Colombia’s ELN rebels free six hostages as government evaluates peace talks
Colombia’s ELN rebel group on Wednesday freed six more hostages it seized last month, the guerrillas and the government said, as right-wing President Ivan Duque evaluates whether to resume peace negotiations with the insurgents.
UK’s Raab: Brexit deal attainable, but no deal means no EU payment – Telegraph
A deal on the future relationship between Britain and the European Union is within reach, Brexit Minister Dominic Raab said on Wednesday, although he confirmed London would withhold any financial settlement in a “no deal” scenario.
Special forces presence at anti-graft protest angers Guatemalans
Guatemala deployed members of the feared Kaibil special forces unit on Wednesday to stop protesters from interrupting a session of parliament, triggering anger among opposition leaders who say President Jimmy Morales is using the military to cow critic…
Chile approves law for transgender citizens to change official details
Chile’s congress on Wednesday approved a bill allowing people over the age of 14 to change their name and gender in official records, despite intense lobbying by the Church and conservative political parties in the traditionally conservative, predomina…
Maldives opposition says government must ease visas for foreign media ahead of vote
The main Maldives opposition party said on Wednesday that President Abdulla Yameen’s government must ease “draconian” visa measures in place aimed at limiting the number of foreign journalists covering the presidential poll on Sept. 23.
Tony Blair: world’s strategy for countering Islamist extremism flawed
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will warn on Thursday that the threat from Islamist militants is growing and the current approach for tackling the threat will fail unless there is a global strategy to tackle the roots of extremism.
U.S. Republicans seek sanctions on Iraqi militias with Iran ties
Republican U.S. senators plan to introduce legislation on Wednesday seeking to counteract what they see as Iran’s increasing influence in Iraq, amid concern about attacks in Iraq by groups U.S. officials consider Iranian proxies, a Senate aide said on …
Argentine austerity protests mount over Macri’s IMF-backed measures
Labor unions and social groups blocked streets in downtown Buenos Aires on Wednesday to protest austerity measures proposed by the government and backed by the International Monetary Fund to reduce Argentina’s debt.
Sistine Chapel Choir under financial investigation: Vatican
Pope Francis has authorized an investigation into possible financial irregularities in the world-renowned Sistine Chapel Choir, the Vatican said on Wednesday.
At least 20 killed in Mali after truck falls into river
At least 20 people were killed in central Mali when a truck fell into a river after a suspected brake failure, the Malian government said on Wednesday.
