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Showing posts from September, 2014

EU retains sanctions against Russia

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The European Union, EU, on Tuesday decided to keep in place biting economic sanctions on Russia over its alleged backing of pro-Kremlin insurgents, who have largely ignored a four-week Ukrainian truce, reports AFP. The bloc's announcement came just moments before North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO, reported the continued presence of "hundreds" of elite Russian soldiers in the war-torn former Soviet nation's separatist east.

`I can’t go to jail over NFA election ----Sports Minister

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( Nigeria ) The Minister of Sports, Tammy Danagogo, said he won’t go to jail following the commencement of contempt proceedings in court against Tuesday’s conduct of Nigeria Football Association, NFA, board elections in Warri, Delta State . Danagogo’s comment comes on the heels of the court order which restrained the NFA and its agents from going ahead with the election.

Pinnick emerges new NFA chairman

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( Nigeria ) Mr Amaju Pinnick has been elected as the new Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association, NFA, following Tuesday’s board election in Warri, Delta State . Pinnick emerged after a keenly contested election that also had former NFA secretary-general Taiwo Ogunjobi and former NFA vice chairman Mike Umeh, in the race.

ALGON urges Jonathan’s to stop governors’ meddling in local governments

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( Nigeria ) The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, on Tuesday in Abuja urged President Goodluck Jonathan to help stop “unnecessary interference'' in local government administration in the country. The National President of ALGON, Mr Ozo Okafor, who led a delegation of the association on a courtesy visit to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, made the call while speaking State House correspondents. Okafor said that the association was disturbed by the ``overbearing influence'' of some state governors which, he said, had impeded development at the grassroots.

DSS to appeal judgment asking it to pay El-Rufai N2m

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( Nigeria ) The Department of State Services, DSS, on Tuesday said it would appeal the court judgment asking it to pay former FCT Minister, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, N2 million over alleged illegal detention. A Federal High Court sitting in Akwa, Anambra State , had also asked the service to apologise to El- Rufai. In a statement by its spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, in Abuja , the DSS said that although it held the service, the Judiciary and its sanctity in high esteem, it would appea the judgment.

Senate Committee on INEC expresses reservation over additional polling units

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( Nigeria ) The Chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Sen. Andy Uba, has expressed the committee’s reservations over planned creation of additional polling units across the country. Uba told newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday that although the committee was not questioning INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega's decision to create additional polling units, the timing was wrong.

AMCON appeals order vacating its take over of Bi-Courtney, MM2

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( Nigeria ) Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria , AMCON on Tuesday appealed against an order of the Federal High Court in Lagos , which vacated an earlier order which granted it to take over assets of Bi-Courtney Group, owned by Mr Wale Babalakin, SAN. Justice Ibrahim Buba, had on September 29, upturned an order  by Justice Okon Abang for AMCON to take over assets of Wale Babalakin, SAN, Chairman of Bi-Courtney Group.

Russia denies plans to introduce capital controls

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Russia's Central Bank says it isn't planning to put limits on investors' ability to pull money out of the country, a statement meant to assuage market fears that have seen the ruble tumble in recent weeks, reports AP. The regulator said in a terse statement Tuesday it's "not considering any restrictions on cross-border capital flows."

Court jails 3 Boko Maram members 25 years for terrorism acts

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( Nigeria ) Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, sentenced three alleged Boko Haram members, to 25 years imprisonment each, for acts of terrorism. The three convicts were among 17 accused who were earlier charged before the court on November 27, 2013. The 17 accused were: Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Usman, Bala Haruna, Idris Ali, Mohammed Murtala, Kadiri Mohammed, Mustapha Daura, Abba Duguri, Sanni Adamu, Danjuma Yahaya, Musa Audu, Mati Daura, Farouk Haruna, Abdullahi Azeez, Ibrahim Bukar and Zula Diani.

APC faults INEC for not stopping PDP political rallies

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( Nigeria ) The All Progressives Congress, APC, has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for acting too little, too late by issuing a warning on illegal public political broadcast and campaign, saying INEC's belated action is highly suspicious. APC in a statement in London on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said INEC's action, coming after the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan have been campaigning endlessly for the 2015 elections, can only be to the disadvantage of other candidates and political parties.

Mother, son jailed for child trafficking:

(Nigeria ) A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has sentenced a mother and her son to three months imprisonment for attempted child trafficking. In her judgment, Justice Victoria Agishi, granted the accused persons an option to pay N20,000 fines each. Agishi held that ``in consideration and having been aware of the incidence of sickness, I have decided to tamper justice with mercy.

