Iraq: Protesters block roads, bridges as crisis deepens

DIWANIYAH (Iraq), Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of protesters blocked roads and bridges in southern Iraq on Monday, condemning Iranian influence and political leaders who have missed another deadline to agree on a new prime minister. Anti-government demonstrators burned tyres in major cities across the south, forcing the closure of…

Vietnam seizes two tonnes of ivory, pangolin scales from Africa

Vietnamese authorities seized more than two tonnes of pangolin scales and ivory from Africa HANOI, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Vietnamese authorities have seized more than two tonnes of pangolin scales and ivory from Africa, state media reported. Trade in ivory and pangolin is illegal in Vietnam but wildlife trafficking remains…

Bethlehem welcomes pilgrims for Christmas celebrations

A Palestinian wearing a Santa Claus costumes welcomes Christian visitors outside the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem BETHLEHEM, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The biblical city of Bethlehem, revered by Christians as the birthplace of…

Australia: 5 hospitalised after voucher giveaway stampede at Sydney mall

 Several people were injured during a stampede at a Westfield shopping centre Christmas shopping promotion in Sydney SYDNEY, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Five people have been taken to hospital after a pre-Christmas balloon drop at a Sydney shopping centre caused a dangerous crowd crush. Police say a number of people were knocked…

Philippines: Tropical storm ruins Christmas for thousands of Filipinos

MANILA, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of people in typhoon-prone central Philippines have had their Christmas plans ruined after they were told to leave their homes as a severe tropical storm approaches. Officials on Christmas Eve said residents should evacuate coastal areas, and thousands more were stranded at ports with ferry…

Australia PM defends coal as climate-fuelled bushfires burn

The fires razed scores of homes across two states on the weekend SYDNEY, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected calls for “reckless” and “job-destroying” cuts to the country’s vast coal industry in the face of a deadly climate-fuelled bushfire crisis. Morrison’s government has fiercely defended the…

Argentina approves measures aimed at ending economic crisis

A man shows Argentine pesos outside a bank in Buenos Aires’ financial district, Argentina BUENOS AIRES, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Argentina’s government approved a package of emergency measures aimed at lifting the South American country out of its worst economic crisis in years. Argentina is in a recession caused by a…

Ecuador: Not a single species affected by Galapagos fuel spill – government

QUITO, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Galapagos Islands’ unique wildlife was spared after a barge carrying 600 gallons of diesel fuel sank, causing a spill, the Ecuador government said. “Not a single species has been affected by the spill in San Cristobal,” the easternmost island in the chain, said Environment Minister…

French transport strike casts pall on Christmas

Striking workers demonstrated at the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris against the govenrment’s proposed pension overhaul PARIS, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — French train and metro drivers took their crippling transport strike into its 19th straight day on Monday in a standoff with the government over pension reform, casting a…

US: 69-vehicle chain collision leaves 51 people injured

YORK COUNTY (Virginia, US), Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A chain collision involving 69 vehicles in the United States left 51 people injured, some seriously. The accident happened just before 8am on Sunday on Interstate 64 in York County and, for a time, shut down traffic in both directions, Virginia State…