Month: December 2023

Євросоюз

Czech Republic Holds Day of Mourning for Victims of Worst Mass Killing

PRAGUE — The Czech Republic came to a standstill at noon Saturday as people across the country observed a minute of silence as part of a national day of mourning to honor the victims of the worst mass killing in Czech history. National flags on public buildings were at half-staff, and bells tolled at noon. A Mass at St. Vitus cathedral in Prague, the biggest in the country, was celebrated for the victims. President Petr Pavel and speakers of both houses of Parliament attended the service, which was open to everyone. “We’re all still in a shock in our own ways,” …

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Євросоюз

Czechs Mourn Victims of University Shooting as Police Tighten Security

Prague, Czech Republic — Czechs mourned the victims of the Czech Republic’s worst mass shooting as police tightened security around schools and other public buildings across the country on Friday after authorities said a student gunman killed 14 people at a Prague university building on Thursday. At the Charles University headquarters, crowds that included Prime Minister Petr Fiala and U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet paid tribute to the victims. Some knelt to light candles and lay flowers while others stood crying and hugging each other. “We are here to show our support as fellow students,” said Czech student Daniel Broz. “I was …

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Євросоюз

Biden Signs Order Aimed at Financial Facilitators of Russian Military

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order Friday giving the Treasury Department the authority to target financial institutions that facilitate Russia’s efforts to bolster its defense industry. The new sanctions authority is meant to gum up the Kremlin’s push to restock the Russian military’s depleted arsenal after 22 months of fighting in Ukraine. Russia has already lost over 13,000 pieces of equipment, including tanks, drones and missile systems, according to a U.S. assessment. The order also seeks to tighten existing restrictions on diamonds and seafood imported from Russia after a review by U.S. agencies. “We expect financial institutions …

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Євросоюз

Last French Troops to Leave Niger on Friday

Niamey, Niger — The last French troops are to withdraw from Niger on Friday, marking an end to more than a decade of French anti-jihadist operations in West Africa’s Sahel region. The French exit from Niger leaves hundreds of U.S. military personnel, and a number of Italian and German troops, remaining in the country. France said it would pull out its roughly 1,500 soldiers and pilots from Niger after the former French colony’s new ruling generals demanded they depart following the coup on July 26. It was the third time in less than 18 months that French troops were sent packing …

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