German to reforms security measures at refugee facilities

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The many asylum seekers who had travelled to Germany for safety "need humane care...the assaults [that occurred earlier this week] are the opposite of human dignity," Ralf Jäger, the interior minister of the North Rhine Westphalia, NRW, told reporters in a press conference on Tuesday, reports DW. Germany was shocked this week when a scandal emerged surrounding housing facilities for asylum seekers, pointing to human rights abuses.

Syria accuses US of double-standard in fighting terrorism

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Syria 's Deputy Prime Minister Walid Al-Moualem, has accused the United States of using double-standard policy in fighting terrorism at a high-level, reports Xinhua. Al-Moualem made the accusation during a debate on Tuesday in New York . He said that there had not been any serious move to implement the United Nations Security Council resolution decided in August to cut financial sources to extremist groups in Syria and Iraq . He said that some of the regional states were still providing all kinds of support to these terrorist organisations.

Hong Kong protesters pledged to step up their march

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Hong Kong 's leader has said the government will not back down in the face of pro-democracy street demonstrations. Organisers have pledged to step up their protests unless their demands are met. Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying on Tuesday called on the demonstrators to end their protests, accusing the main group behind the pro-democracy rallies, Occupy Central of being "out of control," reports DW.

Oshiomhole commissions lecture theatres at AAU

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(Nigeria) Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has commissioned two 500-seating capacity lecture theatres and a block of lecturers’ offices at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The governor has, meanwhile, threatened to revoke the contract for the completion of the Administrative block of the University, if the contractor fails to complete the project on schedule.

Genocide: Court upholds life terms for Rwanda ex- party bosses

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The United Nations-backed tribunal for Rwanda on Monday upheld the life sentences for two former heads of the ex-ruling party for genocide crimes committed in 1994, reports AFP. Matthieu Ngirumpatse and Edouard Karemera, the former chairman and deputy of Rwanda's then-ruling National Revolutionary Movement for Development, had been handed life terms in 2011.

Lesotho police investigate own officers over coup killing

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Lesotho's police force is investigating some of its own officers for their possible role in an attempted military coup that left one policeman dead, senior commissioners have told AFP. At least two officers are being investigated as part of a wider treason and murder inquiry, suggesting the putsch -- which forced the prime minister to flee to South Africa -- may be broader and more intricately planned than first thought.

Niger Speaker wanted over baby trafficking case

Authorities in Niger have issued an arrest warrant for the country's speaker of parliament in connection with a baby trafficking scandal, his lawyers said Monday, reports AFP. A judge issued the arrest warrant on Friday, said Me Souley Oumarou, an attorney for the speaker, Hama Amadou, who had fled to France.

Synagogue building collapse investigation: Fashola calls for patience

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(Nigeria) Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Monday said the government will follow due process in the investigation of the September 12 building collapse at the Synagogue Church of Nations in Ikotun, Lagos. Fashola made the statement while receiving members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners in Ikeja. He said the government would not yield to pressure from some  Nigerians, who wanted immediate action on the incident but  would act methodically on the issue.

Chris Giwa board warns NFA of consequence of disobeying court order

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(Nigeria) The Nigeria Football Association, NFA, have been served with “Form 48,” notifying the association that the court will commence contempt proceedings against, if it conduct the September 30 board election slated for Warri, Delta State, reports NAN.  The notice of contempt was pasted at the entrance of the football secretariat.

N50bn debt: Babalakin, Agbakoba exchanged hot words in court

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(Nigeria) Dr Olisa Agbakoba, former  President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA,  and Chairman of Bi-Courtney Group, Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN, on Monday exchanged hot words at the premises of the Federal High Court in Lagos at the continued hearing of a debt recovery suit between Babalakin and the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON. Agbakoba and Babalakin, almost exchanged blows but for the prompt intervention of other lawyers, including Wale Akoni, SAN and Abiodun Layonu, SAN.

Russians support retaliatory measures against Western sanctions

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Most Russians (84 percent) approve the measures that Moscow introduced last month in retaliation to Western sanctions, saying they are expected to boost the domestic economic development, a new study revealed on Monday, reports Itar-Tass. The study, People and Sanctions, which was presented at a press conference hosted by ITAR-TASS, has been prepared by Russia’s Center for Political Analysis based on opinion polls provided by the leading sociological agencies.

Russia probing killing of Russian speakers in south-eastern Ukraine

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Russia’s Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal case on mass killing of the Russian-speaking population in the embattled southeast of Ukraine, the committee’s spokesman Vladimir Markin said Monday, reports Itar-Tass. “The Main Investigative Directorate of the Russian Investigative Committee has launched criminal proceedings on the genocide of the Russian-speaking population living in the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s republics [Article 357 of Russia’s Criminal Code],” Markin said.

