The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Tuesday that so far, an estimated 970 irregular migrants trying to reach Europe from the Mediterranean died this year.

Paul Dillon, spokesman for the IOM, said at a UN news conference a boat carrying at least 70 passengers departing from the port city of Al Khums in Libya sank on Sunday, and at least 57 irregular migrants are missing.
Fishermen rescued 18 people for whom the IOM provided health care and food, Dillon noted, saying the organization had information that at least 20 of those missing were women and two were small children, with the survivors coming from Nigeria, Ghana, and Gambia.
-This latest tragedy pushes the 2021 death toll on the central Mediterranean route to roughly 970 men, women, and children.This year has seen a rise in departures on the central Mediterranean migration route, and an increase in the number of interceptions and more arrivals- Dillon added.He also said better migration management practices, governance, and greater solidarity are needed from EU member states.
Many of those seeking European shores flee the likes of poverty, drought, and conflict.
-We have seen, of course, the life-saving, oftentimes dangerous work done by non-governmental organizations on the central Mediterranean route- said the IOM spokesman.
-The time for the state-led approach to search and rescue is now before more innocent lives are lost.-Dillon also noted that the IOM knows from experience that returnees to Libya are typically brought to detention centers and well-documented cases of abuse and exploitation.
-We remain deeply concerned about the operations of some of these centers and the process through which people are rendered back to them after they have been intercepted on their migratory journey across the central Mediterranean route- he added.

Better migration management practices needed from EU member states, according to International Organization for Migration

Many of those seeking European shores flee the likes of poverty, drought, and conflict

970 irregular migrants so far perished in Mediterranean this year

Cuba on Tuesday blamed the US for a Molotov cocktail terror attack on the Cuban Embassy in Paris.

-We denounce the terrorist attack with Molotov cocktails against our Embassy in Paris-Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on Twitter. -I hold the US Government responsible for its continuous campaigns against our country that encourage these behaviors and for calls to violence, with impunity, from its territory.-The French fire department said two inflammatory devices were thrown at the diplomatic mission around midnight PAris time which left no one injured and caused minor damage to the building.
The foreign ministry’s international press center said three Molotov cocktails were thrown at the embassy and two reached the outer perimeter, causing a fire that was extinguished by the diplomatic mission’s staff.
French police and firefighters arrived at the scene and it led French authorities to tighten security around the building.
Over the last few days, Cuban embassies in various cities around the world have been the target of pro and anti-government protests after thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Cuba to protest amid a health and economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic and exacerbated by US sanctions.
Cuba has accused the US of provoking "social outbursts in the country.”
The US said it supports the Cuban people and demanded that the government listen to its people.
In the last few hours, foreign ministers of more than 20 countries have condemned mass arrests in Cuba and urged a full restoration of internet access on the island.

Island denounces ‘terrorist’ attack with Molotov cocktails

Foreign Minister of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parilla

Cuba blames US of Paris Embassy attack

Between July 17 and July 22, Turkish Coast Guard units in the Aegean Izmir province rescued 388 asylum seekers illegally pushed back to Turkey’s territorial waters by Greek forces, authorities said on Tuesday.

A total of 217 asylum seekers were rescued off the Seferihisar coast and two suspected traffickers arrested between July 18 and July 21, while 78 asylum seekers were found off the coast of Dikili between July 17 and July 20.
On July 22, 26 asylum seekers were saved off the coast of Izmir’s Foca district and another 67 foreign nationals stranded in a sailing boat off the Cesme district were also rescued.
Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.
Turkey and human rights groups have repeatedly condemned Greece's illegal practice of pushing back asylum seekers, saying it violates humanitarian values and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable migrants, including women and children.

Hundreds of asylum seekers illegally pushed back by Greece rescued off coast of Aegean Izmir province within span of days

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives

Turkey rescues 388 asylum seekers after Greek pushback

The United States fully supports the essential role and mandate of the Office of the High Representative, and looks forward to cooperating with the incoming High Representative Christian Schmidt, the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in B&amp;H told FENA commenting on the latest decisions of Republic of Srpska parliamentary parties, after High Representative Valentin Inzko imposed legal changes banning genocide denial.

