French military join police to tackle latest ‘Yellow Vest’ protest
Reuters, Paris
French military forces joined police in Paris on Saturday to tackle the nineteenth consecutive weekend of “yellow vest” protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
Protesters were banned from gathering on the Champs Elysees after shops and businesses there were looted and wrecked last weekend, prompting the government to call in “Operation Sentinelle” military units.
Two blasts kill 4 in Afghanistan
Reuters, Lashkar Gah
Two explosions went off at a celebration in a stadium in the Afghan city of Lashkar Gah on Saturday, killing four people and wounding 31, government officials said. The blasts came during a Farmers Day celebration in the southern city that was attended by nearly 1,000 people.
The governor of Helmand province, Mohammad Yasin Khan, was knocked over by the blasts, but suffered only superficial injuries, a spokesman said. The blasts appeared to have been caused by planted explosives. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
Panama ex-president faces up to 21 years in jail
AFP, Panama City
Panama’s ex-president Ricardo Martinelli faces up to 21 years in jail for spying on political foes, reporters and business leaders while in power, prosecutors said Friday.
Martinelli created and directed “an organized state apparatus” for domestic espionage when in office from 2009-2014, said prosecutor Ricaurte Gonzalez. The then-president targeted about 150 individuals with illegal communications tapping – done with no court order, the prosecutor said.
Twin cyclones batter Australia
AFP, Sydney
A “very destructive” category 4 cyclone slammed into Australia’s remote northern coast on Saturday, while a second, equally powerful storm bore down on the country’s west.
Cyclone Trevor, pushing a huge storm tide and packing winds of up to 250 kilometres per hour (150 mph), made landfall on the sparsely populated Northern Territory coast near the Gulf of Carpentaria town of Port McArthur, national broadcaster ABC reported.
Italy, China sign new ‘Silk Road’ protocol
AFP, Rome
Italy signed Saturday a “non-binding”protocol with China to take part in Beijing’s new “Silk Road” of transport and trade links stretching from Asia to Europe.
Italy is the first G7 country to sign up for the massive project which has sparked unease in the US and the European Union as China aspires to greater world role.
