NDO - The world oil market reacted immediately after the decision of US President Donald Trump to end exemptions from sanctions for countries still buying oil from Iran. The European Union (EU) and many countries are concerned about the negative effects of this decision on the stability of the Middle East, despite US allies' commitment to ensure sufficient supply. 

NDO – As the Chairman of the African Union (AU), Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi hosted a troika summit in Cairo to discuss crises in Africa, including the upheavals in Libya and Sudan. The event is expected to come up with solutions to remove the conflict detonator and prevent the wide-spreading of tensions in the region. 

NDO – Although the official results of the Ukrainian presidential election must wait ten more days to be announced, incumbent President Petro Poroshenko admitted defeat, while leading candidate comedian Volodymyr Zelensky received words of congratulations and affirmed that he would not “disappoint” those who have placed strong expectations in change for the country after many years of being engulfed in crisis. 

NDO - In recent days, many countries, including the US, the Republic of Korea (RoK), China, and Qatar have officially launched the fifth generation telecoms network (5G). The 5G technology provides countries with the opportunity to become pioneers in the fourth industrial revolution therefore the “5G race” is heating up. 

NDO - US and Japanese negotiators have just closed the first round of trade talks to address bilateral trade issues. With the initial negotiation results and visits made by leaders of the two countries in the near future, analysts hope that the trade talks will bring about a “happy ending”. 

NDO – Sudan has fallen into a serious political crisis since President Omar al-Bashir was ousted. Worried about the risk of increased uncertainties in Sudan threatening regional security, the African Union (AU) and the international community have called on the parties concerned to hold dialogue to avoid escalating tensions. There are warnings of an “Arab Spring” coming later in Sudan, unless measures are taken to promptly stabilise the situation in this East African nation. 

NDO – Over recent days, “waves” have resurged in the Gulf as a result of tensions between the United States and Iran, after US President Donald Trump took an unprecedented step in dealing with Iran, labelling the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organisation. The US move has triggered fears that Tehran would apply retaliatory blows. A new “fire pan” is at risk of breaking out if the parties concerned do not take moves to cool down tensions. 

NDO – Every effort by the United Nations to seek peace for Libya seems to have returned to its starting point as conflict erupted once again in the North African nation. More than eight years after the “Arab Spring”, Libya is still submerged in divisions and crises, and is once again at risk of being embroiled in a bloody civil war, threatening regional security. 

NDO - Russian President V. Putin had a meeting with his counterpart T. Erdogan within the framework of an official visit to Moscow by the Turkish leader. The two sides agreed to promote bilateral cooperation to achieve the goal of raising two-way trade revenue to US$100 billion, while promoting joint energy projects, as well as continuing to “shake hands” in dealing with issues related to Syria. The bilateral relationship is seemingly developing in a favourable direction. 

NDO – The first round of the Ukrainian presidential election has wrapped up with none of the dozens of candidates getting more than 50% of the votes. The two front-runners, 41-year-old comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy and incumbent President Petro Poroshenko, will have three weeks to prepare for their fierce race in the second round of voting, scheduled for April 21. 

British Prime Minister Theresa May has to consider what next steps she and her government will take on Brexit after lawmakers on Monday (April 1) night rejected for a second time an alternative list of options aimed at breaking the current Brexit deadlock. 

NDO - The 30th Arab League (AL) Summit concluded in Tunis, Tunisia, with a 17-chapter joint declaration, calling on support from the international community to address regional challenges, in which, priority issues related to the Palestinian statehood, Golan Heights, and conflicts in Libya and Syria. The summit delivered a message about strengthening internal solidarity and promoting dialogue. 

NDO – US President Donald Trump signing a decree recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights shortly before his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shows the White House boss’s support for the ally. However, the international community fears that President Trump’s new decision will trigger strong reaction from many countries in the region. 

NDO – After days of calming down, the ‘yellow vests’ protests in France resurged last week, putting President Emmanuel Macron’s government in the face of serious challenges. In parallel with the unrest caused by protests and riots, the French economy is currently at risk of a serious downturn.