Colombia, ELN rebels begin six-month ceasefire

Colombian President, Gustavo Petro BOGOTA, Aug 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A six-month ceasefire between the Colombian government and the country’s largest remaining armed rebel group has entered into force, in the largest victory for President Gustavo Petro in his push to end decades of armed conflict.The ceasefire, set to run until…

Ghana to become the next African country with highest electricity penetration by 2024

ACCRA, Aug 4 (NNN-GNA) — Deputy Minister of Transport, Hassan Tampuli, has said data available from the World Bank [https://www.data.world bank.org] shows that Ghana is the next country in Africa with the highest electricity penetration.He stated that government is committed to increasing the figure to 90% by the end of 2023.In…

South Africa aviation safety standards hailed as exceptional

PRETORIA, Aug 4 (NNN-SANEWS) — South Africa has been recognised for its aviation safety standards, which are amongst the highest in the world and the highest on the continent. The Department of Transport said South Africa received an award from the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) for its exceptional preliminary…

South Africa: BRICS agriculture meeting to promote sustainable production

PRETORIA, Aug 4 (NNN-SANEWS) — South Africa’s Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, will next week host the 13th BRICS Ministers of Agriculture meeting aimed at increasing cooperation among its member countries to promote sustainable and fair growth.   BRICS is the grouping of the world’s leading…

Two US Navy men arrested on China spying charges: Dept of Justice

WASHINGTON, Aug 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Two serving members of the US Navy have been arrested on suspicion of spying for China, the Department of Justice said. The men are suspected of selling secret information to Beijing that included manuals for warships and their weapons systems, as well as blueprints for…

Peru’s PM: Coca crop eradication goal set at 25,000 hectares in 2023

PUCALLA (Ucayali, Peru), Aug 4 (NNN-ANDINA) — Prime Minister Alberto Otarola affirmed that the Government’s goal for coca crop eradication in 2023 will be 25,000 hectares, which will go hand-in-hand with State-run investment in alternative, comprehensive, and sustainable development. The Cabinet chief had arrived in the eastern zone joined by Interior Minister…

Pres Boluarte: Peruvian Government is committed to foreign policy with proactive agenda

LIMA, Aug 4 (NNN-ANDINA) — Pres Dina Boluarte affirmed that her administration is committed to a foreign policy supported by a positive and proactive international agenda. Boluarte participated in the ceremony to commemorate the 202nd Anniversary of Creation of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Within this framework, the Head of State specified…

Earthquake-hit Turkiye pulls out of hosting key UN nature talks

PARIS, Aug 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Turkiye has said it cannot host a major UN biodiversity meeting in 2024 as it reels from a series of devastating earthquakes this year, according to the UN body that oversees the talks.  The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) said the Turkish government had decided to…

Blaze extinguished on ship off Dutch coast, to be towed to port

LA HAYE (Netherlands), Aug 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A cargo ship that caught fire off the Dutch coast with hundreds of electric cars on board is being towed to port Thursday as the flames appear to have been extinguished, officials said.  The government decided that the Fremantle Highway, on which a…

Mexico: Oil reaches beaches after alleged leak

MEXICO CITY, Aug 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Volunteers have launched a beach clean-up in an area of Mexico where environmental authorities say oil is washing ashore after an alleged leak involving state energy giant Pemex. The oil “will of course have a serious environmental impact,” Alejandro Brown Gantus, deputy public prosecutor…