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France Apologises to US Over Human Rights Criticism

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France has expressed regret over a social media post criticising the United States for voting against extending the term of U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk. The July 25 post triggered a diplomatic dispute between the two allies.

The controversy escalated when the U.S. delegation walked out of a U.N. Security Council meeting while France was speaking. Washington also reportedly considered blocking France’s nominee for ambassador to the United States, Aurelien Lechevallier.

France said the disagreement concerned a single vote and did not question the broader defence of human rights. The U.S. State Department welcomed the statement, potentially clearing the way for Lechevallier’s approval as France’s next ambassador in Washington.

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BRICS Adopts Joint Declaration, Calls for Maximum Restraint in Middle East

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BRICS nations have unanimously adopted a joint declaration expressing deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East and calling for “maximum restraint.” The statement was issued on the first day of the BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi, amid renewed exchanges of strikes between the United States and Iran.

The declaration urged countries to avoid actions that could further worsen tensions and supported a multilateral approach that respects the positions of individual nations. BRICS members also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving international disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.

The agreement was seen as a significant diplomatic outcome because the bloc includes both Iran and the UAE, a close US partner. The declaration also raised concerns over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that could distort global trade, highlighting broader economic and geopolitical issues facing the expanding BRICS grouping.

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Spain Approves Citizenship for Sahrawis

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Spain’s lower house of parliament has approved legislation granting Spanish citizenship to Sahrawis born during the period when Spain administered Western Sahara. The bill passed with 168 votes in favour, 31 against and 145 abstentions, and would also allow eligible citizens’ descendants to apply for citizenship.

The move could benefit an estimated 70,000 to 110,000 Sahrawis. Spain ruled Western Sahara from 1884 until 1976, after which Morocco asserted control over much of the territory. The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, continues to seek independence for Western Sahara.

The citizenship decision could further complicate Spain’s already sensitive relationship with Morocco. Spain shifted its position in 2022 by backing Morocco’s proposal for autonomy in Western Sahara, after previously supporting a UN-backed referendum on the territory’s future.

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Swiss Government Rejects Stricter Neutrality Ahead of Referendum

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Switzerland’s government has rejected a proposal to introduce a stricter definition of neutrality into the country’s constitution ahead of a nationwide referendum on September 27. The initiative seeks to make Swiss neutrality permanent and armed, while preventing the country from joining military alliances.

Supporters, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, argue that Switzerland’s neutrality has been weakened by its decision to impose sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine and by closer cooperation with NATO on areas including military training. They also want Switzerland barred from taking part in conflicts between third countries or imposing sanctions on warring nations unless authorised by the United Nations.

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis defended the government’s position, saying Switzerland remains neutral and does not need a more restrictive definition. He warned that the proposed constitutional changes could limit the country’s ability to cooperate with foreign partners during emerging security threats. A June Tamedia poll showed 34% support for the initiative, compared with 54% opposed.

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EU Pledges Fresh Support to Armenia Amid Rising Russian Economic Pressure

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The European Union has announced an additional €18 million in economic assistance for Armenia and eased export rules for Armenian goods as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the South Caucasus nation. The support comes as Armenia faces increasing trade restrictions from Russia, which have affected key exports including fresh produce, flowers, fish, and alcoholic beverages. The latest funding forms part of a broader €52 million assistance package unveiled earlier this year.

During a visit to Yerevan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that the EU would stand by Armenia despite external economic pressure. She said the bloc would remove tariffs on nearly 80% of Armenian exports, giving businesses easier access to the European Union’s market of around 450 million consumers. Von der Leyen emphasised that the EU would continue supporting partners facing economic challenges.

The announcement reflects Armenia’s growing efforts to strengthen relations with the European Union while maintaining its position in the Russian-led economic union. Russia remains Armenia’s largest trading partner, accounting for about 35% of its foreign trade, while the EU represents around 11%. The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and regional connectivity in the South Caucasus through investments in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.

