World news

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned as “unspeakable” the defacing of a World War II memorial by alleged Nazi Holocaust deniers.  The defacing happened at the site of one of the worst atrocities carried out by the Nazis in France during World War II. Images of an inscription at the site in the village of Oradour-sur-Glane show the word “martyr” in the text “martyr village” replaced with “liar.” The village was destroyed by SS troops in 1944, with 642 inhabitants killed. The old village’s ruins are preserved just as they were after the massacre. After the war, a new village was built nearby. Philippe Lacroix, the mayor of Oradour-sur-Glane, said he was shocked, adding: “We know what happened here but obviously there are always people who try to tell lies.” Mr Macron said that everything would be done to track down and punish those responsible for the vandalism. The act has been widely condemned by French officials. Prime Minister Jean Castex said he felt “anger” … [Read more...] about Nazi Holocaust Deniers Deface World War II Memorial in France

Domestic airlines in Thailand have formed an association to deal with the pandemic and pave the way for vaccine passport cooperation. Bangkok Airways president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) has set a long-term goal of elevating the aviation industry in Thailand. However, the short-term priority is the soft loan request the Finance Ministry is considering. “The domestic market seemed to improve after the lockdown relaxation was implemented nationwide, but it’s still a far cry from the numbers seen prior to the latest outbreak,” said Mr Puttipong. “It may take some time to get back to 100%.” The founding members of AAT are Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Smile Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet. The group submitted the soft loan proposal to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in late August last year, but there has still been no response from the government. Vaccine passport agenda Mr … [Read more...] about Thailand’s Domestic Airlines Ponder Vaccine Passport Requirement

BEIJING: China has emphasised on the values of Asean and says it is looking forward to building an even closer Asean-China community with a shared future. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the country would continue to support the region in the combat against Covid-19 by supplying vaccines to needy countries. He quoted a Confucius saying, “At 30, I have been well-established with principle” while reviewing the Asean-China ties as it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. “After 30 years of weathering the storms together, we have built up a united, fair and supportive relationship. “China views importance to this cooperation, and will continue to prioritise Asean’s needs towards creating an even more splendid 30 years to come, ” he added. Wang was speaking to a press conference on Sunday (March 7) that was held in conjunction with the country's annual parliamentary meeting, the Two Sessions. He wished for more fruitful cooperation between the two sides in digital economy and … [Read more...] about China to boost Asean ties, supports region in fight against Covid-19

NEW YORK: Calls for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign has intensified after a third accuser saying Cuomo made physical advances on her emerged on Monday (Tuesday in Manila). Anna Ruch told The New York Times late Monday that she removed the Democratic governor’s hand from her back, but he said she seemed “aggressive,” promptly put his hands on her face and asked if he could kiss her. “I was so confused and shocked and embarrassed,” Ruch, now 33, told the Times, which published a photo of the encounter showing the governor’s hands on her face. “I turned my head away and didn’t have words in that moment.” An email seeking comment was sent to Ruch’s photography business. Her social media accounts were private. An email was also sent to Cuomo’s administration for comment. The account from Ruch, who worked as a photographer at the White House during Barack Obama’s second residential term, made her the second woman to accuse Cuomo of touching her without permission, and fueled broader … [Read more...] about Quit calls vs NY gov intensify

JOHANNESBURG: After a year battling coronavirus, exhausted health workers in South Africa are celebrating a drop in cases but dread another wave of infections — a scenario that could strike just months from now. “We are relieved now because the numbers are down and patients are no longer that sick,” nurse Constance Mathibela told the Agence France-Presse at Thembisa Hospital, in a township east of Johannesburg. After the epidemic hit its stride, the hospital “was almost full every day,” she recalled. “There was no time when we had an empty [coronavirus] ward. It was just a continuous [flow of] things.” South Africa recorded its first case of coronavirus on March 5 last year. It has since been through two virus storms, recording over 1.5 million cases and more than 50,000 deaths — the highest in all of Africa. But on Sunday President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that the second wave, fueled by a new, more contagious, variant, was now over. The nationwide tally of daily new … [Read more...] about SAfrica celebrates as infections drop