UN, Libya launch major funding drive for over half million people

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 6 (NNN-Xinhua) — The United Nations and the Libyan government launched a 202-million-U.S.-dollar fund drive for health support, shelter and education for more than 550,000 people, a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. The 2019 Humanitarian Response Plan for the country is “seeking 202 million U.S.…

Saudi Arabia announces launch of first communications satellite

RIYADH, Feb 6 (NNN-Xinhua) — Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday the launch of its first satellite for communications from the French Guiana Space Centre, Saudi Press Agency reported. Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, said the launch aims at localizing strategic technologies and enabling Saudi…

Central Africa Republic’s conflicting parties sign peace deal in Khartoum

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir (R) hands the document of the peace agreement to President of Central African Republic (CAR) Faustin Archange Touadera at the conclusion of peace talks patronized by Sudanese government in capital Khartoum. KHARTOUM, Feb 6 (NNN-Xinhua) — The conflicting parties of Central Africa Republic (CAR) on Tuesday…

French lawmakers approve anti-riot bill

PARIS, Feb 6 (NNN-Xinhua) — The French National Assembly gave the green light to the government to implement an anti-riot law which would toughen sanctions against undeclared protests and troublemakers who use rallies to challenge public safety. A total of 387 lawmakers voted in favor, 92 against and 74 abstained,…

Philippine immigration authorities to tighten entry of foreign workers

MANILA, Feb 6 (NNN-Xinhua) — The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Wednesday that it will soon impose stricter requirements and procedures in issuing special work permits and provisional work permits to foreign nationals who intend to work in the Philippines. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the BI will…

Gun battle kills 5 militants in Southern Afghanistan

LASHKAR GAH (Afghanistan), Feb 6 (NNN-Xinhua) — Clash between government forces and the Taliban group in Garmsir district of southern Helmand province has left five militants dead and injured three others, a statement from the provincial government said here on Wednesday. According to the statement, the clash flared up after…

Death toll from Brazilian dam collapse hits 142, with 194 missing

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb 6 (NNN-Xinhua) — The death toll from the collapse of a tailings dam in Brumadinho in Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais reached 142 on Tuesday, local authorities said. Out of the 142 bodies retrieved, 122 have been identified. A total of 194 people, among whom…

Yemen foes in new talks on troubled prisoner swap deal

AMMAN, Feb 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Yemen’s Saudi-backed government began a new round of UN-brokered talks with Shiite Houthi rebels in Jordan on a troubled prisoner swap deal that mediators say hangs in the balance. The huge prisoner exchange agreed in Stockholm in December is seen as a crucial confidence-building measure…

S. Sudan army general charged with treason and attempted rebellion against government

JUBA, Feb 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A court-martial has commenced to try a Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) general accused of treason and attempting to rebel against President Salva Kiir’s government.Stephen Buoy Rolnyang is charged with “treason” offenses related to insecurity” and for disobeying his hierarchy,” said deputy spokesman for the…

Pray for Liberia’s economy – President George Weah

MONROVIA, Feb 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Liberia’s President George Weah has urged citizens to pray for two hours every day for God’s intervention in solving some of the country’s enormous economic problems.Believers are also being urged to hold an all-night prayer vigil on the final Friday of each month to bless…