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Explosion at Nagorno-Karabakh Fuel Depot Claims 20 Lives and Refugee Numbers Soar

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A devastating explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan, has claimed the lives of 20 individuals and left hundreds injured, according to local Armenian authorities.

Approximately 300 people were admitted to hospitals, with many in critical condition.

These tragic events coincide with the arrival of 13,350 refugees into Armenia from the conflict-ridden Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Nagorno-Karabakh is at the center of a long-standing dispute and is predominantly populated by around 120,000 ethnic Armenians.

The cause of the explosion in Stepanakert, the main city, remains unclear.

Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Ombudsman, expressed concern on social media, reporting that the explosion had resulted in over 200 injuries, many of which were severe or extremely severe. Nagorno-Karabakh’s medical facilities are struggling to cope with the influx of patients.

Local authorities have confirmed the discovery of 13 unidentified bodies at the explosion site, with an additional seven individuals succumbing to their injuries in hospitals.

The seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan has prompted thousands of people to flee the region, following the Armenian government’s announcement of plans to relocate those displaced by the conflict.

Armenia’s Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has raised concerns about ethnic cleansing in the region and expressed disappointment that the international community hasn’t acted more decisively.

Azerbaijan has stated its intention to reintegrate ethnic Armenians as equal citizens.

Refugees who have reached Goris in Armenia, near the Karabakh border, have shared their harrowing experiences, with one individual expressing a preference for death over their current situation.

Envoys from Armenia and Azerbaijan are scheduled to meet in Brussels for European Union-backed talks. These discussions mark the first diplomatic negotiations since Azerbaijan’s recent takeover of the enclave.

Both sides will be represented by their national security advisors.

Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region in the South Caucasus, is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by ethnic Armenians for three decades.

Armenia and Russia have provided support to the enclave, with Russia maintaining a presence of hundreds of soldiers.

Last week, as Azerbaijan’s army advanced, five Russian peacekeepers were killed, along with at least 200 ethnic Armenians and dozens of Azerbaijani soldiers.

Azerbaijan’s defense ministry has reported the confiscation of additional military equipment, including rockets, artillery shells, mines, and ammunition.

Despite public assurances from Azerbaijan, concerns persist for the well-being of Nagorno-Karabakh’s residents. Only one aid delivery of 70 tonnes of food has been allowed since separatists agreed to a ceasefire and disarm.

Ethnic Armenian leaders emphasize that thousands are in dire need of food and shelter, many resorting to seeking refuge in basements, schools, or the open air.

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Famed Italian Mafia Boss Messina Denaro Passes Away

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Italian Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, who had been one of Italy’s most sought-after fugitives until his capture earlier this year, has passed away.

Denaro, aged 61, was believed to be a prominent figure in the notorious Cosa Nostra Mafia and spent three decades evading authorities before his arrest in January. He had been undergoing cancer treatment at the time and had been transferred from prison to a hospital a month prior to his demise.

Denaro was implicated in numerous murders and had received a life sentence in absentia in 2002 for his involvement in the killings of anti-Mafia prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino in 1992. He had openly boasted about his ability to “fill a cemetery” with his victims. In addition to these crimes, he oversaw various illegal activities such as racketeering, illegal waste disposal, money laundering, and drug trafficking on behalf of the Cosa Nostra.

Despite being on the run since 1993, Denaro was believed to have continued giving orders to his subordinates from undisclosed locations.

Reports from local media indicate that he slipped into an irreversible coma on Friday while being treated at a hospital in L’Aquila, central Italy, and had requested no aggressive medical intervention. Denaro had previously undergone surgery related to his cancer but had not shown signs of recovery after the most recent operation.

L’Aquila Mayor Pierluigi Biondi confirmed Denaro’s death, describing it as “the conclusion of a life lived without remorse or regret—a painful chapter in recent history that cannot be erased.”

Apart from his criminal activities, Denaro was considered Cosa Nostra’s last “secret-keeper,” as many informants and prosecutors believed he held crucial information and the identities of individuals involved in several high-profile Mafia crimes.

His arrest in January involved over 100 members of the armed forces and occurred at a private clinic in Palermo, Sicily, where he was receiving chemotherapy. For years, Denaro had symbolized the state’s struggles in apprehending the top echelons of organized crime groups.

Italian investigators had come close to capturing him by monitoring his close associates, resulting in the 2013 arrest of his sister, Patrizia, and several of his associates. Authorities had also seized valuable businesses linked to him, leaving him increasingly isolated.

