International call for Myanmar to let envoy meet Aung San Suu Kyi

SYDNEY, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Eight countries and the EU diplomatic chief urged the Myanmar junta to let a regional special envoy meet ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The call comes as concerns grow over the military government’s commitment to a “five-point consensus” agreed with regional bloc ASEAN…

Brazil pandemic probe to recommend Pres Bolsonaro face 11 criminal charges, senator says

BRASILIA, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A Brazilian Senate probe into the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic will recommend in its final report due next week that President Jair Bolsonaro face 11 criminal charges, the senator leading the inquiry said. Renan Calheiros said during a radio interview that the investigation launched…

Update: Fatal stabbing of British lawmaker declared as a terrorist incident

LONDON, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The fatal stabbing of British Member of Parliament David Amess was a terrorist incident, police said, as they investigated the second killing of a UK politician while meeting voters since 2016. The Metropolitan Police said its preliminary findings had revealed “a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism”.…

UN extends Haiti mission by nine months

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United Nations Security Council extended the UN mission in Haiti by nine months after an 11th-hour compromise was struck between western powers and China. The council passed a resolution extending the mandate by less than the one-year that the United States had sought…

Australian police seize record US$104 million heroin shipment in Melbourne bust, Malaysian suspect detained

MELBOURNE, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Australian policed said they seized the largest heroin shipment ever detected in the country, worth an estimated A$140 million (US$104 million), and arrested a Malaysian national over the importation of the illicit drug. The 450kg shipment – as heavy as a grand piano – was…

Covid-19: Eight more deaths, 3,445 new cases in Singapore

As of Oct 14, 84 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated, and 85 per cent has received at least one dose SINGAPORE, Oct 16 (NNN-CNA) — Singapore reported 3,445 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Friday, with eight more fatalities from complications due to the virus.…

Japanese PM announces outline of anti-covid-19 measures

TOKYO, Oct 16 (NNN-XINHUA) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced an outline of COVID-19 countermeasures at a panel meeting on Friday, and the government would come up with an overall set of measures early next month, local media reported. Kishida’s government said that it would seek to increase the utilization…

Pakistan strongly condemns attack at mosque in Afghanistan’s Kandahar

ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Pakistan strongly condemned the terrorist attack at a mosque in Kandahar city, capital of Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province, which reportedly killed more than 30 and wounded dozens of others on Friday. “Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including despicable attacks on places…

Covid-19: Fully vaccinated foreign visitors can enter US starting on Nov 8

The United States will allow travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter by land or air starting Nov 8 WASHINGTON, Oct 16 (NNN-Xinhua) — Fully vaccinated foreign visitors will be allowed to enter the United States starting on Nov 8, the White House said. “The US’ new travel…

Iraqi president calls for calm amid dispute over election results

BAGHDAD, Oct 16 (NNN-Xinhua) — Iraqi President Barham Salih called on objectors to Sunday’s early election results to calm down and resort to law to preserve the country’s stability. “We call on all parties to adopt a responsible national stance, keep calm, and avoid any escalation that might affect societal…