The President of Belarus announced discussions with the United States about reopening the American embassy in the country.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Minsk, March 13 (Xinhua) — Belarus and the United States are discussing the reopening of the American embassy in the country. This was announced by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Friday. The Belarusian leader's press service released the information on the same day.

"We are negotiating with them," the Belarusian leader stated, noting that the topics discussed between Belarus and the United States include bilateral relations, including the restoration of the normal operations of the American embassy in the country. He also confirmed the possibility of another round of negotiations soon.

"Both economic issues and sanctions—all in one package. There are ten issues. We are negotiating with them on all of them. I will only speak to them from these positions. We will not adapt to them in any way. They are not demanding that. They have realized that this will not happen," Lukashenko concluded.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The Oreshnik missile system will not be used against NATO or Ukraine unless Belarus is attacked, the Belarusian president said.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Minsk, March 13 (Xinhua) — The Oreshnik missile system will not be used against NATO or Ukraine unless Belarus is attacked. This was stated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Friday, responding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's February statement that NATO should consider the Oreshnik missile system deployed in Belarus a legitimate target. The Belarusian president's press service published the corresponding information on the same day.

"This isn't even newsworthy. This is pure stupidity, and only fools are talking about it. I'm not saying we'll launch this Oreshnik missile system at Vilnius, Warsaw, or Kyiv tomorrow. That's not our task. We need to defend our country," the Belarusian leader declared, adding that the Oreshnik missile system would not be used unless there was an attack on Belarus from Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, or Latvia. He also proposed resolving the issue in a humane manner.

"Furthermore, yesterday or the day before, a drone crashed, injuring our woman. They're starting to investigate—it was Ukrainian," the Belarusian leader said. "And this isn't the first time. I'm starting to figure out why it crashed. The Ukrainians didn't strike us. The Russian electronic warfare system is working—they jammed the drone, it went the wrong way, ran out of power, and crashed out of control. The war is raging nearby. That's what happened. Yeah, we can shout about it, but what will change? Nothing." –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Breaking: Explosions heard in various areas of Iran's capital, air defense systems deployed

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

TEHRAN, March 13 (Xinhua) — Several explosions were heard in various areas of the Iranian capital Tehran on Friday evening, including in the western and eastern parts of the city.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the city's air defenses had been activated to repel hostile strikes from the US and Israel. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

All government policies are coordinated with the Supreme Leader of Iran, the President

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

TEHRAN, March 13 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that his administration does not propose or implement any policy without coordination with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

According to Iran's official news agency IRNA, Pezeshkian made the announcement in a message praising the Iranian people for their "epic" turnout at Quds Day rallies held across the country earlier that day.

The President noted that he considers it his duty to fully comply with the instructions of the country's leadership in accordance with religious, legal, and national criteria.

“This subordination was and will be one of the principles and foundations of national solidarity and the foundation for the actions of the 14th /Iranian/ government,” he emphasized.

As M. Pezeshkian pointed out, the most important tasks of his administration are to ensure the necessary preparation for the comprehensive defense of the Iranian armed forces against attacks by the United States and Israel, as well as to organize the life of the population.

On March 8, Iran's Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's third supreme leader. He succeeded his father.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Top Stories | Friday: Lebanon, Gaza, Synagogue Attacks, Obstetric Violence

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 13, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: the UN chief, visiting Beirut, called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah; humanitarian aid supplies through the Kerem Shalom border crossing into Gaza are almost completely blocked; the Secretary-General condemned attacks on synagogues in Canada, Belgium, the United States, and the Netherlands; and a report on obstetric violence was presented at the UN.

