TRIPOLI, Libya (AFP) — One of three deputy premiers in Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord resigned on Monday, saying he had failed in his mission. Moussa al-Kouni told a press conference in the capital of the chaos-ridden North African country that he could no longer stay in the post. “I’m resigning because I have failed,” said a visibly moved Kouni, who is originally from southern Libya and represents the Tuareg minority in the GNA. […]
International
IS claims Istanbul New Year massacre, attacker on the run
by Stuart WILLIAMS and Raziye AKKOC in Ankara ISTANBUL, Turkey (AFP) — Islamic State jihadists Monday claimed the shooting rampage at a glamorous Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 on New Year’s night, while police arrested eight suspects but the attacker remained on the run. The statement by the extremist group — which Turkey is fighting in neighbouring Syria — was the first undisputed claim it has made for an attack in Turkey despite being blamed […]
Syrian army advances as rebels put peace talks on hold
by Layal Abou Rahal BEIRUT, Lebanon (AFP) — Syria’s ceasefire appeared under threat as government forces intensified their attacks near Damascus and around 10 rebel groups said they were suspending talks about planned peace negotiations this month. The talks are due to take place in the Kazakh capital Astana in late January but the rebels said they were pulling out of discussions due to “violations” by Damascus of a four-day old truce. The talks are […]
Huge wildfire destroys homes in Chile tourist city
SANTIAGO, Chile (AFP) — A wildfire ravaged 50 hectares of woodland and destroyed homes in the tourist city of Valparaiso in western Chile, driving the authorities to evacuate hundreds of people on Monday. At least one person was reported hurt after the fire broke out on the outskirts of the historic port city, the National Emergencies Office (ONEMI) said in a statement. Television pictures showed thick grey smoke filling the streets in the Laguna Verde […]
No N. Korea missile will be capable of reaching US: Trump
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter again on Monday evening to promise North Korea would not develop a nuclear missile capable of reaching US territory. His comments come a day after the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Un, appeared to try to put pressure on Trump by announcing his country is in the “final stages” of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). “North Korea just stated that it is in the final […]
Police question Netanyahu as part of graft probe
by Jean-Luc Renaudie Agence France Presse JERUSALEM, Israel (AFP) — Police grilled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for three hours on Monday on suspicion of receiving gifts from businessmen, as part of a graft probe that has shaken the country’s politics. Investigators quizzed Netanyahu at his residence in central Jerusalem under caution “on suspicion of receiving benefits”, a police spokesman said afterwards, adding there were no further details to give. Ahead of the questioning, Netanyahu […]
Obama to deliver farewell speech next week in Chicago
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President Barack Obama will deliver a farewell speech next week from his political stronghold of Chicago, one of the last times he will be able to advocate for his policies before the inauguration of Donald Trump. The Republican political novice has vowed to rip up key Obama initiatives such as the so-called Obamacare healthcare reform act, to back out of climate change agreements and to reassess ties with foreign […]
At least 60 killed in Brazil prison riot: official
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP)–Atleast 60 people were killed in a prison riot in Brazil’s Amazon region when fighting broke out between rival gangs, an official said Monday. The riot happened Sunday at a prison in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, said the head of the state’s prisons administration, Pedro Florencio. “There are 60 dead so far,” he told journalists. Riots are common in Brazil’s overcrowded and underfunded prisons. Some 622,000 people were imprisoned […]
Tech show looks beyond ‘smart,’ to new ‘realities
San Francisco, United States (AFP) — by Sophie ESTIENNE / with Rob Lever in Washington The mega-extravaganza of the tech world in Las Vegas is showcasing an array of new devices that get smarts from computer chips, sensors and artificial intelligence, but go further by opening doors to augmented or virtual realities. The Consumer Electronics Show, which begins with a series of media events Tuesday will offer trade professionals a look at new robotics, connected cars and […]
China says Hong Kong must not be used to infiltrate or subvert mainland
Beijing, China (AFP) — China warned Hong Kong it would not tolerate anyone using the city to damage mainland stability, Beijing’s top official in the city said, as concerns rise over an emerging independence movement. Tensions have flared in the semi-autonomous territory after the ousting of two pro-independence lawmakers ignited fresh concern over Beijing’s tightening controls on Hong Kong, which enjoys a separate political and legal system from the mainland. Britain handed Hong Kong back […]
Cambodia to arrest three behind photoshopped image of king
Phnom Penh, Cambodia (AFP ) — Cambodian police on Monday said they planned to arrest three suspects, including one believed to be in Thailand, for being behind an offensive photoshopped image of the country’s king that placed him in a gay porn scene. The image, which appeared on some Facebook accounts in both Cambodia and Thailand this week, is a rare public insult aimed at King Norodom Sihamoni, a monarch who is largely respected and deemed above […]
Manhunt after Istanbul nightclub massacre kills 39
by Stuart Williams with Raziye Akkok in Ankara Agence France Presse ISTANBUL, Turkey (AFP) — Turkish police launched a massive manhunt Sunday for a gunman who killed 39 people, including several foreigners, in a rampage at an upmarket nightclub in Istanbul where revellers were celebrating New Year. After the latest in a string of deadly attacks to hit the country, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the carnage sought to sow chaos, but vowed Turkey […]
