Dario Salvi

Iranian deputy foreign minister says it is part of "the commitments made" by Europe to save trade with the Islamic Republic. Instex will be applied to the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors.

Yukiya Amano urges Iranian leaders to continue working with the UN agency. "It is essential that Iran continues to fully implement those commitments,” says IAEA chief. White House and intelligence agencies clash over Iran’s nuclear programme. For intelligence chiefs, Tehran is living up to its commitment, but for the president they are "naive".

In a message marking the sixth anniversary of his nomination as patriarch, Card Sako recalls challenges and difficulties. The patriarchate has the task of forming a committee for interreligious dialogue. Flight of the faithful and defense of property the most urgent problems. The commitment of priests for displaced persons.

For the local migrant community, the pontiff's visit constitutes "encouragement and a recognition" of their value. A "multinational and multicultural" Church of people is "united under the same sky". There is a "beautiful climate" in the Emirates. Muslim media have been paying close attention to the visit, which will boost interfaith dialogue.

The provision is inserted in the context of the campaign aimed at discouraging the possession of the animal. For religious, it is a symbol of the Western way of life and the era of the Shah. Five years ago a bill called for heavy fines and whipping for those taking dogs for a walk.

The UN Special Rapporteur visited the neighbourhood where the Saudi consulate is located but was not allowed to enter its premises nor speak to its staff. Turkey is pushing for an international inquiry. A report is expected by May.

"Long-term strategic cooperation" is also included in the package. The agreements cover various sectors, including economy, culture, education, infrastructure, investment and housing. Syrian Premier: A "message to the world". An agreement that will exacerbate tension with the United States and Israel.

For activists, the 25-year-old’s case is "an absolute emergency". He was sentenced in absentia to 10 years for vandalism. The player rejects the accusations, which he says are politically motivated. Yesterday, the Supreme Court definitively confirmed life imprisonment for the Shiite opposition leader Ali Salman.

For about a million Catholics, the Pope's visit will be a "milestone" in interfaith dialogue and the local community’s development. The parish priest at Saint Anthony’s Cathedral describes the visit as the “crowning” of the country’s tolerance. Egyptian, Jordanian and Filipino migrants speak of their experience. The government wants the visit to be a «Strong message" against those who use religion to divide.

The Championships is scheduled in Kuching from 29 July to 4 August and allocates places for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Kuala Lumpur had banned Israeli athletes over Israel's treatment of Palestinians. A decision reached concurrently with International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

A group of 41 young men and women, two volunteers and three priests left the Holy Land for Panama. For Fr Bashar, this is a "very unique experience" and an "opportunity" for the young people to "strengthen their faith" and share experiences in a different country. Rosaries made from olive wood of Bethlehem will be handed out. A young woman will bear witness.

Saudi Arabia and Iran are stepping up repression. In the Islamic Republic those who protest against poverty and corruption are jailed. Anti-hijab activists are also targeted. In the kingdom torture and abuse against dissident religious leaders.