Argentina’s Fernandez joins leftist leaders for ‘Puebla Group’ summit
Argentine President-elect Alberto Fernandez joined the inaugural meeting of the so-called Puebla Group in Buenos Aires on Saturday, a conference of left-leaning regional political leaders.
Germany marks 30th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall
Germany celebrated on Saturday the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall that divided East and West Germany, with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier thanking Eastern European neighbors for spurring on the peaceful revolution.
Cambodian opposition veteran lands in Malaysia in challenge to Hun Sen
Cambodian opposition veteran Sam Rainsy flew into Malaysia on Saturday and told supporters to “keep up the hope” after promising to return home from self-imposed exile to rally opponents of authoritarian ruler Hun Sen.
Chile’s Pinera acknowledges ‘abuses’ in handling of riots: media
Chilean President Sebastian Pinera acknowledged “abuses” in the handling of massive social protests that have shaken the country for three weeks, but stopped short of blaming police or the military in an interview published Saturday in a local paper.
Bolivian government decries coup as some police join protests
The government of Bolivian President Evo Morales denounced what it called a coup by violent groups on Saturday, as some police forces carried out acts of “mutiny” in support of opposition protests amid a weeks-long standoff over a disputed election.
Police find rifle linked to 2014-17 Athens attacks
Greek police said on Saturday they had found a Kalashnikov rifle used in a string of political attacks in Athens from 2014-17 – assaults claimed at the time by an urban guerrilla group.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro swipes at newly released Lula
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Twitter took a first swipe at his rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday after the leftist former leader was released from prison, highlighting deep political divisions likely to flare in the comings days.
Bolivia’s Morales denounces protests by ‘violent groups’
Bolivian President Evo Morales denounced what he called a coup by violent groups on Saturday, as some police officers joined opposition protests amid a weeks-long standoff over a disputed election.
India, Pakistan contacts at ‘zero’ despite border cooperation
Contacts between India and Pakistan are “zero”, Pakistan’s foreign minister said, even as a border crossing opened on Saturday for Indian pilgrims to visit a Sikh temple in one of the most significant acts of cooperation in decades by the old rivals.
Iraqi PM concedes ‘mistakes made’ as protesters pushed back in Baghdad
Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said on Saturday that political parties had “made mistakes” in their running of the country, promising electoral reform and other measures as he sought to bring an end to months of protests.
