negotiations

BERLIN — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said talks in Berlin with envoys for U.S. President Donald Trump were “not easy” but delivered “real progress” on security guarantees that could underpin a path to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Meeting for a second day with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Zelensky said the discussions were “productive” and “detailed,” while acknowledging that “we still have different positions” on core issues, including territory. Kyiv’s…

Zelensky offers to drop NATO bid in Berlin talks with U.S. envoys as ceasefire plan advances BERLIN — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered to drop Ukraine’s longstanding aspiration to join NATO during hours of talks with U.S. envoys in Berlin, a significant shift in Kyiv’s wartime posture as negotiators work toward a ceasefire with Russia. The meetings, hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stretched for more than five hours and will resume tomorrow morning, Dmytro Lytvyn, an adviser to Zelensky, told…

Negotiations to consolidate the US-backed truce in Gaza are at a "critical" moment, Qatar's prime minister said Friday, as mediators press to move the cease-fire to its next phase while violence continues to flare. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told a Doha Forum panel that mediators were working to "force the next phase" of the cease-fire forward, calling the current halt in fighting a pause rather than a resolution. "We are at a critical moment. It's not yet there," he said. The truce took effect Oct. 10 and…

Diplomatic Efforts for Peace in Eastern DRC Stalled Amid Rising Tensions Peace in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remained elusive as diplomatic efforts repeatedly stalled, with brief moments of progress quickly overshadowed by setbacks. Despite a symbolic handshake between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's Paul Kagame in October, analysts, including Timo Roujean of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, viewed such gestures as empty rhetoric amid unresolved questions about any potential peace…

The Fragile Peace in Eastern DR Congo: Voices from the Ground In the lush, green hills of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the echo of gunfire and the palpable tension in the air create a stark contrast to the paper agreements made months prior. Residents in towns like Goma and Bukavu, once bustling with life, are now haunted by a pervasive uncertainty. The much-publicized peace agreements inked in Doha, Qatar, in June—which involved intricate negotiations among international powers—were meant to restore…

Indirect talks open in Sharm El-Sheikh under Trump plan as Gaza war grinds on Delegations representing Hamas and Israel have begun indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm El‑Sheikh aimed at ending nearly two years of war in Gaza, diplomats and officials said Monday, in a U.S.‑backed effort that has raised hopes and doubts in equal measure. Under the outline promoted by former U.S. President Donald Trump — who has waded into the role of broker with envoys including businessman Steve Witkoff and his…

Trump says Israel has agreed to “initial withdrawal line”; ceasefire hinges on Hamas confirmation as strikes continue WASHINGTON — Former US President Donald Trump said on social media that Israel has accepted an “initial withdrawal line” for Gaza and that the details have been shared with Hamas, setting the stage for a tentative ceasefire and a prisoner swap — but only “when Hamas confirms.” The announcement came amid renewed Israeli bombardment that killed dozens on Saturday, underscoring how fragile any pause remains on…

Somalia’s New Electoral Agreement: A Crucial Step Toward Unity NAIROBI—In a nation often marred by instability and political discord, the recent landmark electoral agreement between Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Salvation Forum marks a pivotal stride toward national unity and democratic governance. The Agreement: A Pathway to Stability After two months of contentious negotiations, the agreement outlines a distinctive approach to conducting the next elections. Under the new framework, the Federal Parliament…

In some wild turn of events, five suspects were hit with charges in a bribery case, but a twist in the tale reveals that a mysterious sixth individual also knew about the dang bribe. Yeah, you heard it right! This case, centered around some shady dealings with Feeding Our Future, just got more tangled than a skein of yarn.Turns out, some sneaky text messages have surfaced, shedding light on how the suspects were wheeling and dealing, even plotting against each other in what can only be described as a hurricane of chaos.…

As nations find themselves in a stalemate at the ongoing UN climate talks, there are rising hopes that the G20 leaders gathering thousands of miles away may spark vital support for a resolution aimed at aiding developing nations. Stranded halfway through a two-week-long negotiation period housed in a vast arena in Azerbaijan, diplomats are struggling to inch closer to an agreement that could ultimately decide the fate of COP29. The government ministers diving into discussions in Baku are racing against the clock, with a…