Terrorists attack church in Cairo +++ China rejects accusations on oil embargo

29. Jänner 2018, 02:00

Terrorists attack church in Cairo

Egyptian authorities say at least five people have been killed in an attack on a church in Helwan south of Cairo, and five others injured. Security sources say at least three police officers were killed before one of the gunmen who was wearing an explosive belt was shot dead by other officers. A major operation is underway in the hunt for a second gunman who escaped the attack.

China rejects accusations on oil embargo 

China has strongly rejected accusations that it has allowed the illegal transfer of oil to North Korea. South Korean authorities have announced that they are holding a Hong Kong-registered ship for allegedly violating UN sanctions by supplying oil to North Korea, in a ship to ship transfer in international waters in October. US president Trump has accused China of involvement in the transfer.

Fierce fighting continues in northwest Syria

Reports from Syria say at least 66 people have been killed in the past 24 hours in fighting in the northwest between rebels and government forces backed by their Russian allies. 19 civilians died in one air strike between Idlib and Hama. Meanwhile the International Red Cross says it hopes to be able to resume evacuations to hospitals in Damascus from the rebel-held suburb of eastern Ghouta. Dr. Mohamad Katoub who has been involved in evacuation negotiations says people’s survival should never be subject to deals: “This has not to be under deals. This is a right of freedom of movement, access to health care is basic human rights.”

FPÖ rejects boycott call

Austria’s far right Freedom party has strongly criticised an appeal published in the French newspaper Le Monde by prominent politicians and rights activists calling for a boycott of its ministers in the new government. The signatories, including former French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner and Indonesian Nobel prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta said the FPÖ is the heir of Nazi ideology. The FPÖ has said all its ministers are honourable political personalities.

Weah wins Liberia presidency

The former international football star George Weah has won Liberia's presidential election with more than 60% of the vote. He succeeds Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Liberia's first democratic handover in decades.

S. Africa court rules on Zuma scandal

South Africa's Constitutional Court has ruled that parliament failed to hold President Jacob Zuma to account over a scandal related to a state-funded 16 million dollar upgrade to his private residence. It says parliament must launch proceedings that could remove Zuma from office.

The Weather

Mainly sunny. Cloud in the west toward evening. Top temperatures minus 3 to plus 5 degrees.

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