Trump Could Feature On $250 Bill Amid White House's Push Ahead Of America's 250th Anniversary

<p>US President Donald Trump could soon appear on a proposed $250 currency note as part of a plan linked to celebrations marking America&rsquo;s 250th anniversary, according to reports and statements from US officials.</p> <p>The proposal, first reported by the Washington Post on Thursday, would mark a major break from longstanding American tradition, as it could become the first instance in nearly 150 years of a living individual appearing on US currency.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b9KrOi5rvks?si=OzF7e6X1IsYZ4V1v" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that legislation seeking to permit the move is currently under consideration in Congress.</p> <p>&ldquo;Right now there is proposed legislation -- front of the House, in front of the Senate -- to change the first requirement so that a living person, Donald J. Trump, could be on a $250 bill,&rdquo; Bessent said during a media briefing on Thursday.</p> <p>&ldquo;I don't think that there's anything untoward about having the President of the United States, the person who's president of the United States, on the 250th anniversary bill,&rdquo; he added.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-says-us-aircraft-downed-near-bushehr-centcom-denies-claim-1846797">Iran Says US Aircraft Downed Near Bushehr; CENTCOM Denies Claim</a></strong></p> <h3>Treasury Preparing For Possible Approval</h3> <p>According to the Washington Post, two Trump-appointed Treasury Department officials reportedly urged staff at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing last year to begin preparing prototype designs for the proposed note.</p> <p>A design mock-up obtained by the newspaper reportedly carried the words &ldquo;America 250 anniversary,&rdquo; referencing the United States declaring independence on July 4, 1776.</p> <p>Bessent stated that while preparations had been made in advance, the Treasury Department would continue to follow existing legal procedures.</p> <p>A Treasury Department spokesperson told AFP that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is &ldquo;conducting appropriate planning and due diligence&rdquo; regarding the proposal.</p> <p>The spokesperson also clarified that US Treasurer Brandon Beach had not directed officials to print the currency before any congressional approval.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/israel-severs-un-ties-after-accuses-body-of-equating-with-hamas-on-violence-blacklist-antnio-guterres-1846803">Israel Severs UN Ties After Accusing Body Of Equating It With Hamas On Sexual Violence Blacklist</a></strong></p> <h3>Legal Concerns Raised By Officials</h3> <p>The proposal has reportedly raised concerns within the Bureau of Engraving and Printing because federal law prohibits living presidents from appearing on US currency.</p> <p>Employees cited by the Washington Post, speaking anonymously, said senior officials had warned about legal and procedural complications tied to the plan.</p> <p>According to the report, Bureau director Patricia Solimene had expressed concerns to Treasury officials, including Brandon Beach, regarding potential violations of federal regulations. The newspaper further reported that Solimene was later reassigned from her position.</p> <h3>Debate Over Trump&rsquo;s Expanding Public Presence</h3> <p>The proposal comes amid broader criticism from Trump&rsquo;s opponents, who accuse the administration of increasingly placing the president&rsquo;s image and name across national institutions and public symbols.</p> <p>Earlier this year, the US Commission of Fine Arts approved the minting of a commemorative &ldquo;Semiquincentennial Gold Coin&rdquo; made of 24-carat gold.</p> <p>In recent months, institutions including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the US Institute of Peace have reportedly been rebranded to include Trump&rsquo;s name.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/abp-exclusive-air-force-may-help-transport-re-neet-papers-says-dharmendra-pradhan-on-leak-cbse-row-1846787">Exclusive | Air Force May Help Transport Re-NEET Papers, Says Dharmendra Pradhan on Leak, CBSE Row</a></strong></p> <p>Trump&rsquo;s likeness has also appeared on banners displayed at the Department of Justice and the Department of Agriculture, while the State Department has indicated that his image may soon feature in certain US passports.</p> <p>Legislation allowing Trump to appear on a $250 bill was introduced in Congress last year but has not advanced significantly so far.</p> <p>Democratic lawmakers strongly criticised the proposal, with Senator Mark Warner calling it an attempt by the White House to blatantly &ldquo;stoke the president&rsquo;s ego.&rdquo;</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-officials-push-for-250-currency-notes-featuring-his-portrait-white-house-america-250-anniversary-plan-1846812

