Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Tuesday the EU "not to let Ukraine down" and promised that the EU would be stronger with Ukraine.

Speaking by a video link at the European Parliament's plenary session dedicated to the Russian-Ukrainian war, Zelenskyy welcomed the EU's unified support for Ukraine but noted that he didn't know Ukraine had to pay "such a high price for it".
He said that his country is paying the "price of freedom" since Russian President Vladimir Putin started a war on Ukraine on Thursday.
He cited the two missile attacks against the city of Kharkiv on Tuesday morning and said that only yesterday, 16 children were killed by the Russian attacks.
- Nobody is going to break us. We are strong, we are Ukrainian - Zelensky stated, but he stressed that we want "to see our children alive."
He called on EU lawmakers to "prove you are with us, prove that you won't let us down, prove that you are European too."
- EU will be much stronger with Ukraine - Zelensky asserted.

<h2>EP plenary on Russian aggression against Ukraine</h2>

Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, said the EU lawmakers "will not look away" on the war crimes committed and will support an investigation by the International Criminal Court.

She vowed to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accountable if they committed war crimes.
Metsola also welcomed Ukraine's EU candidacy and promised support for the country's EU accession.
EU lawmakers will adopt later in the day a resolution condemning the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Since Russia's war on Ukraine began last Thursday, it has been met by outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK, and US implementing a range of economic sanctions on Russia.

The EU adopted last week three sanctions packages against Russia, targeting among others President Putin, top diplomat Sergey Lavrov, the Russian banking sector, and key state-owned companies.
On Sunday, President Zelenskyy officially signed Ukraine's request to join the EU.
In an open letter, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Romania expressed support for Ukraine's swift candidacy.
So far, at least 136 civilians, including 13 children, have been killed and 400 others, including 26 children, injured in Ukraine, according to UN figures.
Around 660,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, the UN Refugee Agency said on Tuesday.

Ukraine is paying "price of freedom" now, Ukrainian President tells EU lawmakers

President Zelensky calls on EU "not to let Ukraine down"

Russian President Vladimir Putin underestimated Ukrainians’ “passionate desire” to defend their country and the unity of the Western allies, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday.

Speaking alongside Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Warsaw, where he is on a visit, Johnson told a press conference that the "tragedy" playing out in Ukraine is "worse" than many predicted.
- There is an unfolding disaster in our European continent - he said, speaking just a few hundred kilometers (miles) from the border with war-torn Ukraine.
Johnson said Putin has "fatally underestimated two things."
- The first is the passionate desire of the Ukrainian people to defend and protect their own country, their belief in their sovereign right to defend themselves, and I pay tribute by the way to the leadership and courage that is being shown by (President) Volodymyr Zelenskyy - he said.
- I think that Vladimir Putin has also underestimated the unity and the resolve of the West and of the rest of the world. We will keep up the economic pressure - he added, calling it “probably one of the most powerful packages of sanctions advanced against any country in the last few decades.”

- I'm more convinced than ever, as this hideous conflict progresses, that Putin will fail and I believe that Putin must fail, and that we will succeed in preserving and protecting a sovereign and democratic Ukraine. That is our joint objective - said the British premier.

Johnson and his Polish counterpart “discussed the talks between Ukraine and Russia and the long-term disinformation that had misled Russian troops.”
They “welcomed EU and Germany’s support for defence and humanitarian efforts,” a statement from Downing Street said.
Later, in a separate speech, Johnson said the UK would take in 200,000 people and “maybe more” as the humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the Ukraine-Russia war and people have been fleeing to neighboring countries.
Responding to a question, Johnson said Putin is already using “barbaric and indiscriminative tactics” in Ukraine, adding that he has seen reports of cluster bombs and thermobaric bombs, but they will “need to be verified.”
Russian officials need to understand that people are collecting evidence and that those who use illegal weapons against civilians could be brought “to the bar of history and … or rather to the International Criminal Court,” said Johnson.
Later Tuesday, Johnson is also due to visit Estonia, another ex-Soviet state and NATO member, where he is to meet with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. ​​​​​​​

There is an unfolding disaster in our European continent, he added

Johnson: Putin underestimated Ukrainians' passionate desire to defend country, unity of the West

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declined a Kremlin-administered coronavirus test during a visit Tuesday to Moscow, according to German media reports. 

