Briefly

HUNGARY

Viktor Orban takes 5th oath of office

Political veteran Viktor Orban took the oath of office for the fifth time as prime minister in the Hungarian parliament on Monday. In his speech, Orban warned that difficult times lay ahead, noting the decade began with the COVID-19 pandemic and continued with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Hungarian leader spoke out against the sanctions policy of the European Union, saying that he has never seen sanctions achieve their goal. Orban also said the Hungarian government was committed to helping Ukraine, despite the fact that Ukraine has been supporting his political adversaries.

UNITED STATES

Visa restrictions eased for Cuba

The United States said on Monday it is easing restrictions imposed during former president Donald Trump's administration on travel to Cuba and the sending of family remittances between the US and the Caribbean island. The loosening of the embargo on Cuba will see increased visa processing, including at the Havana consulate, but with most visas still handled at the US embassy in Guyana. The statement said it will "facilitate educational connections" between the two countries, as well as support for professional research including "support for expanded internet access and remittance process companies". Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez tweeted that the move was "a small step in the right direction", but emphasized that it does "not modify the embargo" in place since 1962.

MIDDLE EAST

Clashes erupt during funeral in Jerusalem

Clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli police in East Jerusalem on Monday night as thousands gathered for the funeral of a young Palestinian who died after being injured in clashes with police in April. Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that Israeli police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse Palestinian demonstrators who hurled stones at them, and dozens of people have been injured. The police said in a statement that five Palestinians were arrested amid "riots during a funeral of a suspect who was shot by the police last month after he hurled rocks and rioted". No injuries have been reported among the Israeli forces.

Xinhua - Agencies