Israel Severs UN Ties After Accusing Body Of Equating It With Hamas On Sexual Violence Blacklist

<p>Israeli officials have launched a fierce attack on the United Nations following reports that Israeli institutions could be included in a U.N. register of parties accused of sexual violence during armed conflict. The backlash has triggered a major diplomatic confrontation, with Israel announcing that it will suspend all engagement with the office of U.N. Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres. Israel&rsquo;s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, accused the U.N. leadership of drawing a false equivalence between Israel and internationally designated terror organizations.</p> <h3>Israel Announces Freeze In Relations</h3> <p>Danon&rsquo;s office confirmed that Israel would cut off contact with the Secretary-General&rsquo;s office for as long as Guterres remains in his post. The move came after reports suggested Israeli bodies were being added to a confidential annex attached to the U.N.&rsquo;s annual report on sexual violence in conflict zones.</p> <p>According to Danon, Israel views the reported decision as politically motivated and deeply biased, as per reports. He argued that the U.N. had ignored Israel&rsquo;s democratic institutions and legal mechanisms while advancing accusations against the country. In a video statement, Danon said Israeli authorities had opened the door for U.N. representatives to examine the allegations independently, but claimed those invitations were rejected.</p> <p>He further accused the international body of continuing what he described as an anti-Israel campaign fueled by selective reporting and political pressure.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a title="Exclusive | Air Force May Help Transport Re-NEET Papers, Says Dharmendra Pradhan on Leak, CBSE Row" href="https://ift.tt/Ft2S0IL" target="_self">Exclusive | Air Force May Help Transport Re-NEET Papers, Says Dharmendra Pradhan on Leak, CBSE Row</a></strong></p> <h3>UN Yet To Officially Confirm List</h3> <p>The United Nations has not formally confirmed whether Israeli entities will appear on the list. The Secretary-General&rsquo;s annual report on conflict-related sexual violence has also not yet been released publicly.</p> <p>Traditionally, the report contains an annex naming armed groups, governments, and institutions accused of committing sexual violence during conflicts. Inclusion on the list often brings intense international scrutiny and calls for accountability measures.</p> <p>The reported development has nevertheless sparked immediate political outrage in Israel, with officials insisting the comparison to extremist groups is unacceptable.<br /><br /><strong>ALSO READ: <a title="US Launches Fresh Strikes In Iran Near Hormuz, Downs Drones; Explosions Reported Near Military Site" href="https://ift.tt/7pE0aTR" target="_self">US Launches Fresh Strikes In Iran Near Hormuz, Downs Drones; Explosions Reported Near Military Site</a></strong></p> <h3>Allegations Detailed In Rights Reports</h3> <p>The controversy comes amid growing international attention over allegations made by human rights organizations and media investigations concerning the treatment of Palestinian detainees. Earlier this month, <em>New York Times</em> columnist Nicholas Kristof published an opinion article citing testimonies from Palestinians who alleged sexual abuse and mistreatment while in Israeli detention facilities.</p> <p>Kristof wrote that while there was no indication senior Israeli leaders had ordered such crimes, he believed systemic failures had allowed abuse to occur repeatedly.</p> <p>His article described allegations that included rape using objects, assaults targeting detainees&rsquo; genitals, threats of sexual violence, and humiliation during detention.</p> <p>The report also referenced findings and allegations documented by groups including Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, Save the Children, B&rsquo;Tselem, and the Committee to Protect Journalists. Kristof additionally cited an earlier U.N. report that alleged Palestinians had been subjected to systematic sexualized torture.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/israel-severs-un-ties-after-accuses-body-of-equating-with-hamas-on-violence-blacklist-antnio-guterres-1846803

