North Korean leader visits flood-stricken province: state media

PYONGYANG, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected flood damage in North Hwanghae province and ordered food and supplies to help affected residents, state news agency KCNA said Friday. There have been days of heavy rain across parts of North Korea, which is vulnerable to flooding…

EU releases 33 mn euros emergency aid for Beirut blast

BRUSSELS, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The European Union announced that it had released 33 million euros to finance emergency aid for Lebanon and mobilized material resources, including an Italian hospital ship, to help relief efforts in Beirut after this week’s devastating explosions. A donor conference is also planned to mobilise…

Covid-19: There is still a “window of opportunity” to win a pandemic in Africa – Africa CDC

ADDIS ABABA, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Director of Center for Disease Prevention and Control of the African Union (Africa CDC) said that there was still a “window of opportunity” to overcome the pandemic in Africa, which is approaching a million cases, but where most countries register less than 5,000.…

South Korea battles deadly floods and landslides; North warns of ‘potential rain’

Torrential downpours in Daejeon, in central South Korea, left many homes and businesses under water  SEOUL, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 15 people have died and more than 1,500 have been forced from their homes after torrential rain triggered floods and landslides in South Korea. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun…

Covid-19: Travellers from Belgium, Andorra, and The Bahamas must quarantine in UK

LONDON, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) —People arriving into the UK from Belgium, the Bahamas and Andorra will have to quarantine for 14 days. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the changes start at 04:00 BST on Saturday except in Wales, where they start midnight Thursday. The countries are the latest to have a change…

Beirut explosion: Anti-government protests break out in city

Dozens of people protested near parliament in Beirut  BEIRUT, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Protesters clashed with Lebanese security forces at anti-government demonstrations in Beirut. Officers deployed tear gas on dozens of people near parliament on Thursday. Demonstrators were angered by Tuesday’s devastating blast, which officials say was caused by 2,750…

Covid-19: French universities to reopen, face masks ‘recommended’

French universities will reopen for in-classroom teaching in September PARIS, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — French universities will reopen in September after nearly six months but students will be encouraged to wear face masks, the ministry of higher education said. “The wearing of masks in classrooms is highly recommended,” the ministry…

China warns US against ‘dangerous moves’ on Taiwan: Defence Minister

BEIJING, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe urged his US counterpart in a phone call Thursday to avoid actions and rhetoric on Taiwan and other issues that could escalate tensions between the rivals, state media reported. Wei urged the US side to stop erroneous words and deeds”…

IMF urges Lebanon to break reform ‘impasse’ after port disaster

WASHINGTON, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The International Monetary Fund urged Lebanese officials to break an “impasse” and move ahead with reforms after a massive Beirut blast devastated the capital and cost the crisis-hit country billions in damages. “It is essential to overcome the impasse in the discussions on critical reforms,”…

US urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners

WASHINGTON, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged prominent Afghans holding a major meeting Friday to free Taliban prisoners, promising help if the war-torn nation moves forward on peace efforts. “We acknowledge that the release of these prisoners is unpopular,” Pompeo said in a statement. “But…