Lebanon economic crisis worsened by vested interests, IMF says

By Maya Gebeily BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanon’s financial crisis has been aggravated by vested interests resisting crucial reforms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday, warning that no action could lead the country “down an unpredictable road”. The nearly four-year economic meltdown has cost the local currency roughly 98% of its value, seen GDP contract…

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Mexico president vows to clean up corruption at food security agency Segalmex

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday vowed to clean up cases of fraud and corruption at Segalmex, a government organization aimed at promoting food self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector. Segalmex, created by Lopez Obrador, has been the target of multiple corruption accusations, with several former employees arrested by the…

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US Democrats aim to pressure Republicans with abortion, gun bills ahead of 2024

By Richard Cowan and Moira Warburton WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. congressional Democrats are trying to force votes on abortion and gun control bills, which have slim chances of success this year, but could resonate with voters in districts represented by moderate Republicans they hope to oust in the 2024 elections. With only a 51-49 Democratic…

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Russian sexologists to target homosexuality, other ‘disorders’ under new rules

(Reuters) – Russian clinics will soon be staffed with sexologists to help patients “overcome” homosexuality and various sexual “mental disorders”, a health ministry order said, in the latest Kremlin attack on what it calls “non-traditional lifestyles.” The order, which takes effect on July 1, comes amid a clampdown on LGBT rights, which President Vladimir Putin…

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Microsoft’s appeal of UK Activision veto to go ahead as planned

LONDON (Reuters) – Microsoft’s appeal against Britain’s veto of its $69 billion deal to buy Activision Blizzard will go ahead as planned at the end of July after the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) rejected the antitrust regulator’s request for a delay. The Competition and Markets Authority, which blocked the takeover in April, wanted the hearing…

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U.S. condemns Bosnian Serb actions on constitutional court

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday condemned a vote by lawmakers in Bosnia’s autonomous Serb Republic to suspend rulings by Bosnia’s constitutional court, saying the move undermined the Dayton Peace Agreement. The new law, approved on Tuesday, violates the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitution and runs counter to the Dayton Peace Agreement, State Department…

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Israel’s Herzog to address joint meeting of US Congress on July 19

By Rami Ayyub WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. lawmakers on Thursday invited Israel’s president to address a joint meeting of Congress on July 19, a top honor aimed at celebrating Israel’s 75th birthday even as tensions rise with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government. Isaac Herzog’s address will be the first by an Israeli president, a largely…

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From behind bars, Greek far-right populist propels ultra-nationalists

By Michele Kambas and Renee Maltezou ATHENS (Reuters) – With backing from a politician jailed for leading a party declared a criminal gang, Greek far-right groups swept up over 12% of the vote in Sunday’s election, mirroring the rise of populist and ultra-nationalist politicians across Europe. The surge of three parties with their ultra-nationalist views…

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US abortion pill access could hinge on whether doctors had right to sue

By Tom Hals WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) – A prominent U.S. lawsuit to ban the abortion pill mifepristone has focused on the drug’s safety and approval process. But the outcome may ultimately rest on a different issue: whether Ingrid Skop, an anti-abortion doctor in Texas, and other physicians behind the lawsuit can justify suing in the…

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