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Authorities found a former Ecuadorean vice president, Jorge Glas, in a “deep self-induced coma” in jail on Monday, just days after he was captured by the police in a dramatic arrest inside the Mexican embassy in Quito. Mr. Glas ingested anti-depressants and sedatives, according to a police report, and was being transferred to a military hospital for observation. The former vice president faces a charge of embezzlement in Ecuador, and he had sought refuge in the Mexican embassy in an attempt to avoid arrest. He became the subject of a diplomatic scuffle last week when police in Quito entered the embassy and successfully captured him, eventually transferring him to a detention center in the large port city of Guayaquil. A 1961 diplomatic treaty says that governments cannot enter foreign embassies without permission from the embassy’s host country, establishing a line that has been crossed only on rare occasions.

Persons: Jorge Glas, Glas Locations: Mexican, Quito, Ecuador, Guayaquil

☆ Argentina accuses Venezuela of cutting power to its embassy in Caracas after hosting opposition leaders
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Mauricio Torres | Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Argentina on Tuesday accused Venezuela of cutting the electricity supply to its embassy in Caracas after the diplomatic mission hosted a meeting with the country’s opposition leaders, the latest sign of souring relations between the two South American nations’ ideologically opposed governments. CNN has contacted the governments of Venezuela and Argentina for comment. Venezuela’s opposition has accused Maduro’s government of repressing its leaders and stifling any free and fair campaigning ahead of the country’s presidential elections on July 28. Colombia and Brazil issued statements Tuesday expressing concern over the opposition’s ability to fairly compete in the upcoming presidential contest. Maduro on Tuesday criticized foreign governments which he claimed, “seek to intervene in the internal affairs of Venezuela.”

Persons: Javier Milei, Nicolás Maduro, ”, Maduro’s, Maduro, Hugo Chavez, María Corina Machado, Machado, “ Organizations: CNN, Argentine, Venezuela’s, Español Locations: Argentina, Venezuela, Caracas, Argentine, Venezuelan, Buenos Aires, Nazi, United States, Colombia, Brazil

☆ Bolsonaro Faces New Legal Jeopardy After Stay at Hungarian Embassy
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Jack Nicas | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to explain why he spent two nights at the Hungarian Embassy, and the Brazilian federal police began investigating whether the February stay violated earlier court orders, police and court officials have said. The moves from the Supreme Court and federal police add to mounting legal jeopardy for Brazil’s former leader and followed a New York Times investigation published on Monday that showed Mr. Bolsonaro hid at the Hungarian Embassy in Brasília days after the authorities confiscated his passport because he was under criminal investigation. The Times report, based on three days of footage from the embassy’s security cameras, showed that the former president had appeared to be seeking political asylum from Hungary, whose prime minister is a fellow hard-right leader, Viktor Orban.

Persons: Jair Bolsonaro, Bolsonaro, Viktor Orban Organizations: Hungarian Embassy, Supreme, New York Times, Times Locations: Brazil’s, Hungarian, Hungary

On Feb. 8, Brazil’s federal police confiscated former President Jair Bolsonaro’s passport and arrested a pair of his former aides on accusations that they had plotted a coup after Mr. Bolsonaro lost the 2022 presidential election. Four days later, Mr. Bolsonaro was at the entrance to the Hungarian Embassy in Brazil, waiting to be let in, according to the embassy’s security-camera footage, which was obtained by The New York Times. The former president appeared to stay at the embassy for the next two days, the footage showed, accompanied by two security guards and waited on by the Hungarian ambassador and staff members. Mr. Bolsonaro, a target of various criminal investigations, cannot be arrested at a foreign embassy that welcomes him, because they are legally off-limits to domestic authorities. The stay at the embassy suggests that the former president was seeking to leverage his friendship with a fellow far-right leader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, into an attempt to evade the Brazilian justice system as he faces criminal investigations at home.