Scholz received a test from a German Embassy doctor after he arrived in the Russian capital, said the reports.
All members of the German delegation were required to take three PCR tests before departure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Scholz for the first time since the chancellor assumed office to discuss the security situation in Europe and the events concerning Ukraine. 
The move by Scholz came after a similar decision by French President Emmanuel Macron during talks last week in Russia, which prompted the Kremlin to place him at an enormously long table with Putin.
Scholz has become the latest European leader to be seated at distance from Putin at the Kremlin’s giant conference table.
Following a high-profile meeting Feb. 7 between Macron and Putin, a flurry of media reports in France centered on the setting, with the two leaders seated on opposite ends of a meters-long conference table. 
After visuals surfaced of the meeting, which was held to quell rising tensions on the border between Ukraine and Russia, Macron told news outlet France24 that the large size of the table was part of protocols in place to curb coronavirus infection.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Olaf Scholz seated at giant conference table with Vladimir Putin amid Ukraine talks

German chancellor declines Kremlin-administered coronavirus test on Moscow visit

NATO monitors the situation on the Ukrainian border closely but it has not seen yet any sign of de-escalation from Russia, the alliance’s chief said on Wednesday.

NATO has heard sings from Russia that it wants to continue talks “but so far we have not seen any de-escalation of the ground,” Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on his way to the two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers.
- On the contrary, it appears that Russia continues the military buildup and we have not received any response to a written document or written proposals that we sent to Russia on the 26th of January - he added.

- What we need to see is a real withdrawal of forces, which is lasting and real, and not that they move troops around. But again, we are monitoring, we really hope that they will withdraw forces, and that will be the best contribution to a political solution - Stoltenberg remarked.

He explained that heavy equipment and combat enablers should also be removed from the border area for “the real withdrawal” as troops can be redeployed “very easily and quickly”.
On Tuesday, Russia announced that some of its troops in the western and southern military districts have started returning to garrisons after military drills.
Stoltenberg also referred to the document in which NATO rejected Russian demands to withdraw troops and weapons from Eastern Europe and to halt the transatlantic integration of Ukraine, and invited Russia to continue talks on arms control and military transparency in the framework of NATO-Russia Council.
In a letter sent to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last week, Stoltenberg repeated the invitation for the restart of negotiations.

The NATO chief expressed hope that Russia would choose diplomacy over conflict, and stressed that NATO remains “ready to sit down and find a political solution.”

During the two-day meeting, NATO defense ministers will discuss plans on strengthening the southeastern part of the alliance, including the deployment of a battle group in Romania and battleships in the Black Sea region.
The ministers will also hold talks with Ukrainian and Georgian counterparts, as well as representatives from the European Union, Finland and Sweden.
In 2014, Moscow began to support separatist forces in eastern Ukraine against the central government, a policy that it has maintained in the past seven years.
On Tuesday, Russia’s State Duma, the lower chamber of parliament, voted for the recognition of Ukraine’s breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states.
The US, with its European allies, has been warning since last November that Russia prepares for aggression against Ukraine after Moscow, according to Ukrainian officials and NATO, has amassed over 100,000 troops and heavy equipment in and around its neighbor.
Russia has denied it is preparing to invade and accused Western countries of undermining its security through NATO’s expansion towards its borders.

