At least 11 miners were killed and 45 others injured in a coal mine accident in the Russian city of Kemerovo as a rescue operation continues to save several trapped miners, authorities announced on Thursday.

According to the governor's office of Kemerovo Oblast, 285 miners were in a shaft when the ignition of coal dust caused heavy smoke at a depth of 250 meters (820 feet) that killed 11 people.
During a rescue operation, 239 people were evacuated from the mine, 45 of them hospitalized.
Kemerovo Oblast is one of Russia's most important industrial regions in southwestern Siberia, with some of the world's largest deposits of coal.
Heavy smoke is hindering the rescue efforts underway to save the miners who are still trapped in the shaft.
The Kemerovo Oblast prosecutor's office has started an investigation into the accident.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to the relatives of those killed and hoped for the early evacuation of those still underground.

Heavy smoke hindering rescue efforts underway to save trapped miners

During a rescue operation, 239 people were evacuated from the mine, 45 of them hospitalized

Coal mine accident kills 11, injures 45 in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin fired on Thursday head of the Federal Penitentiary Service Alexander Kalashnikov, days after evidence of torture at correctional facilities surfaced.

Early October, Vladimir Osechkin, the founder of prisoners’ rights project Gulagu.net, said they received more than 1,000 video files confirming "the systemic use of torture methods" in prisons and pre-trial detention centers in the city of Saratov and other cities and regions.
The release of the videos provoked widespread public anger, leading to numerous dismissals at all levels in the penitentiary service.
Based on the footages, Russian prosecutors also opened over a dozen criminal cases of sexual violence and abuse of authority.
Welcoming the announcement, Gulagu.net in a post on Telegram said “sadists will go to prison for a long time," hoping there will be more dismissals and criminal cases against abusers, and promised to continue to work against torture at the facilities.
Meanwhile, Arkady Gostev was appointed as the new director of the penitentiary service, according to an executive order.

Alexander Kalashnikov dismissed after rights activists released evidence confirmed abuse in jails

Russia's Putin fires prisons chief after torture scandal

Libya's military prosecutor on Thursday demanded that orders to arrest renegade Gen. Khalifa Haftar be carried out, according to Libyan TV channel Al-Ahrar.

The Military Prosecutor's Office chaired by Mohammed Gharouda conveyed a message to the Criminal Investigation Agency demanding "implementation of arrest orders issued by the Public Prosecution by the competent judicial officer” for five cases in 2019-2020.
The office did gave no more details on the five cases, but it said Haftar violated military law by running for president as "Haftar is an officer in the Libyan army and has performed the nomination procedures for the High National Elections Commission."
It stressed that such violation "shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years."Nearly 100 candidates have registered to run in Libya’s Dec. 24 presidential elections, including Haftar, transitional Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and former strongman leader Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, who was disqualified Wednesday by a Libyan court over committing war crimes.
The presidential and parliamentary elections are set to take place under a UN-sponsored agreement reached by Libyan political rivals last November.
The application deadline for those wishing to run for president was Nov. 22. Nominations for parliamentary polls remain open through Dec. 7.
Libyans hope that the upcoming elections will help end the armed conflict that has plagued the oil-rich country for years.

Military Prosecutor's Office stresses Haftar is running for president, but army personnel are prohibited from seeking elected office

Libya's military judiciary demands arrest of renegade Gen. Haftar

At least eight people were killed and over 17 others wounded in a car bombing that rocked Somalia's capital Mogadishu on Thursday morning, police said.

A police officer told Anadolu Agency that the attack targeted a convoy of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
- The bomb attack took place during rush hour and there are a lot of casualties, but I can confirm that at least eight people were killed and more than 17 others were wounded - he said.
The dead and injured include students and teachers who were at a school near the bomb site, he added.
According to local media, police also confirmed that the target of the attack was a convoy belonging to a local firm that "guards the UN" but did not elaborate on whether any UN staffers were killed or injured in the blast.
Abdukadir Adan, the chairman of a local ambulance service, said on Twitter that the attack took place in front of a school in the district of Hodan, killing and injuring students and civilians nearby.
Somali-based al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had targeted an AMISOM convoy.
Turkey lost no time in offering its condolences to Somalia over the deadly terrorist attack.
- We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack and extend our condolences to the friendly and brotherly people and Government of Somalia. We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to the injured - the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.
Turkey will continue to stand by Somalia in its fight against terrorism, it added.

