COVID-19 pandemic in France, COVID-19 vaccination in France France reports a new single-day record of the 1.3 million vaccine appointments as the Government pressures people to get vaccinated. (Global News)
France reports a new single-day record of the 1.3 million vaccine appointments as the Government pressures people to get vaccinated. (Global News)
The death toll from the protests following the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma increases to 72, as more violent incidents occur. Ten of the victims died during a stampede in Soweto, while others died during lootings, shootings and explosions. More than 1,000 people have been arrested. (BBC News) (The Miami Herald)
2021 Cuban protests In Miami, protesters temporarily block the Palmetto Expressway in both directions in order to show support for Cuban protestors. (Miami Herald) The San Isidro Movement says that over 100 people have been arrested since protests began in Cuba. Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares also calls for the release of Cuban journalist Camila Acosta. (KEYT-TV) (The Guardian) Cuban YouTuber Dina Fernandez, also known as Dina Stars, says that she was detained by Cuban security forces in Havana during an interview. (CNN en Español)
The San Isidro Movement says that over 100 people have been arrested since protests began in Cuba. Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares also calls for the release of Cuban journalist Camila Acosta. (KEYT-TV) (The Guardian)
2021 Peruvian general election Supporters of Popular Force leader and former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori attempt to reach the Government Palace in Lima to call for an audit of the election. Minister for Health Óscar Ugarte and Minister for Housing, Construction and Sanitation Solangel Fernández were attacked during the protests, and protesters clash with the National Police. (El Mundo) (RPP)
Supporters of Popular Force leader and former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori attempt to reach the Government Palace in Lima to call for an audit of the election. Minister for Health Óscar Ugarte and Minister for Housing, Construction and Sanitation Solangel Fernández were attacked during the protests, and protesters clash with the National Police. (El Mundo) (RPP)
2019 Bolivian political crisis Bolivian authorities say that weaponry that were found stored were sent clandestinely by the Government of Argentina led by President Mauricio Macri in November 2019 to support the ousting of Evo Morales and that they were used to repress Morales' supporters. Aside from Macri, his ministers Patricia Bullrich, Oscar Aguad and Jorge Faurie are also accused of aiding the Bolivian interim government of Jeanine Áñez. (TV Pública)
Bolivian authorities say that weaponry that were found stored were sent clandestinely by the Government of Argentina led by President Mauricio Macri in November 2019 to support the ousting of Evo Morales and that they were used to repress Morales' supporters. Aside from Macri, his ministers Patricia Bullrich, Oscar Aguad and Jorge Faurie are also accused of aiding the Bolivian interim government of Jeanine Áñez. (TV Pública)
2021 Cuban protests Cuban President and First Secretary of the Communist Party Miguel Díaz-Canel admits that his administration has failed to handle the shortages and neglected certain sectors. However, he also urges protesters not to be “hateful”. (Global News) Cuba temporarily lifts restrictions on food and medicine imports following the protests. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea South Korea reports a record 1,615 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, prompting the Government to raise its social distancing measure to "Level 2" for most of the country outside the Seoul Capital Area beginning tomorrow, where gatherings of more than eight people will be banned and bars and restaurants must close by midnight. (The Straits Times)
Cuban President and First Secretary of the Communist Party Miguel Díaz-Canel admits that his administration has failed to handle the shortages and neglected certain sectors. However, he also urges protesters not to be “hateful”. (Global News)
Israel–United Arab Emirates relations, Israel–United Arab Emirates normalization agreement The United Arab Emirates opens its embassy in Israel, marking another milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries since signing a normalization agreement. The opening ceremony is attended by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, UAE Minister for Food and Water Security Mariam Almheiri, and UAE Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Al Khaja. (Khaleej Times)
South Korea reports a record 1,615 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, prompting the Government to raise its social distancing measure to "Level 2" for most of the country outside the Seoul Capital Area beginning tomorrow, where gatherings of more than eight people will be banned and bars and restaurants must close by midnight. (The Straits Times)
The United Arab Emirates opens its embassy in Israel, marking another milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries since signing a normalization agreement. The opening ceremony is attended by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, UAE Minister for Food and Water Security Mariam Almheiri, and UAE Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Al Khaja. (Khaleej Times)
Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi asks the Taliban during a conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to make a "clean break" with all terrorist forces, especially the al-Qaeda-backed East Turkestan Islamic Movement, and to return to mainstream Afghan politics. (NDTV)
