Reuters, Washington
US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, dealing a blow to the Republican Party just months ahead of pivotal congressional elections, said on Wednesday he will not seek re-election to Congress in November and will relinquish his leadership post at the start of 2019.
Ryan, who portrayed his decision as one driven by wanting to spend more time with his family, has had a rocky relationship with Republican President Donald Trump. Asked to what degree Trump’s presidency influenced his decision not to seek re-election, Ryan said, “Not at all.”
Six ministers quit Lanka’s unity govt
Xinhua, Colombo
Six Sri Lankan ministers tendered their resignations to President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday, stating they were unable to continue work in the nation’s unity government.
The six ministers were from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which is led by President Sirisena.
The SLFP is a coalition partner in the unity government along with the ruling United National Party which is led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Erdogan, Trump speak about Syria in phone call
AFP, Istanbul
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US counterpart Donald Trump discussed the crisis in Syria during a telephone conversation late on Wednesday, officials said.
Erdogan and Trump “exchanged views on the latest developments in Syria,” a Turkish presidential source said, without providing further details.
S Arabia intercepts missile over Riyadh
Reuters, Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s air defence forces intercepted a ballistic missile over Riyadh on Wednesday, state media said, after at least three blasts were heard and three clouds of smoke were seen in the sky above the capital.
Yemen’s Houthis has stepped up missile attacks on the kingdom in what it says is retaliation for air raids by a Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-aligned armed movement.
