German Chancellor Resigns as Ruling Party Chairman; Russia to Try Captured Ukrainian Sailors

German Chancellor Angela Merkel resigns as chairwoman of ruling party

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on December 7 gave a speech resigning as party chair and saying goodbye to her ruling party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

The speech, which was considered emotional and full of emotion, highlighted the challenges ahead for the ruling party: climate change, maintaining European unity and dealing with Britain's exit from the European Union (Brexit). She expressed her honor to have served the Christian Democratic Union for 18 years as the head of the party, including 13 years as Chancellor. Ms. Merkel's speech received warm applause.

Russia says it will try Ukrainian sailors captured last month

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on December 7 that Russia would only be ready to discuss the fate of the Ukrainian sailors captured last month and come to an agreement with Ukraine on them after the trial process has been completed.

The information was given by the Russian Foreign Minister at a press conference in Milan, Italy. Mr. Lavrov also said that there is currently no information about the trial date of the Ukrainian sailors. According to observers, the statement of the Russian Foreign Minister is expected to push the Russia-Ukraine relationship to continue to decline.

US President optimistic about trade talks with China

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and US President Donald Trump during a meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 1, 2018. Photo: THX/TTXVN

Despite tensions surrounding the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, US President Donald Trump on December 7 expressed optimism about trade negotiations with China.

"Talks with China are going very well," President Trump tweeted, but did not provide further details amid concerns among major companies that the arrest of Huawei's top executive could negatively impact relations between Washington and Beijing.

Bank robbery, mass killing of hostages in Brazil

Scene of the incident. Source: Twitter

In the early morning of December 7 (local time), a daring bank robbery occurred in northeastern Brazil, resulting in the deaths of five hostages. According to the yorkshirecoastradio website, the attack occurred in the northeastern region of Brazil.

The Mirror quoted the mayor of Milagres, Lielson Landin, as saying that a gang of six robbers attacked two banks in the city before dawn. Police arrived at the scene and exchanged gunfire with the robbers. According to Band News radio, all six robbers were killed. However, five hostages were also killed, including a child.

UN passes resolution calling on Israel to end occupation of Palestine

Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli soldiers at the eastern border of the Gaza Strip on November 9. Source: THX/TTXVN

Maria Espinosa, the current President of the United Nations General Assembly, announced on December 6 that the UN General Assembly had voted in favor of a resolution calling for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory. "The vote result was: 156 votes in favor, 6 votes against and 12 abstentions. The draft resolution was adopted," said Maria Espinosa, the current President of the United Nations General Assembly.

The draft resolution submitted by Ireland on a Comprehensive, Immediate and Lasting Peace solution for the Middle East, urges an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories by the State of Israel and reaffirms support for a two-state solution.

Thailand to lift ban on political activities in December

Illustration photo: AP

According to Thai government spokesman Puttipong Punnakanta, the country's military government on December 7 reaffirmed that a general election will be held on February 24, 2019 and the ban on political activities will be completely lifted this month.

Speaking to the media after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, spokesman Puttipong did not announce when the restrictions would be fully lifted, but said the move was expected to take place soon after a law on the election of MPs is enacted on December 11.