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Iran support for Palestine

Iran’s foreign minister has reiterated the Islamic Republic’s support for Palestinian people and the cause of liberating Palestine. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the comments in a closed-door meeting with leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad resistance movements in Lebanon. He assured them that Iran will not back down from its policy of supporting Palestinian resistance groups, especially in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian leaders, for their turn, described resistance as a strategic choice for Palestinian people. They added that anti-Israeli operations will continue across the West Bank. Amir-Abdollahian is in Lebanon on the second leg of his regional tour, which has already taken him to Syria. Once in Beirut, he said Iran will continue supporting the Lebanese nation while calling for further expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

China-US tensions

China has strongly condemned a US decision to provide Taiwan with military aid under a program used for sovereign states. Beijing says the move is a serious violation of the one-China principle to which Washington is committed. Wang made the remarks in response to President Joe Biden administration's approval of the first-ever provision of arms to Taiwan under the so-called Foreign Military Financing program. US media reports said the State Department intends to dedicate up to 80 million dollars in military support to Taiwan under that program. Beijing has repeatedly warned against any official exchanges between Washington and Taipei, including provision of military assistance to the island. The top Chinese diplomat urged the US to abide by the one-China principle and stop arming Taiwan and fanning the flames of tensions in the region.

Niger anti-France sentiments

Military leaders in Niger have temporality suspended the activities and movements of NGOs, UN agencies, and other international organizations in military operation zones.  Niger’s Interior Ministry said the decision is linked to the current security situation in the West African country. Earlier on Thursday, the military government canceled the visa of the French ambassador and instructed police to expel him. Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, reiterated its call for Niger’s deposed president Mohamed Bazoum to be reinstated. Nigerian president Bola Tinubu, who heads ECOWAS, said nine months would be enough for the transition back to democracy in Niger. Niger’s military leaders say they want a maximum three-year transition period to restore constitutional order. They accuse some Western countries, including France, of interfering in Niger’s affairs.

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