Taliban say parallel presidential ceremonies threatens progress on peace talks
The Taliban militant group said peace talks with the Afghan government next week were unlikely to take place because rivals for the presidency were both holding swearing-in ceremonies on Monday, and urged them instead to focus on an end to the war.
Senior figure in Somalia’s al Shabaab killed in air strike: state media
A senior commander in Somalia’s al Shabaab group with a $5 million bounty on his head was killed in an American air strike last month, according to Somalia state media, a blow to the militants’ Islamist insurgency.
Israel’s Netanyahu discusses coronavirus concerns with Pence
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed coronavirus concerns with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday amid reports Israel is about to restrict the entry of travelers from parts of the United States.
Empty chairs for MH17 victims outside Russia’s Hague Embassy
Rows of white chairs were placed in front of Russia’s embassy in The Hague on Sunday in a quiet protest by families of those who were shot down with Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, on the eve of the trial – in absentia – of four men accused of murder for …
Egypt tries to protect tourism after coronavirus outbreak on cruise ship
Egypt is rushing to protect its important tourism sector and reassure travelers it is safe to visit after an outbreak of the coronavirus on a cruise ship on the River Nile.
Number of UK coronavirus cases rises to 273
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United Kingdom has risen to 273, the Department of Health and Social Care said on Twitter on Sunday, up from 209 a day earlier, and the biggest one-day increase so far.
Germany urges cancellation of events with more than 1,000 people
Germany’s health minister urged organizers of public events with more than 1,000 participants to call them off, news agency DPA reported on Sunday.
Turkish President Erdogan to visit Brussels March 9
The European Council said on Sunday that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will visit Brussels on March 9, to discuss EU-Turkey matters including Syria and migration.
Saudi Arabia locks down Qatif region as coronavirus cases rise in Gulf
Saudi Arabia on Sunday imposed a temporary lockdown on its eastern Qatif province, home to a large Shi’ite Muslim population, to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the kingdom after recording four more cases that raised the total to 11.
Greece shuts sports events to spectators as coronavirus cases rise
Greece on Sunday announced a two-week ban on sporting events with spectators and on school field trips, as its number of coronavirus cases rose by seven to 73.
