Dying has become a luxury in crisis-ridden Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Jan 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — No one can escape Argentina’s biggest economic crisis in almost two decades — not even the dead. The cost of buying, renting and maintaining graves and tombs is so high that many people opt to cremate their loved ones instead. Juan Tapia runs the…

Black box of crashed Taiwan military chopper located

Rescuers searching for survivors after a military Black Hawk helicopter smashed into mountains in Yilan county near Taipei TAIPEI, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The black box from a Taiwanese helicopter that crashed killing its military chieff has been recovered, the defence ministry said. The island is in mourning after the Black Hawk…

More talks needed on shape of Tunisian government before vote

Prime minister designate Habib Jemli TUNIS, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tunisia’s designated prime minister will hold more talks on forming a government, the presidential office said, delaying parliament’s vote on the new cabinet that had been expected on Thursday. Prime Minister-designate Habib Jemli submitted his proposed cabinet list to President…

On Day 29, French rail strike makes history

A traveler walks on a empty platform at at Gare Montparnasse train station during the 29th day of transport strikes in Paris PARIS, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A labour walkout that has frustrated Paris commuters and marooned thousands of holiday travellers in France dragged into its 29th day on Thursday, becoming…

Argentine president expresses doubt over mysterious prosecutor death

Pres Alberto Fernandez BUENOS AIRES, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Argentine President Alberto Fernandez said he doubts that a prosecutor who died two days after accusing former president Cristina Kirchner of a cover up in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre committed suicide. But he insisted “there isn’t a shred…

US places ban on Cuban defence chief

WASHINGTON, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The State Department announced it was barring Cuba’s defence chief from entering the US, citing what it called human rights violations in supporting the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The department said General Leopoldo Cintra Frias, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba…

Indonesia floods: Singaporeans in Jakarta advised to prepare for possible further flooding

A man carrying his belongings across floodwaters at the Jatinegara area after heavy rain in Jakarta JAKARTA, Jan 3 (NNN-CNA) — Singaporeans in Jakarta are advised to prepare for the possibility of further flooding and should heed the advice of local authorities, the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta said. At least 43…

Singapore monitoring China pneumonia outbreak, will implement temperature screening at Changi Airport

SINGAPORE, Jan 3 (NNN-CNA) — Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) said it is aware of the outbreak of a cluster of severe pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, and is monitoring the situation closely. “As a precautionary measure, MOH has alerted all medical practitioners to be vigilant to look out for suspected cases with…

Gambia president launches own party after rift with ruling coalition

Adama Barrow BANJUL, Jan 3 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — Gambian President Adama Barrow launched his own political party in the capital, Banjul, confirming what political watchers had predicted for the West African country.The move frees him from the coalition that helped him win the presidency three years ago in the country. The…

Turkish airliner makes emergency landing in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, Jan 3 (NNN-Xinhua) — A Turkish airline’s passenger plane TK45 en route from Cape Town to Istanbul made an emergency landing on Thursday evening in Johannesburg, South Africa, causing no injuries. While climbing out of Cape Town’s runway, the flight crew failed to retract the plane’s landing gear, said…