Covid-19: Global cases plateau after nearly two months of increase, WHO reports

The number of new global cases now appears to be stable GENEVA, Aug 26 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The number of new COVID-19 cases reported globally “seems to be plateauing” after increasing for nearly two months, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.WHO reported more than 4.5 million new cases and 68,000 new deaths worldwide…

Dozens of migrants detained off Cyprus; to be repatriated to Lebanon

Cypriot authorities have routinely intercepted boats with illegal migrants NICOSIA, Aug 26 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Cypriot security authorities intercepted two boats with a total of 88 migrants on board off the island’s south-east coast at the weekend.According to state radio RIK, one man managed to reach the coast of the Mediterranean…

Nigeria signs military-technical cooperation with Russia

Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari MOSCOW, Aug 26 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Nigerian Embassy in Russia has announced the signing of a military-technical cooperation agreement between the governments of Nigeria and Russia.The agreement provides a legal framework for the supply and servicing of military equipment, training of personnel as well as technology…

Uganda welcomes first group of Afghan refugees

KAMPALA, Aug 26 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A flight carrying Afghan evacuees fleeing the Taliban takeover of their country touched down early Wednesday in Uganda where they will be given temporary refuge, government officials said. The foreign ministry said a charter flight carrying 51 Afghans — including men, women and children —…

US reiterates pursuing accountability for atrocities against Rohingya

WASHINGTON, Aug 25 (NNN-BSS) — The United States (US) reiterated to pursuing and demanding accountability for those responsible for the atrocities and other human rights abuses against Rohingyas.    “We recognize the need to address the root causes of this violence and hold perpetrators accountable to help prevent such atrocities…

US sanctions Eritrean general over rights abuses in Ethiopia

An estimated five million people are in need of humanitarian aid WASHINGTON, Aug 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) –The United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned an Eritrean official who is accused of engaging in serious human rights abuses committed during the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets…

As thousands flee Afghanistan, some refugees in Pakistan want to go back saying “peace has return”

As thousands flee Afghanistan to escape Taliban rule, some refugees are trying to get back into their homeland. CHAMAN (Pakistan), Aug 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — From trucks stuffed with carpets, bedding, clothes and even goats, around 200 Afghan refugees look beyond the horizon toward Spin Boldak in their country’s south, waiting…

Taliban take over some UN premises, curb movement: UN report

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Taliban fighters have taken over some UN compounds in Afghanistan, searching and ransacking offices and in one case demanding the guards provide meals for a commander and his men, according to an internal UN report. “We have also been advised by the Taliban to remain in…

Palestinian wounded in Gaza clash dies ahead of new protest

  GAZA CITY, Aug 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A Palestinian has died from injuries sustained during weekend clashes with Israeli forces on the Gaza border, the territory’s health ministry said, ahead of fresh protests called for Wednesday.   Following Saturday’s unrest — which wounded dozens and left an Israeli police officer…

Colombian President kicks off South Korean tour in search for paths to economic recovery

SEOUL, Aug 25 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Colombia’s President Ivan Duque has landed in Seoul to start his South Korean investment-seeking tour to try to reactivate the South American country’s economy after setbacks from the coronavirus pandemic. “We are going to have meetings with the large Korean business conglomerates to invest in…