Hundreds of pilots strike in Taiwan; Putin delivers state of the nation address on February 20

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to deliver his annual address to the Federation Council (the upper house of the Russian parliament) on February 20. However, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the location of the event has not yet been decided. The deadline for journalists to register to attend and report on the event is February 15-17.

The annual message is a document that serves as a programme of action for the year, and usually covers three main topics: politics, economics and ideology. Last year's message used projection technology for the first time, attracting a record number of media representatives.

UN continues to exempt North Korea aid from embargo

South Korean trucks carrying flour aid to North Korea. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

The United Nations on February 7 announced an embargo exemption for 93 aid items from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for North Korea. According to a VNA correspondent in Seoul, in the announcement, the North Korea sanctions committee of the United Nations Security Council said the goods exempted from the embargo include specialized medical equipment for pregnant women and newborns, medical instruments used in hospitals, family tents and water filtration pipes, with a total value of about 57,600 USD.

To date, a total of 10 North Korean humanitarian aid projects have been approved by the United Nations for sanctions exemption. Previously, projects by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the non-governmental humanitarian organization "World Vision" and the US-based Eugene Bell Foundation were also exempted from sanctions.

Venezuela announces evidence of coup plot to overthrow the government

On February 7, Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodríguez announced evidence of a plot to overthrow the government of President Nicolas Maduro by the far-right with the support of the US and Colombian governments.overthrowPresident Maduro initially planned for January 27, then postponed it to January 31 and finally February 3, but the plot was foiled.

According to Venezuelan news agency AVN, at a press conference held at the Presidential Palace, Mr. Rodriguez said that the plot to overthrow the constitutional government was led and planned by retired Army General Oswaldo Valentín García Palomo. This subject was arrested by Venezuelan intelligence forces at the end of January while trying to enter Venezuela from Colombia.

UK reaches agreement with 3 countries on citizens' rights if it leaves EU

Brexit. Photo: Reuters

The Icelandic government said on February 8 that Britain and a group of countries including Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein have reached an agreement on citizens' rights if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal. The Icelandic government said the agreement aims to ensure the rights of citizens of the three countries in the UK, as well as British citizens living in the three countries, with a commitment that they can continue to live and work even in the scenario of Britain leaving the European Union without a deal.

Countries are starting to prepare for the prospect of Britain leaving the EU without a deal, after British Prime Minister Theresa May's working visit to the EU failed to achieve a breakthrough.

Türkiye criticizes Saudi Arabia for lack of transparency in Khashoggi case

Journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Photo: Aljazeera/VNA

According to Reuters, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's communications director, Fahrettin Altun, said on February 8 that the "complete lack of transparency" by Saudi Arabian officials in the investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was deeply concerning and damaging to Saudi Arabia's reputation.

Speaking to Reuters, Altun stressed that Saudi Arabia must extradite the perpetrators of Khashoggi's murder to demonstrate their willingness to serve justice. Altun said Türkiye's findings on the case were consistent with those of the UN special rapporteur, adding that Ankara had pledged to cooperate with the UN investigation into the case.

Thai princess runs for prime minister

Hundreds of pilots strike in Taiwan amid peak season

China Airlines is having trouble because the pilot refuses to enter the cockpit. Photo: Reuters

A strike by flight crew members has forced China Airlines, one of Taiwan's two main airlines, to cancel 26 flights from February 8 to 10, according to CNA news agency on February 8. China Airlines announced the cancellations on its website after hundreds of its pilots went on strike starting at 6 a.m. on February 8. All three major airports in the territory were affected. The canceled flights include departures and arrivals to Los Angeles, Manila, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Bangkok.

This is the first time Taiwan's air traffic has been disrupted during the Lunar New Year rush because pilots have refused to board planes. It is not yet clear how long the latest strike will last. According to the newspaperSouth China Morning Post,at least there will be4,000 passengers were affected at Taoyuan, Kaohsiung and Taipei Songshan international airports.