World powers agree new push for Libya peace
Berlin: World leaders committed to ending all foreign meddling in Libya’s civil war at a Berlin summit on Sunday, and to uphold a weapons embargo as part of a broader plan to end the long-running conflict. The Presidents of Russia, Turkey and France were among global chiefs signing up to the agreement to stop interfering in the war — be it through weapons, troops or financing. But the talks failed to deliver “serious dialogue” between warring parties — strongman Khalifa Haftar and the head of Tripoli’s UN-recognised Government Fayez al-Sarraj — or to get both sides to sign up to a permanent truce.
Imran Khan to meet Trump at WEF in Davos
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump will meet this week on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the Foreign Office announced on Monday.
Spain walloped by heavy snow, rain, gales
Madrid: Heavy snow, rain and gale-force winds lashed many parts of Spain on Monday, killing at least two people and prompting five provinces to go on top emergency alert. The storm forced the closure of Alicante Airport and some 30 roads in the eastern region.
UK looks to Africa for trade ties after Brexit
London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Harry touted the UK as an ideal business partner for Africa on Monday as their country prepares for post-Brexit dealings with the world. But Britain faces tough challenges as it seeks to assert itself on a continent with several of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and one whose youthful 1.2 billion population is set to double by 2050.
Putin submits reform plan to lawmakers
Moscow: President Vladimir Putin moved quickly on Monday to push through an overhaul of Russia’s political system that has fuelled speculation he plans to hold on to power when his term expires. Less than a week after announcing the reforms, Putin on Monday submitted a bill with the package of constitutional amendments to lawmakers.