Russia-Ukraine conflict: 2.5 million people have now fled ‘senseless’ Ukraine war, says UN

  GENEVA, March 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Some 2.5 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded two weeks ago, and around two million more have been internally displaced by the “senseless” war, the United Nations said. The UN was planning for four million people fleeing the country following the full-scale…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: US, allies to end normal trade relations with Russia

WASHINGTON, March 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Washington and its allies moved to end normal trade relations with Russia, as President Joe Biden vowed the West would make Vladimir Putin “pay the price” for his invasion of Ukraine.  Biden announced the new step, which would enable Western nations to inflict steep tariff…

Pres Duque tells Biden Colombian crude available if needed

WASHINGTON, March 11 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — President Iván Duque has made Colombian oil available to the United States if the Joseph Biden administration needs to stabilize global energy prices following Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, it was announced in Bogotá Thursday. A US delegation met in recent days with Venezuelan leader…

Native Brazilians to tell UN violence, illegal mining on the rise

BRASILIA, March 11 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Groups of native Brazilians are to appear before the Human Rights Council of the United Nations (UN) in Geneva to condemn the increase of illegal mining and violence in their communities, including death threats, raids, and forced displacements, the Missionary Indigenous Council (CIMI) announced. Indigenous…

Over 600,000 Americans die of cancer in 2020: CDC

WASHINGTON, March 11 (NNN-Xinhua) — Almost 603,000 people died of cancer in the United States in 2020, but cancer death rates have continued to drop in the country, according to data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer remained the second leading cause of death…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Three African Presidents have spoken to Putin

Egyptian President Al Sisi (left) and Senegal’s Macky Sall have spoken to Putin separately PRETORIA, March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Three African presidents have spoken with their Russian counterpart since the Ukrainian invasion by Russia started on Feb 24.The latest is South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, who posted details of his…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: IMF expects to cut global growth forecast due to Ukraine war

The IMF expects to cut its global growth estimate due to the economic damage caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine WASHINGTON, March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The IMF expects to cut its global growth estimate due to the economic damage caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said.…

Anti-vaccine mandates protest: Truck convoy circles US Capital Beltway for 4th day, as travel mask mandate extended

1 / 1  WASHINGTON, March 11 (NNN-Xinhua) — A convoy of truckers and other drivers circled the US Capital Beltway that surrounds Washington, D.C., on Thursday, the fourth day since their demonstration against COVID-19 restrictions began here early this week. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz visited the convoy camping outside a speedway…

Nigerian troops deactivate 30 illegal oil refineries

DHQ says troops of Operation Delta Safe have discovered and deactivated 39 illegal refining sites ABUJA, March 11 (NNN-Xinhua) — Nigerian troops have deactivated 30 illegal oil refining sites across the oil-rich delta region in the past two weeks, a military official said here. The troops destroyed 57 galvanized pipes…

Venezuela reiterates support for ‘good friend’ Russia

CARACAS, March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Venezuela’s vice-president reiterated support for Russia on Thursday following a meeting with the country’s foreign minister in Turkey, where Moscow and Kyiv have been holding high-level talks.   The meeting between Delcy Rodriguez and Russian top diplomat Sergei Lavrov came days after a surprise US…