Myanmar army chief must be prosecuted for Rohingya ‘genocide’: U.N. rights envoy
Myanmar’s army chief should be prosecuted for genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, a U.N. human rights investigator said, adding that holding perpetrators to account for crimes was necessary before refugees who fled the country could return.
Turkey’s Erdogan sees Syria ‘safe zone’ in place within months
Turkey expects a “safe zone” to be in place in Syria along the Turkish border within a few months and only Ankara can establish it, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday.
EU, Ireland to step up Brexit no deal planning: EU
Ireland has agreed with the European Commission to step up preparations for Britain possibly leaving the European Union without a deal to smooth its departure, a spokesman for the EU executive said on Friday.
Australian officials visit writer detained in China
Australian embassy officials visited on Friday a Chinese-born Australian writer being held in Beijing on suspicion of endangering state security, the Australian foreign ministry said.
Italy pressures Dutch and French over storm-tossed migrant rescue ship
Italy’s governing coalition leaders on Friday cranked up pressure on European Union partners, especially the Netherlands and France, to welcome a humanitarian boat carrying 47 migrants that is being blocked from Italian ports.
France tells Iran new sanctions loom if missile talks fail
France is ready to impose further sanctions on Iran if no progress is made in talks over its ballistic missile program, the French foreign minister said on Friday.
Russia offers to mediate between government and opposition in Venezuela: RIA
Russia on Friday offered to mediate between the government and opposition in Venezuela if necessary, saying it was ready to cooperate with all political forces that acted responsibly, the RIA news agency reported.
Pakistan eases visa rules to ‘heaven for tourists’
Pakistan has loosened travel restrictions in the hope of reviving tourism by offering visas on arrival to visitors from 50 countries and electronic visas to 175 nationalities, the government said on Friday.
U.N. rights boss calls for inquiry into Venezuela killings
The United Nations human rights boss Michelle Bachelet called on Friday for an independent investigation into alleged excessive use of force by Venezuelan security forces or allied militia, citing reports of at least 20 people killed this week.
Two U.N. peacekeepers killed in Mali: statement
Two U.N. peacekeepers were killed and several injured early on Friday when their convoy hit a landmine in Mali, the United Nations said in a brief statement.
