Russia checks its internet can work if cut off from worldwide web
Russia completed a series of tests on Monday checking that its internet services could function if the country were to get cut off from the worldwide web, Deputy Communications Minister Aleksei Sokolov said.
Israel opposes Turkey-Libya maritime border accord
Israel opposes an accord signed last month between Libya and Turkey mapping out maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean, but the deal was unlikely to lead to a conflict with Turkey, Israel’s foreign minister said on Monday.
No Christmas mass at Notre-Dame for the first time since Napoleon
For the first time in more than 200 years, worshippers will not be able to attend Christmas mass at Notre-Dame cathedral, still being restored after a devastating fire.
Iran’s leader ordered crackdown on unrest: ‘Do whatever it takes to end it’
After days of protests across Iran last month, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared impatient. Gathering his top security and government officials together, he issued an order: Do whatever it takes to stop them.
Chile’s Pinera inks law for vote on new constitution
Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera on Monday signed off on a referendum to be held on a new constitution, which he vowed would generate a “solid, compassionate and legitimate framework” that would help reunify the country after nine weeks of intense pr…
Hong Kong protest tide turns into sea of flames
Chinese-ruled Hong Kong introduced a bill into the legislature in February that would have allowed the extradition of defendants to mainland China for the first time to face trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.
French union workers vote to halt production at key oil facility
French workers voted on Monday to halt production at a key oil facility that supplies Paris and the surrounding region, joining other petroleum industry shutdowns in a nationwide strike against government pension reforms.
Tunisian PM-designate says to form government of ‘independents’
Tunisia’s prime minister-designate Habib Jemli will form a government made up of independents who do not represent political parties, he said at a news conference on Monday.
Mexico says concerned its Bolivian embassy being monitored
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it is “deeply concerned” about the excess presence of Bolivian intelligence and security services that are monitoring the residence of the Mexican ambassador and Mexican embassy in Bolivia.
U.S. recalls its ambassador to Zambia after gay rights row: sources
The United States has withdrawn its ambassador to Zambia following a row with authorities in the southern African nation after he criticized the jailing of a gay couple, embassy sources said on Monday.
