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Putin hosts Iranian president Raisi for talks on trade, weapons

Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday held talks with Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on trade and an expected arms deal. Iranian officials confirmed late November rumours surrounding a large weapons deal, which includes fighter jets, between Tehran and Moscow. This is “the first time Iran has purchased fighter jets since the 1990s, which could be a big shift in the military power balance in [the Middle East],” Russia correspondent Daniel Hawkins told FRANCE 24.

In Belgium, sexual abuse in Catholic Church sparks debate over state funding

Belgium

In Belgium, a recent documentary on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church has caused shock and soul-searching, reigniting a debate about the way religion is funded in the country. Unlike in neighbouring France, the Belgian state finances officially recognised religions, with representatives of the Catholic Church receiving the best pay. But the abuse scandal has seen many people demand a change in the rules. The justice ministry has asked the Church to remove members of the clergy guilty of sexual abuse from the list of those paid by the state, and a parliamentary inquiry is underway. Our correspondent reports.