Iran Says US Aircraft Downed Near Bushehr; CENTCOM Denies Claim

<p>The United States has rejected Iranian media reports alleging that an American aircraft was brought down over Iran&rsquo;s Bushehr province, with US officials insisting that no US military aircraft had been destroyed near the region.</p> <p>The denial came after Iranian state television reported early Friday that a &ldquo;hostile aircraft&rdquo; had been intercepted and shot down in the Jam area of Bushehr province. The report cited Jam County governor Masoud Tangestani, who claimed Iranian air defence systems had successfully targeted the aircraft.</p> <p>&ldquo;The incident tonight involved the downing of a hostile aircraft,&rdquo; semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted Tangestani as saying, while adding that normalcy had since returned to the city.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XeKsGfVWa8U?si=C1Tfsy0rFx--bBaC" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>However, the US military swiftly dismissed the claim.</p> <p>&ldquo;No U.S. aircraft were shot down. ⁠All U.S. air assets are accounted for,&rdquo; the U.S. ⁠Central Command said in a post ⁠on X.</p> <p>US Central Command (CENTCOM) also reiterated that reports aired on Iranian state television regarding the alleged incident near Bushehr were inaccurate.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚫CLAIM: Iran's state TV claimed Iranian forces downed a U.S. aircraft near Bushehr. FALSE. <br /><br />✅TRUTH: No U.S. aircraft were shot down. All U.S. air assets are accounted for. <a href="https://t.co/2EaKJ2Fj3d">pic.twitter.com/2EaKJ2Fj3d</a></p> &mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://ift.tt/mMQHhDf 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <p> <script src="https://ift.tt/ZUrv2lw" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> </p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-ceasefire-may-be-extended-by-60-days-awaits-trump-approval-reports-1846791">US-Iran Ceasefire May Be Extended By 60 Days, Awaits Trump Approval: Reports</a></strong></p> <h3>Ceasefire Extension Under Discussion</h3> <p>The conflicting claims emerged amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran aimed at extending an existing ceasefire and easing restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p>According to sources cited by Reuters, the United States and Iran reached a preliminary understanding on Thursday to prolong the truce for another 60 days. The proposed arrangement would also permit commercial traffic to continue moving through the strategically important waterway while negotiators address unresolved issues, including Iran&rsquo;s nuclear programme.</p> <p>If formally approved by leadership in both countries, the agreement would mark the most significant de-escalation since hostilities began on February 28.</p> <p>US President Donald Trump has yet to approve the proposed arrangement, according to Reuters. Iranian authorities have also not officially endorsed the deal.</p> <p>Iran&rsquo;s Tasnim news agency, citing a source close to the negotiating team, reported that the text of the agreement had not yet been finalised or confirmed.</p> <p>&ldquo;We're not there yet, but we're very close and we're going to keep on working at it,&rdquo; U.S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters in Washington.</p> <p>&ldquo;I can't guarantee that we're going to get there, but right now I feel pretty good about it,&rdquo; Vance added.</p> <p>The Trump administration has repeatedly indicated that a breakthrough agreement was imminent, though Iranian officials have often disputed or downplayed those assertions.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-oman-blow-up-next-amid-iran-conflict-us-prez-escalates-threats-over-hormuz-standoff-1846591">Trump To &lsquo;Blow Up&rsquo; Oman Next? US Prez Escalates Threats Over Hormuz Standoff Amid Iran Conflict</a></strong></p> <h3>Fresh Military Exchanges</h3> <p>The latest controversy also followed renewed military exchanges between the two countries.</p> <p>Earlier, US Central Command stated that American forces had intercepted five Iranian attack drones and struck a ground control station in the port city of Bandar Abbas that was allegedly preparing to launch a sixth drone.</p> <p>Kuwaiti authorities later intercepted a ballistic missile reportedly fired towards the country, which hosts a major US military base.</p> <p>Iran&rsquo;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently claimed responsibility for targeting the US base linked to the Bandar Abbas operation and warned that any further attacks would trigger a &ldquo;more decisive response&rdquo;, according to Tasnim news agency.</p> <p>Kuwait condemned the missile launch and urged Iran to immediately halt what it described as a dangerous escalation.</p> <p>Separately, reports also emerged that the IRGC had targeted four vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz, including ships allegedly connected to the United States.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-attacks-us-airbase-in-retaliation-for-american-strikes-near-bandar-abbas-irgc-strait-of-hormuz-1846606">Iran Targets US Airbase In Retaliation For American Strikes Near Bandar Abbas</a></strong></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-says-us-aircraft-downed-near-bushehr-centcom-denies-claim-1846797

US-Iran Ceasefire May Be Extended By 60 Days, Awaits Trump Approval: Reports

<p>The US and Iranian negotiators have agreed to extend the current ceasefire for another 60 days, unnamed sources told the US outlet Axios as well as the Associated Press, Reuters and AFP.</p> <p>However, the deal is still awaiting the approval of US President Donald Trump.</p> <p>According to the reports, the deal would restart nuclear talks and allow free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p>The White House did not immediately comment on the reports.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><em>Disclaimer: This report first appeared on <strong>Deutsche Welle</strong>, and has been republished on <strong>ABP Live</strong> as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by <strong>ABP Live</strong>.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-ceasefire-may-be-extended-by-60-days-awaits-trump-approval-reports-1846791

Is the bloc ready to welcome new members In EU?

