French PM says transport strikes against pension reform will go nowhere
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Wednesday that public transport unions’ strikes will not succeed in stopping the government’s planned reform of the pension system.
Egypt orders retrial of monks sentenced to death for bishop’s murder
Egypt’s highest civilian court on Wednesday ordered a retrial of two monks sentenced to death for murdering a bishop at a Coptic Christian monastery, two judicial sources said on Wednesday.
Brexit celebrations approved to mark UK’s last moments in the EU
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has won his bid to hold a party on Brexit night in front of parliament with speeches, music and possibly the chimes of the Big Ben bell on the day when Britain is due to leave the European Union.
Gray pineapples: Volcano devastates Philippines farm
Farmer Jack Imperial woke to a picture of devastation after ash spewed from a volcano in the Philippines – his verdant green pineapple field had been transformed to a dirty dark gray.
Death toll rises to two in Spanish chemical plant blast
Firefighters have found the body of a second victim following a massive explosion and fire at a chemical factory in Tarragona in northeastern Spain, they said on Wednesday.
Zelenskiy asks for Germany’s support to bring Iran plane crash perpetrators to justice
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday asked Chancellor Angela Merkel for Germany’s support in bringing the perpetrators of last week’s plane crash in Iran to justice, according to a statement issued by Zelenskiy’s office.
U.N. official blames politicians for ‘dangerous chaos’ in Lebanon
Lebanese politicians are to blame for the country’s economic collapse, a senior U.N. official said on Wednesday, rebuking a ruling elite that has failed to draw up a rescue plan for a country hit by more violent protests.
Thailand on high alert for China virus ahead of Lunar Near Year
Thai health officials are stepping up monitoring and inspection at its airports for the new mystery virus from China ahead of Lunar New Year, when Chinese visitors flock to the Southeast Asian country, a health official said on Wednesday.
‘Only eyes’: Auschwitz liberator recalls death camp inmates 75 years on
His jacket sparkling with war medals, 96-year old David Dushman holds back the tears as he remembers the eyes of emaciated prisoners at the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz which he helped liberate 75 years ago this month.
Germany sets out broad aims for Berlin Libya conference
Berlin hopes to get all international players to use their influence to push for progress on Libya peace talks, a German Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, setting out modest ambitions for a Berlin peace conference this weekend.
