The hottest world events of the past 24 hours.
(Baonghean.vn) - The world in the past 24 hours has seen many notable news items such as: The International Monetary Fund reaching an agreement with Ukraine on a $4 billion loan; France deploying an aircraft carrier to patrol the Indian Ocean; Afghanistan extending the parliamentary elections by one day...
Türkiye will reveal all details about the death of the Saudi Arabian journalist.
|
Journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Photo: AP |
Türkiye has affirmed it will "reveal whatever happened" after Saudi Arabia admitted that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the consulate. The Turkish news agency Anadolu quoted Omer Celik, spokesman for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), as saying that Turkey would not conceal any information related to the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Celik called it a "debt of honor" that Türkiye had to fulfill. Turkish police have searched the consulate and are investigating the whereabouts of the suspected body parts disposed of in two other cities. "We are not condemning anyone at this time, but we also do not accept anything being concealed," Celik stated.
The S-300 missiles that Russia transferred to Syria have undergone significant upgrades.
|
The S-300PM-2 system was transferred from Russia to Syria. Photo: Sputnik. |
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the S-300PM-2 systems it transferred to Syria have been significantly upgraded with a more modern radar, an improved fire control radar system, and a mobile command and control station.IzvestiyaAccording to a report from the country's Ministry of Defense on October 19th.
The launchers in these three S-300 systems have also been upgraded, allowing the use of improved, more powerful missiles with a longer range than traditional missiles, typically medium-range tactical ballistic missiles with a target engagement range of up to 250 km. Izvestiya reports that the S-300PM-2 systems deployed to Syrian air defenses also have improved anti-jamming capabilities, allowing them to operate effectively in electronic warfare conditions.
France will deploy an aircraft carrier to patrol the Indian Ocean.
|
The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier of the French Navy. Photo:AFP |
French Defense Minister Florence Parly said that the French Navy's aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will be ready to sail to the Indian Ocean by early 2019, after completing an upgrade at the port of Toulon.AFPToday's news reports emphasize that Ms. Parly stressed France has always been a leading nation in defending freedom of navigation in international waters. "Whenever the fundamental principles of international law are violated, as is currently the case in the waters south of China, we will take action to demonstrate our right to freedom of movement and passage through these waters," the French Defense Minister stressed.
France has recently been working to strengthen its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region by deploying warships to patrol the South China Sea and planning air force exercises to counter China's militarization of the area.
The International Monetary Fund reaches agreement with Ukraine on a $4 billion loan.
|
The International Monetary Fund headquarters in Washington. Source: euractiv |
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced it has reached an agreement with Ukraine on economic policies, which will allow the disbursement of a new loan to Kyiv worth nearly $4 billion.
In a statement on October 19, the IMF clarified that the aforementioned 14-month standby loan agreement replaces the financial bailout package reached in March 2015, which had a four-year term and was set to expire in five months. This agreement will only take effect if approved by the IMF's Board of Directors later this year, after the Kiev government approves the 2019 budget in accordance with personnel requirements and the previously agreed-upon but not yet implemented increase in household gas taxes.
UK: Thousands protest, calling for a second referendum on Brexit.
 |
| Source: nbcnews.com |
According to AP, on October 20, thousands of protesters gathered in central London to call for a new referendum on Britain's departure from the European Union (EU), also known as Brexit.
The protest organizers want the public to have the final say on the UK government's Brexit deal with the EU, citing new facts that have shed light on the losses and difficulties of Brexit since the British people voted for it in 2016. The organizers mobilized around 150 buses to transport thousands of social activists from across England to London.
US Secretary of State: USMCA will bring great benefits to North America.
|
New cars are loaded at the port of Veracruz, Mexico, on August 27, 2018. Photo: AFP/VNA |
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on October 19 that the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) – the second version of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) – will bring many benefits to North America in the coming years.
Speaking to reporters in Mexico City, Pompeo thanked the Mexican government for its work and for the "intense debate" that led to the agreement after more than a year of negotiations. Pompeo stated, "We have achieved an outcome that will benefit three countries for years to come, creating jobs and wealth for our nations." However, Pompeo noted that once the trade agreement is implemented, one of the biggest challenges facing the U.S. and Mexico will be migration at the southern border.
Afghanistan extends parliamentary elections by one day.
|
Voters line up to cast their ballots in the Afghan parliamentary elections in Herat province. Photo: AFP/VNA. |
Afghan authorities said that the ongoing parliamentary elections will be extended to October 21 in some constituencies after technical and organizational problems prevented voters from exercising their right to vote on October 20.
According to Reuters, on election day, October 20th, many voters expressed anger over long waits due to problems with biometric voter registration equipment, polling stations not opening on time, shortages of voting equipment, and other delays. Meanwhile, security at polling stations was also complicated. A series of explosions rocked polling centers in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, as voters were casting their ballots.
Africa's youngest billionaire returns home after a week-long abduction.
|
Billionaire Mohammed Dewji, 43 years old. Photo: AFP. |
Billionaire Mohammed Dewji announced his release after being kidnapped last week, but did not disclose how he returned. "I have returned home safely. Thank you to everyone who helped, including the police, to get me free," Mohammed Dewji, Africa's youngest billionaire, wrote on Twitter today after being released by his kidnappers.
Dewji, 43, has a net worth of $1.5 billion and is the chairman of MeTL, a conglomerate operating in approximately 10 countries across various sectors from agriculture to transportation and food. He was abducted by white gunmen on October 12th while entering a gym in his hotel. The abduction of Dewji has caused widespread concern in Tanzania, as he was a former member of parliament and one of the country's most prominent businessmen. Tanzania's Environment Minister, January Makamba, said she spoke with Dewji, confirming his safety and only minor bruises on his arms and legs from being tied up.
