German minister: Too early to gauge impact of coronavirus on economy
More time and data are needed to quantify any possible negative effects of the coronavirus that broke out in China on the German economy, Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said on Wednesday.
China’s Sichuan province reports first death from coronavirus – state media
China’s Sichuan province reported its first death from coronavirus, state media reported on Wednesday.
Slovenia president to start talks on resolving crisis on Feb. 4
Slovenian President Borut Pahor plans to start formal talks with parliamentary parties on February 4, seeking to resolve a political crisis sparked by the resignation of center-left Prime Minister Marjan Sarec on Monday.
Iraqi president says will pick new PM if deadlock drags on
Iraqi President Barham Salih said on Wednesday he would choose an interim prime minister if political parties failed to name a replacement for Adel Abdul Mahdi by Feb. 1.
China’s Hubei governor says outbreak in Huanggang city also severe
The virus outbreak in Huanggang city is especially severe, the governor of Hubei province said on Wednesday, adding the city cannot be allowed to become the second Wuhan – the provincial capital and epicentre of the epidemic.
China first quarter growth may dip below 5% as virus spreads: government economist
China’s economic growth may drop to 5% or even lower due to the coronavirus outbreak, possibly pushing policymakers into introduce more stimulus measures, a government economist said in remarks published on Wednesday.
Factbox: Airlines suspend some flights to China over coronavirus
Major airlines have suspended some flights to China because of the coronavirus outbreak which has killed more than 130 people in China and spread across the world.
Yemen’s Houthis say targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement said on Wednesday it targeted facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco in Jizan on the Red Sea in response to “escalating air strikes” but there was no immediate confirmation from Saudi Arabian authorities.
Witnesses seek protection from charges over London’s deadly Grenfell fire
Several witnesses have asked for guarantees that they will not be prosecuted for anything they say at a public inquiry into a fire that killed 72 people in London’s Grenfell Tower nearly three years ago, the inquiry’s chairman said on Wednesday.
Britain hands in Brexit documents as its EU lawmakers say ‘au revoir’
Britain’s ambassador to the European Union handed documents formalizing Brexit to a senior EU official on Wednesday, hours before European lawmakers are due to sign off on a deal that will see Britain finally quit the bloc on Friday.
