, Spain, Eden, Costa, Forsyth, AP Costa, Japan, New, Victoria, Panama, Morocco, Cristiana, Atlanta Primus, Zambia, Zambian, Costa Rica's, Getty Images, Zealand, AP Norway, Nations, FOX Sports, Telemundo, Seven Network, Optus Sport, BBC, ITV, Republic of Ireland, Super Falcons, coy Locations: Japan, Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Australia, Canada, Nigeria, AFP, Colombia, Philippines, AP Philippines, Sophie Roman Haug of Norway, New, Reuters, Morocco, South Korea, Perth, Reuters Jamaica, Brisbane, New Zealand, Reuters England, Reuters Argentina, Argentina, South Africa, Ireland, Portugal, Vietnam, United States, Netherlands, Wellington , New Zealand, Auckland , New Zealand, Costa Rican, Dunedin , New Zealand, AP Costa Rican, Reuters Switzerland, Norway, Switzerland, Sydney, Reuters Colombia, Panama, Adelaide, Germany, AP Argentina, German, Italy, Atlanta, Africa, China, European, Reuters England's Georgia, Ane Frosaker, Eurasia, Melbourne, Reuters Norway, Zealand, Eden, United Kingdom, Republic of, Republic of Ireland, Wellington

July 28 (Reuters) - The United States and its partners are communicating with military leaders in Niger, a State Department spokesperson said on Friday, as Washington warned a military takeover could end U.S. cooperation with the nation. Coup leaders in Niger on Friday declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state following the seventh military takeover in West and Central Africa in less than three years. Military leaders from ECOWAS nations and international partners including the United States are in communication with a broad array of military leaders in Niger," the State Department spokesperson said. So far in fiscal year 2023, the U.S. has provided nearly $138 million in humanitarian assistance for vulnerable populations in Niger, the State Department spokesperson said. The State Department spokesperson said there was no announcement about when she would travel to Niger.

Persons: Abdourahamane Tiani, John Kirby, Washington, Washington's, Biden, Kirby, Lloyd Austin, Kathleen FitzGibbon, Steve Holland, Daphne Psaledakis, Phil Stewart, Patricia Zengerle, David Ljunggren, Jonathan Oatis, Sandra Maler, Don Durfee, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: State Department, Friday, Military, White House, U.S . Agency for International Development, ., Pentagon, DoD, Department of Defense, The State Department, Thomson Locations: United States, Niger, Washington, West, Central Africa, U.S, Africa's, Niger . U.S

Here are answers to questions about U.S.-Niger ties:WHY IS NIGER IMPORTANT TO THE UNITED STATES? The country, located in the semi-arid Sahel region, plays an outsized role in the United States' Africa strategy. The State Department in March said Niger had "taken important steps to consolidate and strengthen its democracy." The State Department in March said the United States had plans to provide $101 million in bilateral assistance to Niger in fiscal year 2022, including assistance for food security, democracy and governance, and security. It is unclear how much the United States has given in security assistance specifically.

Persons: Mohamed Bazoum, Washington's, Biden, Bazoum's, Vedant Patel, Niger, Bazoum, Wagner, Patel, Antony Blinken, Chris Coons, Mario Diaz, Balart, Daphne Psaledakis, Simon Lewis, Patricia Zengerle, Moira Warburton, Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Don Durfee, Daniel Wallis Organizations: UNITED STATES, Islamic, State Department, ., West, The State Department, U.S, State, Embassy, Pentagon, AID, Republican, Thomson Locations: Niger, U.S, Washington, NIGER, United States, Africa, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Chad, al Qaeda, Russia, Niamey

☆ Champions United States held 1-1 by Dutch in World Cup thriller
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Dutch struck first through a fine shot from midfielder Jill Roord in the 17th minute and the U.S. went in at halftime trailing in a World Cup match for the first time since 2011. The Americans had not drawn a World Cup match since 2015 and will rue a slow start to the game as well as an inability to take their chances at the end. "What you saw in the second half is what you're going to see going forward as a baseline." But after the second half, that's what we wanted because the U.S. were really strong." Reporting by Amy Tennery in Wellington, editing by Nick MulvenneyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Yoshimi Yamashita, Lindsey Horan, Danielle van de Donk, Amanda, Read, Jill Roord, Horan, Rose Lavelle, Daphne van Domselaar, Vlatko Andonovski, Andries Jonker, Lieke Martens, Victoria Pelova, Alyssa Naeher, Trinity Rodman, Van Domselaar, Dominique Janssen, Striker Morgan, Ertz, Brugts's, Rodman, Sophia Smith, Martens, Amy Tennery, Nick Mulvenney Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Wellington Regional, Danielle van de Donk REUTERS, Dutch, Portugal, U.S, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, States, Netherlands, Wellington , New Zealand, WELLINGTON, United States, U.S, Vietnam, Dutch, Wellington

