MONTENEGRO: Jakov Milatovic has won the presidential election after a run-off ballot, official results confirmed today.

Mr Milatovic defeated veteran leader Milo Djukanovic by 59 per cent to 41 per cent. 

The president-elect has pledged to keep the country on course to join the European Union, continue to strengthen ties with the Nato military alliance and enforce international sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. 

IRAN: British-based solidarity organisation the Committee for Defence of Iranian People’s Rights (Codir) called today for the immediate release of Iranian Teachers Trade Association spokesman Mohammad Habibi following his arrest by security forces the day before.

Codir appealed to all unions to show solidarity with Mr Habibi and “with their beleaguered counterparts in Iran.”

PERSIAN GULF: Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to reopen diplomatic missions in their respective capitals and other cities. Iranian news agency ISNA reported today.

As part of the reported deal, negotiators will also study the prospects of resuming flights between the two nations and facilitating a visa process. 

RUSSIA: Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova, who is being sought for war crimes by the International Criminal Court over the deportation of children from Ukraine, told a United Nations meeting on Wednesday that the children were taken to ensure their safety.

She said that Moscow is co-ordinating with international organisations to return them to their families.

Diplomats from the United States, Britain, Albania and Malta walked out when Ms Lvova-Belova began addressing the meeting by video link.