UK, U.S., Australia and Canada scold China over Hong Kong law
The United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Canada criticised China on Thursday for imposing a new security law on Hong Kong that they said would breach the 1984 Sino-British agreement on the former colony and threaten its freedoms.
U.S., European trade groups press China to reallow entry
U.S. and European trade groups are lobbying China to allow foreign workers back into the country after it shut its borders in late March to non-Chinese nationals to curb the coronavirus.
Iran says nuclear work will not be hurt by end of U.S. sanctions waivers
A U.S. decision to terminate sanctions waivers that have allowed foreign companies to do some work at Iranian nuclear sites will not affect Iran’s nuclear programme, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation (AEOI) said on Thursday.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro slams top court investigation of allies for alleged fake news
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro complained on Thursday that a Supreme Court investigation into fake news was aimed at silencing the social media that got him elected and said his opponents were seeking to oust him.
Mumbai DJ swaps deck for doctor’s scrubs to fight coronavirus
As India’s financial capital Mumbai battled a growing number of coronavirus cases, local DJ Sanjay Meriya set aside his turntable and dusted off a long-unused medical degree in order to help out.
Zurich airport plans robot cleaners, mask dispensers as travel curbs ease
Travellers at Zurich’s airport will encounter robot cleaners, facemask vending machines and extra room to queue for boarding when flight operations resume in earnest as cornavirus curbs ease, officials said on Thursday.
Romania to further ease lockdown restrictions from June 1
Romania will reopen outdoor cafes and restaurants and allow international road and rail travel from June 1, after a two-month lockdown to contain the new coronavirus outbreak, President Klaus Iohannis said on Thursday.
Merkel urges fellow leaders to contribute more to multilateral organisations
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday urged fellow leaders to consider providing further support to multilateral institutions like the United Nations and the World Health Organisation to speed recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
Britain deeply concerned by China’s legislation for Hong Kong: PM’s spokesman
Britain’s government is deeply concerned about China’s legislation on national security for Hong Kong, which risks undermining the principle of one nation, two systems, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday.
EU plans permanent stockpile of essential drugs, medical gear
The European Commission said on Thursday it wanted to set up a permanent reserve of essential drugs and medical equipment to address shortages that have dogged the EU for years and worsened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
