Briefly

ISRAEL

Planners back settler homes despite uproar

An Israeli defense official said on Wednesday that a planning forum of Israel's liaison office with the Palestinians gave preliminary approval for plans to build 1,344 housing units and its final confirmation for projects to construct 1,800 homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank amid criticism. The United States on Tuesday said it was "deeply concerned" about Israel's plans. It called such steps damaging to prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

SUDAN

Military move spurs suspension by AU

The African Union announced on Wednesday that it has suspended the membership of unrest-hit Sudan. The suspension was due to Monday's "unconstitutional change of government", which the union said was an affront to the shared values and democratic norms of the continental body. The AU also said it will undertake a mission to Sudan to engage with all stakeholders to find an amicable solution to the political stalemate in the country. On Monday, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, general commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, declared a state of emergency across the country, dissolved the transitional Sovereign Council and the government.

PORTUGAL

Election looms after budget bill defeat

Portugal's parliament on Wednesday rejected the minority Socialist government's 2022 budget bill, paving the way for early elections. The budget proposal was defeated by a 117-108 vote, with five abstentions. According to local media reports, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa had said that he would call early elections if parliament did not approve next year's government spending plan. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said that he will run in the elections.

Xinhua - Agencies