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Norovirus Outbreak Postpones Winter Olympics Ice Hockey Match; German Chancellor Seeks Energy Security in Qatar Amid Regional Tensions
A women's ice hockey match between Finland and Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics was postponed on Thursday due to a norovirus outbreak within the Team Finland camp, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The preliminary match was scheduled for February 5 but will now be played on February 12 at the Rho Arena, a temporary venue built specifically for ice hockey, Sky News reported.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Qatar on Thursday for energy talks amid rising regional tensions. Merz stated in Doha that concerns over Iran's "aggressive behaviour" and the potential for wider regional escalation were central to his discussions with Gulf leaders, Euronews reported. He urged Tehran to engage in talks aimed at de-escalating tensions. Germany is seeking to bolster its energy security and defense partnerships in the region, according to Euronews.
In other news, Polish authorities detained five individuals in connection with a cigarette smuggling operation utilizing weather balloons from Belarus. The suspects, a mix of Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Polish nationals, face charges including organized crime, violations of air traffic regulations, and supporting aggression against Ukraine, Euronews reported. They could face imprisonment terms ranging from nine months to 12 years. The smuggling operation reportedly caused millions in tax losses and disrupted air traffic.
Separately, Sri Lanka's cricket board urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision to boycott their first-round T20 World Cup encounter with India, Al Jazeera reported. Pakistan's decision to not play India on February 15 in Colombo was reportedly made in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were excluded from the tournament after refusing to play their matches in India.
Amidst ongoing geopolitical concerns, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te insisted that the island's relationship with the United States remains "rock solid," despite recent talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan's future, Sky News reported. During a phone call on Wednesday, Xi Jinping reportedly cautioned Trump to be "prudent" about supplying arms to Taiwan, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
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