OPEC+ backs another modest oil output hike despite surging prices

LONDON, Feb 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Top oil-producing countries led by Saudi Arabia and Russia announced another modest increase in output on Wednesday despite soaring crude prices and geopolitical tensions rattling the markets.    The 23-nation OPEC+ group said in a statement that it will increase production by 400,000 barrels per…

UK, France, Germany ‘strongly condemn’ North Korea’s missile tests

 LONDON, Feb 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Britain, France and Germany condemned a battery of “provocative” missile tests by North Korea and urged it to comply with UN resolutions ahead of Security Council talks.   “We strongly condemn these provocative actions, which undermine regional as well as international peace and security and…

Brazil federal police say Pres Bolsonaro committed crime by leaking sealed probe

BRASILIA, Feb 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Brazil’s federal police said President Jair Bolsonaro committed a crime by publicly revealing details about a sealed criminal probe, but would not recommend charging him given his immunity while in office. The federal police’s conclusion that the president committed a crime is unlikely to trouble…

British navy rejects plan to push back Channel migrant boats

 More than 28,000 migrants and refugees crossed the Channel from France to the UK last year LONDON, Feb 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Britain’s navy has rejected a plan to turn away boats illegally carrying migrants to its shores when it takes over responsibility for trying to stop people crossing the English…

Guinea-Bissau launches major probe into foiled coup

BISSAU, Feb 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Guinea-Bissau launched a major investigation into a foiled attempt to overthrow President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who survived a gun attack in the uprising that claimed 11 lives, according to the government of the West African nation. Heavily armed men on Tuesday afternoon surrounded government buildings…

US President Joe Biden plans ‘several’ stops on Asia trip, region to remain the focus: US official

WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Joe Biden is planning several stops during a visit to Asia this spring, which will be his first to the region as president and include a summit with three key regional allies in Japan, a senior administration official said. The US official brushed off questions about…

Thousands lose power but Mauritius escapes ‘major damage’ from cyclone

Strong winds and pouring rain batter the mauritius coastline in Mahebourg PORT LOUIS, Feb 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of homes were left without power in Mauritius but the Indian Ocean island nation escaped without “major damage” from a battering by powerful cyclone winds. Tropical cyclone Batsirai passed within 130km of the…

Adulterated cocaine kills 17, sickens 56 in Argentina

Relatives and friends of people who were poisoned with adulterated cocaine cry after talking to doctors outside the emergency room of a hospital in the outskirts of Buenos Aires BUENOS AIRES, Feb 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Apparently adulterated cocaine killed 17 people and seriously sickened 56 others in Buenos Aires, sending…

Covid-19: German vaccine commission to recommend fourth shot

BERLIN, Feb 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Germany’s expert panel on vaccine use (STIKO) is preparing to recommend a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose, the committee’s head, Thomas Mertens, told media group Funke. “We have data from Israel that shows a fourth dose significantly improves protection from a severe case of illness,” Mertens…

Covid-19: France’s vaccine pass to stay until ICUs are ’emptied’, says health minister

People stand next to the Sacred Heart Basilica looking toward the city of Paris, France PARIS, Feb 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — France’s vaccine pass will remain in place until hospitals are able to function normally without cancelling non-emergency procedures to make room for Covid patients in intensive care, Health Minister Olivier…