Russia-Ukraine conflict: Britain backs ICC ‘to the hilt’ in Ukraine war crimes inquiry

British Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab THE HAGUE, March 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said Britain backed an International Criminal Court investigation into allegations of war crimes in Ukraine “to the hilt”, and that the ICC should be offered extra support by member countries. After Russia’s invasion of…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Brazil assures US it will increase oil production

BRASILIA, March 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Brazilian government assured the United States it will increase its oil production, a decision that could help ease concerns over global crude supply after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Bento Albuquerque, Brazil’s minister of Mines and Energy, said he had spoken with his US counterpart, Secretary of…

Colombia: Son of paramilitary chief elected to special seat for victims of conflict

 BOGOTA, March 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Colombian officials said that the son of a notorious paramilitary leader has won an election to be a special member of Congress representing victims of the conflict.   On Sunday, Columbia held elections for both the Senate and its lower House of Representatives in which…

Ship from same firm that blocked Suez Canal runs aground in US

WASHINGTON, March 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A massive container ship, owned by the same company whose vessel last year blocked the Suez Canal, has run aground near the US port of Baltimore, US officials said.   The Ever Forward, a 334-meter vessel ran aground in the Chesapeake Bay shortly after leaving…

Verdict due Wednesday on Ukraine case vs Russia: ICJ

THE HAGUE, March 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UN’s top court said it will give a judgment Wednesday on Ukraine’s charge that Russia falsely justified its invasion by accusations of genocide.   Kyiv filed the case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb 24, demanding…

Kenya, Uganda to strengthen operations of regional rail services

NAIROBI, March 15 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya is seeking to have more cargo destined for Uganda and East Africa hinterlands transported through its modern and rehabilitated rail network. While speaking to the Ugandan Finance, Planning and Economic Development Parliamentary Committee which is in the country on a mission to ensure improved…

Kenya and Saudi Arabia sign MoU to deepen trade ties

RIYADH, March 15 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a bid to improve the balance of trade between the two countries. In the historic signing that was witnessed between Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Federations Council of Saudi…

UN launches biodiversity talks on deal to protect nature

PARIS, March 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — UN biodiversity negotiations began in Geneva on Monday to hammer out a global deal to better protect nature that is due for approval later this year. Almost 200 countries are due to adopt a global framework this year to safeguard nature by mid-century from the…

Covid-19: Britain to ditch last travel measures from March 18

LONDON, March 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Britain will ditch the need for incoming travellers to fill in a passenger locator form, removing the last remaining COVID-19 travel measures from Friday, transport minister Grant Shapps said. “All remaining Covid travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for all arrivals, will…

Covid-19: Havana recovers from pandemic’s impact

People wearing face masks walk by seaside in Havana, Cuba HAVANA, March 15 (NNN-Xinhua) — Evelio Martinez, a taxi driver from the Havana district of El Vedado, is back behind the wheel after being furloughed for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Life in the Cuban capital is gradually…