Pandemic pushes some Iraqis, broken by conflict, into poverty
When shops and homes shutter at curfew, some Iraqis in this Baghdad district say it reminds them of past traumas that destroyed lives and livelihoods: sectarian death squads, foreign invasion, and the ruin wrought by international sanctions.
South Korea’s spy agency says no signs North Korea’s Kim received heart surgery: Yonhap
South Korea’s spy agency said on Wednesday there are no signs North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has received heart surgery, the Yonhap news agency reported.
Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 947 to 164,807: RKI
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 947 to 164,807, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Wednesday.
Colombia extends COVID-19 lockdown to May 25, additional sectors to start re-opening
Colombia’s mandatory quarantine will be extended by a further two weeks as it tries to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, President Ivan Duque said on Tuesday, although additional sectors will be allowed to start returning to work.
EU aims to counter Chinese, Russian influence at Balkan summit
European Union leaders sought on Wednesday to bolster ties at a summit with their six Balkan counterparts whose praise for Chinese and Russian support during the coronavirus crisis has ruffled feathers in the bloc, officials and diplomats said.
Factbox: Six Balkan hopefuls aspire to join the EU
European Union leaders host a summit with six Balkan counterparts on Wednesday. Here are some facts about the six Balkan aspirants:
Colombia extends COVID-19 lockdown by two weeks, allows additional sectors to start re-opening
Colombia’s mandatory quarantine will be extended by a further two weeks as it tries to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, President Ivan Duque said on Tuesday.
Saudi cabinet affirms Palestinian cause will remain ‘central issue’ for Arabs and Muslims: SPA
Saudi Arabia’s cabinet affirmed late on Tuesday that the Palestinian cause will remain a “central issue” for Arabs and Muslims, Saudi news agency said in a statement issued early on Wednesday.
Fire breaks out at UAE residential tower, seven injuries reported
Firefighters brought under control a fire that broke out at a residential tower in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday night, Sharjah’s government media office said.
Major Brazilian cities set lockdowns as virus spreads
São Luis became Brazil’s first major city to begin a coronavirus “lockdown” on Tuesday with another, Fortaleza, saying it would follow suit on Friday, as local health services struggle to cope with the pandemic.
