Paris police chief sacked after Champs-Elysees rioting

PARIS: The French government sacked the top police official in Paris on Monday (Mar 18) following another weekend of rioting in the capital during “yellow vest” protests which have put President Emmanuel Macron on the defensive. The police’s failure to keep the Paris protests from spiralling out of control over the…

Examination of Philippines continues despite withdrawal from ICC: prosecutor

THE HAGUE, March 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor said her examination into possible crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines would continue, despite the country’s withdrawal from the court. The Philippines’ withdrawal from the Hague court was formalised on Sunday. Prosecutor Fatou Bensounda said in a statement…

Myanmar military fights rebels among ancient Rakhine temples

YANGON, March 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Fighting between Myanmar’s military and ethnic Rakhine insurgents has now reached the ancient temples of Mrauk U, the former capital of the Rakhine kingdom and a popular tourist site, local residents said. Rakhine state in Myanmar’s west is riven with ethnic and religious divisions. It…

Haiti’s lower house votes to dismiss prime minister

PORT-AU-PRINCE, March 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) –Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies voted to censure Jean-Henry Ceant’s government, with a new prime minister set to be named soon. Of the 103 lawmakers participating, 93 voted to dismiss the prime minister and his government. Six voted against and three abstained. “Notice will be sent to…

Ukraine measles outbreak kills 11, infects 30,000

KIEV, March 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Eleven people have died and more than 30,000 have been infected this year in a major measles outbreak in Ukraine, the European country worst hit by the disease. The latest victim was a nine-year-old girl who died from complications Saturday after contracting the highly infectious disease,…

Malaysia: Prime Minister Mahathir says some state-owned entities may be listed

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Malaysia may list certain state-owned entities to cut government debt and liabilities, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said as it seeks new revenue sources to boost its fiscal position. Mahathir, elected in a stunning upset last year, has blamed the previous administration of Najib Razak…

Philippine transport regulator rejects Go-Jek’s appeal for ride-hailing licence

MANILA, March 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Philippines’ transport regulator said it has rejected an appeal from Indonesia’s Go-Jek to launch a ride-hailing service, having denied Go-Jek’s initial request earlier this year citing local ownership criteria. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the resolution of the accreditation committee “denying…

Iran denies joint operation with Turkey against Kurdish militants

ANKARA/TEHRAN, March 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Turkey repeated on Monday that it and Iran were carrying out a joint operation against Kurdish militants, despite a denial from Tehran that it was involved. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the joint operation targeting militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) on Monday…

Brazil court suspends operations at two more Vale dams

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 119 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A Brazilian court has ordered Vale SA, the world’s largest iron ore miner, to suspend operations at two more dams, demanding that it prove the structures are stable. The court decision is the latest in a series of orders forcing Vale to halt…

Venezuela opposition takes control of diplomatic properties in US

WASHINGTON, March 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Representatives of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido have taken control of three of the country’s diplomatic properties in the United States, Guaido’s US envoy said, as the opposition presses its bid to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro. The envoy, Carlos Vecchio, said the opposition had gained…