MYSTERIOUS: 44 - You Need To See This

Argentina in talks to expand China currency swap line, source says

Argentina is in talks to renew and potentially expand its currency swap line with China, a central bank source said on Wednesday, as the South American country battles tumbling foreign reserves that threaten its ability to meet payments.

Reuters · May 24, 2023

Ireland set to tender for floating hotels to house asylum seekers

Ireland is planning to tender for floating hotels and ships to house asylum seekers, the government said on Wednesday, as it struggles to accommodate an unprecedented number of arrivals amid a years-long housing crisis.

Reuters · May 24, 2023

Russia: Warship guarding Black Sea pipelines attacked by uncrewed Ukraine craft

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday the Russian warship Ivan Hurs had been attacked unsuccessfully in the early morning by three Ukrainian uncrewed speedboats in the Black Sea, on the approaches to the Bosphorus strait.

Reuters · May 24, 2023

Erdogan party split on economic plan as Turkey runoff looms, sources say

Days before Turkey's runoff presidential election, there is disagreement and uncertainty within Tayyip Erdogan's government over whether to stick with what some call an unsustainable economic programme or to abandon it, insiders say.

Reuters · May 24, 2023

Two Nepal ex-ministers among 30 charged in US-bound refugee scam

Nepali prosecutors have charged 30 people, including two former cabinet ministers, with corruption in a case involving faking documents for Nepali nationals to enter the United States as Bhutanese refugees, a spokesman said on Wednesday.

Reuters · May 24, 2023

Exclusive-Congo to hike stake in copper, cobalt venture with China

The Democratic Republic of Congo aims to boost its stake in a cobalt and copper joint venture with Chinese firms to 70% from 32%, on concerns the deal gives away too much of Congo's resources with little benefit to the country.

Reuters · May 24, 2023

Ukraine joining NATO in midst of war 'not on agenda' -Stoltenberg

Ukraine will not be able to join NATO as long as the war against Russia rages on, the alliance's chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday.

Reuters · May 24, 2023

Russian spy chief tells 'meddling West' to go to the devil, forecasts its demise

One of Russia's top spy chiefs on Wednesday said the West had sown the seeds of its own destruction by turning away from what he called its core traditions and told it to "go to the devil" and stop interfering in global affairs.

Reuters · May 24, 2023

First Russian hypersonic missile scientist to go on trial for treason next week

The first of three Russian hypersonic missile scientists to be arrested on suspicion of treason will go on trial next week, the court handling the case said on Wednesday.

Reuters · May 24, 2023

Ukraine's main church to switch calendar in move away from Russia

Ukraine's main Orthodox church said on Wednesday it had decided to switch to a calendar in which Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25, a move that distances it from Russia.

Reuters · May 24, 2023