Council of State

The United Nations Security Council convened a formal meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. The session, carried on UN media, comes as the Council continues to weigh the conflict, ceasefire efforts and humanitarian conditions in the region. Member states were expected to restate positions on Palestinian statehood and security concerns, with no immediate announcement of agreed measures after the discussion.

Stavros Lambrinidis, head of the European Union's delegation to the United Nations, delivered a statement on behalf of the EU and its member states at the UN Security Council concerning the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine. The address reaffirmed the bloc's collective position on the war before the Council. The full content of the statement has not been widely detailed in available reporting.

The United States has withdrawn from the UN Human Rights Council, stepping away from the Geneva-based body charged with monitoring human rights abuses worldwide. Rights groups, including Christian Solidarity Worldwide, have highlighted the move, and critics say it weakens international human rights oversight and diminishes American influence at the United Nations.

North Korea has conducted tests of two submarine-launched ballistic missiles, according to state media. The country's leadership described the launches as a demonstration of its war deterrent capabilities in the region. The tests are likely to draw criticism from South Korea, Japan and the United States, which routinely condemn such launches as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and as escalating regional tensions.

The Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process delivered remarks to the United Nations Security Council, with the full text published as delivered by the UN's Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. The briefing addressed the state of the Middle East peace process before Council members. The remarks come amid continued international attention to the lack of progress toward a two-state solution and ongoing tensions across the region.

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution imposing sanctions on Haiti, a move announced by the United States Mission to the United Nations following the vote. The measure targets individuals and entities fueling gang violence and instability in Haiti, where armed groups have taken control of large parts of the capital and the government has appealed for international support.

A summit between the European Union and Gulf states planned for Saudi Arabia has been postponed, with organisers citing security concerns. The postponement affects talks between EU leaders and Gulf Cooperation Council counterparts. Details on a new date and the specific nature of the security concerns have not yet been made public.

The European Council is scheduled to meet in Brussels on 15-16 October 2026. EU leaders are expected to gather for one of the regular summits where heads of state and government set the bloc's political agenda. Details of the agenda have not yet been published, but such meetings typically address priorities including security, the economy and enlargement.

Greece's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Aglaia Balta, delivered a statement at the UN Security Council on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine. The remarks form part of the Council's ongoing deliberations on the war, with member states regularly voicing their national positions at these sessions. Specific details of Greece's position in the statement were not immediately available.

The European Union and Gulf states have postponed a summit that was scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia this month. No new date or detailed reason for the postponement was given in initial reports. The meeting was expected to bring together leaders from the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss trade, energy and regional security ties.

The UN Human Rights Council has elected 15 new members in a single uncontested vote, with the number of candidates matching the available seats. Critics have long argued that uncontested slates undermine the credibility of the Geneva-based body, since regional groups effectively predetermine outcomes. The elected states will take up seats charged with scrutinising human rights abuses worldwide.

A proposal for a European Security Council is being discussed as a way for the EU to respond more effectively to Russia's hybrid war, including sabotage, disinformation and cyberattacks. The debate centres on whether the bloc needs a dedicated security body to coordinate member states, or whether existing structures are sufficient.

Poll strategist turned politician Prashant Kishor is in the news in Bihar after claiming state elections are not being conducted fairly, raising questions against the Election Commission and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He also made campaign promises in Saran, including giving teachers their seventh pay commission arrears before the Lok Sabha elections, stirring BJP and JD(U) ahead of Bihar legislative council polls.

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister received the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bangkok, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand joint cooperation across shared areas of interest. The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to deepen ties between Thailand and the six-nation Gulf bloc, covering political, economic and diplomatic engagement.

Sweden says it will reject the Irish EU Presidency's proposal for the EU's 2028-2034 long-term budget. The move signals a clash over the bloc's next multiannual financial framework, with Ireland holding the rotating Council presidency and tasked with brokering a deal among member states. Sweden's stated opposition adds to the difficulty of reaching agreement on spending priorities for the period.

Several members of the Governor's Competitiveness Council have publicly broken ranks to criticize a tax proposal backed by the governor. The public dissent from an advisory body is unusual and has drawn attention to divisions within the state's business and policy community over the plan's economic impact.

