By Gizem Nisa Demir
ISTANBUL (AA) - Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Friday, including Pakistan launching airstrikes across several parts of Afghanistan, bilateral talks between US and Ukrainian officials concluding in Geneva, with a new round already being prepared, and a report saying that nuclear talks between the US and Iran were “positive."
TOP STORIES
- Pakistan launches airstrikes in Afghan capital, 2 provinces, says Kabul
Pakistan’s military carried out airstrikes in several parts of Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul, as well as Kandahar and Paktia provinces, according to an Afghan government spokesman.
In a statement, Afghan authorities said Pakistani forces conducted aerial attacks targeting “certain areas” across Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia provinces.
The strikes were confirmed by a government spokesman, who added that no casualties had been reported.
- US-Ukraine talks end in Geneva as Kyiv says next round being prepared
Bilateral talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Geneva have concluded, with Kyiv saying preparations are already underway for the next round of negotiations aimed at advancing efforts to end the war with Russia.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said in a post on the US social media company X’s platform that the discussions took place in two formats, including separate meetings with the American side and a trilateral meeting involving the US and Switzerland.
“Another round of negotiations has concluded in Geneva,” Umerov said, adding that after the meetings, he and lawmaker Davyd Arakhamia, along with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, held a joint call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss outcomes and next steps.
- US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva were 'positive': Report
Nuclear talks between the US and Iran in Geneva, Switzerland were "positive," the Axios news site reported, citing a US official.
Axios said the official did not immediately provide additional details.
The report came after US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva.
The US side was "disappointed" by the Iranian positions during the morning session, Axios said, citing a source familiar with the talks.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over reports of cross-border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, said his spokesman.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the next trilateral peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US will “most likely” take place in the United Arab Emirates’ capital, Abu Dhabi.
- Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran and Washington “moved closer to agreement” on certain issues and that seriousness was evident on both sides.
- Afghanistan said it launched retaliatory strikes against Pakistan, targeting military centers and installations along the border.
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for early parliamentary elections to be held on March 24, according to the broadcaster DR.
- India and Israel elevated bilateral ties and decided to establish a partnership in critical and emerging technologies.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was set to arrive in India in his first visit to the country as he seeks to repair strained ties and diversify trade away from the US, a report said.
- A group of pro-Trump attorneys and activists in the US is circulating a draft presidential executive order they say would declare a national emergency over alleged foreign interference in the 2020 election, giving President Donald Trump sweeping authority over voting, according to local media.
- Authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo said they had discovered two mass graves in South Kivu province, particularly in areas near the city Uvira vacated by the M23 rebels.
- US Vice President JD Vance said that while President Donald Trump is weighing potential military strikes against Iran, there is “no chance” the United States would become involved in a drawn-out war.
- Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton denied any knowledge of the criminal activities of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell during a closed-door deposition before a congressional committee.
- Cuban authorities have been in contact with US officials following an alleged terrorist infiltration attempt involving a vessel that departed from US territory, according to a senior diplomat.
- Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos arrived at the White House for meetings related to the company’s bid to purchase portions of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), according to CNBC.
- A Kenyan man has been charged with human trafficking for allegedly recruiting young Kenyans to fight for the Russian army in the war in Ukraine, said the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
- World Economic Forum CEO resigns over Epstein ties
World Economic Forum President and CEO Borge Brende resigned after reports surfaced that he had exchanged emails and text messages with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, though his resignation letter made no mention of Epstein.
In a statement, Forum Co-Chairs Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink said Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim chief and president.
Brende, who has led the WEF since 2017, said he made the decision after the US Justice Department disclosed that he had attended three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged emails and text messages with him.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as president and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My 8½ years here have been profoundly rewarding,” he said.
- IMF approves $8.1B loan for Ukraine to support its post-war recovery
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that its Executive Board approved an $8.1 billion four-year loan for Ukraine, with an immediate disbursement of around $1.5 billion.
The new Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement forms part of a broader $136.5 billion international support package aimed at sustaining Ukraine’s economy amid its ongoing war with Russia, it said.
“Ukraine and its people have weathered a long and devastating war for over four years with remarkable resilience,” IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in the statement.