Sudan Protests: Authorities Order Release Of All Detainees

KHARTOUM, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Authorities in Sudan have ordered the release of all detainees held during weeks of anti-government protests. The release was ordered by Sudan’s intelligence and security chief, Salah Ghosh, the information ministry said in a statement. No reason was given. “The chief of the National Intelligence…

Ivorian MP Alain Lobognan Jailed For ‘Fake News’ Tweet

Alain Lobognon has been on hunger strike for 10 days ABIDJAN, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — An Ivory Coast MP and ex-sports minister has been sentenced to one year in jail and fined $520 for spreading fake news that incited violence. Alain Lobognan had tweeted on Jan 9 that the state…

Hebron: Palestinians Denounce Israeli Decision To End Observer Mission

Several European countries contribute civilian observers for the TIPH  RAMALLAH, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Palestinian Authority has condemned Israel’s decision not to renew the mandate of a foreign observer force in the divided West Bank city of Hebron. The Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) has deployed unarmed civilians…

Thailand: Toxic Smog Shuts Schools in Bangkok

  BANGKOK, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) —Toxic smog in Bangkok has forced more than 400 schools to close for the rest of the week, to protect children from its harmful effects. Thailand’s capital city is experiencing some of its worst-ever air pollution levels, caused by ultra-fine dust particles known as PM2.5. Traffic exhaust, construction works,…

Jailed Reuters reporters to launch last appeal to Myanmar court

YANGON, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Lawyers for two Reuters journalists jailed for seven years in Myanmar on charges linked to their reporting of the Rohingya crisis are set Friday to lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court — a last chance of a reprieve through the legal system. Reporters Wa…

Kabul control slips in Afghanistan amid US talks with Taliban

WASHINGTON, Feb1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Kabul government is steadilylosing its grip over parts of Afghanistan even as American forces intensifytheir air campaign against insurgent groups, a US government watchdog said. The latest grim assessment of Afghanistan’s security situation comes as theUS pursues talks with the Taliban and urgently seeks a…

Saudis, UAE, Yemen ask UN to pressure Houthis

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Yemen’s governmentand its allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates asked the UNSecurity Council to turn up the pressure on Houthi rebels touphold a ceasefire deal. In a letter sent to the council, the three governments accused the Houthisof violating the ceasefire in…

France wants UN to address new threats from terror financing

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — France is preparinga UN Security Council resolution that would step up measures to counterthreats from terrorism financing, the French ambassador said. The draft resolution, which is expected to be a centerpiece of France’spresidency of the council in March, will take a broad approach to…

NGOs call on EU to stop sending migrants back to Libya

PARIS, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Oxfam and 53 other organisations accused EU governments of being complicit in the “tragedy” of migrantscrossing from Libya to Italy, saying more than 5,300 people had died in theMediterranean in the past two years. In an open letter, the NGOs called on European governments to…

Lebanon announces government after 8-month delay

BEIRUT, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Lebanon announced a government line-up Thursday, ending an eight-month wait that had heightened fears of a major economic collapse. The new cabinet, unveiled during a press conference at the presidentialpalace, includes 30 ministers from Lebanon’s rival political clans. The new line-up is to see four…