Pompeo says Hong Kong no longer warrants pre-1997 treatment
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had certified on Wednesday that Hong Kong no longer warrants special treatment under U.S. law in the same way as when it was under British rule, a potentially big blow to its status as a major financial hub.
UK to tackle COVID-19 flare-ups with local measures: health minister
Britain will gradually move towards more localised action to tackle local coronavirus flare-ups, as opposed to the nationwide measures taken so far, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Wednesday.
Frankfurt Book Fair to go ahead on schedule in October
Frankfurt’s annual book fair – the world’s largest – will take place as scheduled in mid-October, its organisers said on Wednesday, a sign of some return to normality amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Saudi-led coalition says it downs Houthi drones launched at Najran
The Saudi-led coalition engaged in Yemen said its forces intercepted and downed drones launched by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement towards the Saudi border city of Najran on Wednesday in the first such incident since late March.
Brazil’s largest city Sao Paulo to reopen malls for 15 days as of June 1
Malls and street shops will be allowed to reopen in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city and the epicenter of its coronavirus outbreak, for 15 days as of June 1, according to a plan unveiled on Wednesday by Governor Joao Doria and Mayor Bruno Covas.
WHO creates foundation to boost funding in coronavirus fight
The World Health Organization announced on Wednesday the creation of a foundation to tap new sources of funding that could help ease a potential cash shortage as it leads the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Moscow mayor extends self-isolation until June 14, some easings introduced
The mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, signed on Wednesday an order to extend self-isolation due to the coronavirus until June 14, but has also lifted some restrictions.
France says resumed Brexit talks going badly
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Wednesday that Brexit talks, which have resumed following an interruption caused by the coronavirus crisis, were not going well.
U.S. military says Russia flew 14 MiG 29s and Su-24s to Libya
Russian military personnel flew MiG 29 and SU-24 fighter planes to a Libyan airbase escorted by other Russian fighter jets, the U.S. military said on Wednesday, detailing a deployment of air power that could have a big impact on Libya’s war.
France concerned by the future adoption of security law on Hong Kong
Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian said on Wednesday France was concerned by China’s proposed national security legislation that has raised international alarm over freedoms in Hong Kong.
