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Microsoft president urges fast 'resolution' of transatlantic trade tensions
Microsoft President Brad Smith called Wednesday for a swift resolution of trade tensions between the United States and Europe, during an interview with AFP in Brussels.
US economy unexpectedly shrinks on import surge before Trump tariffs
The US economy unexpectedly contracted in the first three months of the year due largely to a surge in imports as businesses and consumers stockpiled ahead of the introduction of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.

US economy unexpectedly shrinks on import surge ahead of Trump tariffs
The US economy unexpectedly contracted in the first three months of the year, according to fresh data published Wednesday, due largely to a surge in imports as businesses and consumers stockpiled ahead of the introduction of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.

US economy unexpectedly shrinks in first three months of Trump presidency
The US economy unexpectedly contracted in the first three months of this year, according to fresh data published Wednesday, due largely to a surge in imports ahead of the introduction of sweeping tariffs by President Donald Trump.

Burkina junta rallies supporters after claimed coup 'plot'
Several thousand people rallied in support of Burkina Faso's ruling junta Wednesday, days after the military authorities said they had uncovered a "plot" to overthrow the government.

US economy unexpectedly contracts in first three months of Trump presidency
The US economy unexpectedly contracted in the first three months of this year, according to fresh data published Wednesday, due largely to a surge in imports ahead of the introduction of sweeping tariffs by President Donald Trump.

Pakistan says India planning strike after deadly Kashmir attack
Pakistan said on Wednesday it had "credible intelligence" that India was planning an imminent military strike and vowed to retaliate, as worries of spiralling conflict grew over a deadly attack in Kashmir.

Iran hangs man as Israeli spy after 'unfair' trial: activists
Iran on Wednesday executed a man convicted of espionage for Israel and involvement in the killing of a Revolutionary Guard but activists said he was sentenced to death after an unfair trial and a confession obtained by torture.

Germany's next finance minister, 'bridge-builder' Lars Klingbeil
Germany's incoming finance minister Lars Klingbeil is a self-styled political "bridge-builder" whose calm and personable demeanour belies his sharp political instincts.

Vietnam's Gen-Z captivated by 50-year-old military victory
The Vietnam War ended before most of the current population was born, but like many young people Hoang Ha Linh was swept up in the excitement of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

Moroccan-based cardinal says Church does not need Francis 'impersonator'
Cardinal Cristobal Lopez, the Spanish-born archbishop of Rabat, admits he is a little anxious ahead of his first conclave, although also curious.

New Zealand, Phillippines sign troops deal in 'deteriorating' strategic environment
The Philippines and New Zealand signed an agreement on Wednesday allowing the deployment of troops on each other's territory, a move aimed at bolstering security in a "deteriorating" strategic environment.

Belgium's green light for red light workers
A police station in the historic sailors' quarter of the Belgian port of Antwerp is surrounded by sex workers' neon-lit red-light windows.

Nuclear submarine deal lurks below surface of Australian election
A landmark security pact to overhaul Australia's navy with American muscle faces growing scepticism, stoked by its eyewatering cost and growing distrust of US President Donald Trump.

Opposition leader confirmed winner of Trinidad elections
Trinidad and Tobago's centrist former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will return as leader of the Caribbean nation after her party's victory in Monday's parliamentary election, the electoral commission confirmed Tuesday.

Trump celebrates 100 days in office with campaign-style rally
Donald Trump promised Tuesday that he is just getting started as he marked the radical and vengeful beginning of a presidency that has shaken the world and destabilized the United States.

Top Cuban dissidents detained after court revokes parole
Cuban opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer and another dissident were detained Tuesday after a court revoked the parole they were granted under a landmark deal Havana had struck with former US President Joe Biden.

Grand Vietnam parade 50 years after the fall of Saigon
Vietnam is set to hold its biggest celebration of the fall of Saigon on its 50th anniversary Wednesday, including Chinese troops for the first time after Xi Jinping visited to portray Beijing as a more reliable partner than Washington.

Trump fires ex first gentleman Emhoff from Holocaust board
US President Donald Trump has fired former second gentleman Doug Emhoff from the Holocaust Memorial Council board, the Democrat said Tuesday, in an online post suggesting the move was politically motivated.

BRICS blast 'resurgence of protectionism' in Trump era
China, Brazil and other members of the BRICS grouping on Tuesday slammed the "resurgence of trade protectionism" at a meeting in Rio de Janeiro dominated by US President Donald Trump's tariffs blitz.

Trump tempers auto tariffs, winning cautious praise from industry
President Donald Trump moved Tuesday to soften tariffs on automakers, sparking cautious optimism in an industry that has been on tenterhooks as it awaits details on the fast-evolving policy.

US threatens to quit Russia-Ukraine effort unless 'concrete proposals'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tuesday that the United States would end mediation unless Russia and Ukraine come up with "concrete proposals," as US patience wanes on an early priority for President Donald Trump.

France to tax small parcels from China amid tariff fallout fears
France will from next year impose a handling tax for every small parcel sent from China sent by platforms such as Shein and Temu, a minister said Tuesday.

Trump celebrates tumultuous 100 days in office
Donald Trump celebrated Tuesday the first 100 days of what is already one of the most radical and far-reaching presidencies in US history, but polls show Americans becoming disenchanted with the economic and political tumult.
Amazon says never planned to show tariff costs, after White House backlash
Retail giant Amazon insisted Tuesday it had never approved a proposal -- slammed by the White House -- to show consumers how much US tariffs add to each price tag.
Carney vows to lead 'united Canada' against Trump after election win
Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged Tuesday to confront President Donald Trump with the "overwhelming positive force" of a united Canada after a dramatic election win that earned the Liberal Party a new term in power.
Amazon says never decided to show tariff costs, after White House backlash
Retail giant Amazon insisted Tuesday it had never approved a proposal -- slammed by the White House -- to show consumers how much US tariffs add to each price tag.

India gives army 'operational freedom' to respond to Kashmir attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given India's military "operational freedom" to respond to a deadly attack in Kashmir last week, a senior government source told AFP Tuesday, after New Delhi blamed it on arch-rival Pakistan.

France accuses Russian military intelligence of cyberattacks
France on Tuesday accused Russian military intelligence of being behind a series of cyberattacks against the country over the last decade, including against an organisation involved in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Emmanuel Macron's first presidential campaign in 2017.

Multiple challenges await Canada's Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney celebrated election victory on Tuesday, but he admits "daunting" challenges await, including handling Donald Trump and reshaping the economy.

US consumer confidence hits lowest level since onset of pandemic
US consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to survey data published Tuesday, reflecting concerns about President Donald Trump's tariff plans.

Trump celebrates tumultuous 100 days in office as support slips
Donald Trump on Tuesday is celebrating the first 100 days of what is already one of the most radical and impactful presidencies in US history, as polls show Americans are becoming disenchanted with the economic and political tumult.