by Alice Ritchie British actor Roger Moore, who played James Bond for more than two decades with a suave wit, died Tuesday aged 89, drawing tributes for his portrayal of the womanizing super-spy, and for his charity work. “It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our loving father, Sir Roger Moore, has passed away today in Switzerland after a short but brave battle with cancer,” his children said in a statement on Twitter. […]
International
Qatar’s state news agency hacked by ‘unknown entity’
DOHA, Qatar (AFP) — Qatar said Wednesday its official state news agency was hacked and subsequently carried a “false statement” on sensitive regional topics attributed to the country’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Among the issues allegedly addressed by the Qatari ruler were the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, strategic relations with Iran, and comments about Hamas. There were also alleged negative comments about Qatar’s relationship with the new administration of US President Donald Trump. Doha though […]
Trump wants Mideast peace ‘compromise’ but says won’t be easy
by Jerome Cartillier with Sarah Benhaida in Bethlehem Agence France-Presse JERUSALEM, Undefined – US President Donald Trump called on Israelis and Palestinians to make compromises for peace Tuesday as he wrapped up a closely watched visit, but offered no specifics on how he would resolve the decades-old conflict. In a speech toward the end of his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Trump offered a forceful defence of the Jewish state and pledged to […]
Deadly attacks in Europe since 2015
PARIS, France (AFP) – The deadly bombing at a pop concert in the British city of Manchester which killed 22 people including children was the latest attack against targets in Europe, most of them by radical Islamists. Police say they believe Monday night’s attack, just after US star Ariana Grande, a favourite among teens and pre-teens, had ended her performance, was committed by one man. No-one has yet claimed responsibility. Here are some of the major […]
Baby bump: China eatery in Japan soars on pregnant panda hopes
TOKYO, Japan (AFP) – Swelling hopes for a baby panda in Tokyo have bumped up the stock price of a Chinese restaurant chain in the area, with locals setting their sights on a flurry of tourists. Eleven-year-old Shin Shin, who was brought to Ueno Zoo from China, has been showing signs of pregnancy since last week after mating with male Ri Ri in February, according to zoo officials. Giant pandas are notoriously clumsy at mating, […]
China hails new US ambassador’s ‘positive role’
BEIJING, China (AFP) – China welcomed on Tuesday the United States Senate’s confirmation of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as US ambassador to Beijing, praising his “positive role” in Sino-US relations. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying expressed hope that Branstad will help the relationship “develop in a sound and steady way” after assuming his post. “For a long time, Mr. Branstad has been playing a positive role in promoting bilateral exchanges and friendship,” Hua said […]
Trump condemns ‘evil losers’ behind Manchester attack
BETHLEHEM, Palestinian Territories (AFP) — United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday condemned the “evil losers” behind a bomb attack at a pop concert in the British city of Manchester that killed at least 22 people. “So many young, beautiful, innocent people living and enjoying their lives murdered by evil losers,” Trump said after meeting Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in the occupied West Bank. “I won’t call them monsters because they would like that term. […]
World leaders condemn Manchester attack
PARIS, France (AFP) – World leaders on Tuesday expressed shock and horror at the suicide bombing in Manchester which killed at least 22 people, including children. Here are some of the reactions: Britain Prime Minister Theresa May called it an “appalling terrorist attack” and suspended her campaign ahead of a general election on June 8 along with chief opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn. “All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who […]
Merkel voices ‘sorrow and horror’ over Manchester attack
BERLIN, Germany (AFP) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday expressed her “sorrow and horror” over the bomb attack in Manchester, vowing that Germany will stand by Britain in the fight against terror. “This suspected terrorist attack will only strengthen our resolve to work with our British friends against those who plan and execute such inhuman acts. I assure the people in Britain: Germany stands by your side,” she said in a statement. © Agence […]
North Korea-linked hackers ‘highly likely’ behind WannaCry: Symantec
SAN FRANCISCO, United States (AFP) — The Lazarus hacking group, widely believed to be connected to North Korea, is “highly likely” responsible for the WannaCry global cyberattack that hit earlier this month, US anti-virus firm Symantec said. North Korea has angrily dismissed earlier reports linking its isolated regime to the worm that crippled hundreds of thousands of computers, demanding payment in Bitcoin to return control to users. But Symantec said the ransomware had many of […]
Putin ready to boost UK anti-terror links after ‘inhuman’ attack
MOSCOW, Russia (AFP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to boost anti-terror cooperation with Britain in a condolence message to Prime Minister Theresa May over the “inhuman” attack in Manchester, the Kremlin said Tuesday. “We firmly condemn this cynical, inhuman crime. We expect that those behind it will not escape the punishment they deserve,” Putin said in a statement published by the Kremlin. “The Russian head of state confirmed his readiness to […]
Trump arrives for talks with Palestinian leader in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Palestinian Territories (AFP) — President Donald Trump arrived for talks with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday as they seek ways to renew Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts. Trump arrived at the presidential palace in the West Bank city, located only about a 20-minute drive from Jerusalem but across Israel’s controversial separation wall. On Monday, Trump held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.