Persons: Jair, Bolsonaro, Viktor Orban of Hungary Organizations: Hungarian Embassy, The New York Times Locations: Hungarian, Brazil

The warning was related to the attack on Friday, according to people briefed on the matter. Pro-Kremlin voices immediately seized on the U.S. Embassy’s warning to paint America as trying to scare Russians. And he has been quick to accuse Ukraine of acts of terrorism to justify his invasion of the country. But I would disabuse you at this early hour of any connection to Ukraine.”“Our thoughts obviously are going to be with the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack,” he also said. Mykhailo Podolyak, a top adviser to Ukraine’s presidential office, said in a video statement that “Ukraine has absolutely nothing to do” with the attack.

Persons: Vladimir V, Putin, Mr, ”, John Kirby, Maria Zakharova, Washington, Mykhailo Podolyak, Aishvarya Kavi Organizations: U.S, Embassy, State Department, Kyiv, Biden’s National Security Council, White, Reuters, “ Locations: Moscow, America, Russia, Ukraine, Russian, U.S, Washington

☆ What a Viral Post on Giraffes Says About China’s Fed-Up Investors
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Li Yuan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

After that, he shut down his trading account and started investing in Chinese funds that track stocks in the United States. Many investors have instead flocked to the exchange-traded funds that track foreign markets and that have been performing much better. But Chinese investors are experiencing something especially alarming: financial losses in the markets, declining home values and a government that doesn’t want any public discussion of what’s happening. With their frustrations piling up, Chinese investors recently found a way to vent that wouldn’t be quickly censored. The giraffe post has been liked nearly one million times since Feb. 2, much more than what the embassy’s Weibo posts usually get.

Persons: Jacky Organizations: Weibo, U.S, Embassy Locations: United States, China

He replaced Yi Huiman, who presided over months of turmoil as share markets slumped, losing trillions of dollars of value. Earlier this week, the CSRC said that it was cracking down on insider trading, market manipulation and other crimes and would protect small investors. A state investment fund pledged to step up buying of exchange-traded funds and regulators also imposed limits on short-selling. Prolonged weakness in the property market and share prices has dented consumer confidence, hindering that transition. Given the selloff in the stock market, “many could be tempted to take their loss and walk away in the slightest recovery.

Persons: Wu Qing, Yi Huiman, Swissquote, Wu, “, Xi Jinping, ” Ozkardeskaya Organizations: Shanghai Stock Exchange, Communist Party, China Securities Regulatory Commission, Xinhua News Agency, Investors, ”, Authorities Locations: BANGKOK, Wu, China, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing

BEIJING (AP) — China replaced the head of its market watchdog Wednesday in an apparent attempt to restore confidence in financial markets following a prolonged downturn. Official media said Wu Qing, a former chairman of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, would replace Yi Huiman as chairman and Communist Party chief of the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Chinese stocks have been trading near 5-year lows despite various measures to stabilize the markets. Earlier this week, the CSRC said it was cracking down on insider trading, market manipulation and other crimes and would protect small investors. The appointment came during a week that has seen wild swings in share prices and despair among investors who have seen their investments evaporate.

Persons: Wu Qing, Yi Huiman, Wu, “, Butcher ”, Swissquote, ” Ozkardeskaya, Yi, monthslong Organizations: BEIJING, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Communist Party, China Securities Regulatory Commission, Xinhua News Agency Locations: China, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing

☆ China stock market: angry Chinese take to US Embassy’s social media account to vent about plunging shares
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

On Monday, mainland Chinese markets slumped again after their worst weeks in years. Under a Friday post by the US Embassy’s Weibo account about protecting wild giraffes, many Chinese people complained about the stock market rout and the challenging economy. “The US government, please help Chinese stock investors,” a user said in a repost of the animal protection article. Investors seemed to have shrugged off Chinese regulators’ latest pledge to bolster the stock market. On Sunday, the China Securities Regulatory Commission vowed to prevent “abnormal fluctuations” in the stock market and stabilize confidence.

Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Embassy, US, Weibo, Investors, China Securities, CNN Locations: China, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that 23 people, all rank-and-file fighters, were killed. The air assault was the opening salvo of U.S. retaliation for a drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan last weekend. The U.S. has blamed that on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iranian-backed militias. Iran, meanwhile, has attempted to distance itself from the attack, saying that the militias act independently of its direction. On Friday, the USS Carney shot down a drone over the Gulf of Aden and there were no injuries or damage.

