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UNESCO is calling for more studies and closer working relations between journalists and scientists to ensure the effects of climate change are understood and can be mitigated, especially in poorer African countries

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock this week repeatedly criticized China’s economic and military support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, which she said is threatening peace in Europe. During a visit to China, she also pledged to stand up for Germany’s economic interests when it comes to electric vehicles, climate and security policy. VOA Mandarin spoke with analysts about what China’s muted response to her criticism may mean. See the full story here.

There is new concern in Malaysia over the country’s visa-free policy for Chinese nationals following a series of arrests involving apparent Chinese fraud gangs. Hundreds of Malaysians have fallen victim to job scams orchestrated by Chinese crime networks, with many reportedly held against their will in scam call centers in Cambodia or Myanmar. See the full story here.

The FBI has charged Nomma Zarubina, a Russian national living in New York, with two counts of making false statements to FBI agents regarding her ties to Russian intelligence services. According to the FBI, Zarubina sought connections with U.S. journalists, military personnel, and think tank experts on behalf of Russian intelligence agencies. Court documents reveal that she initially lied to U.S. authorities about her ties to FSB but later admitted to cooperating with FSB agents. See...

A Haitian judge overseeing the National Credit Bank corruption case summoned three members of the Transitional Presidential Council to respond to questions about the case. The three officials are accused of pressuring the bank president to pay them 100 million Haitian gourdes to keep his position in the new government. See the full story here.

The government of Daniel Ortega, who has been president for more than 15 consecutive years, recently promoted constitutional changes that strengthen his hold on power. VOA Spanish explains the scope and possible impact of the changes. See the full story here.

Iran’s “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign, which is a coordinated protest movement opposing Iran’s extensive use of the death penalty, says the government executed more than 28 people since last Tuesday. The latest prisoners put to death reportedly include two juvenile offenders who were hanged at the Yazd and Ghezel Hesar prisons. See the full story here.

Iranian-backed Iraqi militia groups have crossed the border into Syria to support Bashar al-Assad's authoritarian regime in its fight against insurgents. Turkey, which supports rebel groups in Syria, rejected on Monday any suggestion that it might be behind the rebel offensive in the country's north. VOA Russian asked regional experts to explain what role Moscow and Tehran might play in assisting Assad amid their involvement in wars in Ukraine and in Gaza. See the full story here.

President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs are poised to significantly impact countries with substantial trade volumes with the United States. The primary nations affected include China, Mexico and Canada, which are among the largest U.S. trading partners. Trump has said that tariffs can help his administration pay for proposed tax cuts. But these tariffs are expected to disrupt trade flows, potentially leading to increased consumer prices in the U.S. and prompting retaliatory...

Work of the Washington-based press club will be guided in part by American journalists who suffered imprisonment in Russia and Iran

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country’s parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea. Hours later, parliament voted to lift the declaration, with the National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people.” We spoke with VOA correspondent Bill Gallo in Seoul for insights into the...

The International Court of Justice was asked to issue an opinion on countries' legal responsibility for the negative impact of climate change

State-sanctioned abductions, refugees included; extrajudicial killings; torture; and enforced disappearances are on the rise in Kenya, according to independent reports by international observers, the United Nations, local rights groups and investigative journalists.

Biden hails US-Africa ties, is ‘proud’ to be first American president to visit Angola

The city has remained in government hands since civil war erupted in 2011

Symptoms include fever, headache, cough and anemia, health officials say

The success of Syrian rebels against Damascus forces in the last few days is offering Turkey an opportunity to secure key strategic goals in Syria. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.

Of the more than $10 billion Laos now owes other countries, China is due half

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu made a state visit to France last week