Al-Qaeda affiliated terror group al-Shabaab claims responsibility for attack, with students, civilians among dead

The dead and injured include students and teachers who were at a school near the bomb site

Bomb blast kills at least 8 in Somali capital

Australia is deploying police and military personnel to Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday, as the Pacific Island nation faces a second day of rioting.

The deployment comes after Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made a request to Canberra following violent anti-government protests in the capital Honiara on Wednesday.
Protesters are demanding Sogavare’s resignation. Photos and videos on social and local media show several infrastructure sites were set ablaze by the protesters.
A police station and a building in the parliament precinct were also set on fire.
Twenty-three Australian federal police officers are on their way to Honiara to assist with riot control, Morrison said, according to SBS News.
He added another 43 Australian defense force personnel would be sent on Friday to "assist with securing critical infrastructure."Sogavare imposed 36-hour lockdown in Honiara, but demonstrators have defied the orders on the second day of the protests.
- It is sad and unfortunate event aimed at bringing a democratically elected government down - Sogavare said.
They later marched towards the China Town where they reportedly damaged some infrastructure.
In Solomon Islands, which has nearly 700,000 population, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to break the protests.
- Our purpose here is to provide stability and security to enable the normal constitutional processes within the Solomon Islands to be able to deal with issues that have arisen - Morrison told reporters in Canberra.
He clarified Australia does not want to intervene in “any way to in the internal affairs of the Solomon Islands.”
Morrison, however, said Australian cops will “carry lethal and nonlethal weapons primarily but not exclusively for force protection purposes.”
Prime Minister James Marape of neighboring Papua New Guinea on Wednesday made appeals to protestors to return to their homes and respect rule of law.
According to Australian broadcaster ABC, demonstrators mostly belong to the Malaita province, the country’s most populous region.
Locals are demanding development in the region as many link demonstrations to Solomon Islands’ shifting its diplomatic relations to China from Taiwan in September 2019.
Daniel Suidani, prime minister of Malaita province, has opposed the move to shift diplomatic relations to Beijing.
Taiwan, a self-ruled island which China claims as its “breakaway province”, had provided COVID-19 assistance to Malaita while Suidani had traveled to Taiwan in May for medical treatment.

Demonstrations mainly led by people from Malaita province, region opposed to diplomatic relations with China

A police station and a building in the parliament precinct were also set on fire

Australia deploying police, troops to Solomon Islands amid protests

Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been elected the Interpol president on Thursday, the international police organization said on Twitter.

A voting was held to elect Interpol’s new chairman and executive committee members on the third day of the 89th Interpol General Assembly meeting in Istanbul.
According to elections results, Al Raisi will serve as the Interpol chairman for the next four-year term, the organization said.
Interpol’s executive committee oversees implementation of General Assembly decisions.
The 13-member executive committee, including president, vice presidents and delegates, represents Interpol’s four regions.

Day 3 of Interpol General Assembly in Istanbul sees executive committee elections

According to elections results, Al Raisi will serve as the Interpol chairman for the next four-year term

Interpol elects UAE’s Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi as president

Former Sudanese Foreign Minister Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi has accused Egypt and Israel of supporting what she described as a “military coup” in Sudan.

Speaking at a virtual panel hosted by US think tank, the Atlantic Council, al-Mahdi said most countries have rejected the “coup” in Sudan.
- Even countries that wanted to support the coup, like Egypt for example, was not able to do so. It remained silent - she said.
She added that “Egypt, pushed by the strong US position during the US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue, was forced to condemn the coup."
On Oct.25, the head of Sudan’s ruling military council, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, declared a state of emergency and dissolved the transitional government, amid accusations between the military and politicians.
Following the military takeover, Egypt issued a statement calling on all Sudanese parties to exercise self-restraint and seek to achieve national consensus.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry also said that Egypt doesn't support any side in Sudan “and does not meddle in the affairs of others”. There was no comment from the Egyptian authorities on al-Mahdi’s accusation.
As for Israel, al-Mahdi said "the Sudanese government knew about Israel’s supporting position to the military coup although it was not at the forefront."
She cited that US special envoy to the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman, had visited Israel for that purpose.
Officially, Israel didn't comment on the developments in Sudan, but the state-run Public Broadcasting Corporation said an Israeli delegation had met with al-Burhan in Khartoum and that Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy head of Sudan’s ruling military council, had visited Israel ahead of the military takeover.
Commenting on a recent political deal signed between al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, al-Mahdi said the deal was a "setback that we can't be accepted".
She added that Hamdok didn't consult with his ministers before signing the agreement.
- Our position as the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition is that we oppose the deal and stick to the demands of the people - she said.
Al-Mahdi and 11 other ministers announced their resignation on Monday in protest of the political agreement signed between Hamdok and the military.
The 14-point agreement stipulates that a 2019 political declaration will be the basis for Sudan's democratic transition, and that elections will be held in 2023 as scheduled. It also provides for the prime minister to form a government of technocrats.
While the deal was largely welcomed by the international community, Sudanese political forces have rejected it as an "attempt to legitimize the coup".
Before the military takeover, Sudan was administered by a sovereign council of military and civilian officials which was overseeing the transition period until elections in 2023 as part of a precarious power-sharing pact between the military and the Forces for Freedom and Change coalition.

