London, United Kingdom | AFP | The contest to replace Theresa May as Britain’s next leader formally got under way on Monday, with frontrunner Boris Johnson facing criticism from Paris over his Brexit plan and a key rival struggling to throw off a drugs scandal. Eleven candidates have declared their interest …
Read More »Pressure mounts on aviation industry over climate change.
Paris, France | AFP | Under pressure from frequent flyers alarmed over climate change, the airline industry says it is “hellbent” on reducing emissions — but the technology needed to drastically reduce its carbon footprint is still out of reach. In recent months climate activists have stepped up efforts to convince …
Read More »Goalkeeper turned rebel fighter dies in northwest Syria
Binnish, Syria | AFP | A Syrian goalkeeper turned rebel fighter who starred in an award-winning documentary died Saturday of wounds sustained fighting regime forces in northwestern Syria, his faction said. Abdel-Basset al-Sarout, 27, was among dozens of fighters killed since Thursday in clashes on the edges of the Idlib region. …
Read More »Britain’s smaller banks wallow in giants’ shadow.
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Computer meltdowns. Unexplained holes in accounting. Personnel management scandals. For smaller banks that want to compete with historic giants of global fame, UK finance has proven to be a minefield. When visiting their local branch or going online, Britons have struggled to break their habit …
Read More »EU states adopt ‘panda bonds’ in Chinese outreach.
Paris, France | AFP | EU members Hungary, Poland, Portugal and soon Austria are strengthening ties with China by issuing attractive “panda bonds” that help Beijing raise its profile on international financial markets. Italy might join the trend as well, despite EU concerns that China may be seeking a way to …
Read More »Huawei turns to Africa to offset US blacklist
Paris, France | AFP | As the US leads a drive for the West to shun Huawei over security fears, the Chinese tech giant has sought to strengthen its position in Africa, where it is already well-established. Huawei has taken a leading role in developing next-generation 5G mobile phone networks around the …
Read More »US, Mexico hammer out last-minute deal to curb migration, avoid tarif.
Washington, United States | AFP | The United States and Mexico reached an 11th-hour deal late Friday to crack down on migration from Central America, with President Donald Trump relenting on threats to slap potentially devastating tariffs on the neighboring country. With Trump ready to impose five percent tariffs on …
Read More »Queen honours ‘The Crown’ actress Olivia Colman.
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman, who will play Queen Elizabeth II in “The Crown”, was honoured by the monarch on Saturday for her services to British drama. Colman, 45, was awarded the CBE by the sovereign to mark her 93rd birthday, which is officially celebrated …
Read More »US gives Turkey to July 31 to backtrack on Russian missile deal.
Washington, United States | AFP | The United States on Friday gave Turkey until the end of July to abandon its purchase of a major Russian missile defense system, which Washington considers incompatible with Ankara’s participation in the F-35 fighter jet program. If by July 31 Turkey does not …
Read More »Crucial to life, oceans get chance in climate spotlight.
Paris, France, | AFP | Armed with better data than ever before, scientists have in recent months sounded the alarm over the rising pace of global warming and the parlous state of Nature. But there is another area of concern, one that covers two thirds of the planet and plays a …
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