Interim Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri resigns after both failing to form a new government in the past eight months and reaching an impasse with President Michel Aoun on adopting some constitutional amendments. Supporters of Hariri and his party Future Movement subsequently protest in Beirut, where they clashed with riot police, and blocked roads in Tripoli and Tyre. (Al Jazeera)
War in Afghanistan Taliban insurgency 2021 Taliban offensive The Taliban proposes a three month ceasefire to the Afghan government in exchange for the release of 7,000 captured fighters. Nader Nadery, an Afghan government negotiator, says that it is a "big demand" and that it will be evaluated. This move comes after major territorial gains by the insurgent group. The Taliban also demands that they be removed from a United Nations blacklist. (BBC News)
2021 Taliban offensive The Taliban proposes a three month ceasefire to the Afghan government in exchange for the release of 7,000 captured fighters. Nader Nadery, an Afghan government negotiator, says that it is a "big demand" and that it will be evaluated. This move comes after major territorial gains by the insurgent group. The Taliban also demands that they be removed from a United Nations blacklist. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda The Rwandan government announces a lockdown in its capital Kigali and eight other districts from July 17 in an attempt to curb the increase in cases. (Anadolou Agency)
Taliban insurgency 2021 Taliban offensive The Taliban proposes a three month ceasefire to the Afghan government in exchange for the release of 7,000 captured fighters. Nader Nadery, an Afghan government negotiator, says that it is a "big demand" and that it will be evaluated. This move comes after major territorial gains by the insurgent group. The Taliban also demands that they be removed from a United Nations blacklist. (BBC News)
The Rwandan government announces a lockdown in its capital Kigali and eight other districts from July 17 in an attempt to curb the increase in cases. (Anadolou Agency)
The Taliban proposes a three month ceasefire to the Afghan government in exchange for the release of 7,000 captured fighters. Nader Nadery, an Afghan government negotiator, says that it is a "big demand" and that it will be evaluated. This move comes after major territorial gains by the insurgent group. The Taliban also demands that they be removed from a United Nations blacklist. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announces that the state has administered seven million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. (WBOC-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka COVID-19 vaccination in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka reports a new single-day record of 384,763 vaccine doses administered. (Adaderana)
COVID-19 vaccination in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka reports a new single-day record of 384,763 vaccine doses administered. (Adaderana)
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announces that the state has administered seven million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. (WBOC-TV)
Sri Lanka reports a new single-day record of 384,763 vaccine doses administered. (Adaderana)
2021 Madagascar food crisis Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina pleads to world leaders and the international community to help combat climate change amid a situation of food insecurity with some people on the verge of famine in the southern region of Madagascar. Rajoelina highlights the "urgency" in addressing the issue. (Madagascar Tribune)
Argentina begins a five-day mourning period, decreed yesterday by President Alberto Fernández, to honor the more than 100,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the country. All flags are ordered to fly at half-mast. (MercoPress)
COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina Argentina begins a five-day mourning period, decreed yesterday by President Alberto Fernández, to honor the more than 100,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the country. All flags are ordered to fly at half-mast. (MercoPress)
Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina pleads to world leaders and the international community to help combat climate change amid a situation of food insecurity with some people on the verge of famine in the southern region of Madagascar. Rajoelina highlights the "urgency" in addressing the issue. (Madagascar Tribune)
Pakistan rejects accusations by the Afghan first vice-president Amrullah Saleh that the Pakistani Air Force provides air support to the Taliban. Pakistani authorities rebuffed the accusation on Friday, saying that the Air Force limits itself to safeguarding Pakistani territory. (Al Jazeera)
2019 Bolivian political crisis At the request of Bolivia, Argentine prosecutors file charges against former president Mauricio Macri, security minister Patricia Bullrich, defense minister Oscar Aguad and former Argentine ambassador to Bolivia Normando Álvarez García for allegedly supporting the removal of Evo Morales from power in November 2019. The Argentine government of that time is also accused of sending ammunition and weaponry to help the government of interim president Jeanine Áñez suppress protests organized by Morales' supporters. (MercoPress)
At the request of Bolivia, Argentine prosecutors file charges against former president Mauricio Macri, security minister Patricia Bullrich, defense minister Oscar Aguad and former Argentine ambassador to Bolivia Normando Álvarez García for allegedly supporting the removal of Evo Morales from power in November 2019. The Argentine government of that time is also accused of sending ammunition and weaponry to help the government of interim president Jeanine Áñez suppress protests organized by Morales' supporters. (MercoPress)