Mariam al-Mahdi describes political deal between PM Abdalla Hamdok, military as "setback"

Former foreign minister accuses Egypt, Israel of supporting Sudan "coup"

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in Sochi on Tuesday.

Opening the meeting, Putin stressed Russia's position on the settlement of the Palestinian problem remains unchanged.
- The Palestinian problem should be resolved in accordance with earlier decisions taken at the level of the UN Security Council on a fair basis that takes into account the interests of all people who live in this region, on the basis of two independent states - he said.
He assured Abbas to lead further work in this direction, "no matter how difficult it may be."
- We will exchange information in more detail about what is happening now, what is the current situation at this point in time, and together we will think about what can be done to move forward - Putin added.
Abbas thanked Putin, saying "we always appreciate your role, your position (towards) us, the Palestinians."

Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Abbas discuss Palestinian conflict

Russian, Palestinian leaders meet in Sochi

US President Joe Biden Tuesday ordered sale from strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) to provide additional supply to the markets and lower crude prices, the White House said in a statement.

The US Department of Energy will release 50 million barrels of oil from the SPR, the largest stockpile of petroleum in the world used for emergencies.
While 32 million barrels will be an exchange over the next several months, 18 million barrels will be an acceleration of a previously authorized sale by Congress, according to the White House.
The move is a coordinated effort, a first of its kind, with the rest of the world "to maintain adequate supply as we exit the pandemic", it said, adding other major energy-consuming nations include China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the UK.
The White House said Biden is committed to doing everything in his power to bring down costs for the American people and continue economic recovery. The president also ordered examining anti-competitive practices, it added.
- There is mounting evidence that declines in oil prices are not translating into lower prices at the pump - the statement said.
Biden on Nov. 17 ordered the Federal Trade Commission to launch a probe into American energy companies for anti-consumer practices as the nation deals with soaring energy prices.
The president's actions come as crude oil prices hover around their highest level since 2014, creating upward pressure on inflation. Consumer prices in the US rose 6.2% in October, marking their largest 12-month increase since 1990.
The US had 606.1 million barrels of oil in its SPR as of the week ending Nov. 12, according to the country's Energy Information Administration data. It also had 433 million barrels in commercial stocks.

White House says move is coordinated with China, India, Japan, Korea, UK as "we exit pandemic"

Biden orders oil reserve sale to improve supply, lower prices

The Turkish foreign minister and his Bulgarian counterpart held a phone talk on Monday, according to diplomatic sources.

Mevlut Cavusoglu and Svetlan Stoev discussed bilateral ties and crossings through the border gates between Turkey and Bulgaria, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restriction on speaking to the media.

Cavusoglu, Stoev discuss bilateral ties, border crossings

Turkish, Bulgarian foreign minister speak over phone

China on Monday said it is ready to work with the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) towards a nuclear weapon-free region besides ensuring stability in the disputed South China Sea.

- China supports ASEAN’s efforts to build a nuclear weapon-free zone, and is prepared to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone as early as possible - President Xi Jinping told the China-Asia summit marking 30 years of the relations between two sides.
Beijing’s demand for a nuclear-free Southeast Asia comes as the US and UK empower their ally Australia with nuclear-armed submarines under a deal called AUKUS signed in September.
Xi also announced the establishment of China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his speech for “a new milestone” in the history of their relations.
- Maintaining peace is our greatest common interest and the most cherished aspiration of people of all countries,” he said, urging taking a course of “dialogue instead of confrontation.Reiterating Beijing’s long-held focus on “practicing true multilateralism,” Xi said: “China firmly opposes hegemonic and power politics. China pursues long-term, friendly coexistence with neighboring countries, and is part of the common efforts for durable peace in the region. China will never seek hegemony, still less bully smaller countries.”
While Xi announced to jointly work with the ASEAN to build a “health shield” for the region, he urged the 10-member grouping to “pursue common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.” The president also called for deepening cooperation in various areas such as defense, counter-terrorism, joint maritime search, countering transnational crime, rescue and exercise, and disaster management.
- Joint efforts are needed to safeguard stability in the South China Sea and make it a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation - he said.
China will donate an additional 150 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to ASEAN countries, Xi said, while Beijing will contribute an additional $5 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, step up vaccine joint production and technology transfer, and collaborate on research and development of essential medicines.
The bilateral trade between China and ASEAN has skyrocketed by 85 times to $684.6 billion in 2020 from less than $8 billion in 1991, making the two sides each other’s largest trading partners.

