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Taipei (AFP) – A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would have “disastrous results” for the world, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said in an interview Wednesday, citing the island’s strategic importance for the semiconductor industry and global shipping lanes. Wu’s warning comes as democratically ruled Taiwan heads towards a presidential election next year, while facing increased military and political pressure from China across the Taiwan Strait.

Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport (France) (AFP) – The first of three planes carrying mostly French and other European citizens evacuated from Niger landed in Paris early Wednesday, a week since a coup toppled one of the last pro-Western leaders in the Sahel region.

Turrialba (Costa Rica) (AFP) – In the tropical mountains of Costa Rica, scientists preserve seeds collected over decades. In temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, the seeds can be kept for up to 40 years for purposes of research, genetic engineering of plants more resistant to pests, diseases or changing weather, or to replace species that die out.

Lisbon (AFP) – With biscuits in the image of the Pope appearing in the shop windows and pilgrims roaming around Lisbon, Portugal’s capital is hoping for an economic boost from its hosting of the week-long religious festival known as World Youth Day, the world’s largest Catholic gathering.

Al ‘Assah (Libya) (AFP) – Libyan border guards assist migrants of African origin in the uninhabited area on the Libya-Tunisia border after they were reportedly abandoned by Tunisian authorities in the desert borderland.

Mexico City (AFP) – Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador criticizes the Texas governor for installing a floating barrier to stop migrants crossing the border from Mexico, calling it a “tacky publicity stunt” aimed at attracting votes.

Stockholm (AFP) – Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson says the Nordic country intends to “intensify” border controls due to a worsened security situation in the wake of several protests involving desecrations of the Koran. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer says the measure “enables us to identify incoming travellers that can threaten our security.” Tensions have flared between Sweden and Muslim countries following several protests involving public desecrations of the Koran — including setting pages alight.

Paris (AFP) – Ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, the Préfecture de Police has asked booksellers in Paris to remove their famous green stalls along the quays of the Seine for security purposes. But the around 200 booksellers have said they have “no intention to move”.

Yangon (AFP) – Families wait outside Yangon’s Insein prison as Myanmar’s junta releases over 7,000 people to mark Buddhist Lent. Buses carry released prisoners and leave the prison premises. Myanmar reduced ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s 33-year prison sentence by six years in a partial pardon, as the junta struggles to quell bloody resistance to its rule. Myanmar frequently grants amnesty to thousands of prisoners to commemorate holidays or special Buddhist dates.

Venice (AFP) – Tourists and residents react as UNESCO recommends that Venice be placed on the list of World Heritage in Danger. UNESCO said in its recommendation that Venice risked “irreversible” damage due to a string of issues ranging from climate change to mass tourism. “It’s true that coping with tourists in Venice is impossible”, says Vanessa di Bernardo, a local waitress.