Speakers of the Gulf Cooperation Council's Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils held a coordination meeting to finalise preparations and the agenda for the second GCC-EU Parliamentary Meeting, which convenes tomorrow. The talks, organised by the GCC General Secretariat, focus on aligning the Gulf states' positions ahead of the parliamentary engagement with the European Union.

The Spokane City Council in Washington State has approved a new community safety sales tax. The measure will add a sales tax to fund public safety initiatives in the city. Details on the tax rate, expected revenue, and specific programs it will finance were not provided, and public reaction has not yet been widely reported.

The chief executive of the Wyoming Business Council has stepped down as the state's economic development agency undergoes reform efforts. The resignation comes at a sensitive moment, with the organization's structure and direction under scrutiny. Observers are watching how the agency's leadership transition will affect ongoing reforms and its role in supporting Wyoming businesses and economic growth.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis' Competitiveness Council has issued a series of recommendations aimed at restoring the state's economic competitiveness. The council is urging a broad set of actions, though details of the specific measures have not been widely reported beyond the announcement itself. The recommendations come as Colorado policymakers weigh how to keep the state attractive to businesses and workers.

The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect has highlighted the upcoming UN Human Rights Council elections for the 2027-2029 term, urging member states to weigh candidates' human rights records when voting. The group argues that only states genuinely committed to protecting fundamental rights should sit on the Council, renewing debate over membership standards at the UN body.

The United States and Namibia faced off in an ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match, part of the 2023-27 qualification cycle for the 2027 World Cup. Highlights of the fixture have been released by the International Cricket Council. Both associate nations are competing for crucial points on the road to cricket's global showpiece tournament.

Josh Dorrell is leaving his role as chief executive of the Wyoming Business Council, the state's economic development agency. Local outlets in Wyoming, including Cap City News and Oil City News, reported the leadership change. Details on his reasons for departing and who will lead the organisation next were not immediately available.

A man in Ottumwa, Iowa opened a city council meeting with a prayer to Satan, igniting a debate over religious freedom in the small town. The invocation prompted council members and residents to argue not about the prayer itself, but about the proper point in the meeting agenda at which to undo the supposed curse it placed on the proceedings.

The Daily Wire, the conservative media company co-founded by Ben Shapiro, has temporarily halted filming in Montana following a special city council meeting. The decision affects the company's production operations in the state, where it has been a prominent resident employer. Deadline reported the suspension, and discussion has focused on what the city meeting decided and what it means for the outlet's future there.

Josh Dorrell has resigned as chief executive of the Wyoming Business Council, the state's economic development agency, after a period of controversy that made him an embattled figure. The resignation marks a leadership change at the top of the organization responsible for promoting business growth across Wyoming. Details about his successor or the specific controversies surrounding his tenure have not been confirmed.

The European Union has established a new Common Security and Defence Policy mission in Lebanon aimed at strengthening the country's defence and security institutions. The Council of the EU announced the mission as part of its broader support for stability in Lebanon, where state institutions have faced prolonged economic and political crisis.

Fifteen states have joined the UN Human Rights Council after an uncontested vote, with no rivalry for the available seats. The International Service for Human Rights flagged the outcome, pointing to the recurring concern that lack of competition allows states with poor rights records to gain membership without scrutiny. Observers have long criticized the Council's regional slate system for producing such unopposed slates.

The United Nations General Assembly has held elections for members of the Human Rights Council, the body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. Member states voted to fill seats on the 47-member council, which is allocated across regional groups. The results determine which countries will help address rights violations and shape the UN's human rights agenda. Coverage so far is limited to the announcement itself, with reaction still emerging.

The Council on Foreign Relations has published a briefing laying out five key points about the United States midterm elections. The piece aims to explain what is at stake in the congressional contests, which fall halfway through a president's term and can shift control of the House and Senate. It is drawing attention as voters and observers look for a clear overview of the main issues and likely consequences.

Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Latvia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the UN Security Council meeting on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine. As a non-permanent Security Council member, Latvia is using the forum to reaffirm support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the ongoing Russian invasion.