Bulgaria to lead

SOFIA: Bulgaria has taken over the rotating six- month presidency of the European Union, the first time the Balkan country has held the post since becoming an EU member in 2007. Using the national motto “United we stand strong”, Bulgaria’s presidency is expected to focus on uniting the bloc on migration policy reforms and other issues. On May 17, EU leaders are set to meet their non- EU counterparts from the region at a summit in Sofia. TEL AVIV: Israel has agreed to a EU funding plan that excludes any payments to illegal settlements. The decision is the first to acknowledge the EU’s boycott of settlements and centres on Israel’s part in the EU’s ENI Cross- Border Cooperation in the Mediterranean ( CBC Med) program to promote development, education, technology and environmental sustainability. The ENI CBC Med funds agreement excludes areas outside Israel’s 1967 borders from receiving grants. TEHRAN: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has shown support for the rights of demonstrators taking part in mass protests, while also warning against turning to violence. “We are a free country and therefore the people have a right to express themselves,” said Mr Rouhani in his first public reaction to the protests, which entered their fourth day on Sunday. KINSHASA: Congolese security forces killed at least seven people and at least one policeman died amid violence as more than 1000 people demonstrated in the capital