Factbox: Agreement due to be signed by U.S. and Taliban in Doha
The planned signing on Saturday of an agreement between the United States and the Taliban has spurred hopes that it could lead to an end to almost two decades of conflict in Afghanistan that has killed thousands and become America’s longest war.
Taliban negotiators in Qatar to sign deal with U.S. to end Afghan war
A 31-member Taliban delegation has arrived in Qatar to sign a U.S. troop withdrawal deal that could end the war in Afghanistan, officials of the hardline Islamist group said on Saturday.
Uzbekistan Airways halts flights to Seoul over coronavirus fears
Uzbekistan Airways will temporarily halt flights to the South Korean capital of Seoul from March 1, over concerns about a coronavirus outbreak in the Asian nation, the airline said on Saturday.
New coronavirus infection in Thailand takes tally to 42
Thailand recorded a new coronavirus infection, taking its tally to 42 cases since January, a health official said on Saturday.
Trump’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ immigration policy allowed to proceed temporarily
A U.S. appeals court on Friday temporarily put on hold a decision to block one of President Donald Trump’s signature immigration policies that reined in a surge of migrants on the southern border, forcing tens of thousands to wait in Mexico.
United States expresses concern over arrest of Hong Kong publisher
The U.S. State Department has expressed concern after Chinese-ruled Hong Kong arrested publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai, an outspoken critic of Beijing, and two pro-democracy activists.
Afghans hope for peace as U.S.-Taliban gear up for troop withdrawal deal
Millions of Afghans are anticipating that America’s longest war fought in their country will end on Saturday as U.S. and Taliban negotiators are expected to sign a deal to allow a U.S. troop reduction and a permanent ceasefire.
Mexico confirms three coronavirus cases in three men returned from Italy
Mexico’s government said on Friday it had detected three cases of coronavirus infection in three men who had all recently traveled to Italy, making the country the second in Latin America to register the fast-spreading virus.
South Korea tells citizens to stay home at ‘critical moment’ in virus battle
South Korea urged citizens on Saturday to stay indoors as it warned of a “critical moment” in its battle on the coronavirus after recording the biggest daily jump in infections, with 594 new cases taking the tally to 2,931.
Japan to create fund to subsidize parents during school closure: Nikkei
Japan’s government plans to create a fund to help companies pay subsidies to workers who need to take days off to look after their children while schools are closed, the Nikkei business daily reported on Saturday, without citing sources.