Russia continues with military buildup despite recent announcements from Moscow, says NATO chief

Stoltenberg: NATO waits for "real" sign of de-escalation from Russia

Amid an ongoing stand-off with Russia, Ukrainians on Wednesday observed the Day of Unity throughout the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday declared Feb. 16 as the "Day of Unity".
This came as reports in the US media claimed that President Joe Biden had told the leaders of the Western allies that Russia could attack Ukraine on Feb. 16.
- Today is the day of all of us who live on the right or left of the Dnieper River, in the city or the village - Zelensky said during a Unity Day event in the capital Kyiv.
In Kramatorsk, an industrial city that fell to pro-Russian separatists in 2014 before the Ukrainian army regained its control, many Ukrainians gathered in Park Yuvileynyy.
Larissa Kostenko, one of the participants, told Anadolu Agency that the event brought the Ukrainians together as a "single fist", adding that the victory would be theirs.
Natalya, a member of the Ukrainian army, said that today is a symbol of "unity against the enemy" and emphasized that it is very important for the people to show their support for the army.
Tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and the West escalated over the weekend after Western media reports claimed that Moscow could launch an attack on Ukraine on Wednesday.
Moscow recently amassed more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine, prompting fears that the Kremlin could be planning another military offensive against its ex-Soviet neighbor.
Russia has denied it is preparing to invade and accused Western countries of undermining its security through NATO’s expansion towards its borders.

President Zelensky declared Feb. 16 as Day of Unity amid reports of possible Russian invasion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday declared Feb. 16 as the "Day of Unity"

Ukrainians observe "Day of Unity" amid stand-off with Russia

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Monday instructed the Russian Defense and Foreign ministries to negotiate and sign an agreement with Belarus on providing humanitarian aid to Syria. 

The draft agreement, published on the Russian government's website, suggests sending up to Belarusian 200 servicemen to Syria "exclusively for humanitarian purposes outside the combat zone."
The Belarusian military will carry out the tasks of providing humanitarian assistance together with the Russian armed forces, according to the draft.
The Belarusian contingents are supposed to be deployed at the Syrian Khmeimim airbase, currently operated by the Russian military.

Russian prime minister instructs Foreign, Defense ministries to hold talks, sign agreement with Belarus

The draft agreement, published on the Russian government's website, suggests sending up to Belarusian 200 servicemen to Syria "exclusively for humanitarian purposes outside the combat zone"

Belarus could send 200 servicemen to Syria for humanitarian operations

The US has approved a fresh $100 million sale of equipment and services to Taiwan aimed at upgrading the missile defense systems used by the self-ruled island nation.

The deal will include engineering "services support, designed to sustain, maintain, and improve" the island nation’s Patriot Air Defense System, a US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) statement said.
- The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient (Taiwan) and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region - the statement said.
It is the second military sale by the US to Taiwan since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021.
- (It) serves US’ national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability - the DSCA said.
Xavier Chang, Taiwan’s presidential office spokesman, thanked Washington for “once again taking concrete action to fulfil its security commitments.”
- This military sale demonstrates the great importance the US government continues to place on Taiwan's self-defense capabilities as well as our rock-solid bilateral partnership - he said.
The spokesman reaffirmed "Taiwan's consistent position that we will neither bow to pressure nor act rashly when we have support."- Taiwan will continue to enhance our self-defense capabilities while deepening our security partnership with like-minded countries including the US, in order to strengthen our national defense and jointly maintain peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the greater Indo-Pacific region - he added.
China claims Taiwan, an island nation of some 24 million people, as a breakaway province, while Taipei has insisted on its independence since 1949 and has diplomatic relations with at least 15 countries.
Beijing has refused to rule out the possibility of taking the island with military force.

Self-ruled island nation says sale "demonstrates great importance" Washington continues to place on Taiwan

The deal will include engineering "services support, designed to sustain, maintain, and improve" the island nation’s Patriot Air Defense System

US okays $100M deal with Taiwan for Patriot missile system upgrades

All seven Indian army personnel, who went missing after hit by an avalanche, were found dead, an official said on Tuesday.- Bodies of all seven individuals have been recovered from the avalanche site. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, all seven have been confirmed deceased.&nbsp;The bodies of the soldiers are currently being transferred from the avalanche site to the nearest Army medical facility for further formalities - defense spokesman said.The soldiers, who were part of a patrolling team, went missing in northeastern India after the avalanche struck them on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the high-altitude Kameng sector of Arunachal Pradesh state.
The area, located at an altitude of 14,500 feet, had been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall for the past few days, according to the army.&nbsp;The search and rescue operations concluded, the spokesman said.

