The US Condemns Houthis for Abducting Bulgarian Sailors
Barbara Leaf, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs, criticized the Yemeni Houthis for their inhumane actions in capturing merchant ships, including the "Galaxy Leader"
US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has lifted the military's ban on women serving in combat roles, potentially opening hundreds of thousands of frontline positions to women.
The ruling, officially announced on Thursday, overturns a 1994 rule barring women from small ground-combat units.
"Female service members have faced the reality of combat, proving their willingness to fight and, yes, to die to defend their fellow Americans," Panetta said at a Pentagon press conference.
"I fundamentally believe that our military is more effective when success is based solely on ability and qualifications and on performance," said Panetta.
Military chiefs will be asked to report back to Panetta by 15 May on their initial plans to implement the new policy.
A senior defence official said about 237,000 jobs would be newly open to women "who can meet the standards".
President Barack Obama said: "This milestone reflects the courageous and patriotic service of women through more than two centuries of American history and the indispensable role of women in today's military.
"Many have made the ultimate sacrifice, including more than 150 women who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan - patriots whose sacrifices show that valour knows no gender."
Panetta hopes to have the process complete by 2016.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Russia has declared its intention to repatriate 48 deported Ukrainian children to their families, according to Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights
United Nations resolution aimed at halting the arms race in space, proposed by the United States and Japan, failed to pass the UN Security Council due to Russia's veto, Reuters and DPA reported
A senior Hamas official has conveyed the movement's readiness to entertain a five-year truce with Israel, agreeing to disarm and transition into a political entity on the condition of Palestinian statehood recognition within the pre-1967 borders
The presidential election landscape in North Macedonia is poised for a runoff between Gordana Siljanovska, representing VMRO-DPMNE, and Stevo Pendarovski, backed by SDSM
Poland has announced its readiness to assist Ukraine in its conflict against Russia by facilitating the return of Ukrainian men of conscription age
The European Parliament has approved the EU's inaugural directive aimed at regulating the employment rights of individuals working through online platforms
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022