Myanmar, India vow to cooperate in drug control
YANGON, Feb 25: Myanmar and India have vowed to cooperate in drug control, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Sunday. The two countries made their pledge at the third bilateral meeting of director-general level on drug control in Yangon. The talks reviewed the drug control work to be carried out as decided at the second director-general meeting. Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Maj-Gen Aung Win Oo headed the Myanmar delegation, while Shri Abhay, Director-General of Narcotics Control Bureau, led the Indian delegation in their talks. Meanwhile, Myanmar and India have also pledged to support each other in fight against terrorism, saying that both countries would not allow terrorism to take foot on their territories. — Xinhua
DR Congo police fire bullets, tear gas on anti-Kabila rally
KISANGANI, Feb 25: At least two people were wounded as police fired live bullets and tear gas Sunday to break up a banned protest against DR Congo President Joseph Kabila in Kisangani, the country's third largest city, an AFP reporter said. Hundreds starting marching after mass at the city's cathedral but were dispersed by security forces. The AFP journalist said at least two people suffered bullet injuries. — AFP
Families of IS suspects in Iraq face 'collective punishment'
BAGHDAD, Feb 25: Iraq is denying relatives of suspected Islamic State group jihadists security clearance to obtain identity cards, in what amounts to a form of "collective punishment", Human Rights Watch said Sunday. "Iraqi security officers are routinely denying relatives of suspected Islamic State (IS) members the security clearance needed to obtain identity cards and other documents, " HRW said. — AFP
Venezuela opens nominations for presidential vote as US protests
CARACAS, Feb 25: Venezuela is now accepting candidate registrations for its April 22 presidential elections, but opposition politicians and the United States are rejecting the terms of the poll. Tania D'Amelio, an official of the National Electoral Council (CNE), said nominations would be accepted through Monday. The council will announce which nominations are accepted by Thursday. Opposition politicians have accused the CNE of being under the thumb of President Nicolas Maduro. The presidential elections, with Maduro seeking a new term that would keep him in office until 2025, are traditionally held in December. They were moved forward by the ruling Constituent Assembly, which is controlled by the governing party. — AFP
Red Cross says 23 staff left over sexual misconduct since 2015
LONDON, Feb 25: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said 23 staff members had left since 2015 over sexual misconduct, making it the latest humanitarian organisation to be affected by abuse allegations shaking the aid sector. "Since 2015 we've identified 21 staff members who were either dismissed for paying for sexual services or resigned during an internal enquiry. Another two staff members suspected of sexual misconduct did not have their contracts renewed," ICRC Director-General Yves Daccord said in a statement published on Friday. "I am deeply saddened to report these numbers," Daccord said in the statement, adding the ICRC was taking action to make sure all incidents would be reported and handled properly. — Reuters
