Covid-19: Bangladesh’s state-owned airline Biman to refund Saudi-bound passengers

DHAKA, Feb 28 (NNN-BSS) – Biman Bangladesh Airlines will refund to its passengers who, bought tickets for traveling to Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah or tourism purposes, as the Saudi government has imposed a temporary ban on Umrah pilgrims and tourists to stop the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus in the…

Pres Trump appoints VP Pence to oversee US response to COVID-19 outbreak

Vice President Mike Pence speaks as President Donald Trump listens during a news conference about the coronavirus WASHINGTON, Feb 27 (NNN-Xinhua) — US President Donald Trump appointed Vice President Mike Pence to oversee the country’s response to the novel coronavirus outbreak. “I’m going to be announcing exactly right now that…

Tear gas fired as Greek island protest intensify

Protesters took to the streets of Lesbos to protest against the new camps ATHENS, Feb 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters on the Greek island of Lesbos over plans to build new migrant camps. Images from the island show protesters hurling objects at…

Five Latin American countries planning to issue green bonds

BOGOTA (Colombia), Feb 27 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — At least five Latin American governments and several companies are considering debt sales to fund environmentally friendly projects in what is expected to be the region’s most active year for the issuance of so-called green bonds since 2017. The governments of Mexico, Peru, Colombia,…

Argentina forensic anthropology team nominated for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize

The EAAF team was involved in the identification of Argentine soldiers remains buried in the Falkland Islands BUENOS AIRES, Feb 27 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — The Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team, EAAF, a non-profit scientific NGO, was nominated for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for its investigative work into human rights violations in…

Tunisia’s parliament approves a coalition government

There were 129 votes in favor, 77 against. TUNIS, Feb 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tunisia’s parliament approved a new coalition government in a confidence vote, after months of political wrangling that has slowed the north African country’s efforts to tackle looming economic problems.There were 129 votes in favor, 77 against.Elyes Fakhfakh,…

Mexico’s central bank downgrades 2020, 2021 growth forecasts

MEXICO CITY, Feb 27 (NNN-Xinhua) — The central bank of Mexico (Banxico) on Wednesday downgraded its growth forecasts for 2020 and 2021, citing slower than expected recovery in domestic demand and U.S. industrial activity. Gross domestic product (GDP) is now expected to expand between 0.5 and 1.5 percent this year,…

African experts discuss combating yellow fever epidemic in Uganda

KAMPALA, Feb 27 (NNN-Xinhua) — Health experts from 17 African countries met here to discuss strategies to eliminate yellow fever epidemic on the continent. Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s minister of health, told reporters that most African countries are grappling with yellow fever outbreaks. Among the strategies is to have epidemiological data…

PM Johnson announces major review of Britain’s post-Brexit approach

British Prime Minster Boris Johnson LONDON, Feb 27 (NNN-Xinhua) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a major review of the country’s post-Brexit approach to defense, security and international development, which will define and overhaul Britain’s place in the world. Described as the largest review of Britain’s foreign, defense, security…

German politicians speak out against growing right-wing extremism

 A placard showing the AfD regional leader Björn Höcke reads ‘Never again’ during a vigil in Hanau BERLIN, Feb 27 (NNN-Xinhua) — After the xenophobic shooting in Hanau that killed nine people, German politicians across most parties have sharply criticized growing right-wing extremism in their Ash Wednesday speeches. The so-called…