OAS reiterates support for Falklands’ sovereignty talks between Argentina and UK

WASHINGTON, Oct 24 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — The General Assembly of the Organization of American States, OAS, supported a declaration on the Falklands/Malvinas question, reaffirming once again the need for the governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom to resume negotiations on the disputed sovereignty with the purpose of finding a peaceful…

Covid-19: South Africa cases on the rise – Health Minister

South African Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize PRETORIA, Oct 24 (NNN-SANEWS) — Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has raised his concerns about the climbing figures of positive COVID-19 cases in South Africa. “Over the past week, there has been an increase of 9.1% in new cases,” he said, adding that there…

Covid-19: Domestic tourism in EU recovers faster than foreign tourism

BRUSSELS, Oct 24 (NNN-Xinhua) — Domestic tourism in the European Union (EU) is recovering faster from the COVID-19 crisis than foreign tourism, the EU’s statistical office Eurostat said. The number of nights spent by EU residents in tourist accommodations in their own country for July was only 22 percent lower…

Covid-19: Brazil’s death toll hits 156,000; Argentina extends restrictions until Nov 8

BRASILIA/BUENOS AIRES, Oct 24 (NNN-Xinhua) — Brazil’s COVID-19 death toll has reached 156,471 after 571 more patients died of the disease in the last 24 hours, the country’s Ministry of Health said. Meanwhile, 30,026 more infections were reported, raising the nationwide count to 5,353,656, the ministry said. Brazil is one…

UN General Assembly president saddened by New York mayor’s refusal to meet him

Volkan Bozkir, president of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly UNITED NATIONS, Oct 24 (NNN-Xinhua) — The president of the UN General Assembly, Volkan Bozkir, said that he was saddened by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s refusal to meet him. “I was saddened to learn that…

Covid-19: Colombian vice president tests positive

Colombian Vice President Marta Lucia Ramirez (2nd L) BOGOTA, Oct 24 (NNN-Xinhua) — Colombian Vice President Marta Lucia Ramirez said that she had tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and would be isolated in her home for 15 days. “Yesterday I took the COVID-19 test, since I had planned…

US presidential elections: More than 50 million Americans vote early

Mail-in ballots are processed and counted for the upcoming presidential election WASHINGTON, Oct 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — More than 50 million Americans have cast ballots in the presidential election, an early-voting expert said, signalling a potential record turnout out for the Nov 3 matchup between President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden.…

Zambians sue mining giant over toxic waste, 25 years after its closure

Zambians sue mining giant over toxic waste LUSAKA, Oct 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A class action legal case has been launched against a subsidiary of the mining firm Anglo-American over an abandoned lead mine in Zambia. Lawyers representing a group of women and children say more than 100,000 people may have…

Poland abortion: Top court bans almost all terminations

 WARSAW, Oct 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) —Poland’s top court has ruled that abortions in cases of foetal defects are unconstitutional. Poland’s abortion laws were already among the strictest in Europe but the Constitutional Tribunal’s ruling will mean an almost total ban. Once the decision comes into effect, terminations will only be allowed in cases…

Bolivia confirms Arce presidential election win

LA PAZ, Oct 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Bolivia’s electoral tribunal published official results from last weekend’s presidential election,confirming leftist Luis Arce’s landslide victory. With all ballots now counted, Arce finished with 55 percent of the vote,meaning he won with no need for a run-off. “It is with much humility that we…