OSCE observers inspect another mass grave in eastern Ukraine

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Monitors of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE, have visited another mass grave discovered in eastern Ukraine at sites where Ukrainian troops had been stationed, a report of the OSCE monitoring mission in Ukraine for September 27-28 on the OSCE website says, reports Itar-Tass. Mass graves found on Ukrainian National Guard positions in eastern Ukraine .

Environmental nuisance : Lagos agency siezes 35 rams

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( Nigeria ) Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, Brigade on Monday impounded 35 rams, which they had taken from a makeshift selling point  in Agege area of the state, reports NAN . About 20 KAI officials had stormed the stall and took the rams one after the other into their truck before they drove to their office, Alausa.

Israel says Palestinian leader not interested in peace

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Israel's foreign minister said Monday it's clear that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has no intention of making peace with Israel, calling his speech to world leaders last week "a message of hatred and incitement," reports AP. Avigdor Lieberman also questioned Abbas' legitimacy to speak on behalf of the Palestinian people, saying he doesn't control the Gaza Strip, where Hamas remains in charge of security and elections have been postponed for more than four years.

Lufthansa pilots call for walkouts

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Lufthansa pilots turned up the pressure on management in a dispute over early retirement provisions Monday by calling a fourth day of walkouts, the latest challenge to cost-cutting at Europe 's older airlines, reports AFP. Just a day after pilots at French flag carrier Air France ended their longest-ever strike, Lufthansa pilots announced nearly a full-day of stoppages on long-haul flights out of Frankfurt for Tuesday.

Stop LGs from collecting radio, TV levies, RATTAWU tells FG

( Nigeria ) Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers Union, RATTAWU, on Monday urged the Federal Government to stop local government councils from collecting radio and television levies. Speaking with NAN in Abuja , RATTAWU President, Mr Oluyemisi Bamgbose said that this will bring to an end the incessant harassment of citizens and motorists in the country. He said it was wrong for the 1999 constitution to have empowered local government councils to collect the levies, saying that the constitution should be amended.

Nollywood to release film 'October 1'

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(Nigeria ) The Nigerian film industry, ‘Nollywood,’ on Monday said it will  release ``a must watch film,” titled titled “October 1,” a dark psychological thriller film for Nigeria 's independence anniversary. The movie  “October 1,” is slated to be released and featured in Nigerian theatres, cinemas and viewing locations from October 1, which is Nigeria ’s 54th anniversary.

Get your act together, Siasia tells NFA

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( Nigeria ) A former Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Samson Siasia, on Monday called on the Nigeria Football Association, NFA, to get their act together ahead of its election on Sept. 30 in Warri, Delta State . Siasia told NAN in Lagos that the contentious issues and challenges bedeviling the association should be resolved in the interest of the sport.

Ferguson shooting: Council demands high fees to release files

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  Bureaucrats in Ferguson, Missouri, responding to requests under the state's Sunshine Act to turn over government files about the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown, are charging nearly 10 times the cost of some of their own employees' salaries before they will agree to release any records, reports AP. The move discourages journalists and civil rights groups from investigating the shooting and its aftermath. The city has demanded high fees to produce copies of records that, under Missouri law, it could give away free if it determined the material was in the public's interest to see. Instead, in some cases, the city has demanded high fees with little explanation or cost breakdown. It billed The Associated Press $135 an hour — for nearly a day's work — merely to retrieve a handful of email accounts since the shooting.

Funding, a major obstacle to film making - Nollywood producer

( Nigeria ) A Nigerian Movie Producer, Mr Elvis Obaseki, on Monday said Nigerian filmmakers were faced with the major challenge of funding. Obaseki spoke to NAN in Abuja that the inability of film makers to access corporate funding was a major challenge for the industry. The movie producer said that some filmmakers run into financial challenges during production which affects the quality and quantity of movies produced.

Pro-democracy protesters paralyze Hong Kong

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Hong Kong remains paralyzed as tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in protest. With Britain now weighing in, China is keeping a close eye on the swelling democracy movement, reports DW. With tens of thousands in the streets of Hong Kong on Monday, blocking major intersections and prompting authorities to "withdraw" riot police, China has officially voiced its opposition to the situation in the semiautonomous region.

EU experts examine mass graves in Donetsk

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Leaders of some European non-governmental organisations have visited the recently discovered burial places near eastern Ukraine's Donetsk, reports Itar-Tass. They said they examined burial places at the Kommunar coalmine and others on September 28. They also saw photographs taken at the sites directly when buried bodies were discovered.

