Covid-19: Solidarity, reliable supply chain critical in fighting coronavirus – South African minister

PRETORIA, July 24 (NNN-XINHUA) — The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of working with other countries, building resilient and diversified supply chains, said South African Trade Minister Ebrahim Patel. At the 10th BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting, Patel said that solidarity is critical in fighting the virus. As the pandemic is still raging on, “we…

UN chief calls for talks after Azerbaijan-Armenia clashes

UNITED NATIONS, July 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “immediate and full de-escalation” and “a return to negotiations” between Azerbaijan and Armenia after recent clashes on the border between the two former Soviet republics. Guterres spoke by telephone separately with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime…

Last Qantas 747 flight draws iconic kangaroo in the sky on its final journey from Australia

747 flight draws iconic kangaroo SYDNEY, July 224 (NNN-AGENCIES) — After 50 years of flying, Qantas’ last remaining Boeing 747 passenger jet departed Australia for the final time on Wednesday and left a special message for everyone in the sky — a drawing of the airline’s iconic kangaroo logo.The flight…

Covid-19: American Airlines reports 2Q loss as coronavirus hits demand

American Airlines WASHINGTON, July 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — American Airlines became the latest US carrier to report a hefty second-quarter loss, but said it made progress in reducing cash burn. The company suffered a $2.1 billion loss in the quarter ending June 30, compared with profits of $662 million in the…

UK and US accuses Russia of satellite test firing in space

Russia tested satellite by launching a weapon-projectile LONDON/WASHINGTON, July 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UK and US have accused Russia of launching a weapon-like projectile from a satellite in space.In a statement, the head of the UK’s space directorate said: “We are concerned by the manner in which Russia tested one…

Covid-19: European lawmakers scrutinize coronavirus recovery fund

proposed EU budget deal criticized by lawmakers BRUSSELS, July 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The EU leaders agreed to the historic recovery package following marathon talks, and it is now up to the European Parliament to vote on the deal. While discussing the package, EU lawmakers signaled their displeasure. Lawmakers from all…

Ukraine: Man armed with grenade frees police hostage, flees to forest; 2nd hostage-taking in 3 days

Ukrainian law enforcement officers near the site where a man armed with a grenade holds a policeman KIEV, July 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — An armed man took a senior policeman hostage in the central Ukrainian city of Poltava on Thursday and drove off with him before abandoning both the car and the…

UN ‘horrified’ by killing of five aid workers in Nigeria

Aid groups provide a vital lifeline for some 7.9 million people in Nigeria’s northeast ABUJA, July 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United Nations has said it is “utterly shocked and horrified” by the killing of five aid workers by unknown armed groups in northeastern Nigeria.The statement by Edward Kallon, UN humanitarian coordinator…

Mali political crisis, five ECOWAS leaders in Bamako to mediate

West African leaders BAMAKO, July 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Regional mediators are stepping up efforts in the West African country of Mali where the political opposition has renewed its call for protests so that President Ibrahim Boubcar Keita leaves office three years before his final term ends. Opposition leaders had rejected…

Covid-19: Niger opens up borders to international flights

Airplane jetting off NIAMEY, July 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The authorities in Niger have announced that the country’s airspace will reopen for international flights in the coming days. Like most countries around the world, Niger closed its airports and land borders in March as part of efforts to contain coronavirus. In…