Defiant at inquiry, South Africa’s Zuma denies breaking law with business brothers
Former South African President Jacob Zuma told a corruption inquiry on Monday that enemies had plotted to bring him down, and he had never broken the law with the business family at the center of an influence-peddling scandal.
Abruptly appointed Zambian finance minister to review sales tax plan
Zambian President Edgar Lungu abruptly fired his finance minister on Monday, appointing in her place the respected deputy head of the central bank, who said he might further delay a sales tax designed to rebalance its economy.
Former Lebanon PM in Saudi: Saudi Arabia to support Lebanon
Saudi Arabia will “extend a hand of support to Lebanon” as it faces challenges, Lebanese ex-Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Monday after meeting the Saudi king along with two other Lebanese former premiers.
Kremlin ally says prisoner swap could be soon if Ukraine serious
Ukraine and Russia could swap prisoners within a matter of days, including filmmaker Oleg Sentsov whom Moscow jailed on terrorism charges, if Kiev shows the necessary political will, a close Kremlin ally in Ukraine said.
Lebanese ex-PM Mikati: Saudi to support Lebanon
Saudi Arabia will “extend a hand of support to Lebanon”, Lebanese former Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Monday after meeting Saudi King Salman.
UK’s Hammond pledges to fight a no-deal Brexit from outside government
British finance minister Philip Hammond said on Monday he would not stay in his job when the country’s next prime minister takes over next week, and he would do everything he could to stop a no-deal Brexit.
Von der Leyen offers raft of reforms ahead of knife-edge EU vote
The European Union’s conservative nominee to head the executive Commission proposed a raft of social, environmental and economic reforms on Monday, seeking support from European Union lawmakers who are due to vote on her nomination on Tuesday.
Italy’s Salvini angers Conte by muscling into budget debate
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini met leading economic players on Monday to discuss the forthcoming 2020 budget, angering Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who accused him of trespassing onto his own political territory.
Four dead, including three children, after train hits car in France
A driver and three children in her car were killed after their car crashed into a train at a crossing in Avenay-Val-d’Or in eastern France, said local French authorities on Monday.
Thai prime minister declares end of military rule
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha formally resigned as the head of the military government on Monday, saying the country would function as a normal democracy after five years of military rule.
