Brazil’s Defense Ministry says committed to democracy, rejects pro-coup protests
Brazil’s Defense Ministry issued a relatively rare statement on Monday, saying the armed forces are dedicated to their constitutional mission and democracy and that violence against members of the press is not acceptable.
Finland to let restaurants reopen from June 1 as COVID-19 curbs ease
Finland will lift some coronavirus restrictions, allowing restaurants to reopen gradually and public services including libraries and sports facilities to start operating again from June 1, the government said on Monday.
Postal workers raise alarm over hasty Polish mail vote
Poland’s postal workers are growing increasingly concerned as the country prepares for its first presidential election by mail on Sunday, arguing they are not equipped to carry out the vote safely and effectively amid the coronavirus pandemic.
World leaders pledge $8 billion to fight COVID-19 but U.S. steers clear
World leaders and organisations pledged $8 billion to research, manufacture and distribute a possible vaccine and treatments for COVID-19 on Monday, but the United States refused to contribute to the global effort.
Apps cannot replace ‘boots-on-the-ground’ in virus fight: WHO
The World Health Organization on Monday stressed that contact-tracing apps and other technology cannot replace old-fashioned “boots-on-the-ground” surveillance measures as many countries begin easing lockdowns imposed to curb the new coronavirus.
Hezbollah deems Lebanese government rescue plan an ‘important step’ forward
Hezbollah’s leader hailed the Lebanese government’s crisis plan as an “important step” on Monday and warned the country should not blindly surrender in talks with the IMF to terms it can not bear.
Eight Indian soldiers die in gunbattles amid major Kashmir offensive
Three Indian soldiers were killed in a gunbattle with militants in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir on Monday, a day after a similar incident in which five were killed.
Cuba calls attack on Washington embassy terrorism; police say gunman heard voices
Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Monday called a gun assault last week on its embassy in Washington a “terrorist attack”, while U.S. court papers said the suspected gunman was a psychotic Cuban emigre who heard voices.
Most COVID-19 patients get antibodies but immunity unclear: UK official
Studies in Britain show that most people who have had COVID-19 develop antibodies, England’s deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said on Monday, but it was too early to say whether this gave them immunity.
Bulgaria will not extend state of emergency, but some curbs stay: minister
Bulgaria will not extend a state of emergency past its May 13 expiry date but some coronavirus restrictions will remain in force for two more months, Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov said on Monday.
