Lebanon finance minister, World Bank urge formation of government

The World Bank and Lebanon's caretaker finance minister jointly called on Friday for the formation of a new government after half a year of political stalemate, saying a new administration was needed to halt "confusion" over the economy.

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Brussels police water-cannon 'yellow vest' protesters

Belgian police fired water-cannon in central Brussels on Friday to drive back protesters inspired by France's "yellow vest" anti-tax movement who hurled rocks and firecrackers near the prime minister's office.

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EU will extend Russia sanctions in December: Tusk

The European Union will extend its existing economic sanctions on Russia next month, a top official with the bloc said on Friday after Moscow's action against Ukraine's navy in the Sea of Azov.

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Ebola outbreak in east Congo now world's second biggest

The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is now the second biggest in history, with 426 confirmed and probable cases, the health ministry said late on Thursday.

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Turkish court rules to keep Kurdish politician Demirtas in jail: lawyer

A Turkish court has ruled that the former leader of Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition remain in prison, his lawyer said on Twitter on Friday, after top EU officials last week called for the politician's swift release.

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Ukraine's security service raids home of Russian-backed monastery head

Ukraine's state security service said it raided the residence of a senior Russian-backed Orthodox priest on Friday, who heads one of the country's holiest sites, citing a clause in the criminal code relating to whipping up religious hatred.

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EU's Tusk says no deal or no Brexit if UK parliament rejects deal

Britain's choice would be to leave the European Union without a deal or abandon Brexit altogether if its parliament rejects an agreement between the EU and Prime Minister Theresa May, European Council President Donald Tusk said on Friday.

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Overturning Napoleon-era rights, France bans smacking kids

Members of the French parliament voted in favor of a ban on parents smacking their children, falling into line with the majority of European Union member states, although there will be no punishment for breaking the law.

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EU's Tusk says sure EU will roll over Russia sanctions

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Friday he was sure that EU leaders will roll over sanctions on Russia at a summit he will chair in two weeks due to Moscow's action against Ukraine's navy in the Sea of Azov.

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Indonesian city plans to fine residents for 'LGBT behavior'

An Indonesian city has approved a bylaw to fine gay or transgender people up to 1 million rupiah ($70) for behavior that could "disturb public order" or be considered immoral, the city's deputy mayor said on Friday.

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Hungary's Orban says stands behind Ukraine in crisis with Russia

Hungary backs Ukraine in a conflict with Russia, despite the Ukrainian government taking anti-Hungarian positions, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said during a visit to Prague on Friday.

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Blockchain platform goes live for North Sea crude oil trading

Oil majors and trading firms can start finalizing crude oil deals on a live blockchain-based platform for the first time, in a move that could revolutionize the market.

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UK PM May to hold bilateral meeting with Saudi crown prince

British Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G20 summit in Argentina, her spokesman confirmed on Friday.

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