Oritsejafor, Oyakhilome, Joshua: Let God be judge, group tells Nigerians

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( Nigeria ) The Nigerian Women in Clergy, WIC, a faith-based women group, has expressed concerns over the spate of criticisms surrounding Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Prophet TB Joshua and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome by some Nigerians. President of the group, Mrs Nonnie Robertson in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said they were worried about the kind of comments made by Nigerians about the activities of the three clergymen, urging Nigerians to rather reflect more on issues plaguing the country.

Ekiti: SERAP wants UN intervention on attack on courts, judges

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( Nigeria ) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has asked Ms Gabriela Knaul, the United Nations, UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to “use your good offices and position to urgently investigate recent reports of attack on courts and judges in Ekiti State of Nigeria, and to make it very clear to the Nigerian government that your mandate will not accept intimidation, harassment or any form of attacks against judges and other actors of the justice system.” SERAP in the petition by its Executive Director, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, said “Apart from violating the rights of the judges to personal dignity and security, the attacks also constitute a threat to the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and the entire justice system. The attacks amount to improper interferences and pressures on the judiciary, and can undermine the smooth function of justice, public’s confidence in the rule of law, effective enjoyment of human rights, a

PDP ready to receive Gov. Mimiko ----Elegbeleye

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( Nigeria ) The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State said on Sunday that it had set up a nine-man committee to liaise with the national leadership of the party to persuade and ensure that Governor Olusegun Mimiko defected to the PDP. A chieftain of the PDP, Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye, said this to newsmen at Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State on Sunday on the outcome of the meeting of the Ondo North senatorial district of the party.

Ebola has killed more than 3,000 people ----WHO

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More than 3,000 people have died from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, as the deadly virus showed signs of spreading in the region, according to Pakistan Today. In an update, the United Nations health agency said 3,091 people had died of confirmed, suspected or probable cases of Ebola. A total of 6,574 cases have been reported.

Liberia's top doctor under Ebola quarantine

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Liberia 's chief medical authority has placed herself in quarantine following the Ebola death of her deputy, health officials and humanitarian sources said on Sunday, reports AFP. Dr Bernice Dahn, who is also a deputy health minister, opted to put herself in isolation after her assistant died of the infectious disease on Thursday.

23 militants, 7 civilians killed in Pakistan unrest

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No fewer than 23 militants and seven civilians have been killed in northwest Pakistan in attacks on rebel hideouts, a checkpoint clash and a motorcycle bombing, officials said Sunday, reports AFP. The deaths occurred during attacks on Taliban hideouts by Pakistani jets, a United States drone strike, a gunfight at a security forces checkpoint and the bombing at a camp for displaced people.

Britain, Ireland call talks to break N. Ireland deadlock

Britain and Ireland are to revive talks between nationalist and unionist parties in Northern Ireland to resolve a standoff that has at times threatened to topple the power-sharing administration, reports AFP. The two countries announced on Sunday a new round of discussions would be convened to break deadlock over the divisive issues of flags, parades and dealing with the region's troubled past.

Donetsk militias, Ukraine exchange prisoners

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Militias of the proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and Ukrainian military exchanged prisoners on Sunday. DPR released 30 people, while Kiev - 60. Earlier, the militia told Ukraine that the upcoming exchange of prisoners of war should be organised on the 29-for-29 basis, representative of the Republic’s committee on prisoners of war Darya Morozova said on Sunday, reports Itar-Tass. “The Ukrainian side is ready to release to the Donetsk Republic 60 prisoners of war, but according to the data we have only 29 people are militias taken prisoners.”

Oshiomhole tasks royal fathers on crude oil theft

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(Nigeria) Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State , has appealed to royal fathers in the South-South to help check the menace of crude oil theft in the region. The governor made the appeal, when he received the South-South Monarchs at the Government House, Benin City , said “I think your Royal Majesties have a role to play to lend your voice against oil theft because that is destabilizing the country and creating huge environmental challenges which we will confront when we may not have the resources to do so.

Jonathan's endorsement: Rivers group faults Arewa youths

( Nigeria ) The Rivers State Patriotic Youth Assembly, RSYPA, has called on the Arewa Youth Leaders and Stakeholders to be downright in addressing issues concerning internal party politics in the country. President of RSYPA, Mr Joseph Itenyi, who made the call on Sunday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in a reaction to a statement by the Arewa Youths in which the group condemned the collective endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan as the sole candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said: "I see the position of the Arewa youths as less informed because a collective decision of a political party to present any candidate as the PDP has done is as good as an election.

