China writes off Ghana’s debt

Ghana vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia with Chinese Vice-Premier, Sun Chunlan. Photo courtesy of GNA ACCRA, Nov 14 (NNN-GNA) — The Chinese government has decided to cancel a 250 million Yuan debt owed it by Ghana. In addition, the world super power has given the government 300 million Yuan grant to assist in its…

Guaido supporters end standoff at Venezuela embassy in Brazil

BRASILIA, Nov 14, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido exited the country’s embassy in Brazil on Wednesday, an official said, ending a standoff with rival backers of President Nicolas Maduro. Guaido’s appointed ambassador Teresa Belandria confirmed in a statement the supporters had left, hours after the…

Pres Bolsonaro says China part of Brazil’s future

BRASILIA, Nov 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — China is increasingly part of Brazil’s future, President Jair Bolsonaro said, signaling a more pragmatic approach to the Latin American country’s biggest trade partner. Standing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia, Bolsonaro said he hoped the two countries could not…

Clashes as acting Bolivia leader aim to end power vacuum

LA PAZ, Nov 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Bolivia’s interim president Jeanine Anez moved Wednesday to fill the power vacuum left by the resignation of Evo Morales, who said he was ready to return from exile in Mexico to “pacify” the country, as riot police clashed with his supporters and one was…

Pres Trump dodges US-Turkey rows to focus on Pres Erdogan friendship

WASHINGTON, Nov 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday sidestepped disputes snaring US relations with fellow NATO member Turkey, instead telling visiting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he is a “fan.” On a day when Congress was holding its first nationally televised hearings in the impeachment probe against Trump,…

Zimbabwe bans new electric water heaters to save energy

HARARE, Nov 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Zimbabwe is banning the installation of new electric water heaters in a bid to save power, energy regulations published on Wednesday showed, at a time when the country is enduring rolling blackouts lasting up to 18 hours a day. Power cuts have been exacerbated by…

US to re-evaluate South Sudan ties after unity government deadline passes

President Salva Kiir WASHINGTON, Nov 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States said it was “gravely disappointed” with South Sudan’s failure to form a unity government by a Nov 12 deadline and would “re-evaluate” its relationship with the African nation’s government. “We will work bilaterally and with the international community to…

Two Namibian ministers resign over bribery scandal involving Icelandic fishing firm

WINDHOEK, Nov 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Namibia’s justice and fisheries ministers resigned on Wednesday over bribery claims involving Icelandic fishing firm Samherji. Justice Minister Sackeus Shanghala and Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Bernhard Esau resigned from cabinet following media reports they awarded horse mackerel quotas to Iceland’s biggest fishing firm in…

Arctic blast: US temperatures plummet to record lows

WASHINGTON, Nov 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) —An Arctic air mass has brought record-breaking low temperatures to several places in the US. The Arctic blast, which began in Siberia, has brought heavy snow and ice to many areas. Daily records have been set in states including Kansas and Illinois. Forecasters say hundreds of records could be…

13 dead in Slovakia bus crash

BRATISLAVA, Nov 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 13 people died and 20 were injured when a bus crashed into a truck in western Slovakia on Wednesday, the fire service said. “I can confirm the death of 13 people and 20 injuries in an accident nearNitrianske Hrnciarovce where a bus and…