Draghi calls for improved access to food supplies
“The Italian G20 Presidency has identified priorities to improve global food security.” Speaking at the UN pre-summit on food systems, organised in Rome. Prime Minister Mario Draghi said that among these priorities are the negative impact of climate change. This, he said, will be at the centre of the COP26 that Italy chairs with the United Kingdom. “The ongoing health crisis has generated a food crisis. We must act with determination to improve access to an adequate amount of food supplies. This is an opportunity to transform the way we think, produce and consume food.”
Koreas: Moon-Kim agreement to improve relations
The two Koreas reopened direct cross-border communications this morning, 13 months after Pyongyang’s unilateral decision to close them to protest anti-North Korean propaganda activities in the South. The two countries announced this in two separate communiques. The thaw at the 38th parallel has also matured thanks to the exchange of personal letters that began in April between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean supreme commander Kim Jong-un, aimed “at improving ties”. The two leaders, the Seoul Presidential Office reported, agreed as a first step to restore the lines of communication.
57 dead in shipwreck off Libya
At least 57 migrants, including 20 women and two children, died in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya. The International Organization for Migration said that the dead in the Central Mediterranean is approaching a thousand. IOM spokesperson said everything must be done to strengthen the patrol system at sea.
Tunisian President imposes night curfew
Tunisian President Kais Saied has imposed a curfew starting last night from 7pm to 6am until 27 August 2021. Night workers are exempt. Travel between cities outside curfew times is also prohibited, unless necessary. The gatherings of more than three people in public places and spaces are prohibited. Saied also ordered the suspension of work in central administrations for two days starting today in order to allow managers to organise remote work for their agents. Meanwhile, Tunisia’s main political parties have accused the president of staging a coup after he sacked the prime minister and the defence minister and suspended parliament.
Hezbollah-backed candidate named Lebanon’s premier-designate
President Michel Aoun of Lebanon has appointed a candidate backed by the Hezbollah as the next premier-designate, after Saad Hariri gave up attempts to form a cabinet amid an unprecedented financial meltdown. Najib Mikati, a billionaire businessman and former prime minister, was backed by most of Lebanon’s political parties, including the Iran-backed Hezbollah. He faces the Christian opposition which did not file a candidate.
Russians block 49 websites connected to Navalny
Russian internet watchdog Roskomnadzor has blocked 49 websites connected to anti-government activist Alexei Navalny, including his own website, his team said on Monday. Navalny is currently serving a 30-month sentence for parole violations.
Indonesia: 100 children a week die from COVID
More than 100 children a week died in Indonesia this month from coronavirus, the highest rate in the world. Many of the victims were under the age of five. The deaths challenge the theory that children run minimal risk in the pandemic.
13-year-old strikes gold for Japan
A 13-year-old skateboarder struck gold for Japan at the Tokyo Games on Monday. Skateboarder Momiji Nishiya won the street discipline at the age of 13 years. Her performance mirrored that of Japan teammate Yuto Horigome, who won the men’s title with a stunning sequence of tricks on Sunday. Skateboarding is one of four sports making their debut in Tokyo.
