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By Daphne Psaledakis and Michelle Nichols WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Thursday sought to facilitate Russian food and fertilizer exports by reassuring banks, shipping and insurance companies that such transactions would not breach Washington’s sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Enabling those Russian exports is a key part of attempts by the …

As Ukraine grain deal emerges, U.S. aims to ease concerns over Russia sanctions Read More »

LONDON (Reuters) – Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey pleaded not guilty to accusations of sex offences dating back almost 20 years in a London court on Thursday. Spacey clearly said “not guilty” when five charges were put to him at London’s Old Bailey central criminal court. (Reporting by Michael Holden and Muvija M, Editing by Kylie …

Actor Kevin Spacey pleads not guilty to sex offences charges in UK court Read More »

By Uditha Jayasinghe, Alasdair Pal and Devjyot Ghoshal COLOMBO (Reuters) -Sri Lanka’s main city, Colombo, was calm on Thursday as people waited for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled to the Maldives to escape a popular uprising that erupted as the country struggled with an economic crisis. Rajapaksa was on his way to …

Sri Lanka protest sites calm as president’s resignation awaited Read More »

HONG KONG (Reuters) – A Catholic priest launched a three-day protest on Thursday in sweltering heat outside a Hong Kong maximum security prison, demanding the release of activists and democratic politicians held under a sweeping national security law. Milan-born missionary Franco Mella, a longtime rights activist in the Chinese-ruled city, vowed to refuse food as …

Priest begins protest outside Hong Kong prison against detentions of activists Read More »

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan warned on Thursday that a new wave of coronavirus cases appears to be rapidly spreading through the nation, calling on people to be especially careful ahead of an upcoming long weekend and imminent summer school vacations. Japan has recently seen new COVID-19 cases surge to levels not seen since early this …

Japan warns of swiftly rising COVID cases, PM to give news conference Read More »

By Farah Master HONG KONG (Reuters) – In the glitzy dealing rooms of Macau’s silenced casinos, the house is down billions of dollars, but can’t afford to fold its hand in the world’s biggest gambling game. A COVID-19 outbreak has meant full-scale closure for the former Portuguese colony’s six casinos – the only places in …

In COVID closedown, Macau casinos take billion-dollar hit holding out for new licences Read More »

By Lucy Craymer and Elaine Lies WELLINGTON/TOKYO (Reuters) – A new wave of coronavirus infections is rapidly spreading through Asia, prompting warnings for residents from New Zealand to Japan to take precautions to slow the outbreak and help prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. The renewed surge in cases, mostly of the BA.4/5 Omicron variants, …

Fresh COVID wave sweeps Asia, New Zealand warns of pressure on hospitals Read More »

ROME (Reuters) -Italy’s 5-Star Movement will not take part in a parliamentary confidence vote on Thursday, party leader Giuseppe Conte said, in a move that looked likely to trigger the collapse of Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s government. Other coalition parties have warned that they will quit the government if 5-Star boycotts the vote in the …

Italy’s government faces collapse as 5-Star announces vote snub Read More »

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) -The United States called on Wednesday for accountability over the death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, whose killing during an Israeli West Bank raid is expected to be a major issue during President Joe Biden’s Middle East visit. Washington had concluded she was probably hit by an Israeli bullet …

U.S. calls for ‘accountability’ in Abu Akleh case ahead of Biden West Bank visit Read More »