WORLD NEWS

World News

Latest news from and about the homeland

UN experts demand investigation following Israel’s killing of Lebanese journalists
  Three United Nations (UN) experts called for a full and independent investigation into the killing of three Lebanese journalists by Israel last week, which they described as ‘another attack on press freedom by Israeli forces.’ On March 28, Israeli forces killed Al Mayadeen reporter Fatima Ftouni, her brother and cameraman Mohamed Ftouni, and Al Manar TV reporter Ali Shoeib as they were…

Boko Haram kills dozens in siezed Nigerian towns

Aug 30, 2014
Boko Haram militants in Nigeria killed scores of civilians in a town near the border of Cameroon reported AFP on Saturday.

Thousands of residents from the towns of Gamboru and Ngala have crossed the border into Cameroon in attempts to flee Boko Haram’s most recent spree of killings.


China rules out open elections for Hong Kong Chief

Aug 30, 2014
Chinese authorities ruled out prospects for an open election process to choose Hong Kong’s next leader, reports the BBC.

The Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress explained its decision on Sunday, stating,
“the sovereignty, security and development interests of the country are at stake there is a need to proceed in a prudent and steady manner.”
The pro-democracy Occupy Central movement, based in Hong-Kong, condemned the decision and warned that conflict and unrest in society could intensify as a result.

“We are very sorry to say that today all chances of dialogue have been exhausted and the occupation of Central will definitely happen," the group said.

Ukraine needs weapons says head of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Russia calls for talks on 'statehood'

Aug 30, 2014
US Senator Robert Menendez has called for weapons to be provided to Ukraine to fight against a “direct invasion by Russia” as clashes continued in South-Eastern Ukraine.

Menendez, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told CNN,
"We should provide the Ukrainians with the type of defensive weapons that will impose a cost upon Putin for further aggression... This is no longer the question of some rebel separatists, this is a direct invasion by Russia. We must recognise it as that."
Speaking on the current situation, amid reports of the first naval clashes breaking out, Menendez added, that the option of sending arms to Ukraine was being discussed at the White House, saying,
"I think that may very well be on the table right now. These are changed circumstances."

Philippine peacekeepers escape from Golan Heights, Fijians detained by Al-Nusra Front

Aug 30, 2014
A group of 40 Philippine peacekeepers have escaped from Syrian Golan Heights, after being engaged in a seven hour long gun battle with militants from the Al-Nusra Front.

Their evacuation comes as the Al-Nusra Front, insurgents links to Al-Qaeda, confirmed that they were holding a group of 44 Fijian UN troops captive.

The Philippine peacekeepers were trapped at their United Nations encampment, which came under attack from the militants as they overran Syrian government controlled crossings in the area. The head of the Philippine armed forces, General Gregorio Pio Catapang, said, "We may call it the greatest escape," adding,
"Although they were surrounded and outnumbered, they held their ground for seven hours...We commend our soldiers for exhibiting resolve even while under heavy fire."

South Africa to work with Afrikaner self-determination groups

Aug 29, 2014
The acting South African President met with a delegation of the Boere-Afrikaner Volksraad group to discuss  Afrikaner self-determination on Thursday reports  TimesLive.co.za.

The group briefed Cyril Ramaphosa on its aim of self-determination for the Boere-Afrikaner and creation of an Afrikaner people's republic.

A government council statement said after the meeting that, "The almost two-hour long meeting at the Union Buildings took place with an open heart and good spirit."

Rouhani criticises new US sanctions on Iran

Aug 29, 2014

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has criticised new sanctions imposed by the US on the country as a “very ugly move”.

The president said Iran was still committed to continuing nuclear talks with the US and other countries, known as P5+1, despite the developments.

Almost half of all Syrians displaced says UN

Aug 28, 2014
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) called Friday for urgent action stating that almost half of all Syrians were displaced, with over 3 million having fled the country as refugees, whilst fighting continues across the country. 

"Almost half of all Syrians have now been forced to abandon their homes and flee for their lives. One in every eight Syrians has fled across the border, fully a million more than a year ago. A further 6.5 million are displaced within Syria. Over half of those uprooted are children," UNHCR said in a statement released on Friday.

NATO slams Russia’s ‘blatant violation’ of Ukraine’s sovereignty

Aug 28, 2014

NATO as accused Russia of breaching Ukraine’s sovereignty by directly supporting rebels in the east of the country.

Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, speaking after an emergency meeting with NATO ambassadors, said that "despite hollow denials", it was clear that Russian forces illegally crossed the border into Ukrainian territory.

"This is not an isolated action, but part of a dangerous pattern over many months to destabilise Ukraine as a sovereign nation," he said.

"This is a blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It defies all diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution."

Rasmussen called on Russia to halt all military action and supporting the rebels, and to take “immediate and verifiable steps towards de-escalation of this grave crisis".

Kurds recapture Mosul oil fields

Aug 28, 2014

Kurdish forces have recaptured three oil fields near the city of Mosul, which were overrun by Islamic State militants in recent weeks.

IS blew up the installations at Ain Zalah as they retreated from the Kurdish Peshmerga attack.

The US has been supporting the Peshmerga with air strikes, helping the Kurds to regain some of the ground lost to IS.

US places new sanctions on Iran

Aug 28, 2014
The US imposed new sanctions on companies and individuals for connection with Iran’s nuclear programme, evading previous US sanctions and supporting terrorism reports the BBC.

The US Under-Secretary for Terrorism and Financial intelligence in a statement said the sanctions reflected the  “continuing determination to take action against anyone, anywhere who violates our sanctions.”

Iran and world powers are working to reach a permanent agreement on resolving the nuclear dispute by the 24th of November 2015.
Boko Haram kills dozens in siezed Nigerian towns
China rules out open elections for Hong Kong Chief
Ukraine needs weapons says head of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Russia calls for talks on 'statehood'
Philippine peacekeepers escape from Golan Heights, Fijians detained by Al-Nusra Front
South Africa to work with Afrikaner self-determination groups
Rouhani criticises new US sanctions on Iran
Almost half of all Syrians displaced says UN
NATO slams Russia’s ‘blatant violation’ of Ukraine’s sovereignty
Kurds recapture Mosul oil fields
US places new sanctions on Iran