Athens, Greece | AFP | Facing overwhelming migration pressure on the Aegean with island camps on the brink of asphyxiation, the conservative Greek government has hardened its asylum policy with increased repatriations, new detention centres and plans for a sea barrier. “The decongestion of our islands is our number one priority,” …
Read More »Barnier and Johnson clash over post-Brexit ties
Brussels, Belgium | AFP | The EU and Britain open hostilities in Brexit’s next bruising chapter on Monday, laying down red lines for a post-divorce future following the UK’s dramatic exit from the bloc. Europe’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier will formally announce his ideas for new ties in Brussels, with trade …
Read More »Morocco’s long-burdened ‘mule women’ face new struggle
Fnideq, Morocco | AFP | After years of back-breaking toil, Fatima el Hanani now fears being reduced to begging in the street because of Morocco’s closure of its border with a Spanish enclave to thousands of “mule women”. The impact has been felt on both sides of the frontier, with the …
Read More »Boris Johnson, Brexit champion who delivered
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Even for a maverick politician like Boris Johnson, backing Brexit four years ago was a huge gamble. But it has paid off spectacularly with Britain’s exit Friday from the European Union. The Conservative leader remains a divisive figure, hailed by many for his …
Read More »British lawmakers finally seal historic Brexit deal
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Britain’s parliament finally approved Brexit on Thursday, allowing it to become the first country to leave the European Union by the end of this month, ending years of arguments that toppled two governments and divided a nation. The House of Commons erupted in cheers …
Read More »Planes, trains and bills: Britain’s big projects dilemma
London, United Kingdom | AFP | A high-speed train that won’t start. An overcrowded airport that can’t expand. A new subway line that never runs. Britain’s attempts to revive its creaking infrastructure are turning into a headache for Prime Minister Boris Johnson just as his fight with Europe over Brexit winds …
Read More »EU chief writes ‘love letter’ to Britain over Brexit
London, United Kingdom | AFP | A top Brussels official has written a “love letter” to Britain expressing his grief at its decision to leave the European Union — and stressing it was always welcome back. “I know you now. And I love you. For who you are and what you …
Read More »British PM puts Brexit top of new agenda
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday put Britain’s departure from the EU at the top of the agenda, as Queen Elizabeth II read out his plans for government in a parliamentary ceremony following a sweeping election win. The monarch formally opened parliament with plenty of …
Read More »Brexit will make Britain ‘second-rate player’: EU’s Tusk
Brussels, Belgium | AFP | Britain will be a “second-rate player” after Brexit, unable to compete with big powers like the US, China and EU, outgoing EU Council president Donald Tusk warned Wednesday. The former Polish premier said Brexit supporters were deluded if they thought leaving the EU would bring a …
Read More »EU casts doubt on credibility of Mozambique election
Maputo, Mozambique | AFP | The European Union on Friday cast doubt on the credibility of Mozambique’s ruling party’s victory in last month’s election, saying its observers detected a litany of “irregularities and malpractices” and called on authorities to clarify them. Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi won a new five-year …
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