Venezuela’s Maduro proposes earlier elections for National Assembly
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro proposed on Saturday bringing forward parliamentary elections to this year, as he seeks to crush the threat posed by the National Assembly’s head, Juan Guaido, who has proclaimed himself legitimate head-of-state
Snow traps thousands of cars on Italy motorway, 200 occupants rescued
Thousands of vehicles were stuck in long queues caused by heavy snow on Italy’s A22 motorway on Saturday, and firefighters rescued 200 people who had been trapped for hours in cars and buses.
SWIFT says helping Bangladesh Bank rebuild network after cyber heist
International payments network SWIFT said on Saturday it had signed an agreement with Bangladesh’s central bank to help it rebuild its infrastructure after hackers used it to steal $81 million in 2016 in the world’s biggest cyber heist.
Sudan PM says protesters’ economic demands are legitimate
Sudan’s prime minister on Saturday appeared to soften the official stance on more than a month of anti-government protests, describing demonstrators’ calls for better living conditions as “legitimate”.
Venezuelan general defects as anti-Maduro rallies draw huge crowds
A high-ranking Venezuelan general called on the armed forces to rebel against President Nicolas Maduro and to recognize the opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim chief as huge crowds rallied against the head of state, adding pressure on Maduro t…
India protests at U.S. detention of several Indian students
India on Saturday said it had lodged a protest with the United States government after several Indian students were detained there in connection with their enrolment in a fake university, following an undercover operation by U.S. agents.
Turkey arrests suspect in 2015 U.S. consulate shooting: Anadolu
Turkish security forces on Saturday arrested a suspect in an armed attack on the U.S. consulate in Istanbul nearly four years ago, the local governor’s office said.
Nigeria vice president survives chopper crash weeks before election
A helicopter carrying Nigeria’s Vice President crash landed on Saturday en route to a political campaign two weeks before an election, but he survived the incident in central Kogi state unharmed, saying later he was safe and sound.
Central African Republic reaches peace deal with armed groups: U.N.
The Central African Republic and 14 armed groups reached a peace deal during talks in Khartoum on Saturday, the United Nations said.
Venezuelan general urges military to disavow Maduro as opposition stages rallies
An active Venezuelan general called on the armed forces to rebel against President Nicolas Maduro and to recognize the opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim chief as pressure at home and abroad grows on the head of state to step down.
