Thousands of Kosovo war veterans and their supporters gathered in Tirana, Albania, on Friday to protest against the European Union-backed Kosovo Specialist Chambers, which is prosecuting former fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). The demonstrators, who filled Skanderbeg Square, accused the tribunal of bias and injustice, claiming it unfairly targets those who fought for Kosovo’s independence from Serbia during the 1998-1999 war. The rally, organized by the veterans’ association OVL-UCK and supported by the Albanian government, featured national Albanian and KLA flags, with some participants donning KLA uniforms and singing songs about freedom. The protest’s motto, ‘Freedom has a name. Justice for the liberators,’ underscored their demands for fairness. High-profile defendants, including former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and other ex-leaders, are currently on trial at The Hague for charges such as murder, torture, and persecution of civilians. The court was established following a 2011 Council of Europe report alleging KLA involvement in human organ trafficking and killings, though these allegations were not included in the indictments. The rally remained peaceful, with former Albanian President Alfred Moisiu calling for justice and criticizing the court’s processes as biased. The event highlighted ongoing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, with Kosovo’s 2008 independence still unrecognized by Serbia and its allies.
分类： politics
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US has seized survivors after strike on suspected drug-carrying vessel in Caribbean, AP sources say
In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the United States military launched a strike on a suspected drug-carrying submarine in the Caribbean, marking the first instance of survivors being captured since President Donald Trump initiated these aggressive measures last month. The strike, confirmed by Trump during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, targeted a vessel allegedly designed for transporting large quantities of drugs. Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged the presence of survivors but deferred detailed comments pending further investigation. This operation brings the death toll from the Trump administration’s military actions in the region to at least 28. The survivors, now in U.S. custody aboard a Navy vessel, face an uncertain legal future, with questions arising about their status as prisoners of war or criminal defendants. The administration has justified these strikes under the legal authority used in the post-9/11 war on terror, though some legal experts have raised concerns about the legality and international implications of such actions. The strikes have also sparked bipartisan unease in Congress, with lawmakers demanding more transparency and oversight. Meanwhile, reports suggest Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has attempted to negotiate with the U.S. by offering stakes in Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth, though these overtures have been rejected by the White House.
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Former PM Murayama leaves behind notable legacy of confronting history head-on
Tomiichi Murayama, former Prime Minister of Japan, passed away on October 17, 2025, at the age of 101 in Oita City. His death marks the end of an era for a leader who profoundly shaped Japan’s post-war identity through his commitment to historical accountability and fostering cross-border friendships, particularly with Asian neighbors. Murayama, who led a coalition government in the mid-1990s, is best remembered for the landmark Murayama Statement issued on August 15, 1995. This declaration acknowledged Japan’s wartime aggression and colonial rule, expressing remorse for the immense suffering inflicted on Asian nations. The statement played a pivotal role in rebuilding trust between Japan and its neighbors, including China. On his 100th birthday in 2024, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning praised Murayama as a steadfast advocate for Sino-Japanese friendship, emphasizing the enduring significance of the Murayama Statement as a solemn commitment to peace. Murayama’s leadership also navigated domestic crises, including the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack. His visit to China in 1995, where he paid respects at the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Memorial Hall, underscored his dedication to reconciliation. Born in 1924, Murayama’s political career spanned decades, culminating in his premiership from 1994 to 1996. His legacy remains a cornerstone of Japan’s post-war diplomacy and its pursuit of a peaceful future.
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Russians and Ukrainians expect no major breakthrough at planned Trump-Putin summit
As U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin prepare for an upcoming summit in Budapest, Hungary, residents of Russia and Ukraine remain cautiously hopeful yet skeptical about the prospects of ending the ongoing conflict. The meeting, agreed upon during a recent phone call, follows Trump’s scheduled discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. However, expectations for a major breakthrough remain low, given the lack of progress in previous talks. Artyom Kondratov, a 36-year-old Moscow resident, expressed doubts, stating, ‘When they meet, I don’t think anything will be achieved quickly.’ He anticipates minor advancements, such as prisoner exchanges and the return of children, but no significant resolutions. Alexander Fedotov, another Moscow resident, believes Trump’s efforts could yield results, noting, ‘Trump isn’t going to Europe for nothing. I think there will be progress.’ Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the mood is less optimistic. Marichka Fartushna, an army medic, criticized the previous meetings as unproductive, asserting, ‘Trump has clearly shown his position. He is not for Ukraine.’ Despite the skepticism, Ukrainian veteran Ivan Balatskyi remains hopeful for continued U.S. support, emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness to fight until the end. The summit comes over three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and more than a decade after the annexation of Crimea, with many weary of the prolonged conflict. Svetlana, a 55-year-old resident of Sevastopol, voiced a common sentiment: ‘I wish everyone well and peace. We’re all waiting for this, all Russians want it.’
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The moment Madagascar’s new president was sworn in
In a significant political transition, Colonel Michael Randrianirina officially took office as the new President of Madagascar during a formal swearing-in ceremony held in the nation’s capital. The event, attended by dignitaries, government officials, and military representatives, marked a pivotal moment in Madagascar’s political landscape. Colonel Randrianirina, a seasoned military officer, pledged to prioritize national unity, economic development, and social stability in his inaugural address. His ascension to the presidency follows a period of political uncertainty and comes at a critical juncture for the island nation, which faces challenges such as economic recovery and environmental sustainability. The ceremony underscored the country’s commitment to democratic processes and peaceful leadership transitions.