<p><em>Edited by: Aingeal Flanagan</em></p> <p>"Enlargement is the priority for the European Union, and if our candidates deliver, then we have to deliver, too," Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels earlier this month.</p> <p>As proof that the EU is moving beyond rhetoric, Kos pointed to the fact that for the first time in 17 years, the bloc in April established a working group to draft the accession treaty for a candidate country: Montenegro.</p> <p>"There is no clearer signal that the EU sees Montenegro as its next member state," Strahinja Subotic, program manager and senior researcher at the European Policy Centre (CEP) in Belgrade, told DW.</p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-108" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-108" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-108" data-testid="conversation-turn-192" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="30428026-f868-4e75-bf01-1cea1c91fe30" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <h2 data-start="0" data-end="46">Enlargement: A Geopolitical And Security Issue</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <p>Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 put the subject of enlargement back at the center of European politics, turning what had long been a technical process into a geopolitical and security issue.</p> <p>"The geopolitical need for enlargement is recognized by all member states," said Steven Blockmans of the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS).</p> <p>"But it is always coupled with two things: On the one hand, a merits-based approach, whereby candidate countries are assessed on their reforms and where no shortcuts are being offered, and secondly, the need for the European Union to change its policy and governance methods," he told DW.</p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-109" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-109" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-109" data-testid="conversation-turn-194" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="418cf9ee-6936-4913-8486-d6166d2a64b0" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <h2 data-start="0" data-end="48">Is Existing Accession Model Fit For Purpose?</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <p>The debate in Brussels is, therefore, increasingly focused not only on enlargement itself, but also on whether the bloc's traditional accession model is still fit for purpose.</p> <p>Commissioner Marta Kos acknowledged that the EU is still using a methodology developed four decades ago.</p> <p>"What we are now discussing with the member states is whether gradual integration principles, which we are mainly using in the single market, could also be moved to other areas, especially security," she said.</p> <h2>New Models On Table</h2> <p>In a recent proposal on EU enlargement, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for all negotiation clusters with Ukraine to be launched and proposed a form of "associate membership" that would tie Kyiv more closely to the EU even before full accession, including greater participation in EU institutions and in foreign and security policy.</p> <p>At the same time, Merz suggested giving Western Balkan countries and Moldova privileged access to the EU single market, observer status in EU bodies and gradual integration into decision-making processes in order to accelerate their path toward membership.</p> <p>Ideas like these have been circulating in Brussels and European capitals for years.</p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-110" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-110" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-110" data-testid="conversation-turn-196" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="af4158ba-4507-4b61-a92d-11067e551abe" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <h2 data-start="0" data-end="29">The Model Of Staged Accession</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <p>Steven Blockmans, one of the authors of the "staged accession" model, told DW that elements of that approach have gradually entered mainstream EU thinking through the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and proposals circulated by countries including France, Germany and Lithuania.</p> <p>"And you see elements of a more staged approach, whereby benefits for reforms are being offered in earlier pre-accession phases of the process," Blockmans said.