☆ USA and Netherlands tie in closely-matched Women's World Cup match
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Tara Subramaniam | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Wellington, New Zealand CNN —In a closely-fought battle and rematch of the 2019 World Cup final, the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) and the Netherlands – two of the world’s top teams – came to a 1-1 draw on Thursday at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. It was the first time the USWNT trailed in a Women’s World Cup match since 2011 in the quarterfinal against Brazil. The Netherlands, meanwhile, was hungry for revenge after their 2-0 loss to the US in the 2019 World Cup. US captain Lindsey Horan scores the equalizer against the Netherlands at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup at Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand on July 27. Very competitive team and one that we saw last World Cup do such good things.

Persons: –, Jill Roord, Alyssa Naeher, Lindsey Horan, Catherine Ivill, Alex Morgan, Horan, “, ” Horan, ”, Stefanie van der, Marty Melville, it’s, Daphne van Domselaar Organizations: New Zealand CNN, United States Women’s National, Wellington, Brazil, FIFA, Wellington Regional, Getty, Portugal, USA Locations: Wellington, New Zealand, United, Netherlands, AFP, Dutch, Vietnam, Hamilton, Portugal

☆ Senior US Treasury official to raise Russia grain deal in visit to Kenya, Somalia
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Daphne Psaledakis | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, July 24 (Reuters) - A top U.S. Treasury official will highlight Washington's efforts to facilitate Russian grain and fertilizer exports during a visit to Kenya and Somalia and stress that Moscow's exit from the Black Sea grain deal will hurt African states, a spokesperson said on Monday. This week's visit by Brian Nelson, Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to host African leaders in St. Petersburg on Thursday and Friday and promises them free Russian grain "to replace Ukrainian grain." BLACK SEA GRAIN DEALRussia quit the deal allowing Black Sea exports of Ukrainian grain last week, saying that demands to improve its own food and fertilizer exports had not been met, and that not enough Ukraine grain had reached the poorest countries under the Black Sea deal. Since Russia quit the deal and began attacking Ukrainian food-exporting ports on the Black Sea and Danube river, global wheat and corn futures prices have risen sharply. The Black Sea grain deal was brokered by the U.N. and Turkey a year ago to combat a global food crisis worsened by Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Persons: Brian Nelson, Vladimir Putin, Joe Biden, Nelson, Russia's, Daphne Psaledakis, Don Durfee, Cynthia Osterman, Sonali Paul Organizations: U.S, Treasury, Reuters, Biden, Islamic, Black, Thomson Locations: Kenya, Somalia, St . Petersburg, Nelson's, Africa, East Africa, U.S, Nairobi, Somalia's, Mogadishu, Islamic State, al Shabaab, Sudan, Russia, Ukrainian, Turkey, Ukraine, Moscow

☆ US State Dept has not had substantive communication with North Korea since US soldier crossed border
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, July 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department has not had any substantive communication with North Korea since U.S. soldier Travis King crossed into the North last week, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday. A U.S. flag hangs on the porch and a "Proud parent of a U.S. Army soldier" sticker adorns the car outside the home of 23-year-old Private Travis King's mother in Racine, Wisconsin, U.S., July 19, 2023. REUTERS/Eric Cox/File PhotoMiller said Washington has made outreach to ascertain the whereabouts of King and to ascertain information about his safety, but have not received any response. King, a U.S. Army private serving in South Korea, sprinted into North Korea on July 18 while on a tour of the Demilitarized Zone on the inter-Korean border. Reporting by Simon Lewis, Jasper Ward and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Chris ReeseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Travis King, Matthew Miller, Travis King's, Eric Cox, Miller, Washington, King, Simon Lewis, Jasper Ward, Daphne Psaledakis, Chris Reese Organizations: U.S . State Department, State, U.S . Army, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: North Korea, U.S, Racine , Wisconsin, South Korea

☆ U.S. sanctions 14 Iraqi banks in crackdown on Iran dollar trade- WSJ
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD July 19 (Reuters) - The United States has barred 14 Iraqi banks from conducting dollar transactions, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing U.S. officials. The United States uncovered information that the Iraqi banks engaged in money laundering and fraudulent transactions, some of which may have involved sanctioned individuals and raised concerns that Iran could benefit, the newspaper said. The Iraqi government, the U.S. Treasury Department and the New York Fed did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Iran has been unable to access billions of dollars in assets in several countries due to U.S. sanctions. The United States has insisted that oil-rich Iraq, the OPEC group's second-largest producer, moves towards self-sufficiency.