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Pope Leo Urges Leaders to Fight Hunger Instead of Fueling Wars

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Pope Leo criticized world leaders for prioritizing military conflicts over humanitarian needs, saying governments are “feeding” wars while millions continue to face hunger. Speaking at the headquarters of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome, the pope warned that global political and moral priorities have become dangerously unbalanced.

The pontiff urged nations to increase spending on food security and humanitarian aid rather than limiting assistance due to geopolitical interests. He stressed that access to food is a fundamental human right and argued that tackling hunger should be a central international priority. Leo also cautioned that many humanitarian crises are being pushed aside as countries focus more on national security and economic concerns.

Highlighting the link between hunger and global stability, Pope Leo said food security is essential for lasting peace and international security. His remarks come as the WFP warns that acute food insecurity is expected to worsen across multiple countries due to conflict, funding shortages, and climate-related challenges. The agency is seeking $13 billion in donations for 2026 to support its worldwide operations.

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No-Fly Zone for US-Iran Talks Causes Flight Disruptions at Zurich Airport

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Flight operations at Zurich Airport faced significant disruptions after a technical issue linked to security measures for ongoing US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland. Swiss air traffic control authority Skyguide said the problem occurred when a newly established restricted airspace over the Buergenstock resort, where the negotiations are taking place, was integrated into radar systems at short notice.

The no-fly zone was implemented after the decision to host the latest round of talks was finalized only a day earlier. The technical glitch temporarily affected air traffic management, leading to cancellations and delays. Airport officials reported that 12 arriving flights and 14 departing flights were cancelled, while at least 60 departures experienced delays before the issue was resolved.

Authorities confirmed that operations have since returned to normal and that aviation safety was never compromised. The security restrictions coincide with high-level diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran at the Swiss resort, which has been chosen as a discreet and secure venue for the sensitive negotiations.

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Ukraine Accepts Brazil’s Peace Initiative as Diplomatic Efforts to End War Gain Momentum

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has accepted an offer from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to help advance diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia. The agreement came during a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, where they discussed ways to revive stalled peace negotiations.

According to Ukrainian officials, Lula proposed several diplomatic initiatives, including increased engagement with the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Both leaders agreed to explore these ideas further and assess their effectiveness through future discussions and international contacts.

The renewed diplomatic push comes as previous U.S.-backed peace efforts have struggled to make progress, largely due to disagreements over territorial issues. Brazil has signalled its willingness to engage key global powers in search of a peaceful resolution, while Ukraine continues to seek broader international support to bring an end to the conflict.

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Switzerland Confirms Ongoing US-Iran Talks at Bürgenstock Amid Diplomatic Efforts

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Switzerland has confirmed that discussions related to the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran are continuing at Bürgenstock. The Swiss Foreign Ministry said it is providing a discreet and reliable venue to facilitate the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

In a statement, Swiss authorities emphasized their role as a neutral host and declined to reveal any information about the participants involved in the talks. The ministry also refrained from disclosing details regarding the agenda or progress of the discussions, citing confidentiality requirements.

The continued talks highlight Switzerland’s longstanding role in supporting diplomatic dialogue during sensitive international negotiations. While officials have remained tight-lipped about the content of the meetings, the discussions are seen as part of broader efforts to maintain communication and address key issues between Washington and Tehran.

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Lee, Trump Discuss Korea Peace at G7 Summit

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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said he made significant progress on discussions about peace on the Korean Peninsula during a lengthy conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit in France. Lee described their 90-minute dinner discussion as productive, focusing on regional security and South Korea-U.S. relations.

Following the talks, Trump gifted Lee the pen he had used to sign documents at the summit, a gesture Lee said mirrored an earlier meeting where Trump received one of his pens. Trump also repeatedly suggested a future golf outing with Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung, with the South Korean leader joking that he may now need to prepare for the game.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation in areas such as shipbuilding and reaffirmed the importance of trilateral collaboration between South Korea, the United States, and Japan. During the summit, Lee urged Trump to take a leading role in pursuing a peaceful resolution to tensions with North Korea, while Trump reportedly praised Lee as a “strong leader.”

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