December 27, 2019

Japan, a US ally, is launching its own operation rather than join a US-led mission to protect shipping in Gulf region.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly expressed concern to Washington over U.S. visa delays for officials from Russia and other countries, a U.N. spokesman said on Thursday after Moscow accused Guterres of turning a blind eye.

Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared December 28 the national day of mourning, President’s Press Secretary Berik Uali says.