WORLD NEWS

World News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Rwandan genocide memorial in Nyamata (Fanny Schertzer) German prosecutors have arrested a German-Rwandan national on suspicion of complicity in genocide and 25 counts of murder during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda. The suspect, identified only as Innocent S. under German privacy rules, was arrested in the central German state of Hesse on Wednesday. According to Reuters,…

6 killed in Cairo clashes

At least 6 people have been killed in clashes in Cairo on Tuesday, as supporter of ousted President Mohamed Morsi, held a sit in.

Clashes across the country has left at least 9 people dead within the last 24 hours, as supporters and opponents of Morsi frequently fought runing street battles.

Meanwhile Morsi's party, the Mslim Brotherhood, reiterated it's stance that the "coup must be halted", in what marks Egypt's bloodiest period since at least 50 Morsi supporters were reportedly gunned down by Egyptian soldiers. More than 90 have been killed since Mors was ousted on July 3rd.

Burma releases 70 political prisoners

Almost 70 political prisoners were freed in Burma yesterday, following pledges by President Thein Sein to release those detained for opposing the government.

Though political prisoners are being released, worrying reports of the continuing imprisonment of peaceful protestors remain.

Family claims Morsi ‘abducted’ by army

The family of Mohammed Morsi, who was ousted in a coup from his presidency earlier this month, has claimed the army abducted him.

"We are taking local and international legal measures against Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, the leader of the bloody military coup, and his putschist group," his daughter Shaimaa Morsi told reporters in Cairo.

His son Osama Morsi said, that what is going on “is a violation of human rights and a scandal in every sense of the word," and said the family had no contact with the former president.

EU proscribes 'military wing' of Hezbollah

The European Union has proscribed the 'military wing' of Hezbollah, following a meeting with foreign ministers on Monday. Political and economic links between the EU and Lebanon will be maintained.

The British Foreign Secretary William Hague, said:
"In reaching this agreement, the EU has sent a clear message that it stands united against terrorism,"

"We will have to distinguish as best we can"

Need to do more to help Syrian opposition - Cameron

British Prime Minister David Cameron has stated that more must be done to help Syrian opposition forces, as he admitted that President Assad's government had been getting 'stronger' in recent months.

Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr show, the Prime Minister stated that the situation in Syria was "a very depressing picture" and the country was on "the wrong trajectory".

Whilst slamming President Assad as "a evil man", Cameron went on to add that there was "too much extremism" amongst the Syrian opposition. However, he continued,

M23 rebels receive support from Rwanda

The M23 rebels have summarily executed  44 people and raped at least 61 women since March 2013, reported Human Rights Watch.

US charges Belmokhtar over Algeria gas plant attack

Algerian militant leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar has been charged by US prosecutors over a siege at a gas plant earlier this year.

37 hostages were killed when Algerian security forces retook the Tigantourine complex from militants who had captured it a few days before, taking local and foreign workers hostage.

Belmokhtar is still at large and the US has offered $5mn reward for information leading to his arrest.

Kerry 'hopeful' on Israeli-Palestinian talks

Expressing cautious optimism on the Israeli-Palestinian talks, the US Secretary of State John Kerry, said that the groundwork had been laid for the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.

Speaking on Friday, Kerry said:
"I am pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement that establishes a basis for resuming direct final-status negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis."

Police chief sacked over Nauru refugee detention centre riots

Nauru's police commissioner was sacked at the height of a riot that destroyed a refugee detention centre on the island. The commissioner was allegedly sacked after telling the acting president of Nauru that he could not contain the riots.

More than 125 refugees were jailed on Saturday night after the violence, reportedly led by Iranian refugees angered by delays in claims processing and overcrowding at the facility.

Colombian army arrests Farc rebels after attack

A group of Farc rebels has been arrested by the Colombian army, after an ambush on troops left 15 soldiers dead.

Over 70 rebels attacked 26 soldiers who were guarding an oil pipeleine near the country’s border with Venezuela.

The Colombian government is currently in talks with Farc to end the conflict; however President Juan Manuel Santos has said the army will respond strongly, while the talks should continue as normal.