International
Spectacular Hong Kong fireworks welcome year 2018
Putin calls for ‘pragmatic cooperation’ in New Year wishes to Trump
MOSCOW, Russia (AFP) — In a statement on the Russian president’s New Year wishes to world leaders, the Kremlin said Putin told Trump that “a constructive Russian-American dialogue is especially needed to strengthen strategic stability in the world”. According to the statement, Putin said that “mutual respect” should be “a base to develop relations” between the two countries. “This would allow us to move towards building pragmatic cooperation, orientated on the long term,” the statement […]
Iran blocks internet on third night of protests
by Ali Noorani and Eric Randolph Agence France Presse TEHRAN, Iran (AFP) — Demonstrators attacked a town hall in the Iranian capital Saturday as protests spilled into a third night despite government warnings against any further “illegal gatherings” and moves to cut off the internet on mobiles. Unverified videos on social media appeared to show thousands marching through the western cities of Khorramabad, Zanjan and Ahvaz, while reports spread rapidly that several people had been […]
Trump on Iran: ‘Oppressive regimes cannot last forever’
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President Donald Trump weighed in on protests in Iran Saturday, warning that the country’s people want change and “oppressive regimes cannot endure forever.” Trump posted on Twitter two clips of his speech to the UN General Assembly in September in which he took aim at the Iranian regime, which Washington has held out as its top adversary in the Middle East. “Oppressive regimes cannot endure forever, and the day will come […]
Macron to raise human rights issues with Erdogan
PARIS, France (AFP) — French President Emmanuel Macron will raise human rights issues with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan when they meet next Friday, the Elysee said on Saturday. Erdogan’s visit to France comes as he faces widespread criticism over a far-reaching crackdown against opponents linked to last year’s failed coup attempt, which has seen the arrest of opposition politicians, journalists and activists, and led to accusations of human rights abuses. The meeting “will be an opportunity […]
Ex-Catalan leader demands regional govt be reinstated
MADRID, Spain (AFP) — Ousted Catalan president Carles Puigdemont on Saturday demanded Madrid reinstate his regional government, which was deposed after an independence referendum that Spanish courts judged illegal, as part of a political settlement. “As president, I demand the Spanish government and those who support it… restore all they have expropriated from the Catalans without their say-so,” Puigdemont said from Brussels as he called on Madrid to “negotiate politically.” Puigdemont’s administration followed up the October 1 […]
Trump condemns arrest of demonstrators in Iran
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump on Friday condemned the arrest of protesters in Iran, telling Tehran that “the world is watching” as officials reported fresh demonstrations over the country’s struggling economy. Fifty-two people were arrested in Iran’s second city Mashhad on Thursday, the first day of the protests, which also took place in other areas and spread to the capital Tehran as well as Kermanshah the following day. “Many reports of peaceful […]
Liberians hail Weah’s presidential victory
by Philippe SIUBERSKI Agence France Presse MONROVIA, Liberia (AFP) — Liberians and international football stars have joined together in celebrating George Weah’s presidential victory in the country’s first democratic transfer of power in decades, as the former striker vowed to usher in a period of change. Idolised in Liberia as “Mister George”, Weah is to be sworn in on January 22, replacing Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who in 2006 took the helm of the West African […]
Russia restores contact with Angolan satellite
MOSCOW, Russia (AFP) — Russian specialists on Friday said they have restored communication with Angosat-1, the first national satellite it launched for Angola, days after they lost contact with it. “Specialists of Energia rocket and space corporation have received telemetry information from Angosat,” Energia said in a statement. “All parameters of the spacecraft systems are normal.” Energia is the maker of the satellite which Russia launched from its Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Tuesday evening. […]
Hong Kong ship crew questioned in S. Korea for oil transfer to North
SEOUL, South Korea (AFP) — The crew of a Hong Kong-registered ship have been detained for questioning in South Korea since their tanker was impounded in November for transferring oil to a North Korean vessel and breaching UN sanctions, customs officials said Saturday. The Lighthouse Winmore, which was chartered by a Taiwanese company, was impounded by South Korean customs authorities at the port of Yeosu on November 24 following an inspection. “Since then, inspectors […]
Putin toughens terrorist recruitment sentences
MOSCOW, Russia (AFP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law Friday a bill toughening sentences for terrorist recruitment as the country deals with the issue of returning jihadists from Syria. Official publication of the law came two days after a bomb attack on a supermarket in Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second city, injured 14 people. The new law, which parliament voted through on December 14 and the upper chamber approved on December 26, immediately raises […]