However, due to the scarcity of photographs, police had to rely on digital reconstructions to depict his appearance in the years following his fugitive status, and a recording of his voice was only released in 2021.

In September 2021, a Formula 1 fan from Liverpool was arrested at gunpoint in a restaurant in the Netherlands, mistakenly believed to be Denaro.

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Macron Announces France’s Troop Withdrawal and Ambassador Recall Amid Niger Coup

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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the withdrawal of France’s ambassador from Niger and the termination of all military cooperation with the country in response to a recent coup. Macron stated, “France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next hours, our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France,” and he declared that military cooperation is “over,” with French troops set to leave in the coming months. The military junta, which took control of Niger in July, welcomed this decision as a step toward the country’s sovereignty.

Approximately 1,500 French soldiers are stationed in the landlocked West African nation. The move comes after months of tension and protests against France’s presence in Niger, marked by regular demonstrations in the capital, Niamey. This decision has significant implications for France’s operations against Islamist militants in the broader Sahel region and its influence in the area. However, Macron emphasized that France would not allow itself to be held hostage by the coup leaders.

Macron reiterated his support for ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, currently held captive by the coup leaders, viewing him as the country’s “sole legitimate authority.” He described Bazoum as a “hostage” and suggested that the coup was motivated by his courageous reforms and political rivalries.

Niger is one of several former French colonies in West Africa where the military has recently seized power, following similar events in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Chad. Anti-French sentiment has been on the rise in the region, with accusations of neocolonialist policies against Paris.

Furthermore, concerns have emerged in the West regarding the growing influence of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group in the Sahel region. Wagner is accused of human rights abuses and has supported some of the new military regimes.

The regional Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), with France’s support, has threatened military intervention in Niger to restore President Bazoum to power, but no action has been taken thus far.

Niger’s military leaders had previously demanded the departure of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte, but the French government refused to comply and did not recognize the military regime as legitimate. This announcement from Macron comes shortly after Niger’s coup leaders banned “French aircraft” from flying over the country, restricting access to Niger’s airspace for French flights.

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Pope Francis Acknowledges Migration as a Reality, Calls for Action During Visit to France

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During a visit to the southern French city of Marseille, Pope Francis urged European nations to display increased tolerance towards migrants. Speaking at a gathering of bishops and young people from Mediterranean countries, the Pope emphasized that those risking their lives at sea should not be seen as invaders.

French President Emmanuel Macron was present during his address. The call comes amidst renewed debate on migration following mass arrivals on Italy’s Lampedusa island last week. Pope Francis stressed that migration is not an emergency but a reality that requires a wise and European response.

He also advocated for legal and regular entry routes for migrants, particularly those fleeing war, hunger, and poverty, emphasizing the duty of humanity to rescue those attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

The Pope’s visit to Marseille marked the first by a pope to the city in 500 years and included discussions on migration, economic inequality, and climate change.

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Russian Television Hints at Upcoming Tucker Carlson Show

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Russian state TV channel Rossiya 24 has released a trailer for an upcoming weekend program featuring former Fox News journalist Tucker Carlson. The state-run broadcaster did not specify whether the show would feature original content or be a translation of Carlson’s regular English-language videos on X.

In the trailer, Carlson is seen repeatedly mentioning “Russia,” with clips spliced together from previous broadcasts. The advertisement concludes with the word “24” on screen, accompanied by text stating, “The high-profile American presenter is moving to another level. Here.”

Tucker Carlson, known for his populist conservative views, was the highest-rated cable TV host during his time at Fox News. His show frequently set the agenda for conservatives and had a significant influence on the Republican party. The show covered various topics, including immigration, crime, race, gender, and sexuality, often critiquing “woke” ideology.

Carlson’s show was mentioned in a lawsuit by voting machine company Dominion over Fox News’ reporting of the 2020 presidential election, which claimed false allegations of rigging. Fox News settled the case with Dominion for $787.5 million, and Carlson left the network shortly thereafter.

Russian state TV has previously cited Carlson’s shows, mainly due to his tendency to repeat questionable Kremlin claims about Ukraine.

After leaving Fox News, Carlson started a new show on Twitter called “Tucker on Twitter,” later rebranded as “Tucker on X” following the social media platform’s rebranding.

If Rossiya 24 airs translated versions of these broadcasts, it won’t be the first Russian company to do so. The YouTube channel KarlsonTV has been translating and publishing Carlson’s shows in Russian for the past five years, amassing over one million subscribers. The channel has also been translating and publishing clips from Carlson’s new shows.

