Venezuela unveils measures to deal with lengthy blackout

CARACAS, March 12 (NNN-Xinhua) — Venezuela’s government announced four measures to deal with a blackout that has plunged the country in darkness since late Thursday. Planning Minister Ricardo Menendez said the moves aim to ensure that public services, like health care and delivery of food baskets, continue despite the crippling…

U.S. to withdraw remaining personnel from embassy in Venezuela

WASHINGTON, March 12 (NNN-Xinhua) — The United States will withdraw all remaining U.S. personnel from its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, this week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. The announcement was made in a statement released by the State Department late Monday night. “This decision reflects the deteriorating situation in…

South Africa, World Bank work to boost investment climate

October (right) signing the Advisory Services Agreement. Picture: dti JOHANNESBURG, March 12 (NNN-SANEWS) — South Africa and the World Bank have signed an agreement that will boost the local business environment while also helping to enhance foreign direct investment into the country. Signed in Johannesburg, the Advisory Services Agreement was signed…

UK, EU agree three-part deal on Brexit divorce

LONDON, March 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) – British Prime Minister Theresa May’s government on Monday secured a three-part package of changes from the EU to the terms of its withdrawal deal, hoping to win over sceptical MPs. As May sealed the deal in Strasbourg with EU leaders, her de facto deputy,David Lidington,…

Record amount of meth seized in Asia in 2018: UN report

SINGAPORE, March 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A record amount of methamphetamine was seized in East Asia and Southeast Asia last year, according to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). At least 116 tons of methamphetamine were seized in the region in 2018, a three-fold increase…

Japan to fund Sri Lankan light rail system

COLOMBO, March 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Japan’s overseas development agency said that it has agreed to lend funds for a new US$1.5-billion light rail system for Sri Lanka’s congested capital Colombo. Colombo traffic slows to an average speed of less than seven kilometres an hour during peak times, making it one of…

IAAF maintains ban on Russian athletics over doping scandal

DOHA, March 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — World athletics governing body IAAF said it had decided not to lift a ban on Russia’s athletics federation over doping, saying it was still waiting to receive data collected from Moscow and financial compensation for its investigations. Russia’s athletics federation (RUSAF) has been suspended since…

‘Key conspirator’ of Kashmir attack shot dead: Indian police

SRINAGAR, March 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Indian police said that one of the “key conspirators” behind a suicide attack that killed at least 40 troops in Kashmir had died in a shootout with government forces. Mudasir Ahmed Khan, who was shot dead on Sunday, was described by authorities as a top commander…

Ex-Congolese VP seeks damages from war crimes court

THE HAGUE, March 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Former Congolese vice president and militia leader Jean-Pierre Bemba, who was acquitted of war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) last year, is seeking nearly €70 million in damages. Bemba’s lawyers on Monday said paperwork had been filed requesting compensation for unlawful detention, legal…

Refugee footballer becomes Australian citizen after Thai-Bahrain ordeal

MELBOURNE, March 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A refugee footballer who was detained in Thailand and threatened with extradition to Bahrain said he feels sure “no one can follow me now,” after becoming an Australian citizen on Tuesday. Hakeem al-Araibi, who was granted refugee status and residency in Australia in 2017 after fleeing Bahrain,…