Serbia protests: President Vucic the target of Belgrade rally

Protesters clashed with riot police outside the Serbian presidential building  BELGRADE, March 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Serbian police used tear gas to clear thousands of protesters trying to blockade the residence of President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade. The protesters – who are demanding greater media freedom and free elections – shouted “Resign!” But Vucic…

Venezuela: Opposition leader Guaido starts domestic tour to stir support

VALENCIA (Venezuela), March 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Venezuela’s self-proclaimed interim leader Juan Guaido began a tour of his country aimed at sparking a citizen’s movement to pry President Nicolas Maduro from power. As Guaido, 35, kicked off Saturday his “operation freedom” in the northern city of Valencia, the pro-Maduro military staged…

May warns of long Brexit delay if MPs do not back her deal

LONDON, March 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — British Prime Minister Theresa May has issued a stark warning to lawmakers that if they do not back her Brexit deal, there is the possibility the country “will not leave the EU for many months, if ever”. Her appeal comes after a chaotic week in…

Cameroon attempts to register 10 mln voters before elections

YAOUNDE, March 16 (NNN-Xinhua) — Cameroon’s electoral body Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) attempted to register at least 10 million voters before the legislative and municipal elections in September, said ELECAM Chairman Enow Abrams Egbe. During the first annual meeting of the body, Egbe called on all eligible voters in the country…

China estimates cost of Panama high-speed rail line at $4.1 bn

From left, Chinese ambassador to Panama, Wei Quian, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and engineer Oscar Ramirez. PANAMA CITY, March 16 (NNN-EFE) — A proposed high-speed rail line between the Panamanian capital and the country’s border with Costa Rica would require an investment of $4.1 billion, according to a feasibility…

Nicaragua releases 50 prisoners in hopes talks can resume

MANAGUA, March 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Nicaraguan government on Friday released a second group of prisoners following demands by the opposition for more detainees to be freed before political dialogue to broker a way out of a national crisis continues. The interior ministry said 50 people – which the opposition…

DR Congo: Former president Kabila’s coalition wins decisive senate majority

KINSHASA, March 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila’s coalition won a clear majority in senate elections on Friday, officials said, further undermining his successor Felix Tshisekedi’s ability to govern independently. Opposition leader Tshisekedi won a surprise victory in the presidential election on Dec. 30 over…

Anti-corruption campaigner set to win Slovakia’s presidential vote

BRATISLAVA, March 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — An anti-corruption campaigner with no previous experience of public office is set to win Slovakia’s presidential election on Saturday as voters spurn the ruling Smer party one year after the murder of a journalist sparked mass protests. The killing of Jan Kuciak, who reported on…

Colombia’s Cano Limon pipeline bombed for 12th time in 2019

BOGOTA, March 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Colombia’s Cano Limon oil pipeline was bombed on Friday in eastern Norte de Santander province, state-run oil company Ecopetrol said, the 12th time it has been attacked this year. Explosive devices were detonated along the pipeline in a rural area of Teorama municipality near the…

Costa Rica’s Church seeks forgiveness after priests accused of abuse

SAN JOSE, March 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Catholic Church in Costa Rica on Friday asked for forgiveness following recent accusations that three of its priests sexually abused minors. “Without wanting to judge the past, we humbly admit that due attention has not always been given to these crimes, nor the…