US’ Antony Blinken heading to Israel to press Gaza truce
President Joe Biden earlier said “we are closer than we have ever been” to a ceasefire in the 10-month-old war. Read More
Uganda returns Congolese police officers who fled violence
Uganda handed over the almost 100 Congolese police officers who had fled across the border to Kanungu district in southwestern Uganda to escape fighting between M23 rebels and Congo’s military,…
Russia summons Italy envoy over TV report in Kursk
MOSCOW – Russia summoned Italy’s ambassador to Moscow on Aug 16 over an Italian television report in a part of the Kursk region captured by Ukrainian troops, the foreign ministry…
Burkina Faso conscripts magistrates for acting against junta, unions say
At least six Burkina Faso magistrates have been conscripted to serve in the military this month for taking action against pro-junta activists and other individuals, three unions of magistrates said…
Activists prepare to defy Israeli naval blockade of Gaza
VALLETTA – Peace activists from several countries are setting out on a converted trawler to defy an Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Read…
Belarus pardons 30 jailed protesters, state media reports
MOSCOW – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 30 individuals who were convicted of taking part in protests, state news agency Belta reported on Friday. Read More
Venezuelan government has authoritarian bias, says Brazil’s Lula
BRASILIA – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Friday that he believes the Venezuelan government has authoritarian inclinations, but added he would not label President Nicolas Maduro’s…
Death toll from Uganda garbage landslide climbs to 35
KAMPALA – The number of people killed when a mountain of garbage collapsed in Uganda’s capital last week has risen to 35, 12 of whom were young people, police said…
Irish police investigating whether stabbing of army chaplain terror-related
DUBLIN – Irish police are investigating whether the stabbing of a chaplain at an army barracks in the western city of Galway late on Thursday had a terrorism motive, police…
Bangladesh’s Yunus calls India PM Modi, assures him of safety of Hindus
NEW DELHI – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that he received a phone call from the head of Bangladesh’s caretaker government, Muhammad Yunus, assuring New Delhi of…