South Africa finance minister: Zuma fired me for refusing to back Gupta deals
South African Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene told an inquiry into influence-peddling on Wednesday that former president Jacob Zuma axed him from his cabinet because he refused to sign off on deals that would have benefited Zuma’s friends, the Guptas.
Indonesia’s Widodo says aid gearing up, worry grows about cut-off areas
Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo made a second visit to Sulawesi island on Wednesday to ramp up relief efforts following a devastating earthquake and tsunami, as survivors pleaded for water, food and fuel five days after the disaster struck.
World Court orders U.S. to ensure Iran sanctions don’t hit humanitarian aid
The World Court ordered the United States on Wednesday to ensure that sanctions against Iran, due to be tightened next month, do not affect humanitarian aid or civil aviation safety.
French police recapture ‘jailbreak king’ after months on the run
A gangster who escaped from a French prison by helicopter with the help of an armed commando team was captured by police in a tower-block apartment early on Wednesday, ending another chapter in the life of a criminal known as the “jailbreak king”.
French police arrest gangster on the run since spectacular escape
French police have arrested a gangster who went on the run following a spectacular prison escape over the summer, police sources said on Wednesday.
World Court to rule on Iran plea to lift U.S. sanctions
Judges at the International Court of Justice, the highest United Nations court, will rule Wednesday on an Iranian plea to have U.S. sanctions against Tehran lifted.
UK cabinet has not asked PM May to set date to quit, senior minister says
British cabinet ministers are united behind Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit strategy and have not asked her to set a date to leave office, a senior minister David Lidington said on Wednesday.
UK to bring forward its own Irish border Brexit proposals very soon, minister says
Britain will bring forward new proposals to break an impasse in Brexit negotiations over the Irish border very soon, senior British minister David Lidington said on Wednesday.
Turkish lawyer for U.S. pastor Brunson appeals to constitutional court
The lawyer for U.S. evangelical pastor Andrew Brunson said he filed an appeal on Wednesday to Turkey’s constitutional court for his client’s release from house arrest.
Indonesian disaster raises risks for President Widodo as he eyes re-election
Indonesia’s earthquake and tsunami could raise political risks for President Joko Widodo as he prepares a bid for re-election next year, with opponents keen to find fault in his handling of the disaster in a region with a history sectarian strife.
