Lebanon’s Berri tells government time for action not words
Lebanon’s powerful parliament speaker said on Friday it was time for government action to help citizens grappling with an economic crisis and this could not wait for the outcome of International Monetary Fund negotiations.
Factbox: China eyes tougher national security regime for Hong Kong
Beijing is set to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong following last year’s often violent anti-China unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.
Brazil’s biggest state brings forward holiday to contain coronavirus spread
Lawmakers in Brazil’s biggest state of Sao Paulo have decided to bring forward to Monday a holiday scheduled for July 9, in an attempt to strengthen social distancing and contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Khashoggi family forgive killers, clearing way to legal reprieve
The family of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said on Friday that they had forgiven the men who murdered their father, paving the way for a legal reprieve for five defendants sentenced to death for the October 2018 killing.
As China fast-tracks biosecurity law, some experts urge whistleblower protection
China is fast-tracking a new law to help prevent infectious diseases and other “biological threats”, but some experts said a provision aimed at deterring false information could discourage potential whistleblowers and put the public at risk.
Russia says U.S. withdrawal from Open Skies treaty undermines international security
The U.S. withdrawal from the Open Skies treaty undermines international security, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday.
Serbian soldiers guard migrant camp near Croatia border
Armed Serbian soldiers are now guarding a migrant camp on the border with Croatia in an attempt to prevent the migrants from trying to cross into the European Union.
Afghans throng markets ahead of Muslim holiday despite virus fears
Kabul’s markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country.
Spain partly lifts lockdown in Madrid, allows terraces reopening
Spanish authorities will lift part of the lockdown restrictions in Madrid on Monday after the pace of the coronavirus contagion in the region slowed down, the Madrid regional health department said on Friday.
Saudi Arabia, UAE mosques to stay closed for Eid prayers
Mosques will remain closed for prayers on the Eid Al-Fitr festival, Saudi and United Arab Emirates officials said on Friday, calling on the population to adhere to safety guidelines to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus.