Persons: Washington, Kanishka Singh, Daphne Psaledakis, Timour, Michael S, Doina Organizations: United, Wall Street, U.S, Treasury Department, Federal Reserve Bank of New, U.S . Treasury Department, New York Fed, OPEC, Derby, Thomson Locations: WASHINGTON, BAGHDAD, United States, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Iran, U.S, Iraq, Washington, Timour Azhari, Baghdad, New York, Bengaluru

☆ US State Dept says it has no reason to doubt Microsoft's attribution of hack to China hackers
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, July 12 (Reuters) - The State Department on Wednesday said it has no reason to doubt Microsoft's (MSFT.O) accusation that Chinese state-linked hackers since May have secretly accessed email accounts at around 25 organizations, including U.S. government accounts, in a stealthy cyberespionage campaign. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the agency had detected anomalous activity in June and immediately notified Microsoft, but said the U.S. had not publicly attributed the attack to anyone. Reporting by Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis; editing by Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Microsoft's, Matthew Miller, Simon Lewis, Daphne Psaledakis, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: State Department, Microsoft, Thomson Locations: U.S

☆ An Early Heat Wave Upsets the Rhythm of Life in the South
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-01 | by ( Emily Cochrane | Bryan Tarnowski | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

The drum line stood beneath a canopy of trees and rattled through rolls of sextuplets, with reddened shoulders glistening. Temperatures here in Daphne, Ala., had climbed past 90 degrees, and the humidity made it feel at least 10 degrees hotter. Yet even as a record-breaking heat wave seared most of the American South this week, the members of the Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps chose to push on, not wanting to miss a moment of the intensive camp they had been waiting all year for. “The heat has gotten me once or twice this season,” said Gracie Binns, an 18-year-old member of the color guard. “It’s kind of worn me down already.” But, she added, “I like the challenge of it.”

Persons: ”, Gracie Binns, “ Organizations: Bugle Corps Locations: Daphne, Ala, American

WASHINGTON, June 27 (Reuters) - The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on companies in the United Arab Emirates, Central African Republic and Russia, accusing them of illicit gold dealings to fund Russia's Wagner Group mercenary force. "The Wagner Group funds its brutal operations in part by exploiting natural resources in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali. The Wagner Group did not immediately respond to the U.S. allegations. The U.S. State Department ahead of the announcement said that the action against Wagner was unrelated to an aborted mutiny last weekend. Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk and Costas Pitas; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Russia's, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner, Brian Nelson, Vladimir Putin, Diamville, Andrey Nikolayevich Ivanov, Midas Ressources, Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk, Costas Pitas, Jonathan Oatis, Grant McCool Organizations: United Arab, Russia's Wagner Group, U.S . Treasury Department, Wagner Group, Central African, Terrorism, Financial Intelligence, U.S . State Department, Russia, Industrial, Trading, United, Wagner, Treasury, Industrial Resources, Thomson Locations: United States, United Arab Emirates, Central African Republic, Russia, U.S, Ukraine, Africa, Mali, Libya, Syria, Ukraine's Crimea, Donbas, African Republic, Dubai, Saharan Africa, Washington, Russian

☆ US says it is a new thing to see Putin's leadership directly challenged
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( Simon Lewis | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"It is a certainly a new thing to see President Putin's leadership directly challenged. Prigozhin's Wagner has fought the bloodiest battles of the 16-month war in Ukraine. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File PhotoThe United States had communications with the Russian government on Saturday, both through U.S. Tracy told Russian officials that the United States expects Russia to uphold its obligations to protect embassy and diplomatic personnel. It was founded in 2014 after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and started supporting pro-Russia separatists in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region.

Persons: Russia's Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Putin's, Matthew Miller, Prigozhin, Prigozhin's Wagner, Vladimir Putin, Maxim, Lynne Tracy, Tracy, Miller, Wagner, Simon Lewis, Humeyra Pamuk, Daphne Psaledakis, Jasper Ward, Chris Reese, Leslie Adler Organizations: U.S . State Department, Department, REUTERS, U.S, Central African, Russia, Thomson Locations: Russia, Moscow, Russian, Ukraine, States, United States, Libya, Syria, Central African Republic, Mali, Ukraine's Crimea, Donbas, Washington, Africa, Jasper

[1/5] Participants react with Pride rainbow flags as they attend the Badilika festival to celebrate the LGBT rights in Nairobi, Kenya, June 11, 2023. Some regional lawmakers frame the issue as an almost existential battle to save African values and sovereignty, which they say have been battered by Western pressure to capitulate on gay rights. Spokespeople for the Kenyan presidency and government didn't respond to requests for comment about the proposed bill. Several called for legislation to strengthen penalties for same-sex acts, including the deputy majority leader, who said gay sex could be punished by hanging. President William Ruto, an evangelical Christian, has criticized a February supreme court decision allowing an LGBT rights group to register as a non-governmental organization.

