UN says Yemen faces famine +++ Syria towns face ‘catastrophe’ +++ Trump pours praise on China
News | 9 November 2017
Joanna King
UN says Yemen faces famine
The United Nations has warned that Yemen is facing the worst famine the world has seen in decades, unless the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels allows the delivery of aid supplies. The Saudi led coalition imposed a blockade of air, sea and land borders on Monday after Houthi rebels fired a missile at the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Amanda Catanzano is from the International Rescue Committee: “As of now humanitarian flights have been grounded. Workers are not able to get in and out of the country. Ships that were already in port have been barred from offloading lifesaving food and medical supplies.”
Syria towns face ‘catastrophe’
The Syrian army and its allies say they have captured Albu Kamal the last major town in Syria held by the Islamic State terror group. Meanwhile the UN humanitarian envoy to Syria, Jan Egeland, says 400,000 people besieged in a dozen towns near Damascus face “complete catastrophe.” He says people are dying from lack of medical evacuations.
Trump pours praise on China
As he continues his Asia tour, United States president Donald Trump in Beijing has praised president Xi Jinping, in contrast to his earlier criticism of China. Trump said previous US administrations are responsible for the fact that China now accounts for half of the US trade deficit. The two leaders have signed major business deals but there has been no significant progress in opening Chinese markets in sectors such as banking and technology.
Catalonia’s former MPs before Supreme Court
Six former members of Catalonia’s parliament, including the former speaker, are appearing before Spain's Supreme Court to answer charges of rebellion and sedition for their roles in staging the banned independence referendum last month. The court will decide whether to grant bail or detain them.
Austria’s new parliament sworn in
Austria's new parliament has been sworn in, at its constituent assembly following last month’s election. There has been controversy over the ÖVP’s decision to put forward its former general secretary Elisabeth Köstinger as parliamentary president. Critics say if she takes the role temporarily and later joins the expected ÖVP- FPÖ government, it downgrades what is the second highest office in the state.
Brexit talks enter 6th round
A sixth round of talks on Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union is underway in Brussels. EU officials have warned that time is running out, to resolve issues such as the financial settlement and citizens’ rights, if agreement is to be reached on moving to talks on the post Brexit relationship, as planned, at a summit in December.
The weather
Generally overcast and foggy. Top temperatures 3 to 12 degrees.
Gestaltung
- Joanna King