President Xi's remarks at China-Asia summit come as US, UK arm their partner Australia with nuclear-capable submarines

China pushes for nuclear weapon-free Southeast Asia

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in Russia's resort city of Sochi on Tuesday, a Kremlin statement said.

Putin and Abbas will discuss further development of bilateral cooperation and the situation in the Middle East, "taking into account Russia's efforts for a resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict," the statement said.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict dates back to 1917, when the British government, in the now-famous Balfour Declaration, called for "the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people."

Kremlin says Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Abbas to discuss situation in Middle East

Russian, Palestinian presidents to meet on Tuesday

Australia on Monday signed an agreement with the US and the UK to access classified nuclear submarine information under their AUKUS security partnership, an official statement said.

- The signing of the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement with our AUKUS partners – the United Kingdom and the United States – is another important step in Australia’s pursuit of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines - the Australian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton said under the new agreement the US and the UK will share sensitive and classified naval nuclear propulsion information with a third country for the first time.
- This agreement will support Australia in completing the 18 months of an intensive and comprehensive examination of the requirements underpinning the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines - said Dutton.
- The United Kingdom and the United States will be able to share naval nuclear propulsion information with Australia, which they cannot with any other country, in the determination of the optimal pathway to acquire nuclear-powered submarines for operation by the Royal Australian Navy - he added.
Under the deal, the UK and the US will also provide access to Australian personnel for training and education from their British and American counterparts.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the agreement and said his country had secured something it was seeking for a long time.
- Now, this is not a defense alliance or security pact, as I've made clear on numerous occasions. Australia will fully and absolutely meet all of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, as I've made very clear to many leaders around the world, as we’ve discussed this issue in recent weeks - Morrison told reporters during a news conference in Canberra.
He called the agreement an important step for his country’s future.
In September this year, Australia joined AUKUS trilateral security alliance with the US and the UK to defend the Indo-Pacific zone from China’s influence and discarded its future multibillion-dollar submarine program with France.
The move angered Paris and French President Emmanuel Macron recalled its ambassador from Canberra.
In October, the envoy returned to Australia, but Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian said the ambassador was asked to review relations.
The axing of the deal created a diplomatic furor and a heated war of words between the leaders of the US, France, and Australia. The crisis appeared to be receding after US President Joe Biden and Morrison met and spoke by phone, respectively, last month with Macron.
However, the submarine dispute grew after Macron later called Morrison a liar for canceling the $90 billion contract at the last minute.

US, UK will share sensitive, classified naval nuclear information with 3rd country for 1st time, says Australian minister

Australia on Monday signed an agreement with the US and the UK to access classified nuclear submarine information under their AUKUS security partnership

Australia signs deal to get naval nuclear information from US, UK

A red sports utility vehicle ploughed into the crowd at a Christmas parade in the US state of Wisconsin on Sunday, leaving at least five people dead and more than 40 injured, police said.

The incident occurred around 4.39 p.m. local time (2139GMT) in Waukesha city. Footage on social media showed people panicking and some were seen lying on the ground.
- At this time, we can confirm that five people are deceased and over 40 are injured. However, these numbers may change as we collect additional information - the Waukesha Police Department said on Facebook.

The scene is "still fluid" and an investigation into the incident is ongoing, it further said.

A person of interest is in custody, the police added.
Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson earlier told a press conference that a police officer fired at the suspect's vehicle to stop it and no bystanders were injured as a result of the weapon discharge.
- We're no longer looking for the suspect vehicle.The scene is safe and secure - said Thompson.&nbsp;

Speaking at the news conference, Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly called the incident a "horrible and senseless tragedy.”

- Today our community faced horror and tragedy in what should have been a community celebration. I'm deeply saddened to know that so many in our community went to a parade but ended up dealing with injury and heartache. My heart goes out to all those affected by the senseless act. My heart goes out to those injured as well as to their families - he said.

