Briefly

DENMARK

Probe into Nord Stream pipeline blasts ends

Denmark on Monday joined Sweden in closing its investigation into the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines, with authorities saying they concluded there was deliberate sabotage but "not the sufficient grounds" to pursue a criminal case. Danish authorities said the probe "has been both complex and comprehensive". Copenhagen police, who carried out the investigation jointly with the Danish security service, said they were not able to provide further comments. Sweden earlier this month dropped its investigation into the explosions, saying it lacked jurisdiction in the case, but had handed uncovered evidence over to German investigators, who have yet to publish any findings. A German government spokesperson said earlier this month that Berlin was still interested in solving the case.

FRANCE

Eiffel Tower reopens after 6-day closure

The Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors on Sunday after a six-day closure because of striking employees demanding salary hikes and better maintenance of the historic landmark, which is showing traces of rust. The operator of the 330-meter tower said in a statement it reached an agreement with unions representing the workers after promising to allocate an "ambitious 380 million euro ($412 million) investment by 2031" for renovation work. Last year, the monument was closed to visitors for 10 days during massive protests across France against the government's plan to reform the country's pension system.

BELARUS

Lukashenko to run for president in 2025

Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko said he would run for president again in 2025, Belarusian state news agency BelTA reported on Sunday. Lukashenko made his comments after voting in parliamentary and local council elections. "We're still a year away from the presidential election. A lot of things can change," he told journalists. "Naturally, I and all of us, society, will react to the changes that will take place in our society and the situation in which we will approach the elections in a year's time," Lukashenko said.

Agencies via Xinhua