-We share the views expressed by the United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and War Crimes Alice Wairimu Nderitu that the perpetrators are individuals and not society or the community as a whole, and that political, religious and community leaders, as well as educators and the media have a responsibility to lead the way towards constructive dialogue based on trust, respect and dignity. Respect for all victims, as a matter of generally accepted human rights, and refusal to politicize suffering, will contribute to reconciliation, which is necessary for B&amp;H to move forward- said the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in B&amp;H.They further stated that it is necessary to focus on economic, anti-corruption, and rule of law reforms that will bring greater prosperity, instead of isolation. The progress on B&amp;H's European path is the best way politicians can serve their voters.
-In this regard, the United States fully supports the essential role and mandate of the Office of the High Representative, and we look forward to working with the incoming High Representative Christian Schmidt to engage, together with local actors, in meeting the 5 + 2 criteria necessary to end the international supervision in B&amp;H, and provide support to the Dayton Peace Agreement, which confirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH as a single independent state, with two entities, three constituent peoples, citizens and others- FENA learns.
As it is pointed out, the closure of the Office of the High Representative is not based on time limits, but on meeting the set criteria that are complementary to providing support for functionality and stability, which are also needed given B&amp;H's EU perspective. Therefore, all local actors must make a diligent effort to reach consensus and conduct a dialogue aimed at B&amp;H's progress.
-Only with the participation in the work of all levels of government, politicians from any entity can return hope to the citizens and build a solid basis for economic growth- the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in B&amp;H told FENA.

As it is pointed out, the closure of the Office of the High Representative is not based on time limits, but on meeting the set criteria

US Embassy: We look forward to working with the incoming High Representative Christian Schmidt

US fully supports essential role and mandate of Office of High Representative

The Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina published amendments to the B&amp;H Criminal Code imposed by High Representative Valentin Inzko, which prohibit and punish denial of genocide and glorification of war crimes.

According to available data, the law enters into force eight days from the day of its publication on the OHR website or the day after its publication in the Official Gazette of B&amp;H.
Namely, this means that the new provisions of the Criminal Code of B&amp;H, which refer to the denial of genocide, will enter into force tomorrow.

According to available data, the law enters into force eight days from the day of its publication on the OHR website or the day after its publication in the Official Gazette of B&H

Inzko: Imposed changes to the B&H Criminal Code

Inzko's decision published in the Official Gazette of B&H: As of tomorrow, denying genocide is punishable

Today, SDA President Bakir Izetbegović commented on the first-instance decision of the HJPC disciplinary commission to transfer Chief State Prosecutor Gordana Tadić.
He said that he had objections to her work because the focus of her work was "almost exclusively on Bosniaks from the SDA".
However, Vlado Adamović, Gordana Tadić's lawyer, says that Izetbegović exerts pressure on the Second Instance Commission of the HJPC B&amp;H with such statements.
- His claims that Tadić arrested only Bosniaks is not true. This is how he plays with human destinies. That should not be done. There are obvious inconsistencies in such statements when criticizing the Prosecution's actions. When it came to the FB&amp;H Government and the ISA, he said that it was pressure on the authorities, and now prosecutor Tadić is to blame for everything and that does not correspond to the facts. This only puts pressure on the HJPC in a procedure that has not yet been completed - says Adamović.

His claims that Tadić arrested only Bosniaks is not true and does not correspond to the facts, says Adamović

Lawyer Adamović on SDA leader's statements against Tadić: Bakir Izetbegović exerts pressure on HJPC B&H

Today, the Supreme Court of FB&amp;H released Ljubo and Bekrija Seferović in the "Memić" case.
This was the third time that the verdict of the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo had been considered. In both previous verdicts, the Seferovićs were acquitted. They were accused of the death of Dženan Memić in Ilidža's Great Alley in February 2016.
However, the FB&amp;H Supreme Court overturned both verdicts and ordered a retrial.