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Ex-Trump adviser Bolton in court to face charges of mishandling classified documents
John Bolton, the former national security adviser to Donald Trump, has appeared in federal court to surrender to authorities following charges related to the mishandling of classified information. The 18-count indictment alleges that Bolton improperly shared or retained sensitive materials, some of which were classified as top secret. Bolton, who served during Trump’s first term, left the White House amid controversy and has since emerged as one of the president’s most outspoken critics. This indictment marks Bolton as the third political opponent of the US president to face legal charges in recent weeks. Prosecutors claim that Bolton used personal messaging apps and email to unlawfully transmit classified information, which reportedly included intelligence on future attacks, foreign adversaries, and foreign-policy relations. In response, Bolton has vowed to defend his ‘lawful conduct’ and accused the Justice Department of being weaponized to target Trump’s perceived enemies. He stated, ‘I have become the latest target in distorting facts and charging individuals with previously declined allegations.’
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Chinese Communist Party expels top generals in sweeping military crackdown
In a sweeping move, the Chinese Communist Party has expelled nine high-ranking military officials, marking one of the most significant public crackdowns on the military in decades. The expelled generals, including He Weidong, the Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), were accused of serious financial crimes and violations of party discipline. The announcement, made by China’s defense ministry, described the offenses as involving ‘an extremely large amount of money, of extremely serious nature, and with extremely detrimental consequences.’
He Weidong, who was also a member of the Politburo, the party’s apex decision-making body, is the first serving Politburo member to be investigated. His prolonged absence from public view since March had fueled speculation about his involvement in the ongoing purge. The other expelled officials include Miao Hua, director of the CMC’s political work department, and Wang Houbin, commander of the Rocket Forces, among others.
The expulsions come on the eve of the party’s Fourth Plenum, where the Central Committee will discuss economic development plans and vote in new members. Analysts suggest that while the crackdown is framed as part of an anti-corruption campaign, it also serves as a political purge to consolidate power and eliminate dissent within the military. The CMC had previously signaled its intent to root out ‘toxic influence’ and enforce ‘iron rules’ for cadres.
This purge follows smaller-scale removals of military officials in recent years, including former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu. The Rocket Forces, in particular, have seen significant leadership changes. The expulsion of civilian officials, such as former foreign minister Qin Gang, further underscores the breadth of the campaign.
Neil Thomas, a fellow in Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute, noted that President Xi Jinping’s purges aim to project strength and discipline. However, he cautioned that such measures could stifle initiative and make governance more rigid. The upcoming plenum will be closely watched for signs of the purge’s extent, with attendance levels serving as a key indicator.
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UAE President awards Order of Zayed II, First Class to Pakistan ambassador
In a significant diplomatic gesture, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has awarded the Order of Zayed II (First Class) to Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE. The prestigious honor was bestowed in recognition of Ambassador Tirmizi’s exceptional contributions to enhancing bilateral ties between the UAE and Pakistan during his tenure. The award ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi, was presided over by Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, UAE Minister of State. During the event, Al Marar emphasized the UAE’s commitment to fostering stronger relations with Pakistan across various sectors, highlighting the ambassador’s pivotal role in advancing mutual cooperation. Ambassador Tirmizi expressed profound gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed, lauding the UAE’s remarkable progress and its leadership’s vision for international engagement. He also extended his appreciation to UAE government entities for their unwavering support, which significantly contributed to the success of his diplomatic mission.
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What to know about the Madagascar army colonel who was ‘in the shadows’ before launching a coup
In a dramatic turn of events, Col. Michael Randrianirina, a relatively unknown military figure, ascended to the presidency of Madagascar on Friday, just six days after orchestrating a military coup. His rapid rise to power followed weeks of widespread anti-government protests, primarily led by the nation’s youth, culminating in the ousting of former President Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina, a former governor of the impoverished southern region of Androy, has long been a vocal critic of Rajoelina. His political journey has been marked by controversy, including a 2023 arrest for alleged mutiny planning, which led to a brief detention in the notorious Tsiafahy Prison. Despite these challenges, Randrianirina managed to retain his military status and eventually took command of the elite CAPSAT unit, which played a pivotal role in the coup. His leadership emerged during the protests, as he rode an armored vehicle alongside demonstrators, solidifying his position as the uprising’s de facto leader. However, his ascent has drawn international condemnation, with both the United Nations and the African Union suspending Madagascar’s membership in response to the coup.
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Dutch Supreme Court rejects Russia’s final appeal in $50B Yukos case
In a landmark ruling, the Dutch Supreme Court on Friday dismissed Russia’s final appeal against a $50 billion arbitration award to former shareholders of Yukos, the once-mighty Russian oil giant. The court declared the decision as the conclusive end to a protracted legal battle that has spanned over two decades. The former shareholders allege that the Kremlin orchestrated the company’s bankruptcy in 2003 to neutralize its CEO, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin. The ruling upheld a 2023 decision by Amsterdam judges, which rejected Russia’s last legal argument in a case stemming from a 2014 arbitration panel’s verdict. The panel, based in The Hague, had found that Moscow deliberately crippled Yukos with exorbitant tax claims to seize control of its assets and remove Khodorkovsky from the political arena. Khodorkovsky was arrested in 2003 and spent over a decade in prison while Yukos’s primary assets were sold to a state-owned entity, leading to the company’s eventual bankruptcy. Tim Osborne, CEO of GML, a holding company representing the former majority shareholders, hailed the ruling as a historic victory, emphasizing that it reaffirms the principle that no state is above the law. Osborne vowed to focus on enforcing the award against Russian state assets globally, noting that the total amount, including interest, now exceeds $65 billion.