Putin defends sports neutrality as UNESCO elects new leader amid global tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked those who helped restore the Russian Paralympic Committee's rights, stressing the importance of international sports organisations in uniting nations. Meanwhile, he has stated that sports should not be used as a political tool. In other news, UNESCO has elected Khaled El-Enany as its new director general, while the Israeli military has launched strikes in southern Lebanon.
Putin's remarks come amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. He emphasised that sports should not be affected by conflicts or geopolitical differences. Meanwhile, the European Commission has clarified that it lacks the authority to impose a general ban on issuing visas to Russian citizens.
In cultural news, UNESCO's General Assembly, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, elected Khaled El-Enany, an Egyptian politician and Egyptologist, as its new director general. The vote was overwhelming, with 172 out of 174 votes in favour.
In the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV received Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in audience. This meeting comes as the Israeli military has initiated a series of strikes in southern Lebanon.
In space news, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov has become the seventh special correspondent for TASS on the International Space Station.
Back on Earth, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service has accused NATO of calling on Ukraine to carry out an act of sabotage at the Zaporozhye NPP, which could have led to a meltdown of its nuclear reactors. This accusation comes as Russian troops targeted energy and transport infrastructure supporting the Ukrainian army, as well as storage and launch sites for long-range attack drones in 149 districts.
Internationally, the United States government has expressed readiness to work with Nigeria to protect Christians and ensure security in the West African region.
These developments highlight the interconnectedness of global politics, culture, and security. From the unity of sports to the election of a new UNESCO director general, and from the Israeli military strikes to the U.S.-Nigeria cooperation, the world continues to navigate complex challenges and opportunities.
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