Clashes in Central African Republic capital leave at least 30 dead

BANGUI, Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 30 people were killed in fighting between militiamen and traders in a restive district of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, a security official and a local imam said. “Thirty bodies have been brought to the mosque,” said Awad Al Karim,…

300 migrants rescued off Spain over two-day Christmas period

MADRID, Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Around 100 migrants were rescued off the coast of Spain on Thursday, adding to around another 200 plucked offmakeshift boats on Christmas Day, Spain’s maritime rescue service said. More than half of them were found off the Costa Blanca on Spain’ssoutheastern coast, with 10 people…

German Chancellor Merkel plans Turkey trip to preserve migrant pact – Sueddeutsche

BERLIN, Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Turkey next month to urge President Tayyip Erdogan to uphold the migration pact he agreed with the European Union, Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported, responding to fears that conflict in Syria could unleash a new refugee wave. Erdogan warned on Sunday…

Russia can finish Nord Stream 2 within couple of months: Ifax cites Novak

MOSCOW, Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia can finish the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany within a couple of months, Interfax cited Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak as saying. President Vladimir Putin said Russia has a “pipe-laying vessel” to complete the construction of the Nord Stream…

Turkey’s Pres Erdogan says ready to send troops to Libya during surprise Tunisia trip

Turkey’s President Erdogan and his Tunisian counterpart Kais Saied in Tunis ANKARA, Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan paid a surprise visit to Tunisia on Wednesday to discuss cooperation for a possible ceasefire in neighboring Libya, where Ankara supports the internationally recognized government. Erdogan, speaking at a joint…

27,317 illegal immigrants arrested in Morocco in 2019

African immigrants guarded by Moroccan army after they were caught in the forest of Benyounch, on the Moussa mountain, near a border-crossing between Morocco and Spain’s north African enclave of Ceuta RABAT, Dec 27 (NNN-XINHUA) — Moroccan authorities have arrested 27,317 illegal immigrants in 2019, including 20,141 foreigners, the Moroccan…

8 Kenyan fishermen rescued in Indian Ocean after 18 days

MOMBASA, Dec 27 (NNN-XINHUA) — Police have rescued eight fishermen who miraculously survived 18 days in the Indian Ocean along the Kenyan coast. The eight were spotted and rescued by marine police on patrol on Christmas Day. “Their boat were taken to the deep waters and capsized by strong winds…

US recalls ambassador to Zambia after gay rights row

Daniel Foote was critical of the Zambian government LUSAKA, Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US has recalled its ambassador to Zambia amid a diplomatic row after he criticised the imprisonment of a gay couple. US embassy sources confirmed to news agencies and local media that Foote had been recalled by Washington. Last month,…

US: New California law prohibiting discrimination based on hair style to start in 2020

LOS ANGELES, Dec 27 (NNN-XINHUA) — A California law protecting against discrimination based on hair texture and style will take effect on the New Year’s Day of 2020. The law was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in July this year, making it illegal to enforce dress code or grooming…

Colorado bank robber throws cash in air, shouting ‘Merry Christmas’

David Oliver Wayne COLORADO SPRINGS (US), Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A man with a white beard was being held on $10,000 bond for allegedly robbing a Colorado bank and throwing the stolen cash into the air while shouting, “Merry Christmas” to passersby, police and local media reported.David Wayne Oliver, 65,…