BRUSSELS -- The European Commission on Wednesday proposed moving forward with two major trade agreements for approval, aimed at expanding the European Union's global trade network to offset U.S. tariffs and strengthening its presence in Latin America.
The EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and the EU-Mexico Modernized Global Agreement (MGA) are intended to diversify trade relations, reduce tariffs, and create new opportunities for European businesses, the commission said in a statement. (EU-Mercosur)
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DAMASCUS -- A powerful explosion shook a former military base near Damascus International Airport on Wednesday, state-run Al-Thawra newspaper reported, citing official sources.
The authority explained that the blast originated from the disposal of old munitions more than 20 km from the airport perimeter. It stressed that airport operations were unaffected and flights continued as scheduled. (Syria-Damascus-Blast)
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BANGKOK -- Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced on Wednesday that his caretaker government has moved to dissolve the lower house of parliament, potentially leading to an early general election.
Speaking to reporters at the government house, Phumtham confirmed that a decree to disband the House of Representatives was submitted to King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Tuesday and now awaits royal approval. (Thailand-Parliament)
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BEIRUT -- The United Nations on Wednesday issued a statement condemning an Israeli drone attack on its peacekeepers in southern Lebanon a day earlier, calling it one of the most serious incidents targeting its personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement reached last November.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) drones dropped four grenades Tuesday morning near peacekeepers under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The peacekeepers were clearing roadblocks blocking access to a UN position close to the Blue Line, a border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel established by the UN in 2000. (Lebanon-UN-Israel) ■
