News in Brief -(27-06-2019)

Seven policemen killed in Sinai jihadist attack
CAIRO, June 26: Seven police officers have been killed in a jihadist attack in restive North Sinai, Egypt's interior ministry said on Wednesday. The attack near the regional capital El-Arish targeted an "assembly centre" for police, according to the ministry. North Sinai has long been a centre of insurgents and Egyptian authorities last year launched an offensive against the jihadists. — AFP
Tributes to Jackson flow on death anniversary
LOS ANGELES, June 26: Michael Jackson's estate paid tribute to his artistry and charity on Tuesday as fans began gathering to celebrate his memory on the 10th anniversary of the King of Pop's death. "Ten years ago today, the world lost a gifted artist and extraordinary humanitarian," the Jackson estate said in a statement to The Associated Press. "A decade later, Michael Jackson is still with us, his influence embedded in dance, fashion, art and music of the moment. He is more important than ever." The estate has doggedly worked to protect and enhance Jackson's legacy, a task made more challenging this year when two men accused Jackson of molesting them as boys in the HBO documentary "Leaving Neverland," sparking new scrutiny of years-old claims that Jackson preyed on children. — AP
US envoy meets Sudan military representatives
KHARTOUM, June 26: US Special Envoy to Sudan Donald Booth on Tuesday held meetings with representatives from Sudan's Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the opposition Freedom and Change Alliance to push the two parties to resume talks to reach a political settlement, Sudan's Ashorooq net reported. "The consultations tend to push the two sides to resume direct talks," Booth was quoted in the report as saying. — Xinhua
Zambia ex-minister denies corruption charges
LUSAKA, June 26: A Zambian former minister on Wednesday denied corruption charges over allegations that led Britain to suspend aid to the southern African country last year. Emerine Kabanshi, 54, who was arrested last month, appeared in court in Lusaka on corruption charges alleged to have been committed after June 2017. Kabanshi was community development and social services minister when Britain alleged malpractice. — AFP
Tunisia foils Italy-bound immigration attempt
TUNIS, June 26: Tunisian Coast Guards foiled an attempt of illegal immigration to Italy from the Tunisian coasts, according to a statement released by the Defense Ministry on Tuesday. "Seven Tunisians, aged between 20 and 30 years old, were arrested aboard a fishing boat that was planning to sail towards Italy," read the statement. — Xinhua