Persons: Mohamed Ali doesn't, Ali, Weeks, Bill, Yoweri Museveni, Annette Atieno, John Agany, Jacqueline Ngonyani, Ngonyani, Damas Ndumbaro, William Ruto, Peter Kaluma, Uganda's, Kaluma, U.S . State Department didn't, Stella Kachina, Marylize Biubwa, Lorna Dias, Dias, Nuzulack Dausen, Waakhe Simon Wudu, Daphne Psaledakis, Estelle Shirbon, Aaron Ross, Pravin Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Kenyan, National Gay, Human Rights Commission, U.S . State Department, East, NAIROBI PRIDE, Gay and Lesbian Coalition of, Thomson Locations: Nairobi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, NAIROBI, East Africa, Juba, United, Africa, Entebbe, Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, Ruto, Dar es, Washington

☆ US announces new visa restriction policy for those who have assisted fugitives
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, June 21 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Wednesday announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign government officials and agents who assist fugitives in evading the U.S. justice system. "The Department of State is committed to deterring and promoting accountability for extraordinary foreign government involvement in aiding fugitives to evade the U.S. justice system," Blinken said in the statement. The State Department did not immediately reply to questions on whether the new policy was aimed at specific countries or if anyone had yet been targeted under it. "The loss of Fallon to her family and loved ones can never be erased, but this new State Department policy named for this young Portlander killed by a foreign national establishes genuine accountability for any foreign official who assists fugitives fleeing U.S. Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Costas Pitas Editing by Leslie Adler and Alistair BellOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Fallon, Antony Blinken, Smart's, Blinken, Ron Wyden, Michael Ratney, Wyden, Portlander, Daphne Psaledakis, Costas, Leslie Adler, Alistair Bell Organizations: U.S . State Department, Wednesday, of State, Oregonian, The State Department, Oregon, State Department, Department, Thomson Locations: Oregon, United States, Saudi Arabian, Saudi, U.S, Saudi Arabia, America

☆ US urges 'orderly, responsible' drawdown of UN peacekeepers from Mali
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 19 (Reuters) - The United States regrets a decision by Mali's interim military authorities to ask a United Nations peacekeeping force to leave the country, the State Department said on Monday, calling for an "orderly and responsible" drawdown of the mission. "The United States regrets the transition government of Mali’s decision to revoke its consent for MINUSMA," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. "MINUSMA's drawdown must be orderly and responsible, prioritizing the safety and security of peacekeepers and Malians." MINUSMA was deployed by the U.N. Security Council in 2013 to support foreign and local efforts to restore stability. U.N. Security Council members had started to discuss a draft resolution to extend MINUSMA's mandate, which expires on June 30.

Persons: Abdoulaye Diop, Matthew Miller, MINUSMA, Miller, Michelle Nichols, Daphne Psaledakis, Franklin Paul, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: United Nations, State Department, Mali's, Security, Department, . Security, Thomson Locations: United States, Mali, France, Russia, West Africa, El

Having failed to revive a 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Washington hopes to restore some limits on Iran to keep it from getting a nuclear weapon that could threaten Israel and trigger a regional arms race. An Iranian official said: "Call it whatever you want, whether a temporary deal, an interim deal, or a mutual understanding - both sides want to prevent further escalation." U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Rob Malley has also met Iran's ambassador to the U.N. after months of Iran refusing direct contact. The Western official said the key U.S. objective was to keep the nuclear situation from worsening and to avoid a potential clash between Israel and Iran. U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, a Republican, wrote to President Joe Biden on Thursday saying "any arrangement or understanding with Iran, even informal, requires submission to Congress".

