Travel in China grows over Lunar New Year holiday: Xinhua
People in China made 415 million domestic trips during the Lunar New Year holiday, an increase of 7.6 percent from the same period last year, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday as the week-long break drew to a close.
Algeria’s President Bouteflika to seek fifth term: state news agency
Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said on Sunday he would seek a fifth term in a presidential election set for April 18, the state news agency APS reported on Sunday, putting an end to months of uncertainty caused by his poor health.
Pope denounces ‘scourge’ of human trafficking and slavery
Pope Francis urged governments on Sunday to take decisive action against the $150 billion-a-year human trafficking business and the plight of millions of modern-day slaves.
Madrid demonstrators reject government’s Catalonia policy
Tens of thousands of people waving Spain’s red-and-yellow flag demonstrated in Madrid on Sunday to oppose any concessions by the government to Catalan pro-independence parties and to call for early elections.
Afghan president offers Taliban local office, but group wants Doha instead
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday offered the Taliban the possibility of opening an office in Afghanistan but the proposal was swiftly spurned by the group that is determined to keep his government out of accelerating peace talks.
Thousands protest in Madrid against government’s Catalonia policy
Thousands of people demonstrated in Madrid on Sunday against Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s proposed talks to ease political tensions in Catalonia, in a protest organized by center-right and far-right opposition parties.
Iran awaits Lebanese ‘desire’ to accept its military aid: foreign minister
Iran is waiting for Lebanon to show a desire to accept its military assistance, Iran’s foreign minister said on Sunday, reiterating an offer of support to the U.S.-backed Lebanese military.
U.N.-recognised government of Libya says its forces reach El Sharara oil field
Forces belonging to the internationally-recognized government of Libya reached the El Sharara oil field on Sunday, a Tripoli-based government source said.
Saudi Arabia says has ‘nothing to do’ with Bezos-AMI dispute
Saudi Arabia had “absolutely nothing to do” with the National Enquirer’s reporting on an extramarital relationship involving Amazon.com Inc Chief Executive Jeff Bezos, the kingdom’s minister of state for foreign affairs said.
UK’s May to promise new Brexit debate in push for more negotiating time
British Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge this week to give parliament another chance to voice their opinions on Brexit by Feb. 27 as she tries to buy more time to negotiate a new deal with the European Union.