Persons: Hussein, Washington “, ” Mosawi, Rami Abdurrahman, Bassim, Awadi, embassy’s, “, —, Yemen’s, Carney, Dwight D, Abby Sewell, Bassem, Jon Gambrell, Tara Copp Organizations: Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Associated Press, Human Rights, U.S, Population Mobilization Forces, Islamic, Popular Mobilization Forces, Israel, U.S . military’s Central Command, U.S . Navy, Eisenhower Locations: BAGHDAD, United States, Iraq, Syria, Iranian, Baghdad, U.S, Britain, Jordan, Iran, Iraqi, Islamic State, Gaza, Aden, Red, Beirut, Jerusalem, Washington

☆ Taylor Swift will make it home from Tokyo in time for the Super Bowl, Japanese Embassy says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Swift is scheduled to play the Tokyo Dome in the Japanese capital from February 7 to 10, leaving her little time – given the long-haul flight and large time difference – to get back for the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11. Still, as the Japanese Embassy’s statement shows, Taylor-mania is hardly confined to the NFL or even America. In Asia, the singer sparked a ticketing frenzy after announcing that she would be playing six shows in Singapore and four in Tokyo. So fierce has the competition been that fans have taken to calling it the “Great War” for tickets. After her Tokyo shows – and hopefully for fans, an appearance in Vegas – Swift is expected to return overseas for seven shows in Australia.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Swift, Taylor, Kelce, –, “, ”, Vegas – Swift Organizations: CNN, Super, Embassy, Tokyo, Chiefs, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, NFL, Chicago Bears, Singapore Locations: Washington, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Las Vagas, Japan, ”, America, Asia, Singapore, Vegas, Australia

☆ A US scientist outrages the British with advice about adding salt to tea – and the American embassy stirs it up
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Rob Picheta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Britain’s media has reacted with fury and bewilderment after a US scientist claimed the perfect cup of tea is made with a pinch of added salt. “I guess we are going to war again?” legal journalist Molly Quell wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We cannot stand idly by as such an outrageous proposal threatens the very foundation of our Special Relationship,” the embassy wrote in a viral X post. Francl also found little sympathy in the British press, which took her suggestion with more than a pinch of salt. In the meantime, the embassy said it “will continue to make tea in the proper way – by microwaving it.”

Persons: Michelle Francl, Molly, ”, Matt Green, Francl, “ Organizations: London CNN —, Bryn Mawr College, CNN, ITV News, Embassy, Guardian, Daily Mail Locations: Boston, Britain, United States, British, Pennsylvania

☆ Kissinger Left the State Department a Half Century Ago. But He Never Left His Old Job.
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( David E. Sanger | More About David E. Sanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

When Henry Kissinger turned 100 this year, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken toasted him at one birthday celebration in New York, and the C.I.A. Mr. Kissinger spoke with Mr. Blinken regularly, including as recently as last month, Mr. Blinken said. The Kissinger conversations with secretaries of state and presidents were not only about navigating the downward spiral in relations with Beijing. But the reason his advice was sought out goes to the depth of his experience: When Mr. Kissinger died on Wednesday, Mr. Blinken was headed to Israel in an effort to win a longer pause in a bloody conflict. Mr. Kissinger had flown the same path, in November 1973, exactly 50 years ago, during his famous shuttle diplomacy.

