CYPRUS: Defence minister Vasilis Palmas announced plans today to build a major naval base capable of hosting large ships to carry out missions including humanitarian aid deliveries to the Middle East.

Mr Palmas told reporters that Cyprus’s geopolitical role as the European Union’s closest member to the Middle East warranted infrastructure that can support policies geared toward the region.

UZBEKISTAN: More than 25 human rights groups are calling on Uzbekistan’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev to veto a proposed law that would allow foreigners to be deported or blocked from entry if they are deemed undesirable.