Switzerland: Missing five cross-country skiers found dead – police

GENEVA, March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Five of six cross-country skiers who went missing in the Swiss Alps over the weekend have been found dead, police in the canton of Valais said Monday, with the search still on for the last person. The group of skiers, who ranged in age from…

Update: Leader of Portugal’s opposition centre-right claims victory in election

 LISBON, March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The leader of Portugal’s opposition centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) party, Luis Montenegro, claimed victory early Monday over the ruling Socialists in a snap general election the day before. “It seems inescapable that the AD won the elections and that the Socialists lost,” he said in…

Nigeria pauses controversial expatriate employment levy

President Bola Tinubu ABUJA, March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nigeria has paused a controversial annual levy that would require businesses employing expatriates to pay $15,000 for a director and $10,000 for other workers.President Bola Tinubu imposed the tax over a week ago, but it was met with widespread condemnation.The Ministry of…

Argentina creates crisis committee to tackle drug violence

BUENOS AIRES, March 11 (NNN-XINHUA) — Argentina announced the creation of a crisis committee to tackle violence linked to drug trafficking in Rosario, a city where the murder rate is five times higher than the national average. President Javier Milei and Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich have formed the crisis…

US: Former Honduran president found guilty in drug trafficking trial

Former president of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernández MANHATTAN (US), March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, was found guilty Friday of drug trafficking by an American jury after a two-week trial in Manhattan federal court.Prosecutors had accused Hernández, 55, of conspiring with drug cartels during his…

Haiti: US evacuates embassy staff amid gang violence; EU representatives also left

,Police patrol a street in Port-au-Prince WASHINGTON, March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States says it has airlifted non-essential embassy staff from Haiti, as the country spirals further into gang violence. The Americans have also boosted security at their mission in the capital, Port-au-Prince. It follows attacks by gangs on…

South Africa: Govt continues to support women-owned businesses

JOHANNESBURG, March 11 (NNN-SANEWS) — The South African Government continues to provide targeted support for female-owned businesses to promote women’s sustainable participation in the economy, said Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa.  “The ultimate goal is for women to develop sustainable enterprises that contribute to the…

Europe must do more against ‘catastrophic’ climate risks: EU

The Guadalteba reservoir, during a strong drought in Campillos, near Malaga, southern Spain COPENHAGEN, March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Europe could suffer “catastrophic” consequences from climate change if it fails to take urgent and decisive action to adapt to risks, a new EU analysis warned. Areas in southern Europe are most at…

US military ship heading to Gaza to build floating harbour

 RICHMOND (Virginia, US), March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A US military ship is sailing towards the Middle East, carrying equipment to build a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza, the army says. The support ship, General Frank S Besson, set sail from a military base in the state of Virginia…

Portuguese election results: Too close to call as far right surges

LISBON, March 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Portugal’s two main parties were almost neck and neck on Sunday night, with most of the votes counted from the election and little chance of anyone forming a majority government. Only the far-right Chega could claim a clear-cut success, securing more than 40 seats and…