Army personnel went missing on Sunday after avalanche hit army patrol

The soldiers, who were part of a patrolling team, went missing in northeastern India after the avalanche struck them on Sunday

All 7 Indian soldiers found dead after hit by avalanche

Prosecutors on Tuesday asked a military tribunal to sentence former Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore to 30 years in prison for his involvement in the murder of the former revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara.

Compaore and 13 others were charged with complicity, undermining state security and concealing corpses, according to a charge sheet.&nbsp;During the hearing at the military court in Burkina Faso’s capital of Ouagadougou, prosecutors said they presented sufficient evidence and asked the court to convict Campaore.They also asked for 30 years for Hyacinthe Kafando, who was Campaore’s security chief, both of whom were tried in absentia.
The arrest warrant issued against the two defendants must be maintained, prosecutors told the court.
They also sought a 20-year jail term for Gen. Gilbert Diendere, a former head of the elite Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) under Campaore.&nbsp;Sankara assumed power in 1983. But he was killed Oct. 15, 1987, during a coup led by Compaore, a former ally.Campaore, 70, who was deposed in 2014 through a popular uprising after 27 years in power, lives in exile in Ivory Coast.
He has always denied allegations that he ordered Sankara’s killing.&nbsp;The trial of 14 people accused of plotting Sankara’s assassination began in October, 34 years after his murder.The court briefly suspended the trial following a recent coup in the West African country, before it resumed last Wednesday after the restoration of the Constitution by a military junta.​​​​​​​

Sufficient evidence presented in court to secure guilty verdict, prosecution tells military court

Prosecution seeks 30 years in prison for Burkina Faso former President Compaore in Sankara’s murder

Algerian authorities have launched a campaign to cover wells nationwide, in the wake of the death of a 5-year-old boy in neighboring Morocco.

In a statement, local authorities in the eastern M’sila state urged well owners to take necessary measures to secure and cover their wells.
- Violators will face deterrent measures and will be held accountable for any future incident - the statement warned.
In December 2018, an Algerian youth died in a 30-meter-deep well where he remained trapped for nine days.
Last week, Moroccan child Rayan Awram died in a 32-meter-deep well in northern Morocco after he remained trapped for five days. Rescuers managed to retrieve his body on Saturday in a tragedy that brought wide sympathy around the world.

5-year-old child died in 32-deep-meter well last week

Local authorities in the eastern M’sila state urged well owners to take necessary measures to secure and cover their wells

Algeria covers wells after death of Moroccan child

At least 10 people are confirmed dead in Madagascar after Tropical Cyclone Batsirai slammed its eastern coastline overnight, the country’s disaster management agency said Sunday.​​​​​​​

