Key U.S. official urges Lebanon to prove commitment to reforms: Al-Arabiya
The U.S. State Department’s top diplomat for the Middle East has urged crisis-hit Lebanon to prove its commitment to reform in order to secure international assistance, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV channel said on Wednesday.
New Zealand’s Ardern spoke to Queen on pandemic response
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday that she spoke to Queen Elizabeth II after the country emerged out a strict lockdown that helped contain the spread of the coronavirus.
China parliament to open key session on May 22 as epidemic subsides
China announced on Wednesday that its parliament will open a key annual session on May 22, signalling that Beijing sees the country returning to normal after being reduced to a near-standstill for months by the COVID-19 epidemic.
City of Beijing may ease quarantine rules as early as Thursday: sources
The city of Beijing plans to ease quarantine rules for some domestic travellers from low-risk areas in China as soon as Thursday, according to two sources familiar with the situation, as the Chinese capital prepares for a major political gathering.
Suicide bombing in Kabul province kills 3, wounds 15: ministry
A suicide bombing in Kabul province not far from Afghanistan’s capital killed three people and wounded 15 on Wednesday, the Ministry of Interior said.
Saudi cabinet calls on Yemen’s southern separatists to rescind emergency
Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has urged Yemen’s main separatist group, which has declared self-rule in the south, to abide by an agreement to end a previous standoff with the Saudi-backed government.
Thailand reports nine new coronavirus cases, no more deaths
Thailand reported on Wednesday nine new coronavirus infections but no deaths, taking to 2,947 cases and 54 deaths its tally since the outbreak began in January.
U.S. official welcomes Saudi announcement of ceasefire in Yemen: Al-Arabiya
The United States welcomes the announcement by the Saudi-led coalition of a ceasefire in Yemen, the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV channel reported on Wednesday, citing U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker.
China embassy accuses Australia of ‘petty tricks’ in coronavirus dispute
China accused Australia of “petty tricks” on Wednesday in an intensifying dispute over Canberra’s push for an international inquiry into the coronavirus outbreak that could affect diplomatic and economic ties between the countries.
Germany reports 1,304 more coronavirus cases, 202 more deaths
Germany on Wednesday reported 1,304 more cases of the novel coronavirus while the number of deaths rose by 202 compared to the previous day, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed.
