US Pres Trump fires State Dept watchdog said to be probing Sec of State Pompeo

Sacked State Department Inspector General Steve Linick WASHINGTON, May 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A government watchdog fired suddenly by Pres Donald Trump was investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said a Democratic lawmaker who accused the president of committing a potentially illegal act of retribution. Trump sacked State Department Inspector General Steve…

Covid-19: 38 indigenous groups infected in Brazil

Indigenous people from the Parque das Tribos community mourns at the funeral of Chief Messias, 53, of the Kokama tribe who died of Covid-19 BRASILIA, May 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The coronavirus pandemic has hit 38 indigenous groups in Brazil, raising fears for populations that have a history of being decimated…

Covid-19: Austria gives go-ahead for cultural events to restart

VIENNA, May 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Austria’s government said it would allow cultural events for up to 100 spectators from the end of the month as the country continues emerging from its coronavirus lockdown. The government had come under criticism for failing to present a plan for reopening the country’s vital…

Uruguay renegotiates $3 bn pulp plant deal with Finland’s UPM

MONTEVIDEO, May 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Uruguay’s President Luis Lacalle Pou announced that the government had renegotiated the terms of a deal that would see Finnish company UPM invest in the building of a pulp plant in the South American country. The original $3 billion investment by UPM, which already operates…

Update: New York City lockdown extended until May 28 – governor

NEW YORK, May 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Lockdown measures in New York City have been extended until May 28, Governor Andrew Cuomo said. He clarified the date at a press conference after signing an executive order on Thursday night that mentioned June 13. Cuomo said the Big Apple’s stay-at-home order would…

Mali army kills 30 militants in raid

BAMAKO, May 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Malian troops have killed some 30 militants in a raid, the army said, in the latest violence in the war-torn West African state. The country’s armed forces said on Twitter that they had killed “about 30 terrorists” near the border with neighbouring Burkina Faso on…

Covid-19: LATAM Airlines says cutting 1,400 jobs in South America

SANTIAGO, May 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — LATAM Airlines said it would lay off 1,400 employees in South America, blaming a drastic slump in business due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Despite all the efforts we have made to take care of jobs, we are forced to make this difficult decision,” said Roberto…

Covid-19: IMF approves $520 mn emergency loan for Jamaica

WASHINGTON, May 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The IMF approved a $520 million loan for Jamaica to help the island nation deal with urgent needs raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shock of coronavirus came after the country successfully graduated from an IMF-supported reform program, but is now hit by the need…

Uganda to release 170 Rwandan prisoners to promote normalization of ties

Vincent Biruta KIGALI, May 16 (NNN-Xinhua) — Uganda is set to release 170 Rwandans who have been under its detention, Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta said at a press conference. It is “an important step” towards the implementation of the Luanda Agreements, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last year…

Covid-19: Brazilian health minister resigns less than a month after taking office

Nelson Teich BRASILIA, May 16 (NNN-Xinhua) — Less than a month after taking office, Brazilian Minister of Health Nelson Teich presented his resignation to President Jair Bolsonaro, the ministry said. The ministry did not clarify the reason for the official’s departure. Teich, an oncologist, took office on April 17, replacing…