Some died after their homes collapsed in the town of Ambalavao, about 460 kilometers (286 miles) south of the capital Antananarivo.&nbsp;The initial death toll reported was six.The National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management said 47,888 people were displaced by the storm, which brought heavy rains and winds.
According to the agency, water levels along the cyclone’s path were expected to peak between Sunday and Monday and flood warnings were issued for the Mananjary and Fiherenana rivers.&nbsp;Following initial reports, up to 250,000 people are affected, the agency said.The most affected area was the southeastern city of Mananjary, where strong winds and rain destroyed homes and damaged infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
Cyclone Batsirai made landfall near Mananjary, around 530 kilometers (329 miles) from Antananarivo, around 8 p.m. local time on Saturday, the agency said.
Gusts reached speeds of 235 kilometers per hour (146 miles per hour) with high waves battering coastal areas, according to the country's meteorological agency.
The cyclone weakened as it moved inland, with winds scaling back to around 110km/h (68 mph).
- Strong winds and heavy rains destroyed the city…until 3 a.m. local time. The night was long. It was the worst nightmare of my life - one resident told local media.&nbsp;The cyclone was expected to move westwards towards the sea in the Mozambique Channel on Sunday and is forecast to head south, bypassing mainland Africa.&nbsp;It was the second major storm in a week after Tropical Storm Ana struck the Indian Ocean island last month, killing 55 people and displacing more than 110,000 others.Last month, nearly 80 people were killed following tropical storms in the three southern African countries of Madagascar, Mozambique and Malawi.&nbsp;According to experts, extreme weather events such as cyclones could become more regular, attributable to climate change.The World Food Program (WFP) director for Madagascar, Pasqualina Di Sirio, told reporters ahead of the storm that she anticipated “a major crisis.”

At least 47,888 people displaced by storm, says national disaster management agency

Some died after their homes collapsed in the town of Ambalavao

10 killed after Cyclone Batsirai batters Madagascar

The African Union on Sunday postponed a debate on whether Israel's observer status should be withdrawn, avoiding a division, the pan-African body's newly elected chairman for 2022 said.

Speaking to reporters at the end of the two-day summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Macky Sall said they discussed the issue thoroughly and agreed to postpone it until the next summit in 2023.
- This issue can divide us, Africa cannot be divided - he said, adding that division would result in a fragile institution that may not effectively focus on serious issues.
He added that a committee has been set up, which will consult with member states and build a consensus on the matter. “It will be composed of eight heads of state and governments, and will present its recommendations at the next summit."
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, who granted Israel the accreditation last July, briefed the media with Sall and defended his decision as legal.
- By granting the observer status to Israel, I acted in full compliance with my prerogatives and powers ... he said. (But) I respect the decision of the summit.Several member states, particularly Algeria and South Africa, have protested Mahamat's decision, saying they had not been consulted on the move.
In response to the 55-member bloc's move, Israel said the African Union "rejected attempts by Algeria and South Africa to revoke the State of Israel’s acceptance as an observer in the organization."
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said its admission will facilitate increased cooperation between Israel and African countries.
- Israel attaches great importance in expanding the dialogue and cooperation with the African Union in line with changes in the Middle East, and views it as an important expression of our shared activities for the continent’s next generation - it added.

Committee set up to review the issue, present recommendations in next summit

The African Union on Sunday postponed a debate on whether Israel's observer status should be withdrawn

African Union postpones debate on Israel's observer status

Australia on Monday announced the reopening of its borders for fully vaccinated tourists from Feb. 21.

A statement issued from the Prime Minister's Office said the country will reopen to all fully vaccinated visa holders, welcoming the return of tourists, business travelers, and other visitors.
- These changes will ensure we protect the health of Australians, while we continue to secure our economic recovery - said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
- Australia’s health system has demonstrated its resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including though the recent omicron wave. With improving health conditions, including a recent 23% decline in hospitalizations due to COVID, the National Security Committee of Cabinet today agreed Australia is ready to further progress the staged reopening of our international border - it added.
However, those visa holders who are not fully vaccinated will need to apply for travel exemption and if the government approves their request to enter Australia, they will have to quarantine.
Morrison said that the new decision to reopen borders for tourists would boost tourism.
In 2018-19, Australia generated over $60 billion with more than 660,000 jobs, however, the COVID-19 outbreak in the country hit the tourism industry as Australia remained among those countries which strictly closed its borders for travelers from abroad until November of last year.

Unvaccinated visa holders will not be allowed to enter without prior permission Islamuddin Sajid   | 07.02.2022

The country will reopen to all fully vaccinated visa holders, welcoming the return of tourists, business travelers, and other visitors

Australia to reopen borders for fully vaccinated tourists, visa holders

Prince Charles on Sunday thanked his mother Queen Elizabeth for publicly stating her desire that his wife Camilla becomes Queen Consort when he becomes king, acknowledging the honour on the 70-year anniversary of her accession to the British throne.

