Ofunato (Japan) (AFP) – Wet weather brings some relief to northern Japan, battling its worst wildfire in half a century, in a region that had been experiencing record-low rainfall. The blaze around the northern city of Ofunato in the Iwate region has raged for more than a week, killing one person and forcing nearly 4,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
Washington (AFP) – A week before Greenlanders go to the polls to elect their members of parliament, the US is on voters’ minds as President Donald Trump again voiced his desire to annex the Arctic island during an address to congress. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede hit back at Trump’s pledge to take the island “one way or the other”, saying that islanders did not see their future with the United States or even Denmark.
Santiago (AFP) – During his visit to the country, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier holds a joint press conference with Chilean President Gabriel Boric at the Moneda Palace. IMAGES
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine “can only regret what happened in the White House”, referring to his public bust-up with US President Donald Trump. Speaking to Ukrainians in his first evening address since Trump halted military aid to Kyiv, he tells the country that “Ukraine deserves peace” and “Ukrainians deserve respect”. In an address to US Congress, Trump said Zelensky has now told him Kyiv was ready for talks with Russia and the finalisation of a US minerals deal.
Ofunato (Japan) (AFP) – Wet weather brings some relief to northern Japan which is battling its worst wildfire in half a century in a region hit by record-low rainfall. The blaze around the northern city of Ofunato in the Iwate region has raged for more than a week, killing one person and forcing nearly 4,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
Tokyo (AFP) – Japan’s powerboat racing started more than 70 years ago and is one of only four sports in the country that can be legally bet on, alongside horse racing, speedway and cycling. But organisers are now keen to shake off its gritty image and attract new fans to the fast and furious sport.
Beijing (AFP) – China has set an annual growth target of around five percent, vowing to make domestic demand its main economic driver as an escalating trade war with the United States hit Beijing’s exports.
Washington (AFP) – Protesters gather outside the US Capitol as President Donald Trump gives his first address to Congress. During the speech, Trump declared “America is back,” while protesters said the US had become “fascist.”
Lima (AFP) – Peruvian firefighters battle a major fire that broke out in downtown Lima on the evening of March 3. IMAGES
Mexico City (AFP) – Images of the Mexican stock exchange and screens displaying exchange rates as the peso declines for a fourth straight session after the US imposes 25% tariffs on Mexican imports. SOUNDBITE