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Polish Politics Grappling with ‘Ukraine Fatigue’ Concerns

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Since the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Poland has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv, providing military aid and making a passionate case for this support as crucial to Poland’s own defense against Russian aggression. However, there has been a notable shift in the Polish government’s stance on Ukraine.

Recently, a change in tone has emerged, raising questions about Poland’s commitment to Kyiv. Some Polish officials have suggested that Ukraine should show more gratitude for Poland’s support. Poland’s prime minister even hinted at the possibility of ending weapons transfers to Ukraine, though others in his party tried to backtrack on that message.

Polish President Andrzej Duda made a particularly controversial statement, likening Ukraine to a drowning man who could potentially pull down his rescuers. Moscow seized upon these remarks with enthusiasm.

The downturn in relations between the two neighboring countries began over a dispute about grain imports that remains unresolved. Ukraine needs to export its harvest, and land routes are vital since Russia has been deliberately targeting ports on the Black Sea and the Danube River. However, Poland, in a bid to protect its own farmers, has restricted cheaper Ukrainian grain from entering its domestic market, only permitting it to transit to the rest of the European Union.

This shift in Poland’s stance is not occurring in isolation, as “Ukraine fatigue” is looming over election campaigns in various countries. Poland’s governing Law and Justice party (PiS), which is leading in the polls but faces tight margins, is positioning itself as the defender of Polish interests. PiS aims to attract conservative voters who may be sympathetic to the idea that Ukraine is not showing enough gratitude for Polish support.

Despite criticism from opposition politicians who label this shift as dangerous nationalism, Poland’s changing tone reflects a broader trend. Ukraine is concerned about maintaining strong Western support as it faces Russian forces, making this shift in Poland’s stance a cause for worry. However, Poland emphasizes that international aid will continue to reach Ukraine’s frontlines through Rzeszow in the east, a critical transit hub for military supplies. Talks between Ukraine and Poland regarding the grain dispute are ongoing.

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Armenia Prepared to Support 40,000 Families Following Nagorno-Karabakh Ceasefire

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Following the surrender of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijani forces, Armenia has declared its readiness to provide housing and support for displaced individuals from the region. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan assured that Armenia had made arrangements for tens of thousands of people, although he believed there was no immediate threat to the ethnic Armenians in Karabakh. On the other hand, authorities in Karabakh had raised concerns about potential ethnic cleansing.

Under a Russian-brokered ceasefire, local Karabakh forces agreed to complete disarmament and disbandment, leading to a sense of uncertainty and distress among the population. Armenia’s Prime Minister emphasized that the estimated 120,000 ethnic Armenians in the region should be allowed to stay in their homes under safe and dignified conditions. Armenia had also prepared to accommodate up to 40,000 families in case of an influx of refugees.

The situation on the ground appeared tense, with reports of sporadic violence and disputes over the ceasefire’s implementation. Delegations from Armenia and Azerbaijan convened to discuss Nagorno-Karabakh’s future, and while the talks were described as constructive, significant challenges remained unresolved.

The region of Nagorno-Karabakh, recognized as part of Azerbaijan but controlled by ethnic Armenians, has experienced longstanding conflicts, with fears of further displacement and ethnic tensions following recent developments. The United Nations Security Council was scheduled to address the issue, and international observers had limited access to verify reported casualties due to a blockade imposed on the region.

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French Journalist Detained for Exposing Classified Information

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A French journalist, Ariane Lavrilleux, was held overnight and subjected to police questioning in connection with a 2021 investigative report that alleged French intelligence involvement in Egyptian operations resulting in civilian casualties. The incident unfolded when police conducted a search of Lavrilleux’s residence on September 19 and subsequently took her into custody. Her detention came as part of an inquiry related to potential breaches of national security.

Lavrilleux’s lawyer disclosed that she was released after spending a night in custody. Amnesty International expressed grave concerns about the journalist’s arrest, emphasizing the potential threat it posed to press freedom and source confidentiality. Katia Roux, a representative from Amnesty International, remarked on the arrest, stating, “To put in police custody a journalist for doing her job, moreover for revealing information of public interest, could be a threat to freedom of the press and confidentiality of sources.”

Ariane Lavrilleux had reportedly been questioned by officers from the French intelligence service, specifically the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI). Her 2021 report, published by the French investigative journalism website Disclose, relied on leaked classified documents to assert that French intelligence had been used by Egyptian authorities to bomb and kill smugglers along the Egyptian-Libyan border between 2016 and 2018. The report alleged French involvement in “at least 19 bombings” against civilians.

