LONDON — The pressure on Prince Andrew to cooperate with a U.S. congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network has intensified following remarks by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While Starmer avoided direct commentary on the Duke of York’s case, he emphasized the importance of individuals with relevant information aiding investigative processes. ‘As a general principle, anyone possessing pertinent details should provide evidence to those who require it,’ Starmer stated during his visit to Johannesburg for the G20 summit.
博客
-
Slovenians vote in a referendum on assisted dying for terminally ill patients
In a pivotal moment for Slovenian society, citizens cast their votes on Sunday in a referendum concerning a law that would permit terminally ill patients to end their lives with medical assistance. The legislation, initially passed by the Slovenian Parliament in July, had previously garnered support in a nonbinding referendum last year. However, opposition groups, including conservative organizations, certain medical associations, and the Catholic Church, successfully petitioned for a new vote after collecting over 40,000 signatures. The law stipulates that mentally competent individuals with no prospect of recovery or those enduring unbearable pain may opt for assisted dying. Patients would self-administer lethal medication following approval from two physicians and a consultation period. Notably, the law excludes individuals with mental illnesses. Prime Minister Robert Golob’s liberal government has championed the legislation, emphasizing the importance of allowing individuals to die with dignity and control over their end-of-life decisions. Opponents, however, argue that the law violates Slovenia’s constitution and advocate for enhanced palliative care as an alternative. For the law to be overturned, a majority of voters must reject it, and they must constitute at least 20% of the 1.7 million eligible electorate. Recent polls indicate a slight majority in favor of the law. If upheld, Slovenia would join other EU nations like Austria and the Netherlands, which have already implemented similar measures.
-
Rubio is set to meet with Ukraine and its European allies over US peace plan
Geneva witnessed high-stakes diplomatic discussions on Sunday as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived to engage with Ukrainian officials and European allies regarding a contentious U.S.-proposed peace plan for Ukraine. The 28-point blueprint, designed to end the nearly four-year conflict, has drawn sharp criticism from Kyiv and its Western supporters, who argue that the plan disproportionately favors Moscow despite Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian delegation, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, was joined by representatives from France, Germany, and the U.K., signaling a unified European stance against the proposal. The U.S. delegation also included Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy. The plan’s concessions to Russian demands, including territorial compromises, have been vehemently rejected by Zelenskyy, who has repeatedly vowed to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty. Speaking ahead of the talks, French Defense Ministry delegate Alice Rufo emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, labeling the plan’s restrictions on the Ukrainian military as a direct infringement on its sovereignty. Meanwhile, President Trump, speaking outside the White House, described the proposal as a step toward peace but clarified that it was not his “final offer.” The lack of clarity on Trump’s remarks and the White House’s silence on the matter have further fueled skepticism among Ukraine’s allies. The Geneva talks underscore the growing rift between the U.S. and its European partners over how to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
-
The G20 summit in South Africa is set to end with another diplomatic spat involving the US
The G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, concluded on Sunday amidst heightened diplomatic tensions between the host nation and the United States. The dispute arose when South Africa refused to conduct the traditional handover of the G20 presidency to a U.S. official, citing the absence of a high-level representative from the American delegation. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized that the summit is a leaders’ meeting, requiring representation at the level of a head of state, special envoy, or minister. The U.S., which is slated to assume the G20 presidency in 2026, had planned to host its summit at President Donald Trump’s golf club in Doral, Florida. However, South Africa deemed the proposed handover ceremony inappropriate and postponed it to a later date, possibly at its foreign ministry building.
The rift deepened when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused the U.S. of last-minute changes to its participation plans, a claim denied by the White House. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Ramaphosa for his comments, further straining relations. The summit also saw South Africa break with tradition by issuing a leaders’ declaration on the opening day, focusing on climate change and global wealth inequality. While the U.S. and Argentina opposed the declaration, other G20 members, including China, Russia, and several European nations, supported it. The declaration called for increased financial aid for poor countries recovering from climate-related disasters, debt relief, and support for their transition to green energy.
Despite the symbolic significance of the summit, questions remain about the G20’s effectiveness in addressing global crises such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East tensions. The 122-point declaration made only a passing reference to Ukraine, highlighting the bloc’s struggle to achieve consensus on geopolitical issues. French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the milestone of the first African G20 summit but noted the group’s challenges in establishing a unified stance on crises. Activists, however, praised the summit for centering attention on inequality and development priorities from an African perspective, marking a historic moment for the G20.
