G7: Johnson urges ‘common agreement’ on vaccine passport
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he believed a common agreement must be reached at this month’s G7 summit on various aspects of managing the pandemic, including the functioning of the vaccination passport and COVID-19 status certification. Johnson told Canadian public broadcaster CBC, there needed to be some form of agreement at the G7 level on how vaccination passports will work. He also stressed that “vaccination must be a global fact and we must ensure that the fight against the next pandemic is also a global fact”. Johnson will chair the next G7 summit in Cornwall betweenJune 11 and 13.
‘Denmark helped US gather data on European officials’
A report by Danish broadcaster Danmarks Radio alleges Denmark’s secret service helped the US spy on European politicians, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel from 2012 to 2014. It says the Defence Intelligence Service (FE) collaborated with the US National Security Agency (NSA) to gather intelligence on other officials from Germany, France, Sweden and Norway.
Bennett backs deal to oust Netanyahu
A key Israeli opposition party has backed a unity government that would bring to an end Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12 years as the country’s longest serving prime minister. The Jerusalem Post reports ultra-nationalist leader Naftali Bennett said his party would join talks to form a governing coalition with centrist party leader Yair Lapid “to get Israel out of the abyss”. Lapid has until Wednesday to announce the result of his efforts. On his part, in a televised address, Netanyahu was full of ire, warning the Israelis: “Bennett cheats you, this is the scam of the century”.
UN calls for probe into Columbian deaths
The New York Times says the UN has called for investigation into the deaths in Columbia. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michele Bachelet, has asked for an independent investigation into the events in Cali, where 13 people were killed during the protests against President Ivan Duque. In a written statement, Bacelet said it was “essential” that those allegedly involved were subjected to “a swift, effective, independent, impartial and transparent investigation”. The mayor of Cali told Radio Caracol that the situation of public order in the city remained “very serious”.
Kevin de Bruyne has nose and eye socket fractures
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne suffered a fractured nose and eye socket in a collision with Antonio Rudiger in the Champions League final defeat against Chelsea on Saturday. Out of hospital, he tweeted he felt OK but was still disappointed about the incident. De Bruyne was named in the Belgium squad for Euro 2020, with his country’s first game on June 12 against Russia. There are no indications yet whether the midfielder will be fit for the match in St Petersburg or if his injuries threaten his participation in the rest of the tournament.
Everest: Teacher who set new women’s speed record says ‘aim high’
A teacher from Hong Kong has set the record for the fastest ascent of Mount Everest by a woman, reaching the world’s highest summit in 25 hours and 50 minutes. Tsang Yin Hung, who beat the pevious record by more than 12 hours, told Radio Nepal she was not trying to make history, she just wanted a challenge! “When you aim high, expect a high result,” she said.