The request - a blessing that will likely remove the need for any discussion about future titles - follows an earlier era when Camilla was vilified by the tabloid press for the breakdown of Charles' marriage to his first wife, Princess Diana.&nbsp;The 95-year-old queen had made her thoughts known on Saturday, saying it was her "sincere wish" that when the day comes, Camilla would be known as Queen Consort.
Charles made the comments on Sunday when he led tributes to the 95-year-old monarch as she passed a milestone never reached by any of her predecessors in 1,000 years.
- We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother's wish. As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout - Charles said in a statement.&nbsp;Charles and Camilla, long-time lovers, were married in 2005, enabling her to gradually take on a more prominent role. With a current title of Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla is now a popular member of the family and regularly appears at official duties, alongside Charles and the queen.
The statement on the future of the monarchy comes as the country celebrates the queen's role over the last 70 years.
Charles was joined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, politicians, churches and members of the public in praising the queen for her dedication to public service.&nbsp;- The year of this unprecedented Platinum Jubilee brings an opportunity for us all to come together in celebrating the service of the queen, by whose example we will continue to be led in the years to come - Charles said.&nbsp;The country will hold national events in June.

During her seven decades on the throne, the queen has overseen huge social, economic and political change, including the end of the British Empire.

Elizabeth became the queen of Britain and more than a dozen other realms including Canada, Australia and New Zealand on the death of her father King George VI on Feb. 6, 1952, while she was in Kenya on an international tour.
The news was broken to her by her husband Prince Philip, who died last year aged 99 after more than 70 years by her side.
Elizabeth said on Saturday that she wished to renew the pledge she had made in 1947, when she turned 21, that her life would be one of devotion to the country.
Prime Minister Johnson said he paid tribute to her many years of service and "look forward to coming together as a country to celebrate her historic reign in the summer".
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison hailed "a truly remarkable milestone in a remarkable life".
The queen has continued to carry out official duties well into her 90s, but has been seen much less regularly of late after she spent a night in hospital last October for an unspecified ailment and was then instructed by doctors to rest.
On Sunday the palace released a new photo of the queen, smiling broadly near a red despatch box that contains official government paperwork. On Saturday she was filmed meeting local community groups and joking with officials.
- I think I might just put a knife in it. Somebody else can do the rest - she said when presented with a large cake.&nbsp;

The 95-year-old queen had made her thoughts known on Saturday, saying it was her "sincere wish" that when the day comes, Camilla would be known as Queen Consort

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Charles, the Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are seen during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London, Britain October 14, 2019.

Prince Charles praises Elizabeth's blessing for "Queen Camilla"

Costa Rica is headed for an election Sunday to choose its next president.&nbsp;A total of 25 candidates are competing for the nation’s top spot with an electorate that is undecided.Former President Jose Maria Figueres of the National Liberation Party is leading in surveys with 17% of the vote. He is followed by conservative Lineth Saborio of the Social Christian Unity Party with 13% and evangelical preacher Fabricio Alvarado of the New Republic party has 10%.
Despite a large number of candidates, relatively few are positioned as the favorite.
According to the latest University of Costa Rica survey published on Jan. 26, there is no overwhelming favorite, making it highly likely that the country will hold a second round on April 3 between the top two vote-getters.
A candidate is required to have at least 40% of the vote to avoid a run-off.
And it appears that voters that are undecided will determine the results. Undecided voters make up 41% of the electorate, according to the survey.
President Carlos Alvarado Quesada of the Citizen Action Party is not running because the country's constitution does not allow re-election.
Alvarado will leave office with an approval rating below 15% because of economic problems stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, including unemployment levels that have soared.
The economy is heavily dependent on tourism that has been hit hard by the pandemic and experiencing a slow road to recovery.
More than 3.5 million people in the country are eligible to vote.
The winner will take office for the 2022-2026 term on May 8.&nbsp;The Central American country will also vote to renew its 57-seat unicameral Legislative Assembly.