</p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-111" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-111" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-111" data-testid="conversation-turn-198" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="24e1e9e7-4c02-4365-9318-7543dd84975d" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <h2 data-start="0" data-end="40">Resistance To Some Proposals For Ukraine</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <p>At the same time, Blockmans pointed out that some of the more ambitious proposals for Ukraine have already faced resistance.</p> <p>Among them was the idea of so-called "reverse enlargement," backed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and parts of the European Commission, under which countries such as Ukraine would formally enter the EU first and complete reforms afterward.</p> <p>The idea was quickly rejected by member states.</p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-112" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-112" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-112" data-testid="conversation-turn-200" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="0ddb43a6-fbcf-4261-93be-93bb98efd4ae" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <h2 data-start="0" data-end="37">A Taboo Idea No Longer Entirely Taboo</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <p>Merz's proposal has also revived one of the most sensitive questions surrounding future enlargement: How much decision-making power new member states should have from the start, particularly in areas where EU decisions still require unanimity.</p> <p>That debate has brought renewed attention to one of the more controversial ideas circulating in Brussels, namely the possibility of temporarily limiting veto rights for new member states after accession.</p> <p>The proposal was developed as part of the staged accession model by researchers from the CEPS, including Steven Blockmans and CEP analyst Strahinja Subotic.</p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-113" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-113" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:3db19c8b-e5db-41d2-b445-3f9237467495-113" data-testid="conversation-turn-202" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="02abd1e1-70ba-42f2-baa0-4dbe5bc9037b" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <h2 data-start="0" data-end="29">'Not Second-Class Membership'</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <p>According to Subotic, the goal was not to create "second-class membership," as some critics say, but to reassure skeptical member states that enlargement would not paralyze the union. He argues that the restrictions could be limited both in time and scope.</p> <p>"It could apply only to one or two policy areas and not necessarily in the same way or for the same duration for every candidate country," Subotic said.</p> <p>Legally, Blockmans says, such a mechanism could be included in accession treaties. Politically, however, the issue remains highly sensitive because it touches on sovereignty and equal rights among member states.</p> <p>Nevertheless, several Western Balkan countries have already signaled openness to the idea.</p> <p>Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia have all suggested they would accept temporary veto limitations if that helped unlock accession.</p> <h2>Montenegro As A Test Case</h2> <p>Montenegro, however, does not want delays or transitional arrangements.</p> <p>Analysts say it is likely to be the last country to enter the EU under the bloc's current rules before any deeper institutional reform takes place.</p> <p>At the same time, both Blockmans and Subotic believe Montenegro's accession could serve as a testing ground for some of the new enlargement mechanisms currently being debated in Brussels.</p> <p>Subotic expects the EU to use Montenegro's accession treaty to introduce stronger post-accession monitoring tools than in previous enlargement rounds, particularly in areas such as the rule of law and democratic backsliding.</p> <p>"One might expect Montenegro to become the guinea pig to explore the limits of transitional arrangements and safeguard clauses," Blockmans told DW, noting that the accession treaty currently being drafted could become a template for future enlargements of the union.</p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This report first appeared on <strong>Deutsche Welle</strong>, and has been republished on <strong>ABP Live</strong> as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by <strong>ABP Live.</strong></em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/is-the-bloc-ready-to-welcome-new-members-in-eu-1846569

