Covid-19: Russia posts record daily virus fatalities

MOSCOW, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia on Thursday reported its highest daily coronavirus death toll since the start of the pandemic, as a third wave persists despite an intensifying vaccination drive. A government tally reported 808 fatalities over the past 24 hours — the first time Russia has crossed the…

Morocco, Israel sign deals to mark historic visit

RABAT, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The foreign ministers of Morocco and Israel signed three accords during the first visit by a top official from the Jewish state since ties were normalised last year. Nasser Bourita and his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid signed agreements on political consultations, aviation and culture. Lapid…

Zambia votes in closely contested polls

LUSAKA, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Zambians were voting in nationwide elections on Thursday after a tense campaign dominated by economic woes and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Sixteen presidential candidates are vying for the top job, but the frontrunners are incumbent Edgar Lungu, 64, and his long-time nemesis and…

Germany to end Afghanistan aid if Taliban take power

BERLIN, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Germany said that it would stop sending financial support to Afghanistan in the event that the Taliban succeeded in seizing power in the country. Speaking to the German broadcaster ZDF, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the Taliban know that Afghanistan cannot survive without international aid.…

Namibia sells 57 wild elephants through auction

Namibia plans to auction 170 wild elephants because of drought and an increase in numbers bringing them into conflict with people WINDHOEK, Aug 11 (NNN-Xinhua) — Namibia has sold 57 wild elephants through auction, an official said on Wednesday. The sale will raise 5.9 million Namibian dollars (400,000 U.S. dollars),…

Covid-19: Russia’s Sputnik V shot around 83% effective against Delta variant – Health minister

MOSCOW, Aug 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 is around 83 per cent effective against the Delta variant of coronavirus, lower than previously thought, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Wednesday. Authorities blamed a surge in coronavirus cases in June and July on the more contagious Delta…

Greece wildfires ‘slowly coming under control’: mayor

  ATHENS, Aug 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Hundreds of firefighters were battling to control two massive wildfires in Greece on Wednesday, one raging for nine straight days, that have left hundreds homeless and caused incalculable damage.    With the assistance of a huge multinational force, Greek fire crews were fighting to…

PM Trudeau condemns ‘unacceptable and unjust’ jailing of Canadian Spavor in China

  OTTAWA, Aug 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the jailing of Canadian businessman Michael Spavor in China on Wednesday as “unacceptable and unjust.”    “China’s conviction and sentencing of Michael Spavor is absolutely unacceptable and unjust,” Trudeau said in a statement after a Chinese court sentenced Spavor…

Argentine plans opening of land borders as Uruguay gets ready to allow tourists in, among many improvements

BUENOS AIRES/MONTEVIDEO, Aug 11 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Uruguay will start allowing foreigners in as of Sept 1 while Argentina announced the reopening of its common land borders is being eyed for Sept 6, as tourism seems headed for a gradual return to pre-pandemic levels. Argentina’s National Migrations Director Florencia Carignano explained…

Update: Algeria wildfires kill 38, including 25 soldiers, authorities blame arson

Smoke rises from a wildfire in the forested hills of the Kabylie region, east of the capital Algiers ALGIERS, Aug 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Wildfires fanned by blistering temperatures and tinder-dry conditions have killed at least 38 people in Algeria, including 25 soldiers, authorities said, adding that the fires had criminal…