Persons: Henry Kissinger, Antony J, Blinken, William J, Burns, Kissinger, Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Mike Pompeo, Xi Jinping, ”, ‘ Kissinger, ’, Xi, Richard M, Mr, Biden, Nicholas Burns, Eric Schmidt Organizations: Mr, United, U.S . Embassy, Google Locations: New York, Washington, China, United States, Xi’s, San Francisco, Beijing, Russia, Israel

☆ China is cracking down on weather stations it says are spying for foreign countries
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Hong Kong CNN —China is cracking down on weather stations it says are spying for foreign countries, the latest measure in a broad counter-espionage campaign under leader Xi Jinping amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. Some stations were set up around sensitive sites such as military bases and defense companies to locate altitude and GPS data, the spy agency said. The authorities made the discovery after investigating more than 10 overseas meteorological equipment agents and inspecting more than 3,000 foreign-linked meteorological stations nationwide. “Meteorological data… is an integral part of data security and resource security. It’s closely linked to military, food, and ecological security, climate change, and public interests,” the Ministry of State Security said.

Persons: Xi Jinping, William Burns, “ Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Ministry of State Security, Embassy, Twitter, United, China’s Ministry of State Security, CIA Locations: Hong Kong, China, Beijing, United States, Washington

☆ U.S. Allows Some Embassy Staff, Families to Leave Lebanon
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The State Department also updated its travel advisory to Lebanon to a Level 4, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to the country. A statement on the embassy’s website said commercial options to depart Lebanon remain available, adding that U.S. citizens who are in the country and choose not to depart should prepare contingency plans for emergency situations. Israel has evacuated areas close to its northern border with Lebanon in wake of attacks from Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in recent days. Demonstrations by Hezbollah are planned in Lebanon, including close to the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday, the country's national news agency said.

Organizations: State Department, U.S, Embassy Locations: Lebanon, Israel

RUSSIAN DEATH TOLL IN HAMAS ATTACKS RISES TO 4MOSCOW — Russia’s embassy in Israel said the number of Russian citizens killed in the latest Israel-Palestinian war has risen to four. Previously, two Russian citizens were believed to have been killed and four were missing, according to Anatoly Viktorov, Russian Ambassador to Israel. 2 RUSSIAN CITIZENS WERE KILLED IN HAMAS ATTACKS IN ISRAELMOSCOW — Russia’s ambassador to Israel said that two Russian citizens have been killed in of the latest Israel-Palestinian war. Viktorov said that four other Russian citizens remain missing. He said the embassy has no information confirming Hamas’ claim that several Russian citizens were among the hostages it has taken.

Persons: Israel pummeled, Elon Musk, Musk, Marina Ryazanova, Anatoly Viktorov, Abdel Fattah el, JERUSALEM —, Cross, Fabrizio Carboni, we’ve, ” Carboni, “, Volker Türk, Türk, ”, ” PUTIN, Vladimir Putin, Mohammed Al, Sudani, Putin, regrettably hasn’t, ” Putin, Leo, Khan Younis, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, INDIA'S MODI, Narendra Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu, ” Modi, Modi, ISRAEL MOSCOW —, Israel, Anatoly Viktorov didn’t, hasn’t, Viktorov, MACRON, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, Macron, Muqtada al, National Security Iyad, Bazm, Dmitry Peskov, Mahmoud Abbas, Peskov, it’s, Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s, Tarik Jazarevic, HAVE Organizations: ‘, Twitter, Tass, International Committee, ICRC, Associated Press, HUMAN RIGHTS, The United Nations, Palestinian, Tuesday, Iraqi, MSF, Shifa Hospital, Nasser Hospital, ISRAEL BERLIN, German Foreign Ministry, Indian, Israel’s, Israel, ISRAEL MOSCOW, Hamas, Ministry of Interior, National Security, Kremlin, WHO, The United, World Health Organization, United Nations, UNRWA, PARIS — France’s Locations: Israel, Gaza, U.N, ISRAEL, MOSCOW, Russian, Egypt, Palestinian, Geneva, GAZA, U.S, GAZA CAIRO, Gaza City, Khan, Shalom, GERMANY, Israeli, Germany, DELHI, India, FRANCE, MACRON HAMBURG, Iran, Hamburg, France, IRAQ, GAZA BAGHDAD, Sadr, Najaf, Iraq, RAFAH, Rafah, RUSSIA, Moscow, GAZA GENEVA, The United Nations, UN, BEIRUT

The mayor of Fukushima, Hiroshi Kohata, said on Saturday the city’s town hall alone had received about 200 such harassment calls in two days. Security officers in front of the Japanese embassy in Beijing, China, on August 26, 2023. In an echo of the Japanese embassy’s statement, it urged Tokyo to protect the safety of Chinese residents in Japan. Many countries, including China, release treated radioactive water from their own nuclear plants, sometimes at higher concentrations than in Fukushima. Other prefectures are considering similar programs, with the Osaka governor proposing Fukushima seafood be served at all government cafeterias.