From the very beginning, the Memić family claims that Dženan was killed and that this is a false indictment.
Before the verdict was pronounced, Muriz Memić asked those present not to shout, no matter what the verdict was. Lawyer Ifet Feraget said: "Calm and dignified." And it was like that.
When the chairman of the council said "aquittal", Muriz just looked at Feraget.
During the explanation of the verdict, it was pointed out that the Prosecution did not offer evidence that confirms the allegations from the indictment beyond any reasonable doubt.

<h2>What did experts Žujo and Karan say?</h2>

Also, it was stated that medical experts Hamza Žujo and Željko Karan explicitly stated that the injuries on Dženan's head could not have occurred due to contact with the vehicle. In addition to the above, a number of expert examinations were performed and it was determined that there was not enough evidence.
The Council, in the end, said that they were under enormous pressure, and they referred to certain statements in which they were called derogatory names.
Watch the video.

During the explanation of the verdict, it was pointed out that the Prosecution did not offer evidence that beyond a reasonable doubt confirms the allegations in the indictment

Look at the moment when the Seferovićs were acquitted of the death of Dženan Memić

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that 70 percent of adults in the bloc have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. 

Overall, 57 percent of over-18s are now fully vaccinated across the 27 nations, she said in a statement. 
-These figures put Europe among the world leaders- von der Leyen said.
-But we need to keep up the effort.-The European Commission president sounded a warning over the "very dangerous" Delta variant of the virus that has increasingly taken hold on the continent and seen infection rates begin to tick up again. 
-I therefore call on everyone - who has the opportunity - to be vaccinated. For their own health and to protect others- she said. 
The European Commission -- which has been in charge of securing vaccinations for the bloc -- had earlier set the target of getting 70 percent of adults fully vaccinated by the end of summer.
Von der Leyen said on July 10 that the EU had delivered enough vaccines to reach that level. 
The inoculation drive in the bloc has picked up speed dramatically after a bumpy start due to supply shortfalls that saw it lag behind pacesetters like the United States, Britain and Israel.&nbsp;

Overall, 57 percent of over-18s are now fully vaccinated across the 27 nations

These figures put Europe among the world leaders

Brussels says 70% of EU adults have at least one Covid shot

The lawyer of the Memić family, Ifet Feraget, said that he was fighting for a democratic state and that it was not clear to him why the Supreme Court of the Federation earlier revoked the acquittal of the Sarajevo Cantonal Court when it announced today that there was no evidence that the Seferovićs were guilty.
- It has never happened that one procedure lasts five and a half years, and we already have a confirmed indictment in another procedure. We have proved that justice is persistent but achievable and this struggle will continue. Thanks everyone. Let's move on - said Feraget.

It has never happened that one procedure lasts five and a half years, and we already have a confirmed indictment in another procedure, says Feraget

Feraget: We have proved that justice is achievable and this fight goes on

Addressing the press after the verdict of the Supreme Court of the Federation of B&amp;H, Muriz Memić said that the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina won by this verdict.
- Dalida Burzić must be arrested after five and a half years. I have nothing to rejoice about because I have lost my son. I call on the citizens to honor themselves and this is their victory. Ifet showed what intelligence and knowledge are, he fought as if it were his son. Here, honesty eventually won. As of today, the traffic accident is a finished story and no one needs to mention it anymore. Now the helpers and murderers should be arrested – said Muriz Memić.

Here, honesty eventually won. As of today, the traffic accident is a finished story and no one should mention it anymore, says Muriz

Muriz Memić: Helpers and murderers should be arrested now

Arijana Memić, the sister of the late Dženan Memić, commenting on the verdict of the Supreme Court of the Federation, which acquitted the Seferovićs of the death of Dženan Memić, said that this was a victory over the corrupt system.
- Thank you all. Behind us was an army of people who supported us. Thanks to our lawyer Ifet Feraget. He was also attacked but this man worked for free for five years and was with us. This is a victory over a corrupt system and a victory for our family. This is justice for Dženan. I invite you to gather tonight in Ilidža and celebrate this day - said Arijana Memić.

