News roundup: KNAB chief nominee, US proposal to Ukraine and protests in France

Latvia's State Chancellery announced on 14 November that Jānis Roze is to be put forward as head of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB). He is currently KNAB deputy chief for operational matters. The government and the Saeima, Latvia's parliament, will decide on his appointment. Roze became head of the bureau's Internal Security Division in 2014 and previously worked at the State Security Service.

US proposal to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States is proposing that Ukraine give up Donbas and hand it to Russia. In exchange, Ukraine could join NATO. According to Zelensky, this is the first time the US has made such an offer. He said he wants to ask Ukrainians whether to accept it, stressing that he cannot make such an important decision without the people.

Complaint at the Court of Arbitration for Sport

The International Ice Hockey Federation has filed a complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It is unhappy that the Russian national team has again been allowed to compete. Three arbitrators made that decision. The federation alleges that two of them did not disclose their close ties to Russia.

Protests in France

Large demonstrations took place across France again. People are protesting against rising living costs and against violence towards children and teenagers. The Interior Ministry estimated about 100,000 participants nationwide, while student unions put the figure at 200,000. Police reported that the protest in Paris was peaceful.

Leaders to meet in China

Next week the presidents of the US, Russia and China are to meet in China, which is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The White House says the US president wants to discuss reducing the number of nuclear weapons worldwide. The war in Iran may also come up. An anonymous US official said Ukraine will not be discussed, since talks on that topic are taking place elsewhere without China.

World Diabetes Day

On World Diabetes Day, doctors warn that more and more people in Latvia have diabetes, mostly because of unhealthy daily habits. The disease used to affect mainly adults, but more children are now falling ill. Doctors advise regular blood glucose checks, once a year for children, and immediately if a child drinks a lot of water, urinates often, loses weight quickly or is very tired.