Factbox: Tax and spend – UK parties set out rival pitches to voters
Britain’s two big political parties have sent contrasting signals on spending and tax before a Dec. 12 national election.
Lebanon private sector group calls for nationwide strikes: statement
A Lebanese business grouping that covers much of the country’s private sector called on Monday for a general strike, according to a statement from the group, amid protests and worsening economic conditions.
U.S. recalls ambassador to South Sudan to consult on unity government failure: State Department
The United States has called back its ambassador to South Sudan for consultations relating to the African nation’s failure to form a unity government, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement on Monday.
Italy’s 5-Star leader calls for scrapping Atlantia motorway concession
The leader of Italy’s 5-Star Movement Luigi Di Maio said again on Monday that the motorway concession of infrastructure group Atlantia should be revoked.
Swedish prosecutors investigate Iraqi minister over suspected crime against humanity
The Swedish Prosecution Office said on Monday it had launched a preliminary investigation into suspected crimes against humanity by an Iraqi minister.
Mexico doesn’t expect U.S. to designate drug cartels terrorists: minister
Mexico’s foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Monday he did not expect the United States to seek to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorists.
Protesters torch Congo mayor’s office, U.N. buildings after massacre
Protesters set fire to the town hall and several United Nations buildings in Beni in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday in anger at a new round of violence by suspected Islamist rebels.
Malta grants pardon to suspected middleman in journalist murder: police sources
A man suspected of being the middleman in the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia has been granted a presidential pardon, police sources said on Monday.
Chemical weapons body defends Syria attack conclusions after leaks
The head of the global chemical weapons organization on Monday defended the agency’s conclusion that poison was used in a high profile attack in Syria last year, after leaked documents suggested two former employees doubted some of its findings.
European police attack Islamic State’s online presence
European police agencies have knocked out several internet servers used by Islamic State in a significant blow to the armed group’s ability to spread propaganda online, the Europol police agency said on Monday.
