Israel builds 31 settlements in the West Bank; Will Italy follow Britain out of the EU?

Mr. Trump feels comfortable holding the position of US President.

US President Donald Trump in an interview on CBS. Source: CBS

In an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes" on October 14, US President Donald Trump said he felt "comfortable" after nearly two years in office, despite criticism over immigration, tariffs, and his nomination of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

In an interview, Mr. Trump said: “It’s a little strange to say I’m the President of the United States, but I think that’s true for everyone. Even my friends, they don’t call me Donald, they call me Mr. President. And I say: Can you relax? I’m just doing my job.” The White House owner shared: “Now I feel very much like the real President of the United States.”

High-level dialogue between South and North Korea agreed on many important issues

On October 15, South Korea and North Korea reached consensus on many important issues at high-level talks held at the truce village of Panmunjom. These talks are aimed at concretizing commitments made at the third summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un last September.

During the talks, South and North Korea agreed to launch a joint project to modernize and connect cross-border railways and roads in late November and early December. The two Koreas also agreed to hold Red Cross talks this month to discuss issues related to the reunion of families separated by the Korean War (1950-1953), as well as arrange a general-level military meeting “at the earliest possible date.”

Ms. San Suu Kyi calls for promoting peace in Myanmar

At the opening ceremony of the tripartite peace talks between the Myanmar government, the military and 10 ethnic armed groups that signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement on October 15 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi said that the talks marked progress, not setback, in the process of national reconciliation and peace efforts, and marked an important milestone in the peace process in Myanmar.

On October 15, Ms. San Suu Kyi called for joint efforts to resolve difficulties and challenges in implementing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the Myanmar Government and armed groups that signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreements (EAOs).

Israel approves construction of 31 settlements in the West Bank

The Israeli government has approved the construction of 31 homes for Jewish settlers in the West Bank city of Hebron. This is the first time since 2002 that the Israeli government has approved the expansion of the settlement in Hebron. The city is currently home to about 200,000 Palestinians living alongside 800 Israelis under strict protection by the Israeli army.

The settlement, which has been under detailed discussion since October 2017, includes housing units, a kindergarten and some public facilities. The new settlement is located on land occupied by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Israeli government has allocated more than $6 million for the project, of which the Ministry of Defense will pay $2.8 million.

According toSouth China Morning PostThe "Peace and Friendship 2018" exercise will take place from October 20 to 28, off the coast of the two ports of Dickson and Klang in Malaysia. A total of three destroyers and frigates, two helicopters, three Il-76 transport aircraft and 692 Chinese military personnel will participate in the exercises and training activities.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense said the exercise aimed to reaffirm the common will of the three countries to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea region, strengthen exchanges and practical cooperation, and promote the ability to coordinate responses to security threats. The joint exercise took place amid rising US-China tensions in the region in recent times.

Is Italy at risk of following Britain out of the EU?

On October 15, the Italian cabinet met to approve the 2019 budget, which is expected to have a budget deficit much higher than the previous government target. In addition, Italy currently has the second highest public debt in the EU, after Greece, and is one of the countries with the slowest economic growth rate. Therefore, the European Commission (EC) is concerned that this budget deficit target could increase Italy's public debt. Therefore, Italy's budget plan has recently faced strong criticism from a number of European Union countries.

Faced with disagreements between the EU and Italy, not only on the budget issue but also on a series of other disagreements such as migration, bloc reform, etc., public opinion warned that Italy could follow the UK in leaving the EU. An Italian government official previously emphasized that the European Union had not learned the lesson of the UK's departure and could force Italy to reconsider its membership.

Successfully rescued hostages kidnapped at Cologne central station (Germany)

Police on duty at the scene of a hostage situation at Cologne train station, Germany on October 15, 2018. Photo: AP/TTXVN

On October 15, after nearly 2 hours of siege and negotiation, police in the western German city of Cologne successfully rescued a hostage who was kidnapped at a pharmacy in the city's central train station. The perpetrator was arrested for investigation to clarify the motive for the crime.

Multiple sources at the scene said special forces launched an attack to rescue the hostages. According to AFP, there were two grenade explosions when special forces stormed the pharmacy. Meanwhile, AP news agency said the female hostage was slightly injured, while the perpetrator was seriously injured. Both are receiving medical care. Authorities are examining the scene to determine whether the perpetrator was armed.

Türkiye dismisses hundreds of senior local officials

Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu. Source: haberturk.com

On October 15, Türkiye suspended more than 250 senior local officials on suspicion of involvement in terrorism and activities unrelated to their positions.

In a statement, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu's office said Soylu had dismissed 259 officials from local governments at all levels in a bid to clean up the country's administrative apparatus. However, the ministry did not provide details about the terrorist organizations with which the officials were allegedly linked.

British Princess Meghan is pregnant with her first child

The moment Duke Harry and Princess Meghan landed at the airport in Sydney. Photo: AFP

Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will welcome their first child in the spring of next year, according to an official statement from the British Royal Family on October 15. The British Royal Family did not reveal any further information or the condition of Princess Meghan in the early months of her pregnancy. The Duchess and Duke Harry, the second son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, just got married in May, according to the BBC.

The new royal will be seventh in line to the British throne, after Prince Charles, Duke William, Duke Harry and William's children George, Louis and Charlotte.

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