Behind us was an army of people who supported us. Thanks to our lawyer Ifet Feraget. He was also attacked. This man worked for free for five years and was with us from the beginning

Arijana Memić: We defeated the corrupt system

Today, the Supreme Court of FB&amp;H released Ljubo and Bekrija Seferović in the "Memić" case.
This was the third time that the verdict of the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo had been considered. In both previous verdicts, the Seferovićs were acquitted. They were accused of the death of Dženan Memić in Ilidža's Great Alley in February 2016.
However, the entity Supreme Court overturned both verdicts and ordered a retrial.

This was the third time that the verdict of the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo had been considered

"Memić" case: The Supreme Court of FB&H acquitted Seferovićs again

A blast followed by a fire rocked an industrial park in the western German city of Leverkusen Tuesday, sending a cloud of dark smoke towards the sky and leaving several injured.&nbsp;Germany's Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance classified the explosion at the Chempark site operated by Currenta as "an extreme threat,'' according to Germany's dpa news agency. 
Currenta said the explosion occurred at a tank farm that is part of its facility and that five employees were missing, two were seriously injured and several others were injured as well. 
Chempark urged residents of Leverkusen, which lies 20 kilometers (13 miles) north of Cologne, to "go indoors and keep doors and windows closed."
The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper reported the incident occurred at a garbage incineration plant in the chemical park, located in the Bürrig neighborhood.
Police in Cologne tweeted that they were closing several motorways because of "major damage."
Firefighters and pollution detection vehicles have been dispatched to the scene.&nbsp;Residents said the blast could be heard from some distance, with some reporting that the force of the explosion had rattled their windows. 
It is unclear what caused the blast. 
Bayer, one of Germany's largest chemical manufacturers, is headquartered in Leverkusen.

Residents in the western German city have been asked to stay inside and keep their windows and doors closed. Operators of the chemical plant said it wasn't clear what caused the explosion.

Smoke billows following an explosion in Wiesdorf, Leverkusen, Germany July 27, 2021.

Blast at chemical site shakes Leverkusen

Since the beginning of the migrant crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the highest migration pressure has been registered in the area of ​​the B&amp;H Border Police units on the border with the Republic of Serbia, especially in the area of ​​Zvornik and Višegrad border police units.

Increased migratory pressure was also recorded in other organizational units of the BP B&amp;H on the border with the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro, such as the units of the BP B&amp;H Hum - Foča and Trebinje.
-Since the beginning of this year, the BiH Border Police has deterred more than 3,600 people from trying to cross the state border illegally. The majority of such illegal attempts were done by nationals of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Morocco.&nbsp;Comparing the data for the same period last year, the influx of migrants has decreased, thus reducing the number of people detected in illegal crossing or attempting to cross the state border illegally, which can, among other things, be linked to the coronavirus pandemic- the B&amp;H Border Police spokesperson Franka Vican told FENA.As she pointed out, from the very beginning of the migrant crisis, the BP B&amp;H has been taking intensified measures to control the state border in order to prevent illegal crossings.
These measures include extraordinary engagement of personnel, redeployment of personnel and technical capacities, engagement of police officers of other police agencies in B&amp;H to assist the BP B&amp;H (Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies, State Investigation and Protection Agency, the RS MoI) and almost all human and material-technical capacities of the BP B&amp;H are deployed on the eastern part of the state border, where we find the greatest migratory pressure.

The majority of such illegal attempts were done by nationals of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Morocco

Increased migratory pressure was also recorded in other organizational units of the BP B&H on the border with the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro, such as the units of the BP B&H Hum - Foča and Trebinje

More than 3,600 people prevented from crossing the B&H border illegally in 2021

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz will meet his French counterpart in Paris this week for talks that will include an "update" on the Pegasus spyware scandal, his office said Tuesday. 

A ministry statement said Gantz will leave Wednesday for talks with French Defence Minister Florence Parly on topics including the crisis in Lebanon, nuclear negotiations with Iran and the Pegasus malware made by Israeli firm NSO, which was allegedly used to target President Emmanuel Macron. 
Pegasus, which is able to switch on a phone's camera or microphone and harvest its data, is at the centre of a storm after a list of about 50,000 potential surveillance targets was leaked to human rights groups.
Amnesty International and French media nonprofit Forbidden Stories collaborated with a clutch of media companies, including the Washington Post, the Guardian and Le Monde, to analyse and publish the list. 
Macron had to change his phone and number.
Israel's defence ministry must approve NSO exports given the sensitive nature of the sector. 
Israel's defence establishment has set up a committee to review the firm's business, including the process through which export licenses are granted. 
Pegasus's list of alleged targets includes at least 180 journalists, 600 politicians, 85 human rights activists and 65 business leaders.
NSO insists its software is only intended for use in fighting terrorism and other crimes, and says it exports to 45 countries.

