Rolexes and cars; Lebanese spend big to prise savings from the bank
When she heard Lebanese banks would limit cash withdrawals, Rita, a doctor, rushed out to buy a $10,000 Rolex watch on her credit card, anxious to protect some of her savings. “It’s better than keeping my money in the bank,” she said.
Salvini seeks redemption in Italian regional elections
Voters in two Italian regions, Emilia Romagna in the north and Calabria in the south, went to the polls on Sunday in local elections that could help propel far-right opposition leader Matteo Salvini to national power.
Public anger grows over coronavirus in Thailand, with eight cases of the illness
The health minister in Thailand, the country with the most confirmed cases outside China of the new coronavirus, called an emergency meeting on Sunday with the transport and tourism ministries amid rising public discontent over the government’s handlin…
China scrambles to contain ‘strengthening’ virus
The ability of the new coronavirus to spread is strengthening and infections could continue to rise, China’s National Health Commission said on Sunday, with more than 2,000 people in China infected and 56 killed by the disease.
Oman’s foreign minister meets Iran’s foreign minister Zarif: Tweet
Oman’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah will meet Iran’s Foreign Ninister Javad Zarif in Tehran on Sunday to discuss maritime security in the Hormuz strait, Oman’s foreign ministry tweeted.
Syrian government forces capture towns in advance on rebel-held Idlib
Syrian government forces have taken control of several towns in northwestern Idlib province, a war monitor and Syrian state media reported, amid a renewed push by President Bashar al-Assad to recapture the last rebel stronghold.
Israel approves travel to Saudi under limited circumstances
Israel on Sunday announced that it would permit Israeli citizens to travel to Saudi Arabia for the first time, under certain conditions that include Israeli entrepreneurs seeking investments, in a signal of warming ties.
Burundi ruling party picks Ndayishimiye to contest presidential vote
Burundi’s ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, on Sunday picked secretary general Evariste Ndayishimiye as its candidate in a presidential election scheduled for May.
Pope Francis praises China’s efforts to contain coronavirus
Pope Francis praised China’s “great commitment” to contain the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday and said he was praying for the dead, the sick, and families of victims.
Afghan forces launch air, ground attacks on Taliban, killing 51
Afghan forces used ground attacks and air strikes in multiple operations against the Taliban during the last 24 hours, killing 51 fighters in an escalation that signaled renewed deadlock in peace talks.
