Russian diplomat slams US statements on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as disgraceful

MOSCOW, Feb 17 (NNN-TASS) — Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has slammed statements by US officials claiming they have data about Russia’s alleged plans of aggression against Ukraine as disgraceful.    In her commentary to the Zvezda television channel that was posted on her Telegram channel on Thursday, Zakharova…

Haiti: International community pledged $600 million for earthquake relief

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Feb 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The international community pledged $600 million Wednesday to help rebuild Haiti’s devastated south, where an earthquake killed more than 2,200 people six months ago.   “These contributions went well above our expectations,” said Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, after the conclusion of an international summit…

EU summit looks to boost strained ties with Africa

BRUSSELS, Feb 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — EU and African leaders meet for a two-day summit on Thursday, seeking to reboot ties with pledges of major investment in the face of competition from China and Russia.   Relations between the two continents have been hampered by a raft of problems: from disputes…

Update: Rescuers scour for survivors after Brazil floods, landslides kill 94

PETROPOLIS (Brazil), Feb 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Rescue workers raced against the clock searching for any remaining survivors among mud and wreckage after devastating flash floods and landslides hit the picturesque Brazilian city of Petropolis, killing at least 94 people.   Streets were turned into torrential rivers and houses swept away…

UN chief denounces abuse by national and foreign forces in Central African Republic

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UN chief has denounced abuses by the Central African Republic army and its foreign supporters, an allusion to paramilitary fighters from the Russia-linked Wagner group.    “I remain appalled by the continued increase in human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law…

Thousands affected as quake hits Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY, Feb 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck western Guatemala early Wednesday caused damage affecting nearly 25,000 people, and caused three people to suffer fatal heart attacks,authorities said.    The epicenter of the quake, which struck at a depth of 84 kilometers, was in the coastal district…

Nigeria violence: Eight killed in market attack in south as four killed in central region

LAGOS, Feb 17 (NNN-Xinhua) — Nigerian authorities confirmed that eight people have been killed by gunmen at a new cattle market in Nigeria’s southern state of Abia. Eze Chikamnayo, the state commissioner for information, who confirmed the incident in a statement, condemned the attack. He said some yet-to-be-identified gunmen attacked…

Chile declares state of emergency in north due to migratory crisis

SANTIAGO, Feb 17 (NNN-Xinhua) — Chilean President Sebastian Pinera declared a constitutional state of emergency in four northern provinces, granting special powers to the Armed Forces to control irregular migration along the border. The measure, which will last 15 days with the possibility of a two-week renewal, includes the deployment…

Death toll from Brazil landslides, floods climbs to 78

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb 17 (NNN-Xinhua) — The death toll from landslides and floods in the Brazilian city of Petropolis in Rio de Janeiro state rose to 78, including six children, local authorities said Wednesday. “It was the worst rain since 1932, with 240 mm in just over two hours,”…

Morocco, Germany agree to overcome “misunderstandings” in bilateral ties

RABAT, Feb 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Morocco and Germany agreed to overcome “misunderstandings” and renew “close amicable relations” after a year-long diplomatic freeze, including over the issue of the disputed Western Sahara. The announcement followed a video conference between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock on…