First Arab on ISS set for Earth return

ALMATY (Kazakhstan), Oct 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — An Emirati who made history as the first Arab to reach the International Space Station is set to return to Earth on Thursday following an eight-day mission that sparked euphoria in his homeland. Hazzaa al-Mansoori of the United Arab Emirates will touch down in…

Over 132,000 Sephardi Jews apply for Spanish citizenship as deadline expires

A street of the old Jewish Quarters of Toledo, Spain MADRID, Oct 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — More than 132,000 Jews have applied for Spanish citizenship since the government offered residence to relatives of those expelled during the Inquisition more than 500 years ago. The deadline has now passed for Sephardi Jews…

EU’s Brexit negotiator Barnier says UK proposals mark progress, but more work needed

European Union’s Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier BRUSSELS, Oct 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said new proposals from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson marked progress but lots of work was still needed for a new Brexit deal to be agreed. “There is progress, but to be frank lots of…

US Sec of State Pompeo blasts China over Uighur Muslims during Vatican visit

U.S. Secretary of State Mike VATICAN CITY, Oct 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blasted China over its treatment of Uighur Muslims, during a Vatican conference taking place in the shadow of a political crisis back home. Pompeo reserved his toughest criticism for China in a keynote…

Zimbabwe’s private sector actors eye opportunities under AfCFTA

ADDIS ABABA, Oct 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Zimbabwe’s private sector actors on Wednesday reiterated readiness to fully seize various opportunities presented by the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. The statement was made by Christopher Mugaga, Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, during a joint…

UN urges Somalia to set timelines to deliver set priorities by 2020

Special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, James Swan  MOGADISHU, Oct 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UN senior envoy in Somalia has called on the government to set clear objectives and timelines with the goal of delivering on the set priorities by 2020. James Swan, special representative of the UN…

Namibia experiencing worst drought in 90 years, says official

WINDHOEK, Oct 3 (NNN-Xinhua) — Namibia is currently experiencing the worst drought in 90 years and is finding ways to deal with climate change and stimulate agriculture in the future, Speaker of Parliament Peter Katjavivi said. He was addressing parliamentarians and non governmental organizations on the current state of sustainable…

South Sudan factions miss deadline to assemble fighters: peace monitor

JUBA, Oct 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Signatories to South Sudan’s fragile peace have missed a deadline set by the regional east African bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to register and assemble all their fighters, a body tasked to monitor the pact said. Desta Abiche Ageno, chairperson of the Ceasefire and…

Zambia, DR Congo seal maize export deal

LUSAKA, Oct 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a memorandum of understanding for the export of maize and maize products to the neighboring country. The deal involves the export of some 600,000 tonnes of maize and mealie-meal to the DRC and will come into…

DPRK fires unidentified ballistic missile off east coast: South Korea

North Korea has fired a missile, its ninth launch since June SEOUL, Oct 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired an unidentified ballistic missile off its east coast Wednesday morning, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The South Korean military spotted the unidentified ballistic missile, which was launched…