New Zealand

According to the Passport Index annual report Greece is in the 6th position in the world ranking, as the Greek passport holders can travel to 153 countries without the need of a visa.

The Passport Index is an indicator of the strength of the passports of all countries based on the number of countries they can travel to without visa.

The United States on Dec. 23 allowed the U.N. Security Council to adopt a resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlement building, defying heavy pressure from long-time ally Israel and President-elect Donald Trump for Washington to wield its veto.

The year of 2016 is about to come to an end. It was a year of full of tragedy, suffering and conflict. But it also had moments of hope and inspiration. From the U.S. presidential town hall debate to the Rio Olympics – the award-winning photographers of Reuters have really captured it all.

Turkey's banking sector supervisory and regulatory arrangements are in compliance with European Union rules, according to the European Commission, Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli said in a written statement late on Dec. 22.

Athens is among the best destinations to travel to in 2017, according to renowned Conde Nast Traveller’s list.

From Conde Nast Traveller:

5.Athens

An update in Turkey's Customs Union deal with the EU and the signing of new free trade deals with other countries will help Ankara overcome its economic slowdown in 2017, Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci has said. 

Speaking at parliament during annual budget debates, Zeybekci cited both external and domestic causes of the recent decline in the value of the Turkish Lira. 

The center-right National Party caucus unanimously backed English at a meeting on the morning of Dec. 12 and he travelled to Government House in Wellington a few hours later to officially take over.

State Services Minister Paula Bennett was named as deputy leader.

The Turkish education system still has some shortcomings, but it is in a "much better position" than in previous years, Education Minister İsmet Yılmaz said Dec. 8.

One New Zealand woman discovered the hard way why shacking up with strangers is not always the most advisable of arrangements, even if it does help save on rent.

It is a "disgrace" that the international community has been unable to alleviate the suffering in Syria's besieged city of Aleppo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Dec. 6, one day after Russia and China vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a seven-day cease-fire in the city.