Hong Kong leader says Beijing will not back down on new security law
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Wednesday the central government will not back down on plans for national security legislation for the financial hub, even as Britain stepped up criticism of the move.
Putin declines British invitation to take part in coronavirus summit: Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin does not plan to take part in an online summit on a possible coronavirus vaccine being organised by the British government this week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
Exclusive: Flush with corruption cash, Brazilian states step up deforestation fight
Brazilian states are bolstering the fight against destruction of the Amazon rainforest with millions of dollars from an oil company’s corruption settlement that allows them to partially compensate for weakening environmental protections under President…
Turkey to open Iran, Iraq border gates this week to boost trade
Turkey will open its Gurbulak border gate with Iran and the Habur border gate with Iraq this week in order to help boost trade as coronavirus containment measures are eased, Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said on Wednesday.
China jibes U.S. on human rights ahead of June 4 anniversary
Chinese state media has been revelling in days of chaotic protests in the United States and highlighting President Donald Trump’s threat to use troops, even as the anniversary looms of its own military crackdown on demonstrators 31 years ago.
Senior Libyan official arrives in Moscow for talks: RIA
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeg of Libya’s internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) arrived in Moscow for talks on Wednesday, the RIA news agency reported.
Czech Republic, Slovakia to fully reopen mutual border from midnight: agency
Czech Republic and Slovakia will fully restore free movement between the two central European neighbours from midnight, the two countries’ prime ministers said on Wednesday.
Lesotho former first lady arrested in murder case
Lesotho’s former first lady, Maesaiah Thabane, was arrested on Wednesday over the murder of the previous wife of her husband and former prime minister, Thomas Thabane, police said.
Taiwan calls on China to apologise for Tiananmen crackdown, Beijing cries ‘nonsense’
Taiwan called on China on Wednesday to apologise for the bloody 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing, a call dismissed as “nonsense” by China’s foreign ministry.
Britain will not walk away from Hong Kong, Johnson says
Britain will not walk away from the people of Hong Kong if China imposes a national security law that would conflict with its international obligations under a 1984 accord, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday.
