Russia, US in talks over ‘Merchant of Death’ for Griner: Moscow

The Khimki City Court has sentenced Brittney Griner to nine years in prison after finding her guilty on charges of drug smuggling MOSCOW, Aug 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US and Russia are discussing a prisoner exchange that would involve trading a notorious Russian arms trafficker for an American basketball star,…

US urges Kenyans to be peaceful, patient as vote verification continues

WASHINGTON, Aug 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US government has appealed for peace and patience as verification of Kenya’s presidential results continues. In a tweet, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had spoken with President Uhuru Kenyatta on the importance of Kenya’s elections as a model for the continent.…

One dead, 40 injured in music festival stage collapse in Spain

MADRID, Aug 14 (NNN-Xinhua) — One person died and another 40 injured after strong gusts of wind led to the collapse of several structures and parts of the stage at the Medusa music festival, a huge electronic music festival held in the Spanish coastal town of Cullera. The festival was…

Colombia: Pres Petro replaces security chiefs in human rights push

Colombian soldiers during a military parade celebrating Colombia’s independence BOGOTA, Aug 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Colombian President Gustavo Petro has named new commanders for the military and the police, saying he chose the officials because they have not been accused of corruption or human rights violations.Colombia and the National Liberation Army…

Senegal president’s camp keeps absolute majority in parliament

Senegal’s President Macky Sall DAKAR, Aug 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Senegalese President Macky Sall’s coalition narrowly won last month’s legislative election, according to final results, but has kept its absolute majority in parliament thanks to a new alliance. The president’s coalition, which includes his party Alliance for the Republic (APR) and…

Sierra Leone president replaces top military brass after deadly protest

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio FREETOWN, Aug 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has reshuffled the top leadership of the country’s military, two days after a deadly protest rocked the West African country.On Friday, Peter K. Lavahun was promoted from Major General to Lt General and…

Man suspected of attacking Salman Rushdie charged with attempted murder, assault

Hadi Matar, 24, appears in court on Saturday WASHINGTON, Aug 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Hadi Matar, the suspect in the attack on author Salman Rushdie at an event in New York state, has been charged with attempted murder and is being held without bond, the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s office said. Matar, a 24-year-old…

UN peacekeeping rotations to resume in Mali from Monday

 BAMAKO, Aug  14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, is to resume contingent rotations from Monday under fresh approval measures, the Malian foreign minister and a UN spokeswoman said. “MINUSMA agreed to the new procedures and communicated them to all countries contributing troops. There will be no exception,” Foreign Minister Abdoulaye…

Three dead after smuggler van overturns in Austria while fleeing from police

The crashed vehicle is pictured at the scene of the accident on the A6 freeway at the Kittsee border crossing, northeastern Austria VIENNA, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Three people died and several others were injured in Austria after a crammed van smuggling them tried to escape a police control and…

Paraguay’s Vice-Pres resigns after corruption charge by US

ASUNCION, Aug 13 (NNN-TELESUR) — The vice-president of Paraguay, Hugo Velázquez, resigned Friday after the US listed him for alleged corruption, which unleashed a scandal in the South American country. In addition, he also abandoned the presidential pre-candidacy of the ruling Colorado Party, to which he was heading with a view…