Iraq approves record $153 billion budget including big public hiring

By Ahmed Rasheed and Timour Azhari BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Iraq’s parliament on Monday approved a 2023 budget of 198.9 trillion dinars ($153 billion) that sets out record spending on a growing public wage bill and development projects to improve services and rebuild infrastructure ruined by neglect and war. The budget deficit is estimated at a record…

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EU considering major Tunisia aid package as migration surges

TUNIS (Reuters) -The European Union said on Sunday it may loan Tunisia over 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion) to help develop its battered economy, rescue state finances and deal with a migration crisis, with most funds contingent on it agreeing economic reforms. The offer was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during…

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Iran’s Khamenei says ‘nothing wrong’ with a nuclear deal with West

By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran’s supreme leader on Sunday said a deal with the West over Tehran’s nuclear work was possible if the country’s nuclear infrastructure remained intact, amid a stalemate between Tehran and Washington to revive a 2015 nuclear pact. Months of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington to salvage the nuclear accord…

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Three British tourists missing after fire on boat in Red Sea

CAIRO (Reuters) – Three British tourists were missing and 12 had been rescued after a motor boat caught fire on Sunday off the Egyptian Red Sea coast, Egyptian officials and security sources said. The survivors were brought to safety in the nearby diving resort of Marsa Shagra, about 21km (13 miles) north of the town…

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Saudi Arabia seeks cooperation with China, ‘ignores’ Western worries

By Aziz El Yaakoubi and Maha El Dahan RIYADH (Reuters) -Saudi Arabia wants to collaborate, not compete, with China, the kingdom’s energy minister declared on Sunday, saying he “ignored” Western suspicions over their growing ties. As the world’s top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia’s bilateral relationship with the world’s biggest energy consumer is anchored by hydrocarbon…

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Soccer-Jubilant Man City overcome Inter to complete the treble

By Martyn Herman ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Manchester City finally expanded their domestic domination across the continent as they beat Inter Milan 1-0 with a second-half Rodri goal to win the Champions League for the first time and complete a rare treble on a nervous Saturday evening. Pre-match talk of a stroll to European soccer’s most-cherished crown…

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Russia has received hundreds of Iranian drones to attack Ukraine, says White House

By Jeff Mason and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House said on Friday that Russia appeared to be deepening its defense cooperation with Iran and had received hundreds of one-way attack drones that it is using to strike Ukraine. Citing newly declassified information, the White House said the drones, or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),…

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Toddlers stable after Annecy attack, Macron hails emergency responders

By Antony Paone and Geert De Clercq ANNECY, France (Reuters) -Two toddlers gravely wounded by a knifeman in the French mountain town of Annecy were in a stable condition on Friday and doctors are optimistic for their recovery, President Emmanuel Macron said. Well-wishers laid flowers on Friday at the playground where the suspect, said by…

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