Army seizes control in Zimbabwe +++ Lebanon accuses Riyadh over Hariri

16. Dezember 2017, 02:00

Army seizes control in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s army has seized control of the state broadcaster in the capital, Harare, and deployed armoured vehicles near government buildings but has denied mounting a coup. Explosions and shooting were heard in the city overnight, the streets are since reported to be calm. South African president Jacob Zuma says he has spoken to president Robert Mugabe who told him he is safe but under house arrest. The events were sparked by the sacking by Mugabe last week of vice-president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, a long-time ally of the president and member of the ruling Zanu PF. Analysts have said the aim of the military is to ensure Mnangagwa succeeds Mugabe, rather than Mugabe’s wife Grace. Eddie Cross from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change says many Zimbabweans may welcome the army’s move: “Emmerson comes to power fully understanding what he’s got to do. He’s got to repair his relationship with the international community. He’s got to change economic policies. He’s got to restore the rule of law. I think he’s willing to do it. If he does deliver, he will be able to put Zimbabwe back on its feet.”
 

Lebanon accuses Riyadh over Hariri

Lebanon’s president Michel Aoun has accused Saudi Arabia of detaining prime minister Saad Hariri and his family, in an escalation of tensions after Hariri announced his resignation from Riyadh almost two weeks ago. Hariri on Twitter has said he intends to return to Lebanon. France has said it is sending its foreign minister to Riyadh to meet Hariri.

Afghanistan opium production at record levels

A joint survey by the Afghan government and the United Nation shows that opium production in Afghanistan has increased by nearly 90 percent this year, compared to last year. Opium production stands at record levels.
 

Australia votes for gay marriage

Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says his government hopes to pass a bill legalising same-sex marriage by the end of the year, after 62 percent of Australians voted in favour, in a non-binding postal vote. Nearly 80% of eligible voters took part in the poll.
 

China sends envoy to Pyongyang

China is sending a high level official to North Korea tomorrow. The visit by Song Tao, the head of the Communist party’s external affairs department, comes days after Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted US president Trump, and discussed how to deal with North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic programmes.

Venezuela signs debt deal in Moscow

Russia and Venezuela have signed a debt restructuring deal in Moscow. A Venezuelan official said the deal covers 3 billion dollars’ worth of debts to Moscow. The international credit ratings agency Standard & Poor's has declared Venezuela to be in selective default.

The weather

Mainly sunny with patches of fog and cloud in central regions and the south east. Top temperatures 2 to 10 degrees.

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