France warns Pentagon against cutting U.S. troops in West Africa
French Defence Minister Florence Parly said she warned her U.S. counterpart during a visit to the Pentagon on Monday that counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa would be negatively affected by a reduction in U.S. military assistance.
UK asks those who have traveled from Wuhan to isolate themselves
Anyone who has returned to Britain from Wuhan in China in the last fortnight should self-isolate and stay indoors, health minister Matt Hancock said on Monday, due to concerns about pre-symptom transmission of coronavirus.
U.N. seeks more emergency aid for Afghanistan as poverty grows
The United Nations is seeking $730 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan this year, an increase on 2019 as poverty surges in a country worn down by war and drought, the U.N.’s deputy special representative for Afghanistan said on Monday.
Disputed Pompeo comments put Ukraine in awkward spot before visit
Disputed comments by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo appearing to play down Ukraine’s importance to Americans have put Kiev in an awkward spot days before Pompeo is due to visit.
Berlin will be small countries’ post-Brexit friend, minister says
Berlin will have to take on Britain’s mantle as protector of the interests of Europe’s smaller, northern liberal democracies after Brexit, Germany’s Europe Minister said, forecasting that Britain’s departure would rebalance the European Union.
Iran foreign minister calls Trump peace plan for Middle East ‘delusional’: tweet
Iran’s foreign minister called U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for the Middle East “delusional” in a tweet on Monday.
Saudi minister says Israeli passport holders cannot visit: CNN
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said Israelis were not welcome to visit the kingdom after Israel decreed that Israeli citizens could visit Saudi Arabia under certain circumstances, CNN reported on Monday.
Trump offers China ‘any help’ needed as coronavirus toll hits 81
U.S. President Donald Trump offered China “any help that is necessary” on Monday to control a coronavirus outbreak in the central city of Wuhan that has killed 81 people and left tens of millions stranded during the biggest holiday of the year.
Taiwan ups Chinese visitor curbs, to stop mask exports
Taiwan on Monday tightened curbs on Chinese visitors to the island amid the coronavirus outbreak and said it will make sure people are not breaking a temporary ban on exporting face masks.
White House to release Middle East peace plan on Tuesday, Trump says
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the White House would release his long-delayed Middle East peace plan at noon (1700 GMT) on Tuesday.
