Tag Archives: politics

Istanbul, Turkey | AFP | Turkey and Russia are inching towards an accord for the first major Turkish weapons purchase from Moscow, troubling Ankara’s allies in NATO even though the deal may not ultimately materialise. According to Turkish and Russian officials, all preparations have been made for the purchase of a …

Washington, United States | AFP | The US Justice Department has confirmed there is no evidence to back up President Donald Trump’s claim that his predecessor Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower during the 2016 election campaign. “Both FBI and NSD (National Security Division) confirm that they have no records related to …

Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | A long-running corruption scandal in South Africa has embroiled President Jacob Zuma, senior ministers and the wealthy Indian Gupta brothers — but now Zuma’s own son has taken centre-stage. Duduzane Zuma, a 35-year-old businessman with a playboy reputation, is alleged to be the key contact …

Libreville, Gabon | AFP |  Gabon on Sunday announced a ban on opposition leaders, including former top African Union official Jean Ping, from leaving the country in what it said was a “temporary, administrative measure”. “This measure follows inflammatory comments by Jean Ping on August 18 when he called for …

Luanda, Angola | AFP | Four opposition parties in Angola on Sunday called for a recount in last week’s general election, alleging “irregularities” during the vote that kept the ruling party in power. The MPLA party of former president Jose Eduardo Dos Santos won just over 61 percent of the …

Moscow, Russia | AFP | Russia on Sunday demanded the US rethink its shuttering of Moscow’s diplomatic premises, insisting Washington bore sole responsibility for worsening ties after the “hostile act”. “We consider what has happened as an openly hostile act and a gross violation of international law by Washington,” the foreign …

Vatican City, Holy See | AFP | Pope Francis visits Colombia next week on the latest in a series of emotionally charged trips to his home region of Latin America. Here are five key challenges that the Argentine pope has confronted in a continent stricken by poverty and crime: – Colombian …

Washington, United States | AFP |  It is an elegant tradition: the outgoing US president leaves a letter for his successor in the aged oaken desk in the Oval Office, to be read upon his arrival. The letter left by Barack Obama for Donald Trump, revealed some seven months after …

Venice, Italy | AFP |Hollywood stars George Clooney and Julianne Moore on Saturday weighed in on the debate raging in the United States over statues and other symbols of the pro-slavery side in the American Civil War. The pair spoke out on the issue at the Venice film festival, where …

Washington, United States | AFP | US President Donald Trump has announced a series of ambassador nominations to key capitals, including Berlin and New Delhi, more than seven months after taking office. In a statement released late Friday, the White House announced Trump intends to nominate Richard Grenell to be ambassador …