25 candidates vying for nation’s top post but none have majority, survey says

More than 3.5 million people in the country are eligible to vote

Costa Rica headed to polls in crowded presidential field

Tunisian President Kais Saied said he plans to dissolve the country’s Supreme Judicial Council, amid tension with the judiciary.

The council "has become a thing of the past", Saied said in a statement on Sunday.
- This council has become a place where positions and appointments are sold according to loyalties - he added.
The statements came shortly before planned protests by Saied’s supporters on Sunday to demand the dissolution of the council, a body responsible for the independence of the judiciary.
- It’s your right to protest and it’s your right to dissolve the Supreme Judicial Council - the Tunisian president said.
Saied’s statements quickly drew fire from the head of Supreme Judicial Council, Yousef Bouzakher.
- We consider the decision to dissolve the council…as illegitimate - Bouzakher told Anadolu Agency.
He said the judicial council will continue its work as usual.
- There is no legitimacy or constitutionality in dissolving the council - he said, accusing the Tunisian president of inciting the judicial council.
Tension has marred Saied’s relations with the council, with the Tunisian leader criticizing the judiciary over delay in issuing rulings in cases of corruption and terrorism.
In July, 2021, Saied dismissed the government suspended parliament, and assumed executive authority amid mounting public anger over economic stagnation and political paralysis.
While Saied insists that his "exceptional measures" were meant to "save" the country, critics have accused him of orchestrating a coup.
Tunisia has been seen as the only country that succeeded in carrying out a democratic transition among Arab countries which witnessed popular revolutions toppling ruling regimes, including Egypt, Libya and Yemen.

President Zelensky calls on EU "not to let Ukraine down"

Johnson: Putin underestimated Ukrainians' passionate desire to defend country, unity of the West

German chancellor declines Kremlin-administered coronavirus test on Moscow visit

Stoltenberg: NATO waits for "real" sign of de-escalation from Russia

Ukrainians observe "Day of Unity" amid stand-off with Russia

Belarus could send 200 servicemen to Syria for humanitarian operations

US okays $100M deal with Taiwan for Patriot missile system upgrades

All 7 Indian soldiers found dead after hit by avalanche

Prosecution seeks 30 years in prison for Burkina Faso former President Compaore in Sankara’s murder

Algeria covers wells after death of Moroccan child

10 killed after Cyclone Batsirai batters Madagascar

African Union postpones debate on Israel's observer status

Australia to reopen borders for fully vaccinated tourists, visa holders

Prince Charles praises Elizabeth's blessing for "Queen Camilla"

Costa Rica headed to polls in crowded presidential field

Tunisian president to dissolve top judicial council, amid tension with judges

World

President Zelensky calls on EU "not to let Ukraine down"

Johnson: Putin underestimated Ukrainians' passionate desire to defend country, unity of the West

German chancellor declines Kremlin-administered coronavirus test on Moscow visit

Stoltenberg: NATO waits for "real" sign of de-escalation from Russia

Ukrainians observe "Day of Unity" amid stand-off with Russia

Belarus could send 200 servicemen to Syria for humanitarian operations

US okays $100M deal with Taiwan for Patriot missile system upgrades

All 7 Indian soldiers found dead after hit by avalanche

Prosecution seeks 30 years in prison for Burkina Faso former President Compaore in Sankara’s murder

Algeria covers wells after death of Moroccan child

10 killed after Cyclone Batsirai batters Madagascar

African Union postpones debate on Israel's observer status

Australia to reopen borders for fully vaccinated tourists, visa holders

Prince Charles praises Elizabeth's blessing for "Queen Camilla"

Costa Rica headed to polls in crowded presidential field

Tunisian president to dissolve top judicial council, amid tension with judges