AP

By STEPHEN McGRATH Associated Press CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldova’s electoral commission on Friday barred two pro-Russian parties from participating in this weekend’s tense parliamentary election, which is beleaguered by widespread claims of Russian interference. The outcome of Sunday’s high-stakes vote could determine whether Moldova, a Soviet republic until 1991 and a candidate for European

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Slovakia’s parliament on Friday passed an amendment to the constitution that recognizes only two sexes, along with other measures that critics say might breach the country’s international obligations and undermine the protection of human rights. The amendment, which was drafted by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, required a three-fifths majority.

By EMMA BURROWS AP European Security Correspondent LONDON (AP) — Russia is selling military equipment and technology to China that could help Beijing prepare an airborne invasion of Taiwan, according to an analysis of leaked Russian documents by a U.K.-based defense and security forum. The Royal United Services Institute’s analysis is based on around 800

By JAMEY KEATEN Associated Press GENEVA (AP) — The United Nations has added nearly 70 more companies to a blacklist of firms from 11 countries that it says are complicit in violating Palestinian human rights through their business ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The new list spotlights companies that do business

By JAMEY KEATEN and JILL LAWLESS Associated Press GENEVA (AP) — Eurovision Song Contest organizers said Friday that member broadcasters will vote in November on whether Israel can participate in the musical extravaganza next year, as calls have mounted for the country to be excluded over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. According to spokesperson Dave

By LORNE COOK Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — European defense ministers agreed on Friday to develop a “drone wall” along their borders with Russia and Ukraine to better detect, track and intercept drones violating Europe’s airspace. The decision comes after a spate of incidents in which Europe’s borders and airports have been tested by rogue

By RAJESH ROY Associated Press NEW DELHI (AP) — India retired its last fleet of Soviet-era MiG-21 fighter jets Friday, ending more than six decades of service with an aircraft once celebrated for its combat prowess but later derided as a “flying coffin” due to frequent crashes. The phaseout underscores the urgency for the Indian

By JIM GOMEZ Associated Press MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A tropical storm blew out of the central Philippines on Friday, leaving at least 10 dead, knocking down trees and power and prompting the evacuation of more than 433,000 people from landslide- and flood-prone villages long battered by typhoons. Bualoi was the latest of back-to-back storms

By EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Behind the scenes at the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations, key countries and regional organizations have been coordinating efforts to try to end the horrific war in Sudan, which has created the most devastating humanitarian and displacement crisis in the world.