International

Crash of PS752 in Iran: Was the aircraft shot down?

  by Daphne BENOIT and Stuart WILLIAMS Agence France Presse PARIS, France (AFP) — A Boeing passenger jet crashed in Iran early on January 8, hours after Tehran had launched a barrage of missiles at bases housing American troops in Iraq, in retaliation for the killing of commander Qasem Soleimani in a US strike. All 176 on board the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight PS752 — mainly Iranian-Canadian dual nationals but also Ukrainians, Afghans, Britons […]

Iran denies missile downed Ukrainian plane

by Amir Havasi Agence France Presse TEHRAN, Iran (AFP) — Iran’s civil aviation chief denied Friday that a missile downed a Ukrainian airliner which crashed killing all 176 people on board, rejecting Western claims of a catastrophic mistake by Tehran’s air defences. The cause of the crash is to be announced Saturday after an investigating committee meeting in the presence of foreign and local parties involved, Iran’s Fars news agency said, quoting an “informed source”. […]

UK PM says information suggests Ukraine jet hit by Iran missile

  LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday that there was now “a body of information” that the Ukrainian Boeing 747 that crashed in Iran, killing all 176 people aboard, was brought down by an Iranian missile. His comments follow a similar message by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “There is now a body of information that the flight was shot down by an Iranian Surface to Air Missile. This […]

Canadian PM: Iranian missile brought down airliner

  by Dave Chan Agence France Presse OTTAWA, Canada (AFP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday multiple intelligence sources indicate that Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner after it took off from Tehran, killing all 176 on board, including 63 Canadians. Trudeau’s comments came as video emerged that appeared to show the moment the airliner was hit. That and other footage posted on social media increasingly pointed to a catastrophic mistake by Tehran’s air […]

Thousands, including OFWs, attend relaunch of INC’s “My Countrymen, My Brethren” in Japan

  By Tyra’nell Pille Lu EBC Japan Bureau/Eagle News Service   TOKYO, Japan (Eagle News) — The new year opened with a simultaneous relaunching of the humanitarian worldwide project, “My Countrymen, My Brethren” (Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko) (organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), which here in Japan was held in five locations. The event also reached out to various Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) worldwide. In Japan, the event gathered thousands of people […]

California governor seeks $1.4 billion for homelessness crisis

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom is seeking $1.4 billion dollars from lawmakers to tackle the escalating homelessness crisis in his state and plans to use the money to open shelters, pay rent and provide health care, his office said. The Democratic governor, who plans to formally submit his proposal on Friday, this week also signed an executive order directing agencies to identify state-owned land that can be used as temporary […]

UK’s Johnson urges ‘end to hostilities’ in Iran call

  LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson talked to US President Donald Trump about Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi bases housing coalition forces, his spokesman said on Wednesday. “The PM underlined the importance of de-escalation to avoid further conflict” and “the need for a diplomatic solution” to the crisis, the spokesman told reporters. “Both leaders agreed to stay in touch,” he added. News of the conversation came as Foreign Secretary Dominic […]

Australian animals face extinction threat as bushfire toll mounts

by Glenda KWEK GLENMORE PARK, Australia (AFP) — When volunteer Sarah Price found a baby kangaroo frightened but miraculously alive in the pouch of its dying mother surrounded by the embers of Australia’s bushfires, it seemed fitting to name him Chance. The furry pair had survived flames that have ripped through much of southeastern Australia, but the mother’s organs later collapsed from acute stress — making her one among the more than one billion animals […]

California governor seeks $1.4 billion for homelessness crisis

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom is seeking $1.4 billion dollars from lawmakers to tackle the escalating homelessness crisis in his state and plans to use the money to open shelters, pay rent and provide health care, his office said. The Democratic governor, who plans to formally submit his proposal on Friday, this week also signed an executive order directing agencies to identify state-owned land that can be used as temporary […]

Taiwan rivals in final election push as China’s shadow looms

by Jerome TAYLOR TAIPEI, Taiwan (AFP) — Taiwan’s presidential rivals will hold mass rallies later Friday in a final push to convince voters ahead of a closely watched election that looks set to infuriate China and send ripples far beyond its borders. Some 19 million people are eligible to vote on Saturday to choose between two leaders with very different visions for Taiwan’s future — in particular how close the self-ruled island should tack to […]

US House votes to limit Trump war powers against Iran

by Michael Mathes WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) –US lawmakers concerned about rushing to war with Iran adopted a measure Thursday aimed at reining in President Donald Trump’s ability to take military action against the Islamic republic. The resolution was introduced by Democrats after Trump’s order to kill an Iranian commander and retaliatory missile strikes by Tehran dramatically escalated tensions and raised fears of a devastating war between the two foes. The mostly symbolic but politically […]

Guaido calls protest Thursday against Venezuela’s Maduro

CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP) — Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido called on supporters to rally Thursday against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in a bid to rekindle popular momentum against an “illegitimate” leader. Guaido urged a new round of protests after he was sworn in earlier this week for another term as National Assembly speaker following a standoff with the armed forces. Amid skepticism that he can still mobilize large crowds as at the height […]