Swiss vote on whether to adopt the EU’s tighter gun rules
AP, Geneva
Swiss voters are casting ballots in a referendum to decide whether to enact new restrictions on guns and line up with Switzerland’s partners in the European visa-free travel zone who have already tightened gun rules following extremist attacks in Europe.
The proposal could require regular training on the use of firearms, special waivers for possession of some semi-automatic weapons and serial-numbering of major parts of some guns to help track them.
Bolivian President launches bid for
reelection to fourth term
AFP, Chimoré
Bolivian President Evo Morales launched his campaign Saturday for a fourth term, rejecting opposition allegations that he leads a corrupt and dictatorial government. Morales, 59, is Bolivia’s first indigenous president and is aiming to be reelected in October.
Bolivia’s 2009 constitution, promulgated by Morales himself, limits a president to two consecutive terms of office. A 2016 referendum saw Morales defeated in his bid to secure public support to remove term limits.
Saudi crown prince
discusses regional
dev with Pompeo
Reuters, Jeddah
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince discussed regional developments, including efforts to strengthen security and stability, in a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the Saudi Media Ministry tweeted on Sunday.
The announcement came hours after the Saudi king invited Gulf and Arab leaders to convene emergency summits to discuss the implications of this week’s attacks against oil installations in the kingdom and commercial ships off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
China’s top diplomat calls for US restraint on trade, Iran
Reuters, Shanghai
China’s senior diplomat Wang Yi told U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday that recent U.S. words and actions had harmed the interests of China and its enterprises, and that Washington should show restraint, China’s foreign ministry said.
Speaking to Pompeo by telephone, Wang said the United States should not go “too far” in the current trade dispute between the two sides, adding that China was still willing to resolve differences through negotiations, but they should be on an equal footing.
Malawi election goes down to the wire
AFP, Lilongwe
Malawi elects a new president Tuesday with no clear frontrunner, but incumbent Peter Mutharika hopes his record of improving infrastructure will help him overcome two serious challengers.
But while the largely agricultural country has seen rapid development in recent years, it is still dependent on foreign aid and Mutharika, 78, has been accused of corruption and mismanagement.
