Maronite leader says Pope Leo will carry message of 'peace' to Lebanon
Pope Leo XIV will carry a message of peace to Lebanon and the Christians of the Middle East when he visits next month, Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai told AFP on Wednesday.
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Row over conscription mars Germany's Russia strategy
The German government on Wednesday tried to smooth over a row within its ranks over conscription that threatens to overshadow its push to bolster military deterrence against Russia.
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Russell, Antonelli extend Mercedes deals for 2026
British driver George Russell and Italian Kimi Antonelli have signed contract extensions with Mercedes for next season, the Formula One team announced on Wednesday.
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US Supreme Court hears voting rights case that could decide Congress control
The US Supreme Court was hearing a case Wednesday on Black voter rights that could cement Republican control over the House of Representatives -- potentially even by next year's crucial midterm elections.
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Ceasefire called after new Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes kill dozens
Dozens of troops and civilians were killed in a fresh round of border skirmishes between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday, officials on both sides of the frontier said, hours before Islamabad said the two sides had agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire.
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Kenyans swarm home of fallen 'hero' Raila Odinga
"A king", "a hero", "Nelson Mandela", "Jesus Christ" -- no superlatives were too much for the crowd that came to mourn the death of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga at his Nairobi home on Wednesday.
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Greece weighs disputed 13-hour workday reform
Greece's parliament on Wednesday debated a controversial reform proposed by the conservative government, which would allow 13-hour workdays under exceptional circumstances, drawing fire from unions and opposition parties.
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'Absolutely critical' to boost growth in Europe: IMF official
It is absolutely critical for European countries to boost growth and productivity to catch up with the United States, a senior IMF official told AFP, calling on policymakers to make "smarter" spending choices.
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'Adolescence' creator asks dads to share letters with sons
Stephen Graham, the creator and star of searing teen murder saga "Adolescence", launched an appeal Wednesday for fathers around the world to pen and then share letters to their sons.
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Magnus Carlsen and chess federation agree on new world championship
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and world number one Magnus Carlsen have a long history of disagreements, but on Wednesday both backed a new world championship concept that sets the stage for the Norwegian's return.
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