NMA urges Lagos to pay withheld emoluments of doctors

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( Nigeria ) The Nigerian Medical Association,  NMA, Lagos State Chapter, on Sunday appealed to the Lagos State Government to pay the withheld emoluments of doctors in its employment. The Chairman of the association, Dr Tope Ojo, made the appeal at a news briefing in Lagos . Ojo said that it was worrisome that the Lagos State Government withheld the emoluments of its doctors for the month of August and September 2014 as a result of the July 1 NMA nationwide strike.

Lagos PDP disown suit against Jonathan

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(Nigeria) The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Lagos State on Sunday disowned Mr Adejumo Agbaje, who filed a suit challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2015 general polls. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Taofik Gani, the PDP said Agbaje was not a consequential member or leader of the party in the state. Agbaje along with some persons parading themselves as PDP members had filed a suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/662/2014 challenging the eligibility of Jonathan in seeking re-election in 2015.

Gaza war impact negatively on Israel's tourism industry

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It was supposed to be a record-breaking year for tourist visits to Israel . But all that changed when the 50-day war between Israel and Hamas prompted jittery travelers to cancel trips en masse, leaving empty hotel rooms and barren tourist sites in their wake, reports AP. The summertime fighting delivered a serious hit to Israel 's thriving tourism industry, causing losses of hundreds of millions of dollars and sparking concern that aftershocks may continue well after the war. "Our challenge is how to prevent more cancelations. Despite a month having passed since the war, there is still an image among tourists that it is not safe to travel here," said Oded Grofman of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association.

New burial site found in Donetsk

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Militias in the Donetsk People’s Republic, DPR, have found another burial site near Donetsk, DPR First Vice-Premier Andrei Purgin said on Sunday, reports Itar-Tass. The mass grave was found near the village of Nizhnyaya Krynka where a battalion of the Ukrainian National Guard had been stationed two weeks ago. “Another burial site has been discovered. It is located near the village of Nizhnyaya Krynka. Exhumation will help establish how many bodies are there and how these people died,” Purgin said.

Iran state TV accuses BBC trying to steal from 'archives'

Iranian state television has accused the BBC of trying to steal "artistic, historic and cultural documents" from government archives in the Islamic Republic, reports AP. The BBC had no immediate comment on the claim, coming in a report aired Sunday, though Iran has a history of accusing the British broadcaster as operating as a cover for spies and dissidents.

Guy activists march in Serbia

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Waving rainbow-colored flags, several hundred gay activists proceeded undisturbed through downtown Belgrade on Sunday thanks to the protection of thousands of anti-riot police officers, reports DW. The march advanced for only several hundred meters through the empty Belgrade streets where shops were closed and public transport was stopped. Still, it was important symbolically as a rare public event staged by gays in this highly conservative Balkan country.

Gov Amaechi receives Pride of Emohua title

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(Nigeria) In recognition of his people-oriented projects in the past seven years of his administration, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has been honoured by the people of Emohua Kingdom with a Chieftaincy title of “Ugwugwu of Emohua"(the Pride of Emohua). The governor also received accolades from the people for his uncommon achievements in terms of infrastructure and manpower development.

Oshiomhole accuses FG of illegal deductions from Federation Account

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(Nigeria) Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has accused the Federal Government of making illegal deductions from the Federation Account, which has led to the pauperization of states. He called on the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, to speak up  against such illegalities and many others being perpetrated by the Federal Government if democracy must grow in the country. Speaking while playing host to Mr Augustine Alegeh, SAN, President of the NBA at Government House in Benin, Oshiomhole, said that the NBA must find time to speak out not only on rule of law but also on political issues without necessarily being partisan.

Police tear gas pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong

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Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong have brought parts of the city center to a standstill. Police have used tear gas to disperse crowds calling for more political freedom from Beijing . Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters on Sunday surrounded a government enclave and blocked streets in central Hong Kong in an escalation of the demonstrations that the city has experienced over the past days, reports DW.

APC accuses FG of playing politics with Chibok girls' plight

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( Nigeria ) The All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the President Goodluck Jonathan administration of seeking to negotiate the timing of the release of the Chibok girls to create a maximum public relations boost for itself, rather than out of a genuine concern for the girls who are now in their sixth month in captivity. APC in a statement in London on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the clearest evidence of the government's manipulation of the girls' release came during President Goodluck Jonathan's recent visit to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

Obama wants more countries to join fight Ebola outbreak

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The world is not doing enough to combat Ebola outbreak and more countries need to contribute critical assets and capabilities to contain the epidemic, United States . President Barack Obama said on Thursday, reports Xinhua. "In an era when regional crises can quickly become global threats, stopping Ebola is in the interests of the entire world," Obama said at a United Nations high-level meeting on Ebola, warning that this disease could cause a humanitarian catastrophe across West Africa .