Mexico and U.S. try new trade fix to win over Democrats: official

MEXICO CITY, July 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mexico is working closely with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to close a loophole in the new North American trade deal, aimed at satisfying demands of U.S. Democratic lawmakers for tougher labor and environmental provisions, a senior Mexican official said.The United States, Mexico and…

Tunisia bans niqab in government offices

TUNIS, July 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed has banned the niqab Muslim face covering for women in government offices “for security reasons”.The niqab is a veil worn by Muslim women that covers the whole face apart from the eyes as a sign of modesty and a symbol…

Libya: LNA forces claim downing of UN-backed government L-39 Albatross jet

TRIPOLI, July 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Troops loyal to Libyan military strongman Gen Khalifa Haftar said they shot down a plane belonging to forces loyal to the rival unity government.The UN-backed Government of National Accord forces said they had lost contact with one of their planes that was on a combat…

‘No to dictatorship!’: Algerians rally on independence day

ALGIERS, July 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tens of thousands of Algerians have taken to the streets Friday to celebrate their country’s independence from France and continue calls for a new democratic leadership in the wake of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s resignation in April. Amid extra-high security and resurgent anger at authorities,…

DR Congo: Ebola death toll mounts, new fatality near Ugandan border

KINSHASA, July 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Deaths from an 11-month-old epidemic of Ebola in eastern DR Congo have crossed the 1,600 mark and a new fatality has been reported near the border with Uganda, the health ministry said. As of Thursday, the health authorities had recorded 2,382 cases of Ebola,of which…

Yemeni pro-gov’t forces continue fighting against Houthis in southern Yemen

DHALEA CITY (Yemen), July 5 (NNN-Xinhua) — Fighting between pro-government Yemeni forces and the Houthi rebels continued, as both warring sides attempt to seize more military sites in the country’s southern part. The pro-government forces launched a series of military operations within weeks that succeeded in pushing the Houthis back…

Pakistan PM to meet Trump for talks on improving ties

ISLAMABAD, July 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington later this month, its foreign office said, a visit that could help to ease tensions between the two countries. Trump late last year accused Pakistan of not doing “a damn thing” for the United…

Nigeria holds mass burial for victims of fuel tanker explosion

ABUJA, July 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Most of the victims of a fuel tanker explosion near a village in north-central Nigeria got a mass burial sponsored by the government.The tragedy occurred on Monday at Ahumbe village in Benue state, when the tanker overturned after an accident and caught fire and dozens…

Somalia cuts diplomatic ties with Guinea over Somaliland

MOGADISHU/CONAKRY, July 5 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — Somalia has announced the severing of diplomatic ties with West African country Guinea, the government announced after a cabinet meeting.The development is linked to relations between Guinea and Somaliland – the semi-autonomous region of Somalia. Somaliland continues to increase its bid for international recognition, much…

Dozens of migrants feared dead after boat capsizes off Tunisia

TUNIS, July 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A boat carrying at least 86 refugees and migrants has capsized off the coast of Tunisia with most feared drowned. Some of the four initial survivors told the Tunisian coastguard the boat sank off the town of Zarzis, Tunisian Red Crescent official Mongi Slim said.Tunisian fishermen…