European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a free-trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc is “in sight” but faces resistance ahead of a two-day summit in Uruguay. Leaders from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay are negotiating the pact to establish the world’s largest free trade zone. However, Italy’s opposition threatens to derail the 20-year effort to create the world’s largest free-trade zone.
EU chief makes final push to secure Mercosur free trade agreement
HRW urges Zambia to end crackdown on opposition following elections
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Zambian authorities to cease their crackdown on the political opposition, which intensified after President Hakainde Hichilema’s August election victory.
The future of the Palestinian vote in Israel raises questions about democracy
In the October 27 elections, Palestinian citizens in Israel achieved a historic turnout of approximately 80%, enabling two Arab parties to secure 19 Knesset seats.