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Biden urges N.Ireland parties to restore power-sharing
US President Joe Biden urged political compromise in Northern Ireland on Wednesday, using a visit to Belfast to promote the benefits of enduring peace and investment, but faced heated criticism from pro-UK hardliners.
Iran delegation visits Saudi amid thaw between regional powers
An Iranian delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Tehran said, to pave the way for reopening diplomatic missions as the Gulf rivals prepare to normalise relations, seven years after an acrimonious split.
Former teen idol alleges sexual abuse by Japan music mogul
A former teen idol said on Wednesday he was sexually assaulted repeatedly by Johnny Kitagawa, the founder of Japan's biggest boyband empire, in a rare public allegation against the late mogul.
Zelensky blasts Russian 'beasts' over beheading video
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday denounced Russian "beasts" after a video appeared to show the beheading of a Ukrainian prisoner, prompting international outrage.
Turkey only rival to UK and Ireland Euro 2028 bid
Turkey is the only rival contender to the UK and Ireland candidacy to host the 2028 European Championship, UEFA announced on Wednesday after receiving bid dossiers from interested countries.
My great-great Irish family: when US leaders 'come home'
It's been a rite of passage for American leaders since John F. Kennedy, one which many describe as a highlight of their time in the Oval Office.
Putin arrest warrant 'spanner in the works' for S.Africa
South Africa said on Wednesday an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine war was a "spanner in the works" ahead of a BRICS summit in the country in August.
Monkey business: Sri Lanka considers macaque sales to China
Cash-strapped Sri Lanka is considering exporting up to 100,000 endangered monkeys to China, the agriculture minister said Wednesday, raising concerns among conservationists.
Deadliest first quarter for central Med migrants since 2017: UN
January to March 2023 was the deadliest first quarter for migrants crossing the central Mediterranean since 2017, the United Nations said Wednesday, with 441 lives lost attempting to reach Europe.
Macron protesters held in fresh Dutch visit unrest
Dutch police detained two protesters who ran towards French President Emmanuel Macron in Amsterdam on Wednesday as his domestic troubles intruded once again on his state visit to the Netherlands.
English Premiership's record try-scorer Ashton to retire
Former England winger Chris Ashton is to retire at the end of the season after an 18-year career in rugby union and rugby league, Premiership club Leicester announced on Wednesday.
Watts that? Rapper Gims shocks with Ancient Egypt power claims
Egyptologists, fact-checkers and ordinary internet users have taken aim at Congolese rapper Maitre Gims this week over a video in which he claimed the pharaohs' pyramids were wired for electricity.
Man Utd bidding process goes to third round
Rival bidders for Manchester United have been invited to submit a third offer by the end of April, according to reports.
Paris stocks hit fresh record peak before US inflation data
French equities hit another record peak Wednesday amid broad European gains as traders awaited US inflation data set to play a key role in the Federal Reserve's next move on US interest rates.
Iran delegation arrives in Saudi amid thaw between regional powers
An Iranian delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Tehran said, to pave the way for reopening diplomatic missions as the Gulf rivals prepare to normalise relations, seven years after an acrimonious split.
UK police probe 'sexual misconduct' at business lobby
UK police have launched an investigation into the nation's CBI business lobby group over allegations of sexual misconduct.
England's Willis extends Toulouse contract
England's back-rower Jack Willis has signed a contract extension with Toulouse, putting his Test future in question, the French club announced on Wednesday.
Xi says China must strengthen training for 'actual combat'
China's President Xi Jinping called on the country's armed forces to "strengthen military training oriented towards actual combat", state media reported Wednesday, after Beijing conducted military drills intended to intimidate Taiwan.
Sun, wind power make record 12% of world electricity: survey
Solar and wind energy surged to make a record 12 percent of the world's electricity in 2022, a climate think tank calculated in a report Wednesday -- though coal remained the leading source globally.
Rashford to miss a 'few games' for Man Utd with muscle injury
Marcus Rashford will miss Manchester United's Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash with Sevilla after suffering a muscle injury that is likely to keep him out for "a few games", the club announced on Wednesday.
'This week, no one': hazardous Thai pollution deters tourists
Hazardous pollution levels in northern Thailand have left the historic city of Chiang Mai choking under thick smog, with locals worried about the impact on tourism -- and their health.
US labels 'tranq' drug linked to fatal overdoses as 'emerging threat'
The US government on Wednesday designated xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," as an "emerging threat" and asked Congress for funding to fight the drug that has been increasingly linked to a surge in overdose deaths.
Biden admin unveils tough emissions rules to speed electric auto shift
President Joe Biden's administration unveiled new proposed auto emissions rules Wednesday, aiming to accelerate the electric vehicle transition with a target of two-thirds of the new US car market by 2032.
Under pouring rain, Erdogan rival vows 'return of spring'
Facing a sea of umbrellas in the steady rain, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the Turkish opposition's challenger to Recep Tayyip Erdogan in next month's polls, smiles and promises "the return of spring".
Taliban say ban on Afghan women working for UN 'an internal issue'
A ban on Afghan women working for the United Nations was an internal issue, the country's Taliban authorities said Wednesday, adding that the decision "should be respected by all sides".
Elon Musk says 'many mistakes' made since Twitter takeover
Twitter boss Elon Musk said running the social media network has been "quite a rollercoaster" and acknowledged "many mistakes" along the way, six months after he bought the company for $44 billion.
Biden under political fire in restive N.Ireland
US President Joe Biden entered the political cauldron of Northern Ireland on Wednesday, using a brief visit to promote the benefits of enduring peace and investment but already facing heated criticism from pro-UK hardliners.
Taiwan ruling party picks VP as presidential candidate
Taiwan's ruling party nominated Vice President William Lai as its candidate for next year's presidential elections on Wednesday, choosing a contender who has been more outspoken on Taiwanese independence than incumbent Tsai Ing-wen.
Volvo's shares up after record first quarter profits
Volvo Group's shares were up seven percent Wednesday after the Swedish truck-maker posted record first-quarter earnings, in a sign of an easing of supply chain disruptions and high costs that have plagued the auto industry.
Former teen idol alleges sex abuse by Japan music mogul
A former teen idol on Wednesday said he was repeatedly sexually assaulted by Johnny Kitagawa, the founder of Japan's biggest boyband empire, in a rare public allegation against the late mogul.
Markets mixed as traders await key inflation report
Equity markets were mixed Wednesday as traders jockeyed ahead of US inflation data that could play a key role in the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision-making.
Sluggish Warner under fire in IPL after Delhi lose again
David Warner is under fire in the Indian Premier League after the Australian's Delhi Capitals lost for a fourth time in as many matches and sit bottom of the pile.