EU says escalating violence in Hong Kong ‘unacceptable’
The European Commission said on Monday that violence in response to the escalating anti-government protests in Hong Kong was unacceptable and called on law enforcement authorities to keep their action “strictly proportionate”.
Vatican says financial regulator to leave; he says he resigned
The Vatican said on Monday that Rene Bruelhart, the head of its financial regulator, would be leaving, and Bruelhart told Reuters he had resigned.
British PM Johnson refuses to comment on Prince Andrew scandal
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson twice refused on Monday to comment on Prince Andrew who has faced a backlash after denying he had sex with a teenage girl and talking about his relationship with late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Iran’s Guards warn protesters of ‘decisive’ action if unrest continues
Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards warned anti-government protesters of “decisive” action if unrest over gasoline price hikes do not cease, state media said, in a hint that a harsh security crackdown could be on the cards.
Myanmar judge extends sentences for poets jailed for mocking military
A Myanmar judge on Monday extended the sentences of a troupe of satirical performers jailed for mocking the military, in a case that has raised new concern about freedom of expression.
UK lawmaker blames HSBC, Stanchart, Baroda in South Africa corruption
Corruption under South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma was enabled by international banks, companies and governments which should now seek to recover the loot they helped to launder, British lawmaker Peter Hain told an inquiry on Monday.
Britain remains ‘seriously concerned’ about Hong Kong violence: PM spokesman
Britain remains “seriously concerned” by escalating violence in Hong Kong and urges the authorities to agree “to a path to resolve the situation”, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.
Russia hands back captured naval ships to Ukraine before summit
Russia on Monday handed back three naval ships it captured last year to Ukraine, something Kiev wanted to happen before a four-way peace summit on eastern Ukraine next month in Paris.
Ukraine confirms Russia returning three captured naval ships
Ukraine’s military confirmed on Monday that Russia is returning three Ukrainian naval ships that it captured in the Kerch Strait in November 2018.
5-Star’s crisis threatens Italian government’s survival
The 5-Star Movement, senior partner in two coalitions since last year’s national election, is struggling with internal strife and falling support which threaten the survival of Italy’s two-month old government.
