Felling of British slave trader statue heats up simmering debate
The toppling by anti-racism protesters of a statue of a slave trader in the English port city of Bristol has given new urgency to a debate about how Britain should confront some of the darkest chapters of its history.
China demands proof from U.S. senator for COVID-19 accusation
China on Monday challenged U.S. Senator Rick Scott to show evidence supporting his accusation that Beijing is trying to slow down or sabotage the development of a COVID-19 vaccine by Western countries.
Iranian-American freed in prisoner swap with U.S. arrives in Iran
An Iranian-American doctor has returned to Iran, Iranian state media reported on Monday, after a swap deal between Tehran and Washington that resulted in the release of a U.S. Navy veteran detained in Iran.
Turkey orders 149 people detained for suspected Gulen links: Anadolu
Turkey on Monday ordered the detention of 149 people, mainly from the security forces, over suspected links to the network Ankara says orchestrated a failed coup in 2016, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported.
Finland’s Centre Party nominates Vanhanen for finance minister
Finland’s Centre Party on Monday nominated former Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen as its candidate for finance minister, following Katri Kulmuni’s resignation on Friday over her use of taxpayers’ money to pay for training in public speaking.
UAE says Egypt initiative for Libya boosts peace track
The United Arab Emirates supports a new Egyptian peace initiative for Libya as a move towards a ceasefire and political solution, a senior official said on Monday.
Pakistan cracks down on safety breaches, coronavirus cases top 100,000
Authorities in Pakistan have stepped up enforcement of government safety measures after a rise in the daily number of coronavirus infections pushed total cases to more than 100,000.
Worshippers in masks return to temples as India reopens amid rising coronavirus cases
People trickled into temples and mosques in India on Monday as the federal government lifted most restrictions on public places, even as the country added a record number of infections in a single day.
Japan to adopt selective, rather than blanket, approach in coronavirus tests
Japan will stop short of offering blanket coronavirus tests, and instead target the vulnerable and those most at risk in seeking to prevent a second wave of infections, the minister in charge of policies to combat the health crisis said.
U.S. decision to withdraw troops from Germany “unacceptable” – Merkel ally
Germany’s coordinator for transatlantic ties has criticised U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany.