Persons: China’s, Hiroshi Kohata, It’s, ”, Yasuhiro Matsuda, Yoon Suk Yeol, Han Duck, Yoon, Han, Yuriko Koike, Rahm Emanuel, Matsuda, Xi Jinping, Fumio Kishida Organizations: Tokyo CNN, NHK, CNN, Security, Kyodo, Chinese Foreign Ministry, University of Tokyo’s Institute, Advanced Studies, South, Osaka, US, East China, Reuters Locations: Fukushima, Japan, China, Tokyo, Fukushima prefecture, Beijing, “, Qingdao, China’s Shandong, Suzhou, China’s Jiangsu, Asia, East

☆ Caroline Kennedy recreates JFK's heroic World War II swim
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

John F. Kennedy and his brother Joseph Kennedy Jr, in 1945. JFK’s PT-109 was struck by a Japanese Imperial Navy destroyer in the early morning darkness of August 1, 1943. The swim between Olasana and Naru, which her father made multiple times, was recreated by Ambassador Kennedy on Wednesday. “This place made President Kennedy the man he was. “As a small token of our gratitude, I would like to present you with the last two PT Boat pins that I have, that belonged to President Kennedy,” she said.

Persons: John F, Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy Jr, Jack Schlossberg, “, ” Schlossberg, JFK’s, Ambassador Kennedy, Biuku, Eroni Kumana, ’, ”, ” Caroline Kennedy, JFK, Kumana, one’s Organizations: CNN, US Navy, United, United States ’, Hulton, Twitter, Imperial Navy, Allies, JFK, Navy, Marine Corps, Solomon, Arlington National Cemetery Locations: United States, Australia, Solomon Islands, Dallas, Arlington, Virginia

CNN —Moldova has summoned the Russian ambassador in Chisinau after a media report surfaced alleging the embassy installed spying devices on its rooftop, according to the Moldovan foreign ministry. It comes after the Insider media outlet and Moldova’s Jurnal TV reported this week after a joint investigation that 28 satellite dishes and other communication devices had been installed on the Russian embassy’s rooftop and a neighboring residential building used by embassy’s staff. Moscow’s ambassador in Chisinau Oleg Vasnetsov was summoned on Tuesday “to provide clarifications and explanations on the situation,” the ministry said. “Depending on further developments, the Moldovan authorities will consider several options for a response,” it concluded. CNN has contacted the Russian embassy in Chisinau for comment on the spying allegations and the summoning of their ambassador but is yet to hear back.

Persons: “, Chisinau Oleg Vasnetsov Organizations: CNN —, Moldovan, CNN Locations: CNN — Moldova, Russian, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

CNN —Hundreds of protesters stormed the main gates of the Swedish embassy in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad early Thursday in response to police in Stockholm granting permission for a demonstration were organizers are reportedly planning another burning of the Muslim holy book, the Quran. Videos posted on social media showed a large number of protesters inside the Swedish embassy’s perimeter as well as black smoke and fire coming from the building. According to AFP, Swedish police said Wednesday they had granted a permit for a protest outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm, with media reporting the organizers planned to burn the Muslim holy book. Stockholm police told AFP they had granted a permit for a “public gathering” outside the Iraqi embassy but did not wish to give further comments on what the protesters were planning. A large number of protesters breached the Swedish embassy in Baghdad early Thursday.

