Canada

HSBC Holdings Plc could select a preferred bidder for its struggling Brazilian unit as early as next month, with the sale expected to be finalized by August, three sources with knowledge of the process said.

Three hundred and ninety five Greek coasts and nine marinas won the international “Blue Flag” programme classification, placing Greece in third amongst 49 countries.

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to more than 4000 beaches and marinas in 49 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.

Turkey?s tourism sector has been sending mixed signals, according to a recent report by the World Economic Forum. The country was ranked 44th among 141 countries in the competitiveness index, although Turkey was also the sixth-most visited country by foreign tourists, according to the report, titled ?The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2015 Ranking.? 

The popularity of the Turkish native shepherd dog breed called ?Akba?? has increased, said president of the Akba? Shepherd Dog Conservation and Research Association (AKAD) Erhan Ulutürk, adding that the waiting list for buying an Akba? was at least five months. 

A US operation has killed the senior Al-Qaeda figure who issued the claim of responsibility for the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris, according to US sources familiar with the matter and a reported video posted by the group.

By Robin Emmott

Athens will not back a multi-billion dollar trade pact between Canada and the European Union unless the deal is changed to specify that only Greece can use the term «feta» for its salty white cheese, according to document seen by Reuters.

Norway ranks as the world's best place to be a mother, well ahead of the United States which dropped to the 33rd spot in the annual scorecard released by Save the Children on May 4.

The European Commission has recommended that Southeastern European countries strive to build LNG terminals to avoid gas supply disruptions and to boost energy security.

European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic announced a comprehensive plan for SEE countries aimed at guaranteeing access to at least three sources of gas, according to reports of the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency.

Three Turkish universities - Koç, Sabanc? and Bilkent - have been ranked among the world?s best 100 universities of less than 50 years of age by the Times Higher Education (THE) magazine.

The universities were listed in the THE?s fourth annual ?100 Under 50? list for 2015 on April 30.

The 18th Flying Broom International Women?s Films Festival will be held this year between May 8 and 18.

The festival program was launched at a meeting held at Ku?ulu Park in the Turkish capital. The festival, which will host a number of workshops, forums and panel discussions, has the theme ?The States of 18,? in its 18th year.