**Summary:** North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that Pyongyang can coexist with the United States only if Washington accepts North Korea's constitutional status as a nuclear power and withdraws its hostile policy. Kim also declared that North Korea will permanently exclude South Korea, calling it the most hostile entity, and vowed to continue expanding its nuclear arsenal.

**Key points:**
- Kim Jong Un made the diplomatic offer at the close of the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
- North Korea plans to focus on projects to increase the number of nuclear weapons and expand nuclear operational means.
- Kim stated that the future of US-DPRK relations depends entirely on the US attitude.
- The leader condemned South Korea's conciliatory attitude as a 'clumsy and deceptive farce'.
- The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimated North Korea holds about 50 assembled nuclear warheads.

**Why it matters:** This declaration signals North Korea's strategic confidence in maintaining its nuclear status and sets clear, non-negotiable terms for potential future engagement with the US, while hardening its stance against South Korea.

News18 - Kim Offers US A Choice: Accept North Korea's Nukes Or Face Endless Standoff

EL PAÍS - Kim Jong-un asegura que seguirá fortaleciendo las capacidades nucleares de Corea del Norte

Kim Jong Un Offers US Choice: Accept North Korea as Nuclear State or Face Eternal Confrontation

**Summary:** Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced his resignation following an independent review into his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The WEF co-chairs accepted his decision, noting the review found no concerns beyond what was already public.

**Key points:**
- Brende, a former Norwegian Foreign Minister, led the Geneva-based forum since 2017.
- The resignation allows the WEF to continue its work without distractions, according to Brende.
- Disclosures from the US Justice Department revealed Brende attended three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged over 100 messages.
- Brende had previously stated publicly in November 2025 that he had no contact with Epstein.
- Alois Zwinggi, the current Managing Director, was named interim President immediately.
- The WEF Board of Trustees will begin the search for a permanent successor.

**Why it matters:** The resignation of the WEF President due to connections with Jeffrey Epstein highlights the reputational damage such associations can inflict on major global organizations. The incident underscores the scrutiny faced by global figures regarding past associations with controversial individuals.

Børge Brende: Präsident des Weltwirtschaftsforums tritt wegen Epstein-Affäre zurück

Kriminalität: Epstein-Skandal: Chef des Weltwirtschaftsforums tritt zurück

Borge Brende Quits As World Economic Forum CEO After Epstein Links Emerge

Affaire Epstein : Borge Brende, président du Forum économique de Davos, annonce sa démission

WEF President Børge Brende Resigns Over Jeffrey Epstein Connections

**Summary:** Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee this week regarding the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators. The testimony follows a contentious exchange where Republicans accused the Clintons of resisting oversight, which the Clintons deny, calling the proceedings a politically motivated "kangaroo court."

**Key points:**
- Hillary Clinton is set to appear on Thursday, with former President Clinton scheduled for the following day.
- The closed-door depositions will be recorded, and video footage is planned for later release.
- Bill Clinton took four trips on Epstein’s private jet between 2002 and 2003, some for Clinton Foundation work.
- Republicans, led by Chair James Comer (R-Ky.), claim the testimony is vital to understanding Epstein’s sex trafficking network.
- Hillary Clinton stated she never met Epstein but encountered Ghislaine Maxwell years ago.

**Why it matters:** This marks the first time in over 40 years that a former president will testify before Congress to address criminal allegations. The testimony is central to the ongoing congressional probe into Jeffrey Epstein's activities.

Epstein probe: Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify in Congress

The Clintons are about to testify on Epstein ties. Here's what to know

Bill and Hillary Clinton to Testify Before Congress on Jeffrey Epstein Ties

**Summary:** The third round of indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington commenced in Geneva, mediated by Oman. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, presented a draft for a new nuclear agreement to the Omani mediator, demanding 'seriousness' from the US to achieve a successful negotiation.

**Key points:**
- The US delegation includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
- Iran is seeking the lifting of economic sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear program.
- The US aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, with Vice President JD Vance citing indications of a nuclear program rebuild.
- Iran rejects discussions on limiting its missile arsenal or ending support for groups like Hezbollah.

**Why it matters:** These negotiations are potentially decisive for resolving disputes over Iran's nuclear activities and the status of US economic sanctions.

newsfeed.zeit.de - Iran und USA: Iran legt Entwurf für neues Atomabkommen vor

ANSA.it - A Ginevra al via il terzo giro di colloqui Teheran-Washington. L'Iran chiede 'serietà' agli Usa

Third Round of US-Iran Nuclear Talks Begin in Geneva; Iran Demands 'Seriousness' from USA

**Summary:** Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is embarking on his first trip to India, Australia, and Japan, signaling a diplomatic recalibration with India following a period of heightened tensions. This visit is intended to deepen economic ties, focusing on trade, technology, clean energy, and critical minerals, while managing past concerns over transnational repression.