-
Explainer: Why Joby filed case against air taxi rival Archer in US
In a high-stakes legal battle, Joby Aviation has filed a lawsuit against its competitor, Archer Aviation, accusing the latter of corporate espionage and the theft of trade secrets. The case, lodged in a Santa Cruz, California court, revolves around allegations that Archer utilized confidential information obtained from a former Joby employee to secure a partnership with a U.S. real estate developer. Both companies are in the advanced stages of testing their electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with plans to launch commercial aerial taxi services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi next year.
Joby Aviation claims that George Kivork, its former U.S. state and local policy lead, unlawfully transferred sensitive company files to a personal email account and altered security permissions to access hundreds of documents after leaving the company. Joby alleges that Archer used this stolen information to undercut a contract bid in August 2025. According to the complaint, the developer informed Joby that Archer had knowledge of confidential details from their agreement, implicating Kivork in the alleged espionage.
Archer Aviation has vehemently denied the accusations. Eric Lentell, Archer’s chief legal and strategy officer, dismissed the lawsuit as ‘bad faith litigation,’ asserting that Archer has no deal with the developer in question and that Kivork did not bring any Joby confidential information to the company. Lentell emphasized Archer’s commitment to advancing aviation technology and accused Joby of resorting to litigation to stifle competition.
The case, scheduled for a hearing on March 20, 2026, highlights the intense rivalry in the emerging eVTOL market. Joby is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order to prevent Archer from using its trade secrets. This legal dispute underscores the challenges of protecting intellectual property in a rapidly evolving industry, where innovation and competition are fiercely contested.
-
Bosnian Serbs vote to choose president after separatist leader Dodik was removed from office
In a pivotal moment for Bosnia-Herzegovina, voters in the Serb-dominated region of Republika Srpska headed to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president. This snap election follows the removal of Milorad Dodik, the former pro-Russian leader, who was ousted in August after a Bosnian court convicted him of defying the international High Representative for Bosnia. Dodik, who was sentenced to a year in prison and barred from public office, paid a fine to avoid incarceration and remains the leader of his Party of Independent Social Democrats. The election pits Sinisa Karan, Dodik’s chosen successor, against Branko Blanusa, a university professor representing the opposition Serb Democratic Party. Four other candidates are also in the race, though they are considered less competitive. Blanusa, after casting his vote in Banja Luka, emphasized the campaign’s fairness and urged a high voter turnout among the 1.2 million Bosnian Serb electorate. The election unfolds against a backdrop of deep ethnic divisions and political instability. Bosnia’s complex governance structure, established by the 1995 U.S.-brokered Dayton Agreement, divides the country into two entities: Republika Srpska, controlled by Serbs, and a federation shared by Bosniaks and Croats. Dodik, a long-time advocate for Republika Srpska’s secession from Bosnia, has faced international sanctions for his separatist policies. Although the U.S. recently lifted sanctions after Dodik agreed to step down, tensions persist with the international community, particularly with Christian Schmidt, the peace envoy overseeing Bosnia’s post-war stability. Dodik has actively campaigned for Karan, framing the election as a continuation of his political agenda. The outcome of this election could significantly impact Bosnia’s fragile political landscape and its relations with the international community.
-
Man who grabbed Ariana Grande at premiere banned from Singapore
An Australian man, Johnson Wen, 26, has been deported and permanently banned from Singapore after he breached security and grabbed Hollywood star Ariana Grande during the Asian premiere of *Wicked: For Good* in Singapore on November 13. The incident occurred when Wen pushed past photographers and charged at Grande, who was attending the event. Co-star Cynthia Erivo intervened, wrestling Wen away from Grande to ensure her safety. Wen was subsequently sentenced to nine days in prison for public nuisance and barred from re-entering Singapore, as confirmed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Wen has a history of disrupting celebrity events, including jumping on stage at a Katy Perry concert in Sydney earlier this year. His actions during the Singapore premiere sparked widespread outrage, with many expressing concern for Grande, who has previously spoken about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
During the trial, it was revealed that Wen had attempted to intrude on the premiere twice. After his first attempt was thwarted by security, he made a second effort to jump the barricades but was detained. Wen later posted videos online, thanking Grande for ‘letting him on the carpet’ and claiming he was ‘free.’ However, he was arrested the following day and pleaded guilty to charges of public nuisance.