'I Stopped Counting At 487 Men': French Banker Gets 25 Years For Rape, Torture Case

<p>A French court has sentenced a bank manager to 25 years in prison after he was convicted of raping, torturing, and selling his former girlfriend to strangers over a period of seven years.</p> <p>The victim, identified as 42-year-old La&euml;titia R, told the court that the accused, Guillaume Bucci, exerted &ldquo;psychological control&rdquo; over her and forced her into prostitution.</p> <h2><strong>Case Unfolds Amid Wider Abuse Trials In France</strong></h2> <p>The trial comes at a time when France is already grappling with other major abuse-related proceedings, including an ongoing hearing into a child abuse sex scandal in schools and two years after the Gisele Pelicot case, which drew global attention.</p> <h2><strong>Accused &lsquo;Used Manipulation Under Guise Of BDSM&rsquo;</strong></h2> <p>According to AFP, Guillaume Bucci, who worked as a bank manager at the time, is accused of using the pretext of sadomasochistic sex games to manipulate his partner into acts of torture and rape involving strangers he allegedly &ldquo;recruited&rdquo; online.</p> <p>The 51-year-old has argued in court that his ex-girlfriend consented to the acts and that &ldquo;he did not think he was hurting her.&rdquo;</p> <p>However, La&euml;titia R maintained that she was under continuous coercion and psychological control throughout their seven-year relationship.</p> <h2><strong>&lsquo;Felt Like I Was Dying Inside&rsquo;</strong></h2> <p>Describing the beginning of the abuse, the woman told the court that it started after her partner introduced sadomasochism, which she initially understood as &ldquo;spanking, being tied up&rdquo; and similar BDSM practices.</p> <p>She said the situation escalated into &ldquo;pure and simple violence,&rdquo; despite assurances from Bucci that they would stop if she was uncomfortable.</p> <p>She further stated she was subjected to repeated assaults involving belts, cutting boards, electrical cables, and strangulation.</p> <p>According to her testimony, she lived in &ldquo;constant fear&rdquo; that explicit recordings would be released if she attempted to leave the relationship, leaving her trapped under threats and coercion.</p> <p>Court documents reportedly included hundreds of text messages and voice notes allegedly showing Bucci threatening to kill her if she did not comply.</p> <p>&ldquo;Little by little, I felt like I was dying inside. With each practice imposed, there was a part of me that broke permanently,&rdquo; she told the court, as per Telegraph.</p> <h2><strong>Allegations Of Forced Prostitution And Mass Exploitation</strong></h2> <p>The abuse later escalated into forced prostitution, with Bucci allegedly pushing her to have sexual encounters with other men.</p> <p>She recalled a key incident in 2015 when he allegedly sent her to a motorway station on Christmas Eve and told her to &ldquo;offer herself to strangers.&rdquo;</p> <p>Bucci is further accused of arranging encounters with &ldquo;friends, colleagues and strangers,&rdquo; while maintaining a list of men involved.</p> <p>&ldquo;I stopped counting at 487 men, some of whom I had seen up to 10 times,&rdquo; La&euml;titia R said in court.</p> <p>She also told the court that she now suffers from serious disabilities resulting from prolonged abuse.</p> <h2><strong>Post-Pregnancy Abuse Allegation</strong></h2> <p>The woman further alleged that in 2017, immediately after being discharged from hospital following the birth of their daughter, she was forced to perform a sexual act on a truck driver.</p> <p>She told the court she drew inspiration from the Gisele Pelicot case in deciding to pursue legal action. While Pelicot&rsquo;s husband drugged her, La&euml;titia said Bucci kept her conscious deliberately.</p> <p>&ldquo;He said I needed to realise what was happening to me,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;I remember everything.&rdquo;</p> <h2><strong>Court Hands Down 25-Year Sentence</strong></h2> <p>Following the trial, the court sentenced Guillaume Bucci to 25 years in prison, stating that he must serve at least two-thirds of the term before being eligible for parole.</p> <p>Prosecutors had sought a life sentence, citing concerns over the risk of reoffending against another woman.</p> <p>Before the verdict, Bucci had already spent four years in detention and was listed on the sex offenders register.</p> <h2><strong>Additional Restrictions Imposed</strong></h2> <p>The court also barred him from contacting La&euml;titia R or her children, including their eight-year-old daughter. He has been stripped of all parental rights.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/india-pakistan-at-un-says-thousand-cuts-doctrine-exposes-islamabad-hollow-un-commitment-1846384">India Hits Out At Pakistan At UN, Says &lsquo;Thousand Cuts&rsquo; Doctrine Exposes Hollow UN Commitment</a></strong></p> <p>He was additionally banned from owning an animal after admitting to killing a cat with a firearm and forcing La&euml;titia to engage in bestiality.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/france-child-abuse-cases-over-100-abuse-rape-claims-at-schools-and-daycare-centres-1846328">France Rocked By Over 100 Abuse, Rape Claims At Schools And Daycare Centres</a></strong></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/i-stopped-counting-at-487-men-french-banker-gets-25-years-for-rape-torture-case-1846560

Iran Begins Restoring Internet Access After Months-Long Blackout

<p>Iran's vice president Mohammad Reza Aref said the government has taken the first steps to restore internet access.</p> <p>The announcement comes after a near-total blackout has been in place in Iran since war with the US and Israel broke out in late February.</p> <p>Iranian &zwnj;state media had reported yesterday that President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an order to ⁠reopen international ​internet ​access.</p> <p>"The first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken," the Iranian vice president said in a post on X, adding that the demands of Iranians "will be fulfilled."</p> <p>According to a post on X by the internet monitoring group Netblocks, live data showed partial restoration of internet connectivity in Iran.</p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This report first appeared on <strong>Deutsche Welle</strong>, and has been republished on <strong>ABP Live</strong> as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by <strong>ABP Live.</strong></em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-begins-restoring-internet-access-after-months-long-blackout-1846312