Russian Pres Putin set for landmark Paris talks on Ukraine conflict

PARIS, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russian leader Vladimir Putin will for thefirst time hold formal talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyover the conflict in Ukraine’s east on Monday, in a much-anticipated summit in Paris. No comprehensive peace deal is expected from the afternoon meeting —mediated by French President Emmanuel Macron…

Prominent activist gunned down in Iraq shrine city Karbala

KARBALA (Iraq), Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A prominent civil society activistwas shot dead late Sunday in Iraq’s shrine city of Karbala while returninghome from anti-government protests. Fahem al-Tai, 53, had been taking part in weeks of rallies denouncingIraq’s entrenched political elite as corrupt, inept and beholden toneighbouring Iran. On Sunday…

US confirms Washington visit by Russian foreign minister

WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will welcome his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday — the Russian’s first visit to Washington since a controversial 2017 meeting with US President Donald Trump, the State Department announced. The brief statement about the meeting, to be held…

In Colombia, musicians join anti-government protests

BOGOTA, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of Colombian protestersincluding dozens of musicians marched, sang and banged pots and pans Sunday in a bold new show of discontent with President Ivan Duque’s administration. A sea of protesters quickly took over the center and north of the capitalBogota, pushing for changes in…

Samoa: No reprieve as Samoa measles toll hits 70

APIA, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A devastating measles outbreak continued to spread in Samoa, data released Monday showed, as the death toll from the epidemic climbed to 70, mostly young children.Official figures showed there were 112 new cases in the 24 hours to Monday morning, despite a massive immunisation drive…

UK: ‘Nervous’ PM Johnson promises Brexit and less immigration ahead of election

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson LONDON, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was nervous about his narrowing lead in opinion polls ahead of Thursday’s election but pledged to deliver a “transformative” Brexit on Jan 31 that would allow lower immigration.The Dec 12 election will decide…

Gambian president vows to punish traffickers after boat disaster

BANJUL, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Gambian President Adama Barrow has pledged to punish human traffickers following the deaths of dozens people who drowned this week when their boat attempting to reach Europe capsized off Mauritania.“To lose 60 young lives at sea is a national tragedy and a matter of grave…

South Africa: Four dead after rock collapse at gold mine

PRETORIA, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Four mine workers were killed and one was seriously injured after a rock fall at a South African gold mine on Friday, the company and a mining union said on Sunday. The collapse at the Village Main Reef’s Tau Lekoa gold mine in North West…

Uganda floods: At least 16 people dead – Red Cross

Red Cross volunteers are assisting with relief and recovery efforts in Uganda KAMPALA, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Flooding in Uganda has claimed at least 16 lives, the Red Cross says, as the region reels from weeks of rain.Rescuers have been recovering the bodies of victims swept to their deaths by…

French government says it is determined on pension reform as strikes continue

France President, Emmanuel Macron PARIS, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The French government said it would see through planned pension reforms but said the new system that has sparked nationwide strikes would be introduced gradually and public concerns would be addressed.Transport systems were paralyzed for a fourth day on Sunday as…