District Judge Christopher Goh described Wen as ‘attention-seeking’ and emphasized that his actions were not without consequences. Grande has not publicly commented on the incident, but Erivo spoke to NBC, stating that her primary concern was ensuring Grande’s safety. ‘I’m sure he didn’t mean us harm, but you never know with those things, and I wanted to make sure that she was OK. That was my first instinct,’ Erivo said.
-
Escalating war of words between Ethiopia and Eritrea triggers fears of conflict
Mounting tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have sparked fears of a potential armed conflict in the Horn of Africa. The dispute centers on Ethiopia’s demand for access to the Red Sea through Eritrea, a contentious issue that has reignited historical animosities. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of sea access, calling it an existential necessity for his landlocked nation. However, Eritrea has dismissed these claims, labeling them as a “toxic agenda” of irredentism. The two nations share a complex history, marked by Eritrea’s secession from Ethiopia in 1993 after a decades-long independence struggle, leaving Ethiopia without a coastline. A brutal border war in 1998 further strained relations, resulting in over 100,000 deaths. Recent months have seen a sharp escalation in rhetoric, with Ethiopian officials openly asserting ownership of Eritrea’s southern port of Assab and hinting at the possibility of reclaiming it by force. Ethiopian leaders, including army chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, have framed the issue as a matter of national survival, citing Ethiopia’s growing population and economic needs. In response, Eritrea has issued stern warnings, with Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel describing Ethiopia’s stance as “dangerous” and a violation of international norms. The Eritrean army has also cautioned against crossing “red lines,” warning of severe consequences. While there have been no reports of major military movements, Ethiopia has been bolstering its defense capabilities, showcasing new weaponry and conducting large-scale military training exercises. State media in Ethiopia has amplified the government’s narrative, portraying the loss of Red Sea access as an injustice that must be rectified. Conversely, Eritrean media has accused Ethiopia of attempting to reignite settled disputes. The situation has drawn attention from international observers, with concerns over the potential for conflict in an already volatile region. The historical context of the dispute, coupled with recent developments, underscores the fragility of relations between the two nations and the high stakes involved.
-
Vietnam floods leave at least 90 dead and 12 missing
Vietnam is reeling from catastrophic floods triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, resulting in at least 90 fatalities and 12 individuals reported missing. The deluge has caused widespread destruction, damaging 186,000 homes and sweeping away over three million livestock. Preliminary estimates suggest the economic toll runs into hundreds of millions of pounds. The mountainous province of Dak Lak has borne the brunt of the disaster, with over 60 deaths recorded since November 16, according to AFP. This calamity follows closely on the heels of typhoons Kalmaegi and Bualoi, which struck Vietnam in rapid succession in recent months. As of Sunday morning, approximately 258,000 people were left without electricity, and critical transportation routes, including major highways and railway lines, were rendered impassable. In response, the Vietnamese government has deployed military and police forces to aid the hardest-hit regions, particularly in the provinces of Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, attending the G20 summit in South Africa, convened an emergency virtual meeting to coordinate relief efforts. Rainfall in some areas exceeded 1.5 meters (5 feet), with certain locations surpassing a staggering 5.2 meters, a record not seen since 1993. While forecasts predict a respite from the rain in the coming days, scientists warn that Vietnam’s vulnerability to extreme weather events has been exacerbated by human-induced climate change, intensifying the frequency and strength of typhoons.
-
More and more Ugandan men seek DNA paternity tests, often with heartbreaking results
In Uganda, the increasing availability of DNA testing has sparked a surge in paternity disputes, challenging traditional norms and straining family relationships. Moses Kutoi, a clan leader and mayor of Nabumali, finds himself at the forefront of mediating these sensitive conflicts. Often, men question why their children do not resemble them, leading to marital discord and, in some cases, violence. Kutoi, who himself does not resemble his father, uses his personal experience to counsel families, urging them to focus on unity rather than biological ties. The issue has become so pervasive that religious and traditional leaders are calling for tolerance and a return to African teachings that emphasize communal responsibility over individual grievances. The Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba, has even invoked the story of Jesus’ virgin birth to discourage DNA testing among the faithful. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reports a sharp rise in men seeking voluntary DNA tests, with over 98% of results revealing they are not the biological fathers. This has led to heartbreak and legal battles, particularly in cases involving inheritance and divorce. Despite the challenges, faith leaders like Pastor Andrew Mutengu are organizing counseling sessions to help families navigate these disputes. However, the affordability of DNA testing remains a barrier for many, with costs exceeding $200 in some areas. As Uganda grapples with this modern dilemma, the tension between tradition and technology continues to shape the nation’s social fabric.