Global cholera deaths reached their highest annual level in more than 20 years in 2025, despite a decline in reported cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Day: September 29, 2026
Categories
Stephen Miller and the FBI
AI Mode Conversation: Stephen Miller and the FBIStephen Miller and the FBIAI Mode reply for Stephen Miller and the FBITwo senior FBI counterterrorism officials were demoted and reassigned on Friday, September 25, 2026, following a dispute over an investigation into harassing phone calls made to Kati
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru said many of the entities being removed from the sanctions list were expected to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction, Anadolu Agency reported.
“Stability and development in Syria are directly linked to stability across the entire Middle East,” Kihara said, adding that Tokyo intended to support the country.
***
The decision was approved by Japan’s Cabinet and follows Tokyo’s sanctions against the administration of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which were introduced in 2011.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry said the measures were being partially lifted “in view of the subsequent developments” in Syria and the relationship between Tokyo and Damascus.
A total of 16 of the 31 entities previously subject to sanctions have been removed from the list. The entities include Syria’s Defense Ministry and Interior Ministry, as well as oil companies and financial institutions.
Japan and Syria restored diplomatic relations last December after a 15-year break. The move followed political changes in Syria after al-Sharaa formed a new government following the ousting of Assad in December 2024.
Tokyo said the sanctions relief was intended to reflect developments in Syria and facilitate the country’s reconstruction and economic recovery.
However, sanctions remain in place against 59 individuals and 15 entities, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry.
The post Japan lifts partial sanctions on Syria, backs reconstruction appeared first on azeritimes.com.
Raffaella Giuliani expressed her great pleasure at welcoming the Azerbaijani delegation to the meeting. Speaking about the book “Pontes Culturae” (“Bridge of Cultures”), produced as a symbol of the joint partnership, she noted that the foundation for this cooperation was laid by Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, and Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi. Expressing hope for the continued development of these friendly relations, Raffaella Giuliani recalled that First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva has always closely followed the restoration work, AZERTAC reported.
The meeting also discussed opportunities to continue the restoration of the catacombs and implement other new restoration projects. The participants noted that the plans include involving more students and specialists in these processes, while also highlighting the value of having professional experts work at various churches in Azerbaijan.
***
The role of Azerbaijan, a Muslim-majority country, in the restoration of Christian heritage was highly appreciated. They emphasized that this cooperation, particularly joint activities in the restoration of the catacombs, sends an important message to the whole world. The initiative stands as a vivid example of tolerance, peace, and intercultural dialogue.
The post Leyla Aliyeva, Vatican archaeology official discuss new restoration projects appeared first on azeritimes.com.
The tanker had been seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia before security forces launched an operation to rescue the vessel and its crew, Reuters reported.
Puntland authorities said the five crew members were killed before the rescue mission was carried out. Further details about the identities of the victims, the circumstances of their deaths and the number of crew members rescued were not immediately available.
***
The incident highlights continuing security concerns along Somalia’s coastline, where piracy has periodically threatened commercial shipping despite international efforts to protect vessels operating in the region.
The post Somali pirates killed 5 crew members before tanker rescue: Puntland appeared first on azeritimes.com.
Armed forces spokesman Majid al-Nuzaili said in a statement that the strikes targeted Houthi vehicles, equipment and personnel in the district, Al Jazeera reported.
The statement did not provide further details on the timing of the strikes or report casualties.
***
The claims could not be independently verified.
The post Yemeni forces claim strikes on Houthi positions in Taiz appeared first on azeritimes.com.