Over 40 people injured in incident, scene "still fluid", say police

Car drives into parade in US state of Wisconsin, 5 killed

South Korea on Monday reopened in-person classes in schools across the country as part of the "living with COVID-19" plan, local media said.

According to Yonhap News, in-person classes in kindergarten, middle and high schools resumed for first time since schools switched to learning from home or classes in shifts after the pandemic.
Last year in May, the government reopened in-person classes in high schools to gradually end learning from home, however, they were suspended within days due to the new wave of COVID-19.
The new move to reopen schools across the country came after the government eased restrictions under the "living with COVID-19" scheme which started from Nov. 1 to allow people to return to normalcy.
The Education Ministry has allowed the local authorities to manage school operations as the country is still battling with the fast-spreading Delta variant of the virus.
During the past 24 hours, South Korea reported 2,827 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total caseload to 418,252, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
With 24 more fatalities, the country's death toll also raised to 3,298.
So far, 42.23 million people, or 82.3% of the country's 52 million population, have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while over 40.49 million, or 78.9% people, have been fully vaccinated, according to the agency.

Government reopens schools under 'living with COVID-19' scheme to allow people to return to normalcy

The new move to reopen schools across the country came after the government eased restrictions under the "living with COVID-19" scheme

South Korea resumes in-person classes in schools after nearly 2 years

Australia on Monday announced it is lifting restrictions on foreign travelers, including students and skilled workers from next month.

Speaking to a news conference in Canberra, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new move was part of his government's national plan to return to normal life.
- From the 1st of December 2021, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders will be able to come to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. Eligible visa holders, including skilled and student cohorts, as well as humanitarian, temporary, working holiday maker and provisional family visa holders - Morrison said.
He added that his country will also welcome fully vaccinated citizens of Japan and Korea to quarantine-free travel from their home country to Australia.
- The steps we are taking today are about securing our economic recovery - Morrison said, adding that the return of skilled workers and students to Australia is a major milestone.
However, travelers who arrive in Australia must provide proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken three days before departure.
In the first phase, Australia removed travel restrictions and scrapped the permission requirement for international travel for vaccinated Australians from Nov. 1.
However, un-vaccinated people still need permission from the government prior to their international travel.
Australia has so far reported 290,336 COVID-19 cases with 1,942 deaths since the start of the pandemic last year, according to the Health Ministry.
Some 91.5% people aged 16 and above have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 85.1% citizens have been fully vaccinated.

Prime minister says fully vaccinated citizens of Japan, Korea will be welcome from Dec. 1

Country will also welcome fully vaccinated citizens of Japan and Korea to quarantine-free travel

Coal mine accident kills 11, injures 45 in Russia

Russia's Putin fires prisons chief after torture scandal

Libya's military judiciary demands arrest of renegade Gen. Haftar

Bomb blast kills at least 8 in Somali capital

Australia deploying police, troops to Solomon Islands amid protests

Interpol elects UAE’s Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi as president

Former foreign minister accuses Egypt, Israel of supporting Sudan "coup"

Russian, Palestinian leaders meet in Sochi

Biden orders oil reserve sale to improve supply, lower prices

Turkish, Bulgarian foreign minister speak over phone

China pushes for nuclear weapon-free Southeast Asia

Russian, Palestinian presidents to meet on Tuesday

Australia signs deal to get naval nuclear information from US, UK

Car drives into parade in US state of Wisconsin, 5 killed

South Korea resumes in-person classes in schools after nearly 2 years

Australia to open borders for foreign travelers, students next month

World

Coal mine accident kills 11, injures 45 in Russia

Russia's Putin fires prisons chief after torture scandal

Libya's military judiciary demands arrest of renegade Gen. Haftar

Bomb blast kills at least 8 in Somali capital

Australia deploying police, troops to Solomon Islands amid protests

Interpol elects UAE’s Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi as president

Former foreign minister accuses Egypt, Israel of supporting Sudan "coup"

Russian, Palestinian leaders meet in Sochi

Biden orders oil reserve sale to improve supply, lower prices

Turkish, Bulgarian foreign minister speak over phone

China pushes for nuclear weapon-free Southeast Asia

Russian, Palestinian presidents to meet on Tuesday

Australia signs deal to get naval nuclear information from US, UK

Car drives into parade in US state of Wisconsin, 5 killed

South Korea resumes in-person classes in schools after nearly 2 years

Australia to open borders for foreign travelers, students next month