Secretary General in Lebanon

The UN Secretary-General called for an urgent allocation of over $308 million to help people affected by the escalating crisis in Lebanon. He warned that the escalating conflict in the region is having dire consequences for the civilian population. More than 900,000 people in Lebanon have already fled their homes, more than 90,000 of whom have crossed the border into Syria. People are living in tents and special accommodation centers and are in dire need of food and medical assistance. Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Aid for Gaza

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that yesterday and today, almost all attempts to deliver humanitarian aid through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza were blocked. Only one convoy was allowed through. Kerem Shalom remains the only functioning crossing on the Gaza Strip; the Rafah and Zikim crossings remain closed. The UN calls for the opening of the crossings and the entry of humanitarian supplies into the Strip, which will allow the necessary aid to be provided to all those in need.

Attacks on synagogues

The Secretary-General strongly and unequivocally condemns the attacks on synagogues in Canada, Belgium, the United States, and the Netherlands, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated at a briefing in New York. Places of worship should serve as a refuge for all believers, and attacks on them undermine the principle of humanity, the UN chief emphasized. Guterres called on authorities in all countries where such incidents occurred to ensure the protection of religious sites, hold those responsible accountable, and make every effort to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred.

Obstetric violence

Nearly 70 percent of women in Eastern Europe and Central Asia report experiencing abuse during childbirth, according to a new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Nearly half of the women surveyed reported medical interventions, including cesarean sections, to which they did not consent, approximately 24 percent reported being insulted by medical staff, and 12 percent reported being restrained during childbirth, such as being tied to a bed or subjected to other forms of physical abuse.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

All six crew members of a US tanker aircraft were killed in a crash in Iraq – US Central Command

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Washington, March 13 (Xinhua) — All six crew members of the U.S. KC-135 tanker aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on Thursday have been confirmed dead, U.S. Central Command announced on Friday.

As the command reported on the X social network, contact with the aircraft was lost on March 12 while flying over friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury.

The command noted that the circumstances of the incident are being investigated, adding that “the loss of the aircraft was not the result of enemy fire or friendly fire.”

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for pro-Iranian Iraqi militias, said on Friday that its fighters attacked two American KC-135 tanker aircraft over western Iraq.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The US will not allow "disputes" on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, says the Defense Minister.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Washington, March 13 (Xinhua) — The United States will not allow "challenges" to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a press briefing on Friday.

He said there was no clear evidence that Iran had planted mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Their actions in the Strait of Hormuz are driven by sheer desperation. We are working on this situation. We are dealing with it," said P. Hegseth, adding, "There is nothing to worry about."

He said the United States was preparing for various possible steps from Iran and that "this is not a strait where we will allow [freedom of navigation] to continue to be challenged."

P. Hegseth also told reporters that the strikes carried out by the US and Israel have significantly weakened Iran's military potential.

“Our Air Force, together with the Israeli Air Force, hit over 15,000 enemy targets,” he specified.

In addition, P. Hegseth added that as of Thursday, Iran's missile arsenal had been reduced by 90 percent, and the number of Iranian attacks using kamikaze drones had been reduced by 95 percent. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

China rejects calls for Li Zhiying's release — Chinese Foreign Ministry

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, March 13 (Xinhua) — Li Zhiying is one of the main organizers and participants in a series of serious anti-China unrest in Hong Kong and should be severely punished according to law, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

Guo Jiakun made the statement at a regular press briefing, commenting on media reports citing sources connected to the US government that the US side hopes for China's release of Li Zhiying on humanitarian grounds and, in return, is prepared to consider easing some of its sanctions against China related to Hong Kong.

As the official representative noted, Lee Zhi-ying's actions have seriously undermined the principles and baseline of the "one country, two systems" policy, caused serious damage to national security, and significantly disrupted the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, as well as the well-being of its residents.

Guo Jiakun stated that Hong Kong is a society based on the rule of law. No one should harbor any illusions that they can escape justice by engaging in serious illegal and criminal activity, the diplomat added.

He said the central government firmly supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government in lawfully punishing criminal acts that threaten national security and firmly opposes interference by external forces in the Hong Kong judicial system and China's internal affairs.