**Key points:**
- The visit follows a thaw in relations, with Canadian officials expressing confidence that alleged interference activities by Indian government agents in Canada are no longer continuing.
- Sikh groups protested Carney's trip, viewing it as sending the wrong message to those involved in pro-Khalistan activism who claim to remain targets of India.
- Discussions are expected to cover cooperation in AI, quantum research, and a coordinated approach to the Indo-Pacific.
- Indian officials plan to press Canada for firmer action against pro-Khalistan networks operating from Canadian territory.

**Why it matters:** The visit aims to move India-Canada relations toward a more stable, interest-driven phase by prioritizing economic diversification, despite lingering domestic political pressures in Canada related to the diaspora.

All trade, no costumes: What to know about Carney’s trip to India, as government details security shift

From Tensions To Trade: Canada Signals New Chapter With India Ahead Of Mark Carney's Visit

Canada's PM Carney Visits India Amid Diplomatic Reset and Security Concerns

**Summary:** South Korean director Park Chan-wook, known for films like "Oldboy," has been named the President of the Jury for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, which will take place from May 12 to May 23, 2026. This marks the first time a South Korean has held this responsibility, symbolizing the festival's "early and deep connection with Korean cinema."

**Key points:**
- Park Chan-wook succeeds actress Juliette Binoche, who presided over the 2025 jury.
- The jury will decide on the main prize, the Palme d'Or, to be awarded on May 23.
- The festival organizers praised his cinema as "visceral, subversive and baroque and in every respect courageous."
- Park won the Grand Prix du Jury at Cannes in 2004 for his revenge drama "Oldboy."
- The film selection for the 79th edition will be announced in April.

**Why it matters:** The appointment highlights the growing global influence of South Korean cinema, following other major successes like Bong Joon-ho's Palme d'Or win for "Parasite" in 2019.

Film: Park Chan-wook leitet Jury beim Cannes-Filmfestival - DIE ZEIT

South Korean director Park Chan-wook to head Cannes film fest jury - Inquirer.net

Park Chan-wook présidera le jury du Festival de Cannes 2026, le cinéaste coréen succède à Juliette Binoche - Huffington Post

Festival de Cannes : le sud-coréen Park Chan-wook, réalisateur de « Old Boy », présidera le jury en mai - Sud Ouest

Park Chan-wook to Head Jury at 79th Cannes Film Festival in May 2026

**Summary:** Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent an open letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demanding the immediate resumption of the Druzhba oil pipeline, accusing Kyiv of blocking it and interfering in Hungarian elections. Orban stated Hungary does not wish to finance the war or pay high energy prices.

**Key points:**
- Orban claims Zelensky has spent four years trying to draw Hungary into the war between Russia and Ukraine.
- The Hungarian PM alleges coordination between Ukraine, Brussels, and the Hungarian opposition to install a pro-Ukrainian government in Hungary.
- The Druzhba pipeline is critical for the energy supply of Hungary and Slovakia.
- The EU is reportedly seeking a political solution, possibly promising Orban the resumption of Russian oil supplies via Druzhba to secure his election victory.
- Orban is also blocking the EU's €90 billion loan package for Ukraine and the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions.

**Why it matters:** The dispute over the Druzhba pipeline and EU aid highlights significant friction between Hungary and Ukraine/EU, potentially impacting crucial financial support for Ukraine ahead of Hungarian elections.

Орбан написал гневное письмо Зеленскому с жалобами - rss.unian.net

"Закликаю негайно відновити роботу нафтопроводу \"Дружба\": Орбан написав відкритого листа Зеленському - espreso.tv

"У него будет его чертов трубопровод": Politico узнал, как ЕС договорится с Орбаном - rss.unian.net

Orban Sends Angry Letter to Zelensky Over Druzhba Pipeline

**Summary:** Cuban soldiers killed four people and wounded six others aboard a Florida-registered speedboat that entered Cuban waters and opened fire on the soldiers first, according to the Cuban government. The US is gathering its own information to verify the facts and determine if the victims were American citizens or permanent residents.

**Key points:**
- The incident occurred about one nautical mile northeast of Cayo Falcones, off Cuba’s north coast.
- One Cuban officer was injured in the exchange of fire.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the episode was not a US government operation.
- The US Department of Homeland Security and the US Coast Guard are investigating the incident.
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier ordered a state-level investigation.

**Why it matters:** The shooting threatens to increase tensions between the US and Cuba, occurring amid an increasingly aggressive US stance toward Cuba following the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

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