Persons: Donald Trump, Matt Miller, Washington, Brett McGurk, Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran Rob Malley, miscalculate, Michael McCaul, Joe Biden, Parisa, John Irish, Arshad Mohammed, Ramu Ayub, Simon Lewis, Daphne Psaledakis, Don Durfee, William Mallard Organizations: U.S . Congress, State Department, U.S . National Security, International Atomic Energy Agency, U.S, . House Foreign, Republican, John, Thomson Locations: DUBAI, PARIS, United States, Iran, Russia, Washington, Israel, Tehran, U.S, de, Ukraine, Oman, Ali Bagheri Kani . U.S, IRAN, ISRAEL, Parisa Hafezi, Dubai, Paris, Saint Paul , Minnesota

"The internal dynamic of this war is a bit beyond what an external actor can really influence". After the latest 24-hour truce expired on Sunday, residents in Khartoum and capital area reported fresh artillery fire and clashes. The United States and Saudi Arabia, which lies across the Red Sea from Sudan, have sponsored talks in the Saudi port city of Jeddah. EXODUSThe failure of talks has put the nation, which was already reliant on aid, in a perilous humanitarian state. It could take generations to try to put back together," said Alan Boswell, Horn of Africa Director for Crisis Group.

Persons: Magdi El, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Abdel Fattah al, Burhan, Mohamed Mokhtar, Hemedti, Mokhtar, Omar al, Bashir, Mahasin Ibrahim, Alan Boswell, Horn, Aidan Lewis, Khalid Abdelaziz, Daphne Psaledakis, Nafisa, Edmund Blair, Frank Jack Daniel Our Organizations: Rapid Response Forces, United Arab Emirates, Valley Institute, U.S . State Department, Reuters, Crisis, Thomson Locations: Jeddah, Khartoum, CAIRO, truces, United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi, UAE, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, African Union, KHARTOUM, Omdurman, Bahri, Darfur, North Kordofan, Port Sudan, El Geneina, Chad, Sudanese, Africa, East, Europe, Dubai, Washington

WASHINGTON/CAIRO, June 13 (Reuters) - Sudan's warring factions are not taking advantage of talks facilitated by the United States and Saudi Arabia meant to yield a permanent ceasefire as they originally agreed, a senior U.S. State Department official said on Tuesday. "We think we've given them every shot. "They are clearly not taking advantage of the format that we've given them. Talks in Jeddah have failed to permanently halt fighting and clashes intensified as soon as a frequently violated ceasefire pact expired on Sunday. A second senior State Department official told reporters there was a "dawning realization" among the parties to the conflict that there is no acceptable military solution.

Persons: It's, Daphne Psaledakis, Simon Lewis, Nafisa, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: U.S . State Department, U.S ., Rapid Support Forces, ., State Department, Thomson Locations: WASHINGTON, CAIRO, United States, Saudi Arabia, U.S, Africa, Washington, Jeddah, Khartoum, Cairo

White House/Handout via REUTERSWASHINGTON, June 9 (Reuters) - The White House said on Friday that Russia appeared to be deepening its defense cooperation with Iran and had received hundreds of one-way attack drones that it is using to strike Ukraine. "We are also concerned that Russia is working with Iran to produce Iranian UAVs from inside Russia." Moscow has denied its forces used Iranian drones in Ukraine. "We will continue to impose sanctions on the actors involved in the transfer of Iranian military equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine," Kirby said. The advisory highlighted key items sought by Iran for its development of drones, including electronics such as processors and controllers.

Persons: John Kirby, Kirby, Jeff Mason, Steve Holland, Michelle Nichols, Daphne Psaledakis, Heather Timmons, Chizu, Marguerita Choy Organizations: REUTERS, House, Vehicles, Russian, Ukraine, United Nations, Security, Iran’s, Thomson Locations: Russia, Russian, Iran, White, REUTERS WASHINGTON, Ukraine, U.S, Alabuga, Moscow, United, Britain, France, Germany

White House/Handout via REUTERSWASHINGTON, June 9 (Reuters) - The White House said on Friday that Russia appeared to be deepening its defense cooperation with Iran and had received hundreds of one-way attack drones that it is using to strike Ukraine. "We are also concerned that Russia is working with Iran to produce Iranian UAVs from inside Russia." Moscow has denied its forces used Iranian drones in Ukraine. A White House official said Iran had transferred several hundred drones to Russia since August. The advisory highlighted key items sought by Iran for its development of drones, including electronics such as processors and controllers.

Persons: John Kirby, Kirby, Jeff Mason, Steve Holland, Michelle Nichols, Daphne Psaledakis, Heather Timmons, Chizu, Marguerita Choy Organizations: REUTERS, House, Vehicles, Russian, Ukraine, White, United Nations, Security, Iran’s, Thomson Locations: Russia, Russian, Iran, White, REUTERS WASHINGTON, Ukraine, U.S, Alabuga, Moscow, United, Britain, France, Germany

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