Running out of time: East Africa faces new locust threat
Countries in East Africa are racing against time to prevent new swarms of locusts wreaking havoc with crops and livelihoods after the worst infestation in generations.
Anxious Italy looks to play down coronavirus risk as new cases rise
Italy’s government, desperate to stave off a likely recession, played down on Thursday the gravity of an outbreak of coronavirus, the worst yet seen in Europe, saying it only impacted a tiny fraction of the country.
Iran coronavirus death toll reaches 26, Tehran Friday prayer canceled
Iran said on Thursday its death toll from coronavirus had risen to 26, by far the highest number outside China, and the total number of infected people now stood at 245, including several senior officials.
EU’s Varhelyi: accession talks with two Balkan states could open in weeks
The European Union could open accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia within weeks as both countries have made good progress in their preparations, the European Commission’s enlargement chief, Oliver Varhelyi, said on Thursday.
As coronavirus takes hold, Greece worries about migrant camps
Greece will tighten border controls to prevent the spread of coronavirus, focusing on island routes used by migrants to enter the country, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday.
PM Abe asks all of Japan schools to close over coronavirus
Japan’s entire school system, from elementary to high schools, will be asked to close from Monday until spring break late in March to help contain the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday.
Brexit talks will be tough, short, but agreement possible: Barnier
Brexit negotiations between the European Union and Britain will be hard but short because of the deadline set by Britain and an agreement could be possible if the two sides stay true to the existing text, the EU’s top Brexit negotiator said in Warsaw o…
Britain to consider next steps on Heathrow expansion after court ruling
Britain will set out its next steps in due course regarding expansion at Heathrow Airport after a court ruled the plan was unlawful on environmental grounds, transport minister Grant Shapps said on Thursday.
Fearing coronavirus, Hong Kong’s ‘coffin home’ dwellers stay indoors
To escape the confines of his Hong Kong “coffin home”, or two square meters (21.5 square feet) of living space, Simon Wong usually spends his days in the park playing mahjong with friends, only returning at night to sleep.
U.N. rights chief rips Trump policies on environment, migration
United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration was endangering public health and the rights of children with its policies on the environment and migration.
