Montenegro government church deal triggers initiative for no-confidence motion
Podgorica, Montenegro Reuters Several political parties initiated a parliamentary no-confidence motion in the Montenegro’s government after it signed a long-disputed contract regulating the country’s ties with the powerful Serbian Orthodox Church on Wednesday. Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic has insisted the deal would resolve a long-standing domestic problem and help heal deep divisions between pro-European Union parties […]
Iraqi cleric calls for dissolution of parliament, early vote
Baghdad, IraqAP Influential Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr told followers Wednesday to continue their sit-in inside Iraq’s government zone, and called for the dissolution of parliament and early elections, signaling a deepening power struggle with his rivals. Speaking for the first time since thousands of his followers stormed the parliament building in Baghdad on Saturday, al-Sadr […]
Russian pullout must precede any dialogue, says Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine/Istanbul, TurkeyReuters Ukraine on Wednesday dismissed comments by ex-German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder that Russia wanted a “negotiated solution” to the war and said any dialogue would be contingent on a Russian ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops. Schroeder, a friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin and increasingly derided in Germany for his pro-Russia […]
Truth about Beirut port blast cannot be hidden, Pope says
Vatican City Reuters Pope Francis said on Wednesday he hoped the people of Lebanon can be comforted by justice over the Beirut port blast that killed at least 215 people two years ago, saying “the truth can never be hidden”. Pope Francis leaves after the weekly general audience at the Vatican, on 3rd August. PICTURE: […]
Pelosi full of praise, support for Taiwan during visit that infuriated China
Taipei, Taiwan Reuters US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi left Taiwan on Wednesday after pledging solidarity and hailing its democracy, leaving a trail of Chinese anger over her brief visit to the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own. China demonstrated its outrage over the highest-level US visit to the island in 25 […]
ASEAN to rethink peace plan if Myanmar executes more prisoners – chair
Phnom Penh, CambodiaReuters The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be forced to reconsider a peace plan agreed with Myanmar if the country’s military rulers conduct more executions of prisoners, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Wednesday. The 10-nation bloc had been pushing for Myanmar to adhere to a five-point peace “consensus” it […]
Is Danish king, who spread Christianity and gave name to Bluetooth, buried in Poland?
Wiejkowo, PolandAP More than 1,000 years after his death in what is now Poland, a European king whose nickname lives on through wireless technology is at the center of an archaeological dispute. Chronicles from the Middle Ages say King Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson of Denmark acquired his nickname courtesy of a tooth, probably dead, that looked […]
StrangeSights: Cooling for hot dogs and cats; “chief candy officer” wanted; and, a giant Swiss flag…
DAVID ADAMS provides a round-up of some stories on the odder side of life…
Explainer – With Yemen truce renewed, what are the prospects of peace?
Beirut, LebanonReuters Yemen’s warring parties have agreed to extend a UN-brokered truce for another two months in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and spawned a major humanitarian crisis. How did the Yemen war begin, why does the truce matter and can it be turned into a broader peace process? People […]
In northern Kenya, drought may keep some herders from voting
Lengusaka, Kenya Reuters In Kenya’s northern Samburu County, severe drought has forced herders to migrate hundreds of kilometres in search of pasture and water, meaning some may have to skip voting in elections set for 9th August. People are more focused on trying to save their animals and livelihoods than on casting their ballots. Lesiken […]