WORLD
European leaders postpone decision on patent waiver of Covid vax
Speaking to journalists, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said this topic "is important," but will be discussed "in the long term, not in the short or medium term", Xinhua reported. According to her, Europe should not "lose sight of the main urgencies," which are "production of vaccines as soon as possible and how they will be distributed in a fair and equitable way."
Antony Blinken admits some US actions undermine international order
"I know that some of our actions in recent years have undermined the rules-based order and led others to question whether we are still committed to it," Blinken made the remarks at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Multilateralism, Xinhua reported.
Covid 19 Update: Global caseload tops 157.2 mn
In its latest update on Sunday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 157,250,537 and 3,278,007, respectively. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 32,685,864 and 581,511, respectively, according to the CSSE.
China alarmed after strategic oil pipeline station in Myanmar is attacked
The Irrawaddy newspaper's website is reporting that security personnel guarding the pipeline's off-take station in Mandalay were killed. The sword and machete attack on the policemen was "undoubtedly part of Myanmar's growing popular armed resistance against the regime," the daily reported.
Pakistan Opposition leader stopped from leaving country despite court permission
The drama at the airport unfolded after the airline issued Shehbaz Sharif a boarding card. However, after arriving at the immigration counter, he was informed that he cannot board the plane, the reason being the system had not been updated yet for him to leave the country.
UNGA holds informal dialogue with candidate for next Secy-Gen
Guterres presented his vision statement and answered questions from member states and civil society, Brenden Varma, spokesperson for the UNGA President Volkan Bozkir, said at a regular press briefing on Friday. In 2015, the General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution that set out a new, transparent, open and inclusive process to select and appoint a Secretary-General, which involves presenting a vision statement.
Covid 19 update: Global caseload tops 156.4 mn
In its latest update on Saturday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 156,472,669 and 3,264,720, respectively. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 32,649,677 and 580,870, respectively, according to the CSSE.
UK unveils 'green list' of countries for foreign travel from May 17
Portugal, Israel, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand are among 12 countries and regions on the "green list" of travel destinations from May 17 for people in England, British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said. Speaking at a press conference at Downing Street, Shapps said that Covid tests will still be required before and after travel to these destinations.
Biden concerned about Iran's seriousness in Vienna talks
Asked at the White House if he thought Iran was serious about the ongoing negotiation in Vienna, US President Joe Biden replied, "Yes. But how serious and what they're prepared to do is a different story", the Xinhua news agency reported. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki later in a daily press briefing recognized that some progress had been made in past weeks' talks, adding it is a good sign that the negotiations are continuing.
WHO validates China's Sinopharm Covid vaccine for emergency use
"This afternoon, the WHO gave emergency use listing to Sinopharm, Beijing's Covid-19 vaccine, making it the sixth vaccine to receive WHO validation for safety, efficacy and quality," WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said during a webinar on Covid-19. The Sinopharm vaccine is produced by Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China National Biotec Group.
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