Algier (AFP) – Algerians are voting in a presidential election in which incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, widely expected to secure a second term, is hoping for a high turnout. “It is a citizen’s right to vote in everything that happens in his or her country, whether in presidential elections or any other,” says retiree voter Seghir Derouiche.
Port Moresby (AFP) – Pope Francis delivers a pointed warning to Papua New Guinea’s leaders that the country’s sizable resource wealth must benefit all — a politically charged demand in a nation where many believe their riches are being stolen or squandered. “These goods are destined by God for the entire community”, the pontiff told a gathering of politicians, diplomats and civic leaders on the first full day of a visit to the South Pacific nation.
Cernobbio (AFP) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, speaking on the sidelines of the Economic Forum in Cernobbio in Italy, says communication, then ceasefire are the necessary first steps before negotiating a peace agreement. Military support for Ukraine has been a major discussion point during the forum. “My point is first, communication, second ceasefire,” Orban says, “then (you) start to negotiate on a peace arrangement.”
Paisley (AFP) – In the town of Paisley, near Glasgow, acclaimed Scottish artist Anya Gallacio has unveiled her latest installation: a vacant retail unit on a struggling high street, covered in chocolate. Staged by local gallery Jupiter Artland, the installation is expected to give the town’s centre a much-needed boost.
Neu-Taipeh (AFP) – Taiwanese volunteers gather around a large inflatable whale as they learn how to help beached sea mammals — an increasingly common sight across the island. More than 100 dolphins and whales now wash up on Taiwan’s beaches every year, a sharp rise over the past decade, according to researchers.
Iten (AFP) – Athletes training in the renowned west Kenyan running hub of Iten express shock and sadness over the death of Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who died after being doused with petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend.
Susdal (AFP) – In the historic town of Suzdal, a few hours’ drive from the capital, Moscow, Russian tourists pose in front of a traditional domed church. Millions of Russians spend their summer break at home this year as Western sanctions and travel restrictions shut the country off from most European tourism destinations. Towns like Suzdal are benefiting from the uptick in domestic tourism, however, and Moscow aims to boost domestic traveller numbers to 140 million per year by 2030.
Paris (AFP) – France’s new right-wing prime minister, Michel Barnier, has started consulting all sides to cobble together a government capable of mustering a majority in parliament after two months of political deadlock. The 73-year-old, a former foreign minister who recently acted as the European Union’s Brexit negotiator, is the oldest premier in the history of modern France.
Janājah (AFP) – In Iraq, the date palm and its bounty are national icons, but they are being battered by drought. Once known as the country of “30 million palm trees”, Iraq’s ancient date-growing culture had already suffered from upheaval, especially during the 1980-88 war with Iran, before climate change became a major threat.
Oslo (AFP) – “Ukraine needs more military support now. The quickest way to end this war is to provide weapons to Ukraine” insists NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a press conference in Oslo. He made the comments while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was appearing in person at a meeting of Ukraine’s international backers in Germany.