Disclose stated that French authorities, under both President François Hollande and President Emmanuel Macron, were continuously informed about these developments by personnel in “several military departments” but had disregarded their concerns. The publication of the report included national security secrets, which led to France’s armed forces ministry filing a legal complaint for “violation of national defence secrets.”

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned Lavrilleux’s arrest, calling for the cessation of all criminal investigations against her and advocating for the police to refrain from questioning her about her sources. Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative, highlighted the importance of allowing journalists to freely report on national defense and security matters, expressing concerns that questioning reporters about their confidential sources could deter reporting on such issues.

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Poland Halts Weapon Exports to Ukraine Amidst Grain Dispute

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One of Ukraine’s steadfast supporters, Poland, has declared that it will cease its weapon supplies to its neighboring country, Ukraine, citing a diplomatic dispute regarding Ukraine’s grain exports as the primary reason. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasized that Poland’s current focus is on bolstering its own defense capabilities with more modern weaponry.

Poland had already provided Ukraine with significant military assistance, including 320 Soviet-era tanks and 14 MiG-29 fighter jets. However, their willingness to continue such support has dwindled, coinciding with escalating tensions between the two nations.

The recent diplomatic rift was triggered when Poland, along with Hungary and Slovakia, extended a ban on Ukrainian grain imports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s comments at the United Nations, characterizing their actions as political theater, added fuel to the fire. Poland viewed these remarks as unjustified, given their longstanding support for Ukraine.

In his interview, Prime Minister Morawiecki underlined that while Poland remains committed to assisting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression, it could not allow its own markets to be destabilized by Ukrainian grain imports. He pointed out that Poland was already replacing its depleted military hardware, which had been significantly reduced through transfers to Ukraine, with modern Western-produced equipment.

While arms exports to Ukraine will not cease entirely, only previously agreed deliveries of ammunition and armaments, including those from existing contracts with Ukraine, will be fulfilled. This decision reflects Poland’s commitment to its own security and stability, while the future of its assistance to Ukraine remains uncertain.

The ongoing grain dispute arises from Ukraine’s need to find alternative overland routes for grain exports due to Russia’s full-scale invasion, which nearly closed the main Black Sea shipping lanes. Consequently, large quantities of grain flowed into Central Europe, leading the European Union to temporarily ban grain imports into several countries. Despite the EU lifting the ban, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia have maintained it, leading to Ukraine’s WTO lawsuits against these nations. Poland has signaled its intention to uphold the ban, while also hinting at the possibility of expanding the list of banned products should Ukraine escalate the grain dispute. However, diplomatic channels remain open, with discussions ongoing to seek a mutually beneficial solution.

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Nagorno-Karabakh Authorities Accept Azerbaijan’s Request for Disarmament

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A day after Azerbaijan initiated an offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic-Armenian forces have agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Russia. This agreement includes the significant concession of complete disarmament by Karabakh forces. Nagorno-Karabakh, home to around 120,000 ethnic Armenians, is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.

Three years ago, Azerbaijan reclaimed areas in and around Karabakh and, on Tuesday, demanded an unconditional surrender. Karabakh authorities have reported at least 32 casualties, including seven civilians, and approximately 200 injuries since Azerbaijan launched what it termed “anti-terror” operations.

Azerbaijan’s leadership has announced plans to meet with Armenian representatives from Karabakh to discuss “re-integration” matters in the Azerbaijani town of Yevlakh, located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Karabakh’s regional capital, known as Khankendi to Azerbaijanis and Stepanakert to Armenians.

Mediated by Russian peacekeepers, enclave leaders have confirmed a comprehensive cessation of hostilities beginning at 13:00 local time (09:00 GMT). However, despite the ceasefire, loud explosions persisted in the regional capital, and minor clashes were reported by both sides. Azerbaijan claimed to have captured over 90 positions from ethnic Armenians since the conflict began.

Karabakh officials urged residents to remain in shelters and avoid heading to the local airport, which adjoins a Russian peacekeeping base. Nonetheless, a group of civilians gathered near the airport.

Russia revealed that its peacekeepers had evacuated 2,000 people from Karabakh villages since the offensive commenced. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that his government played no part in crafting the ceasefire text and insisted that Russian peacekeepers bore full responsibility for the safety of the local population. On Tuesday, he accused Azerbaijan of carrying out “ethnic cleansing” in Karabakh.

The terms of the truce require complete disarmament and disbandment of local Karabakh forces, along with a commitment for Armenian forces to withdraw, despite Yerevan’s denial of any military presence there.

Azerbaijan’s presidential envoy, Elchin Amirbekov, stated that Russian peacekeepers played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire’s implementation.

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