Persons: ” Organizations: CNN, AFP, Swedish, Swedish Embassy, Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Locations: Swedish, Baghdad, Stockholm, Sweden, Stockholm’s, Iraq

☆ ‘Anti-American’ Chinese pundit faces backlash for attending Independence Day party at US Embassy in Beijing
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —A Chinese nationalist pundit known for his inflammatory criticism of the United States has attracted ridicule online after he was shown attending a party celebrating Independence Day at the US embassy in Beijing – and apparently having a great time while there. American ambassador Nicolas Burns invited me to dinner,” exclaimed the headline of an article Sima posted Wednesday. In the article, he praised the “spectacular” food offered at the event, to which “national day celebrations at the Russian embassy cannot compare,” he said. (Though the Russian embassy’s ice cream is tastier, he concluded after eating four scoops of American ice cream). Sima also observed the “festive atmosphere” of the US celebration, in contrast to the discussions on “serious topics” by guests at the Russian embassy.

Persons: Sima Nan, ”, Sima, “, Nicolas Burns, Burns, Mr, Burns ’, It’s, “ Sima Nan Organizations: CNN, Independence, Beijing –, Washington, NATO, Sima’s, US, Russian Locations: United States, Beijing, China, Ukraine, Taiwan, ” China, Russian, Weibo, American, California

☆ Russia’s Embassy in Washington Becomes a Different Kind of Battle Zone
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( Michael Crowley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

On a warm June night, Benjamin Wittes was seated at a card table across the street from the Russian Embassy in Washington, kicking off his light show. Assembled around him was a sprawl of wires and equipment, including a laptop and two powerful light projectors. One of them was beaming a giant blue and yellow Ukrainian flag onto the embassy’s white facade. “We’ve got a little essay we’re going to project, line by line, in three languages,” said Mr. Wittes, a prominent national security law expert. Mr. Wittes and his friends have been lighting up the embassy once every few weeks since the war in Ukraine began last year.

Persons: Benjamin Wittes, “ We’ve, ”, Wittes, “, Vladimir V, Putin Organizations: Russian Embassy Locations: Russian, Washington, Russia, Ukraine

CNN —Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich lost his appeal against the extension of pre-trial detention in Moscow on Thursday on spying charges, which he denies. Gershkovich’s detention, at the notorious Lefortovo prison in Moscow, was extended last month to August 30. Gershkovich was in court for the decision, in a glass cage, wearing a dark t-shirt and jeans. The Wall Street Journal called Gershkovich’s continued detention “an outrage” in a statement released Thursday. “Our colleague Evan Gershkovich appeared in Moscow City Court today for an appeal against his ongoing pretrial detention.

Persons: Evan Gershkovich, Gershkovich, Lynne Tracy, Ella Milman, Mikhail Gershkovich, Tracy, ” Tracy, Evan, “, ”, ” “ Evan, Joe Biden Organizations: CNN, Wall Street, Moscow, Court, TASS, Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow City Court, US State Department Locations: Moscow, Russia, United States, Moscow City, Washington

☆ Fleeing Sudan, U.S. Diplomats Shredded Passports and Stranded Locals
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Declan Walsh | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the frantic days before American diplomats evacuated their Khartoum embassy under darkness by helicopter last month, one crucial task remained. Armed with shredders, sledgehammers and gasoline, American officials following protocols destroyed classified documents and sensitive equipment, officials and eyewitnesses said. Many had left them at the embassy days earlier, to apply for American visas. As the embassy evacuated, officials who feared the passports, along with other important papers, might fall into the wrong hands reduced them to confetti. A month later, many of those Sudanese are stranded in the war zone, unable to get out.

☆ North Korea is said to lift 5-day lockdown in capital
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

SEOUL, South Korea — Russia’s embassy in North Korea says the country has eased stringent epidemic controls in the capital, Pyongyang, that were placed during the past five days to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses. North Korean state media in recent weeks have stressed vigilance against a possible re-emergence of Covid-19. From May to August, North Korea reported about 4.8 million “fever cases” across its population of 26 million but identified only a fraction of them as Covid-19. North Korea has dubiously insisted that rival South Korea was responsible for its Covid-19 outbreak, saying that the virus was transported by anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets and other materials flown across the border by balloons launched by South Korean civilian activists. South Korea has dismissed such claims as unscientific and “ridiculous.”

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