US: Judge stops White House from immediately expelling unaccompanied minors

WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A US judge ruled that outgoing Pres Donald Trump’s administration could not immediately expel immigrant minors who arrive alone at the border, a policy the White House said was necessary due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Judge Emmet Sullivan of the federal district court in Washington…

Hurricane Iota leaves 38 dead after tearing through Central America

SAN SALVADOR, Nov 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Iota’s death toll rose to 38 after the year’s biggest Atlantic storm unleashed mudslides, tore apart buildings and left thousands homeless across Central America, revisiting areas devastated by another hurricane just two weeks ago. Iota plowed through the coast packing furious winds of 155…

Western allies say China broke Hong Kong deal by ousting lawmakers

WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States, Britain,Australia, Canada and New Zealand accused China of violating itslegally binding international commitments by ousting pro-democracy lawmakers from Hong Kong’s legislature. The foreign ministers of the five allies said China was going against its1984 promise that it would preserve autonomy in the…

Iran says to meet nuclear commitments if US Pres-elect Biden lifts sanctions

TEHRAN, Nov 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Iran said it would “automatically” return to its nuclear commitments if US President-elect Joe Biden lifts sanctions, as the outgoing administration doubled down with more pressure. Biden has promised a return to diplomacy with Iran after four hawkish years under Donald Trump, who withdrew from…

US senators seek to stop sale of advanced jets to UAE

WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Three US senators launched a bid to block the sale of top-of-the-line F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates, voicing concern over the deal seen as a reward for the nation’s recognition of Israel. Even if the three can persuade a majority in Congress to…

Saudi minister confident of ‘good relationship’ with US Pres-elect Biden

RIYADH, Nov 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Saudi Arabia’s oil minister struck a conciliatory tone toward US President-elect Joe Biden, saying energy cooperation could be a launch pad for a “good relationship”. OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has appeared wary of the incoming US administration. Biden…

US to label Israel boycott movement as ‘anti-Semitic’: Secretary of State Pompeo

JERUSALEM, Nov 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) –– The US will label the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign, which seeks to isolate Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians, as anti-Semitic, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, calling the movement “a cancer”. The BDS campaign is a non-violent people-led movement that aims to…

World Bank expands $100m support to Rohingyas, local communities in Cox’s Bazar

DHAKA, Nov 20 (NNN-BSS) — The Bangladesh government signed a $100 million grant financing agreement with the World Bank to scale up access to energy, water, sanitation services and disaster-resilient infrastructures for the Rohingyas and the surrounding host communities. The agreement was signed by Economic Relations Division (ERD) Additional Secretary…

Covid-19: UK PM Johnson tests negative, continues to self-isolate

LONDON, Nov 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested negative for COVID-19, his spokesman said, but the British leader will continue to self isolate according to government guidance. “He took a test Monday and that test was negative but he will in accordance with the rules on self-isolation…

Russia defends Azerbaijan-Armenia deal over Karabakh conflict after France criticism

Nagorno-Karabakh’s main town, Stepanakert, would have been captured by Azerbaijani forces had a peace deal not been signed, Armenia’s Prime Minister  MOSCOW, Nov 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russian President Vladimir Putin defended a ceasefire deal he brokered between Azerbaijan and Armenia after France called for him to fix “ambiguities” in the text.…