UN chief rejects Yemen president’s accusation of bias
AFP, Dubai
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has assured Yemen’s leader that the world body will remain impartial in efforts to resolve the country’s conflict, rejecting accusations that its envoy was siding with rebels.
The pledge came in a letter from Guterres to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who had accused the UN special envoy to Yemen of impartiality. “I would like to assure you that every effort will be made to maintain the impartial stance that is expected of the United Nations,” while implementing a ceasefire agreement, Guterres said in the letter seen by AFP on Sunday.
Israel restores Gaza fishing zone to ease humanitarian crisis
AFP, Jerusalem
Israel said it eased on Sunday fishing restrictions off the blockaded Gaza Strip with the aim of preventing a deterioration in humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian enclave.
The move came just three days after Israel had reduced the offshore fishing limits in response to Palestinians floating balloons fitted with incendiaries over the border. COGAT, the defence ministry unit that oversees such regulations, said the fishing zone was being “expanded to 15 nautical miles,” back up from 10.
Ten dead in China after ship leaks gas
AFP, Beijing
At least ten people died and 19 were injured after carbon dioxide leaked from a cargo ship’s fire prevention system in eastern China, local officials said Sunday.
The gas leak occurred at 4:00 pm (0800 GMT) Saturday at Longyan Port in Weihai, eastern Shandong province, the local government said through its official Twitter-like Weibo account. The injured are receiving medical treatment and their condition is stable, the statement said.
Papua New Guinea PM resigns
AFP, Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill resigned on Sunday, media reports said, following a string of high-profile political defections that threatened his leadership. O’Neill, who had been in power since 2011, handed over the reins to Julius Chan, who has twice been prime minister, PNG broadcaster EMTV reported. Yemen’s Houthis Launch Drone Strike On Saudi’s Jizan Airport: Report
Six killed in Mexican navy copter crash
AFP, Mexico City
Six people, including five members of the Mexican Navy, died when their helicopter crashed during operations to put out forest fires, President Andr’s Manuel L¢pez Obrador said Saturday. The crash occurred in a remote, hilly area of the north-central state of Queretaro on Friday. The MI-17 helicopter, which took off from Valle Verde in the neighboring state of San Luis Potosi, was carrying a helibucket with 2,500 liters (660 gallons) of water to fight a fire, the navy said earlier.
