Olympic Committee chief pushes back on China's political statements

Olympic Committee chief pushes back on China's political statements

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach pushed back Friday against statements made by a Chinese official in what appeared to be a rare public reproach of host China. Responding to a question about comments a spokeswoman for the Beijing Olympics made at a news conference Thursday, Bach said Olympic officials had not ignored the “problem” … Read more

North Korea celebrates late leader’s birthday, pushes for unity

North Korea celebrates late leader’s birthday, pushes for unity

KCNA said senior officials visiting Samjiyon city observed fireworks and a music concert. It’s rare for North Korea to hold a high-profile state event in the city at the foot of Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula which is the heart of North Korea’s foundation myth revolving around the Kim family. A … Read more

EU offers more talks, pushes de-escalation in letter to Russia

EU offers more talks, pushes de-escalation in letter to Russia

The EU is ready to continue formal talks about Russia’s massive troop build-up along the Ukrainian border, the bloc said in a letter for Moscow, calling once again on the Kremlin to pull back its military. The letter, a draft of which was seen by POLITICO, represents the EU’s collective response to a recent memo … Read more

Italian President Sergio Mattarella pushes back retirement for second term

Italian President Sergio Mattarella pushes back retirement for second term

ROME — Italian President Sergio Mattarella was pulled away from his impending retirement and reelected Saturday to a second seven-year term as the country’s head of state, ending days of political impasse by party leaders that risked eroding the nation’s credibility. Earlier Saturday, lawmakers entreated Mattarella, 80, who had said repeatedly he didn’t want a … Read more