UN chief Guterres warns ‘powerful forces’ undermining global ties

LONDON, Jan 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — UN chief Antonio Guterres Saturday deplored a host of “powerful forces lining up to undermine global cooperation” in a London speech marking the 80th anniversary of the first UN General Assembly. Guterres, whose term as secretary-general ends on Dec 31 this year, delivered the warning at the Methodist…

China, Canada reach ‘landmark’ deal on tariffs, visas

BEIJING, Jan 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a raft of measures from trade to tourism on Friday at the first meeting between the countries’ leaders in Beijing in eight years. The Canadian leader hailed a “landmark deal” under a “new…

Brazil, EU hail trade deal as victory for multilateralism

RIO DE JANEIRO (Brazil), Jan 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Friday hailed a trade deal between the EU and South America’s Mercosur bloc as a victory for multilateralism at a time of global volatility. The pair met…

EU inks South America trade deal after 25 years of negotiations

The deal between the 27-nation European Union and Mercosur bloc members Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay creates one of the world’s largest free trade areas after 25 years of tricky negotiations ASUNCION, Jan 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The European Union and Mercosur officially signed one of the world’s largest free-trade agreements…

Museveni takes strong lead in early results of Uganda presidential race

Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh successive victoryYoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh successive victory KAMPALA, Jan 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has taken a strong lead in provisional results from Thursday’s presidential election, the electoral agency says.The results announced…

South Africa: Floodings kill at least 10, triggering the closure of Kruger Park

Floods have killed at least 10 people in South Africa following heavy rainfall PRETORIA, Jan 16 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — Flooding triggered by torrential rains in northeastern South Africa claimed at least 10 lives overnight and forced the closure of the iconic Kruger National Park, officials said. The weather service issued the…

Tanzania: ‘We’re friend to all, non-aligned’ – Pres Samia

DODOMA, Jan 16 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared that Tanzania remains a “friend to all and non-aligned but multi-engaged,” positioning the nation as a strategic bridge between the Global West and the Global East. Speaking to Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations during the annual Diplomatic Sherry…

Czech: Babis gov’t wins vote of confidence in lower house

Czech Republic’s Prime Minister Andrej Babis PRAGUE, Jan 16 (NNN-XINHUA) — The coalition government led by ANO party leader Andrej Babis won a vote of confidence in the Czech Chamber of Deputies on Thursday, formally obtaining constitutional legitimacy to govern. The coalition, comprising Babis’ ANO party, the Freedom and Direct…

Spain nabs cocaine ring that used swimmers on high seas

A cargo vessel carrying almost 10 metric tons of cocaine concealed in a shipment of salt is being towed to port in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain MADRID, Jan 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Spanish police on Thursday said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to…

French govt survives two no-confidence votes over trade deal

France’s Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu answers during a session of questions to the government at the National Assembly PARIS, Jan 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — President Emmanuel Macron’s government survived two no-confidence votes in parliament linked to criticism of an EU trade deal that has upset farmers. Neither move from the far…