International

Saturday, January 11th 2020 - 09:46 UTC
US imposes more sanctions on Iran in retaliation for missile attack on its bases

The United States imposed more sanctions on Iran on Friday in retaliation for its missile attack on US forces in Iraq this week and vowed to tighten the economic screws if Tehran continued “terrorist” acts or pursued a nuclear bomb.
Saturday, January 11th 2020 - 09:45 UTC
New Spanish government takes oath of office next Monday: outstanding names in the cabinet

Women experts and radical leftists looked set to play a dominant role in Spain's new coalition government as Pedro Sanchez on Friday named a senior global trade expert as his top diplomat.
Saturday, January 11th 2020 - 09:31 UTC
Hong Kong troubles ensure election victory for Taiwan's incumbent candidate

By Gwynne Dyer – “Over the past few years, China’s diplomatic offensives, military coercion, interference and infiltration have continued unabated,” said Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen on New Year’s Day, as the Jan. 11 elections neared. “China’s objective is clear: to force Taiwan to compromise our sovereignty.” But every leader of her Democratic People’s Party (DPP) has always said that.
Saturday, January 11th 2020 - 09:30 UTC
Killing of investigative journalist finally knocks out Malta Prime Minister accused of hampering the case

Malta's outgoing Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Friday (Jan 10) said he was “paying the highest political price” for failing to solve a journalist's killing, the investigation into which he has been accused of hampering.
Saturday, January 11th 2020 - 09:26 UTC
Gold bar, evidence of Spanish plundering of Aztec empire 500 years ago

A new scientific analysis of a large gold bar found decades ago in downtown Mexico City reveals it was part of the plunder Spanish conquerors tried to carry away as they fled the Aztec capital after native warriors forced a hasty retreat.
Saturday, January 11th 2020 - 08:56 UTC
FAO Price Index climbs 2.5% in December, the highest level in five years

World food prices rose for the third consecutive month in December, as a strong rally in vegetable oil prices drove the FAO Food Price Index to its highest level in five years. The FAO Food Price Index averaged 181.7 points during the month, a 2.5 percent increase from November and the highest level since December 2014.
Friday, January 10th 2020 - 14:28 UTC
Chinese fishing vessels withdraw from Indonesian EEZ, following standoff with Beijing

Dozens of Chinese vessels which were fishing in Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Natuna are leaving the area, the Indonesian military said on Thursday, after days of stand-off.
Friday, January 10th 2020 - 12:10 UTC
Electric fences between Poland and Germany to avoid spread of African swine fever

Poland recorded 55 outbreaks of African swine fever in wild boar near the German border last month, the world animal health body said on Thursday, in a sign the deadly virus is spreading near one of the European Union's biggest pork exporters.
Friday, January 10th 2020 - 09:57 UTC
“Brexit done”: UK lawmakers vote 330/231 to leave the European Union on January 31

Lawmakers approved legislation on Thursday which will allow Britain to leave the European Union on Jan 31 with an exit deal, ending more than three years of tumult over the terms of the unprecedented divorce.They voted 330 to 231 in favour of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, which implements an exit deal agreed with the EU last year.
Friday, January 10th 2020 - 09:54 UTC
US justifies at UN the killing of Iranian commander, but ready “to engage with Teheran in serious negotiations”

The United States told the United Nations on Wednesday that the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani last week was self-defense and vowed to take additional action “as necessary” in the Middle East to protect US personnel and interests.