News in Brief
Spain’s Socialists lose seat
REUTERS – Spain’s Socialists have emerged with one seat fewer after counts of votes from abroad in last week’s election, making it harder for them to be able to form a left-wing coalition as they would need the support of hardline Catalan separatists rather than just their abstention, analysts told Reuters on Saturday.
In Sunday’s close-fought election, neither the left or right blocs won enough seats to form a majority and Catalan separatist parties Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) and Junts emerged as kingmakers, both controlling seven seats each. Esquerra is seen as likely to back Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez but if the fresh seat count is confirmed by the electoral commission it appears that Junts, the more hardline of the Catalan parties, would also have to actively support him for him to be able to form a government.
Kenyan opposition says reached deal with gov’t
AFP – Kenya’s opposition on Saturday announced it had reached an agreement with the government to form a joint committee “to resolve our differences amicably”, following weeks of protests and political unrest.
“Determined to resolve our differences amicably for the benefit of all our people, we have therefore agreed with Kenya Kwanza to establish a committee,” said the opposition statement, referring to the ruling party alliance. Since opposition leader Raila Odinga urged Kenyans to take to the streets in March, his Azimio alliance has staged nine days of sometimes violent protests against the government of President William Ruto.
Iran Navy seeks ...
Page 1
Admiral Irani further noted that he has traveled to St. Petersburg upon the official invitation of the Commander of the Russian Navy, adding that Iranian ships will also take part in the parade.
Russia’s naval event will be held today with the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and high-ranking defense officials from 21 countries.
The Iranian Navy has deployed three vessels to Russia to take part in the parade north of the Caspian Sea.