Pegasus's list of alleged targets includes at least 180 journalists, 600 politicians, 85 human rights activists and 65 business leaders

The Pegasus spyware, developed by Israeli firm MSO and allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron, will be on the agenda of the Israeli defence minister's talks in Paris this week

Israel minister to discuss Pegasus scandal in France visit

Pakistan on Monday reported more than 3,700 new coronavirus cases, the highest single-day toll since May 22, as the Delta variant is spreading across the country, according to official data.

In the past 24 hours, the country registered 3,752 additional infections, bringing the caseload to over 1 million, the Health Ministry count showed.
On May 21, Pakistan recorded 4,007 cases that slowly declined to 663 on June 21, but has seen spikes again since July 6.
The fatalities also rose as the country reported 32 more deaths, raising the total number to 23,048, while 927,599 people have so far recovered.
The authorities already warned that Pakistan could move to the fourth wave if the public avoids following safety precautions.
-This Indian variant has caused devastation in countries in the region. ... Do not risk your own &amp; others lives- Asad Umar, the federal minister and head of the nation’s anti-virus strategy, tweeted last week, urging people to follow the standard operating procedures and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan also called the Delta strain “the biggest concern."
-After a downslide, infections are on the rise again. We fear that the Delta variant could strike Pakistan- he said in a televised address, adding: -I appeal to the nation to wear masks and take protective measures.-

Country sees over 3,700 cases in past 24 hours, record number since May 22

On May 21, Pakistan recorded 4,007 cases that slowly declined to 663 on June 21, but has seen spikes again since July 6

970 irregular migrants so far perished in Mediterranean this year

Cuba blames US of Paris Embassy attack

Turkey rescues 388 asylum seekers after Greek pushback

US fully supports essential role and mandate of Office of High Representative

Inzko's decision published in the Official Gazette of B&H: As of tomorrow, denying genocide is punishable

Lawyer Adamović on SDA leader's statements against Tadić: Bakir Izetbegović exerts pressure on HJPC B&H

Look at the moment when the Seferovićs were acquitted of the death of Dženan Memić

Brussels says 70% of EU adults have at least one Covid shot

Feraget: We have proved that justice is achievable and this fight goes on

Muriz Memić: Helpers and murderers should be arrested now

Arijana Memić: We defeated the corrupt system

"Memić" case: The Supreme Court of FB&H acquitted Seferovićs again

Blast at chemical site shakes Leverkusen

More than 3,600 people prevented from crossing the B&H border illegally in 2021

Israel minister to discuss Pegasus scandal in France visit

Pakistan reports highest daily COVID-19 cases in 2 months

News

970 irregular migrants so far perished in Mediterranean this year

Cuba blames US of Paris Embassy attack

Turkey rescues 388 asylum seekers after Greek pushback

US fully supports essential role and mandate of Office of High Representative

Inzko's decision published in the Official Gazette of B&H: As of tomorrow, denying genocide is punishable

Lawyer Adamović on SDA leader's statements against Tadić: Bakir Izetbegović exerts pressure on HJPC B&H

Look at the moment when the Seferovićs were acquitted of the death of Dženan Memić

Brussels says 70% of EU adults have at least one Covid shot

Feraget: We have proved that justice is achievable and this fight goes on

Muriz Memić: Helpers and murderers should be arrested now

Arijana Memić: We defeated the corrupt system

"Memić" case: The Supreme Court of FB&H acquitted Seferovićs again

Blast at chemical site shakes Leverkusen

More than 3,600 people prevented from crossing the B&H border illegally in 2021

Israel minister to discuss Pegasus scandal in France visit

Pakistan reports highest daily COVID-19 cases in 2 months