International

‘This is not a Muslim ban,’ Trump says of immigration move

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump insisted Sunday that his executive order temporarily halting travel from seven majority-Muslim countries was “not a Muslim ban,” after it was met with confusion, global outrage and huge protests across the United States. “America is a proud nation of immigrants and we will continue to show compassion to those fleeing oppression, but we will do so while protecting our own citizens and border. America has always been […]

Trump’s first major test is travel ban uproar

by Jennie MATTHEW / with Karim Lebhour in Washington WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Donald Trump came under fire from mass protests and global outrage over his controversial ban on travelers from seven Muslim countries, facing the first real test of his nine-day administration. The ban was criticized by allies, sparked confusion over its implementation and galvanized Democrats looking for a lightning rod to beat Trump. There was growing unease among Republican lawmakers as well. […]

British PM does ‘not agree’ with Trump immigration policy

  LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — British Prime Minister Theresa May does “not agree” with the restrictions on immigration imposed by US President Donald Trump and will intervene if they affect UK nationals, Downing Street said Sunday. “Immigration policy in the United States is a matter for the government of the United States, just the same as immigration policy for this country should be set by our government,” a spokesman said. “But we do not […]

Trump immigration ban loses first legal battle

  by Catherine Triomphe Agence France Presse NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — US airports braced for fresh protests Sunday against Donald Trump’s temporary immigration ban, which a federal judge partially blocked by ordering authorities not to deport refugees and other travelers detained at US borders. The ruling coincided with a wave of anger and concern abroad, including among US allies, and rallies at major airports across the United States. “Victory!!!!!!” the American Civil Liberties […]

’40 dead’ in first US raid on Qaeda in Yemen under Trump

ADEN, Yemen | AFP | Sunday 1/29/2017 – 18:03 UTC+8 | 462 words A US raid in Yemen killed 30 suspected Al-Qaeda militants and 10 civilians on Sunday, an official said, in what would be America’s first military action in the country under President Donald Trump. Seven women and three children were among those killed in the dawn raid on Yakla district, in the central province of Baida, said the provincial official, who did not […]

Travellers affected by U.S. immigration ban reunited with familes at Dulles airport

  (Reuters) — Travellers were greeted with hugs and tears by family and friends at Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia late on Saturday (January 28) after being detained for hours because they were arriving on flights from one of the seven predominantly-Muslim countries that U.S. President Donald Trump has put on a restricted arrivals list. In his most sweeping decision since taking office a week ago, Trump, a Republican, put a four-month hold on allowing […]

Chaos, protests, lawsuit as Trump orders halt on some Muslim immigrants

  (Reuters) — President Donald Trump’s order for “extreme vetting” of visitors and legal U.S. residents from seven Muslim-majority countries sparked outrage and protests on Saturday (January 29) with activists arguing in court to try to block deportations of people stranded in U.S. airports. The new Republican president on Friday put a four-month hold on allowing refugees into the United States and temporarily barred travellers from Syria and six other countries. Immigration lawyers, activists and […]

Trump suspends refugee program, bans visitors from 7 Muslim countries for 90 days

  by Dave Clark Agence France Presse WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President Donald Trump signed a sweeping new executive order Friday to suspend refugee arrivals and impose tough controls on travelers from seven Muslim countries. Making good on one of his most controversial campaign promises, and to the horror of human rights groups, Trump said he was making America safe from “radical Islamic terrorists.” “This is big stuff,” he declared at the Pentagon, […]

Mexico foreign minister: paying for border wall ‘not negotiable’

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Mexico is willing to talk with the United States in order to maintain good relations, but paying for President Donald Trump’s border wall “is not negotiable,” Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said Thursday. “There are things that are not negotiable, things that cannot and will not be negotiated. The fact that it is being said that Mexico should pay for the wall is something that is simply not negotiable,” Videgaray […]

Light plane crashes into the Swan River during Australia Day celebrations

PERTH, Australia (Reuters) — A light plane crashed into Perth’s Swan River on Thursday (January 26) killing the pilot and passenger on board during Australia Day celebrations. Thousands had gathered to watch the annual SkyShow and fireworks display when they witnessed the plane crashing into the water. “He just came in too steep, banked, hard left and that was it. The left wing caught the water and the plane hit the water and snapped in […]

Florida mayor orders compliance with Trump immigration crackdown

MIAMI, United States (AFP) — The mayor of Miami-Dade County in Florida on Thursday told jails to obey President Donald Trump’s order to enforce US immigration laws, in a bid to clean up its reputation as a “sanctuary” for illegal immigrants. Mayor Carlos Gimenez took the action after Trump threatened to cut federal funding to cities and areas that act as “sanctuaries” for illegal immigrants. The term “sanctuary” refers to about 300 American cities, counties […]

Britain’s Prince Harry visits The Running Charity

LONDON. United Kingdom (Reuters) — Britain’s Prince Harry visited a young person’s hostel in north London on Thursday (January 26), as part of his continued focus exploring how sport can be used to help communities. The Royal met those who are engaged with The Running Charity, which is the UK’s first running-orientated programme aimed at aiding the homeless and vulnerable young people. The programme offers regular running-based activities with fitness professionals as coaches, showing benefits […]