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International News (601)
May
Suriname votes in poll crucial for convicted-killer president
Written by nuke
Suriname went to the polls on Monday with strongman President Desi Bouterse seeking a third term, battling to hold on to power to avoid spending his twilight years in prison after being convicted of murder. As quoted by AFP.com ( 26/5) the former military dictator turned politician has dominated his tiny South American country for four decades, but polls suggested his National Democratic Party (NDP) was likely to lose its majority in the 51-member parliament which elects the president. The 74-year-old and his wife Ingrid Waaldring were among the first people to vote at a school in the capital Paramaribo, surrounded by supporters and media. Authorities lifted a partial coronavirus lockdown for the day and voters lined up at 1.5-meter (five-foot) intervals before the polls opened at 7:00 am (1000 GMT)//AFP
May
Europeans flocked to parks, gyms and pools on Monday as more countries eased coronavirus restrictions, while Japan lifted its state of emergency but urged vigilance to avoid another wave of infections. As quoted by AFP.com ( 26/5) in the United States, as the pandemic death toll approached the horrific milestone of 100,000, stir-crazy Americans also headed en masse to beaches and parks for the big Memorial Day weekend. While many Americans wore masks and followed distancing rules, many did not -- and images of packed pools and boardwalks triggered fears of a new flare up of the virus that has infected more than 5.4 million worldwide and killed more than 344,000. Meanwhile, hopes that anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine could be used as a potential treatment for the virus were quashed as the World Health Organization halted clinical trials "while the safety is reviewed”//AFP
May
'Wrong On Their Face': WHO Official Says US Departure 'Unimaginable', Slams Trump Claims
Written by nuke
Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trump sent a letter to the World Health Organization threatening to exit the international body and permanently suspend all funding, demanding that the agency "demonstrate independence" from Beijing. An exit by the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) would be "unimaginable", as the country and the agency have been "connected since the very beginning". This was stated by the organization's assistant director-general of general management, Stewart Simonson. When asked about Trump's recent accusations in his letter to the agency, Simmons described them as "wrong on their face". In his letter, POTUS blamed the WHO and Beijing for concealing vital information on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in China and the nation's slow response, demanding that the agency "demonstrate independence from China".The agency expressed their regret at Trump's action, denying the accusations and slamming them as "politicized". China denounced the accusations, calling on the Trump administration not to politicize the pandemic and turn it to a "blame game", insisting that Beijing's data on COVID-19 has been transparent and accurate from the beginning//sputnik
May
Belarus' Lukashenko Intends to Discuss Missile Construction with China's Xi Jingping
Written by nuke
The president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, expressed his desire to discuss possible cooperation in rocket construction with Chinese President Xi Jingping. Having previously suggested the possibility of building Chinese missiles in Belarus, Lukashenko insisted that there should be "no dependence" on foreign actors.The statement came after Lukashenko was updated on the state of missile development in Belarus and the construction of Chinese rockets. In particular, he was told that there have been successful moves towards the development and eventual deployment of the country'sown missiles, that could destroy targets up to 300 kilometers away//sputnik
May
The UK government has indicated it is prepared to rescue large British companies severely impacted by the coronavirus crisis. The bailout plan, named "Project Birch", was mentioned by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps in Parliament last week when discussing the future of the aviation industry. HM Treasury said bailouts would only be considered as a "last resort". In a statement, a Treasury spokesperson said beyond that many firms are getting support from established market mechanisms, such as existing shareholders, bank lending and commercial finance. The BBC understands the Treasury would have to notify Parliament of any spend incurred, and that although companies might seek financial assistance, this does not mean such support will be given//bbc
May
Until now, the number of positive patients Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Singapore still ranks first or higher when compared to Indonesia and a number of countries in ASEAN region.As quoted from Worldometers on Sunday (May 24), the number of Covid-19 patients in Singapore was 31,068 cases. It was stated that 23 patients died, while those recovered are 13,882 cases.But the growth rate of Singapore's new Covid-19 cases is relatively more controlled in the last 4 days in a row.The addition of the number of new cases of Covid-19 in Singapore has also been successfully maintained, on average, always below 2 percent per day//rri/trans:PTR
May
The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), plans to carry out quarantine efforts for banknotes and coins, which they receive from local and international sources. This is to anticipate and the prevention of the coronavirus spreading in Saudi Arabia. SAMA states the currency, along with electronic payment instruments, is considered a way that allows transmission of Covid-19. SAMA will isolate banknotes and coins in closed units for between 14 and 20 days, with duration depending on where the cash comes from. Additional steps will also be taken in SAMA to reduce the risk of health problems. SAMA, as reported by Arabnews, May 23 states, that banknotes and coins will undergo special maintenance mechanisms, to ensure they are safe to use//rri/trans:PTR
May
France reveals reciprocal quarantine plans for UK arrivals
Written by nuke
People arriving in France from the UK will have to self-isolate for 14 days from 8 June, the French government has announced. It comes after Home Secretary Priti Patel revealed, quarantine plans for visitors to the UK from the same date. France said it would impose reciprocal measures for any European country enforcing a quarantine. Travelers arriving in France from Spain by plane will also be asked to go into quarantine from Monday. Speaking at Friday's Downing Street briefing, Ms Patel said travelers to the UK will need to tell the government where they will quarantine, and face enforcement through random spot checks and £1,000 fines in England if they do not comply. Lorry drivers, seasonal farm workers, and coronavirus medics will be exempt. The requirement will also not apply to those travelling from the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man//BBC
May
Trump urges US reopening as China premier warns of challenges
Written by nuke
President Donald Trump pressed for a further reopening of the United States as job losses mount from coronavirus shutdowns, while China's premier warned of "immense" economic challenges, even as the Asian giant emerges from the worst of the pandemic. As stated by Antara, calls to kickstart the world's two largest economies came as large parts of Europe continued to resume normal life as the crisis there abates, with more shops opening and beaches welcoming tourists. But the lifting of restrictions in some places comes despite virus cases passing five million globally, with the disease continuing its march in Latin America and Russia//Ant
May
Myanmar should abide by ICJ order, end restrictions on Rohingya
Written by nuke
Before the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ’s) May-23 deadline for Myanmar to file first report in the Rohingya genocide case, regional parliamentarians urged Myanmar to act promptly, to end discriminatory restrictions against the minority group. As quoted by Antara, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) noted in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday, that authorities should also safeguard all civilians in the ongoing war in the states of Rakhine and Chin. Member of Parliament in Malaysia and APHR Chair Charles Santiago emphasized, that his side has yet to see any credible evidence of Myanmar taking steps to improve the situation for Rohingya//Ant