As Guo Jiakun pointed out, unilateral US sanctions against Chinese central government institutions in Hong Kong and officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are illegal, and China has always firmly opposed such measures. This position is consistent and clear, the diplomat added.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

UN Secretary-General in Lebanon: $308 million needed for emergency aid to Lebanese

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 13, 2026 Humanitarian aid

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who is visiting Lebanon, launched a $308.3 million emergency humanitarian aid campaign to support the country's population. Escalating violence in the region has resulted in widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and mass displacement.

Guterres arrived in Beirut on Friday, calling his trip "a visit of solidarity with the people of Lebanon." In his address, the UN chief emphasized that "solidarity in words must be matched by solidarity in deeds."

Humanitarian priorities

According to the Secretary-General, the military escalation in the region is having a devastating impact on Lebanon. Hundreds of civilians have been killed, including many children. Entire communities have been forced to leave their homes, and people's lives were completely disrupted.

Evacuation zones across the country have expanded significantly, and access to food, water, health care, education and other basic services has been severely disrupted.

According to the UN, more than 816,000 people have been displaced within Lebanon, while another 90,000 or more – mostly Syrians, but also Lebanese – have crossed the border into Syria.

Relief efforts

Despite the dire situation, the UN chief noted the expressions of solidarity and mutual assistance within the country. Schools are opening their doors to accommodate displaced families, health workers continue to work under enormous strain, and local communities are demonstrating extraordinary resilience in the face of enormous upheaval.

UN agencies and humanitarian partners are working with national authorities to deliver hot meals, drinking water, hygiene supplies and essential items.

"These efforts are saving lives, but they urgently require much more support," the Secretary-General said.

Additional funding

The funds requested by the UN are for three months and will be used to expand vital assistance, including food, clean water, health services, education, protection of civilians and other essential services.

The success of the operation will depend on rapid and flexible funding, as well as on ensuring safe access for humanitarian workers to people in need.

Guterres also noted that the escalation occurred during religiously significant periods: Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians. Both religions encourage their followers to show compassion and support each other.

He said that for many years, Lebanon has welcomed people fleeing conflict, demonstrating to the world the true meaning of hospitality and solidarity. "And now, in this hour of grave danger and great need, the world must stand with the people of Lebanon," he declared.

Ceasefire and negotiations

The Secretary General also stressed the need immediate ceasefire, which should create conditions for negotiations and allow Lebanon to restore its territorial integrity and strengthen state institutions.

Earlier on Friday, he met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN's firm support for the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Discussions also focused on the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701, including strengthening security and stability.in the Blue Line area, separating Lebanon and Israel.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Vitaly Savelyev: The intensity of construction work on the high-speed railway is increasing.

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Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev held a meeting on the implementation of the Moscow–St. Petersburg high-speed railway project. Participants discussed the current status of infrastructure construction and rolling stock production for the high-speed railway.

Active construction and installation work is currently underway in the Moscow and Tver regions on the test section from Zelenograd to Tver. This section will be used for testing the new high-speed train before the line's launch. Preparatory work has begun on the remaining stages.

As the Deputy Prime Minister noted, the intensity of construction work on the high-speed railway is increasing. "Since the end of last year, the number of workers involved has increased by more than 50% and now exceeds 20,000. The amount of equipment deployed has almost doubled, reaching over 10,000 units," said Vitaly Savelyev.

The project is highly technically complex due to the route's terrain and geology. It will require the construction of 239 bridges and overpasses, totaling 180 km. They will be constructed using 32-meter-long beams weighing 700 tons, significantly exceeding the parameters of standard road construction designs. To simplify logistics and maintain the rapid pace of construction, 10 production plants are being built along the entire Moscow–St. Petersburg HSR route.

Two robotic factories for the production of special ballastless slabs are being built simultaneously. Fourteen pile production plants will also be equipped for the project. Four such plants are already operating at the pilot site.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that it is crucial to maintain the current pace of work to ensure the launch of traffic on the first line of the high-speed railway within the deadlines set by the President.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.