Japan–South Korea relations South Korea summons the Japanese ambassador following remarks by a Japanese senior official mocking South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Moon had hinted at a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, to which the official responded that it was not a possibility and that Moon was "masturbating". South Korea states that the remarks were highly inappropriate, but the Government of Japan said that the remarks were not directed at Moon. (CNA)
South Korea summons the Japanese ambassador following remarks by a Japanese senior official mocking South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Moon had hinted at a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, to which the official responded that it was not a possibility and that Moon was "masturbating". South Korea states that the remarks were highly inappropriate, but the Government of Japan said that the remarks were not directed at Moon. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in France Over 100,000 people protest across France against President Emmanuel Macron's plan to require COVID-19 vaccinations for health workers, along with other restrictions on unvaccinated citizens. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand Thailand reports a record 10,082 new cases and 141 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, prompting the government to impose a nationwide ban on gatherings with a maximum penalty of a two-year jail term, a fine of up to 40,000 baht (US$1,220.15) or both for violators. (Al Jazeera)
Over 100,000 people protest across France against President Emmanuel Macron's plan to require COVID-19 vaccinations for health workers, along with other restrictions on unvaccinated citizens. (Reuters)
Thailand reports a record 10,082 new cases and 141 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, prompting the government to impose a nationwide ban on gatherings with a maximum penalty of a two-year jail term, a fine of up to 40,000 baht (US$1,220.15) or both for violators. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom The United Kingdom reports 54,674 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, which is the highest single-day total of new cases since mid-January. (Sky News) Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid tests positive for COVID-19, despite having been fully vaccinated, one day after he met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. (Bloomberg)
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid tests positive for COVID-19, despite having been fully vaccinated, one day after he met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. (Bloomberg)
War in Afghanistan Taliban insurgency 2021 Taliban offensive Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada says that he "strenuously favors" a political settlement to the conflict between the group and the Afghan Government despite recent advancement and territorial gains by the Taliban, saying that "in spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate [of Afghanistan]" favors a stable solution to the issue. (Al Jazeera)
2021 Taliban offensive Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada says that he "strenuously favors" a political settlement to the conflict between the group and the Afghan Government despite recent advancement and territorial gains by the Taliban, saying that "in spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate [of Afghanistan]" favors a stable solution to the issue. (Al Jazeera)
Taliban insurgency 2021 Taliban offensive Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada says that he "strenuously favors" a political settlement to the conflict between the group and the Afghan Government despite recent advancement and territorial gains by the Taliban, saying that "in spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate [of Afghanistan]" favors a stable solution to the issue. (Al Jazeera)
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada says that he "strenuously favors" a political settlement to the conflict between the group and the Afghan Government despite recent advancement and territorial gains by the Taliban, saying that "in spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate [of Afghanistan]" favors a stable solution to the issue. (Al Jazeera)
A consortium of journalists led by NGOs Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International reveal widespread spying abuses on journalists, political opposition, businesspeople, human rights activists and others by various governments under the guise of fighting crime or terrorism. The NGOs accessed a list of over 50,000 individuals targeted by Israeli security and spying software company NSO Group and its customers within 50 countries. (The Guardian) (ForbiddenStories)
The National Jury of Elections confirms Castillo as the winner of the election, thereby making him president-elect. He is expected to be sworn-in as President of Peru on July 28. (Mercopress)
Georgia–European Union relations, Moldova–European Union relations, Ukraine–European Union relations Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili announce in a joint statement their intentions to have their respective countries pursue closer relations with the European Union, effectively rebuking Russia. (Politico)
Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili announce in a joint statement their intentions to have their respective countries pursue closer relations with the European Union, effectively rebuking Russia. (Politico)
Mali War A knifeman wounds Malian President Assimi Goïta in the arm at a mosque in Bamako. The perpetrator is arrested, and the attack is described as an assassination attempt. (Al Jazeera)
A knifeman wounds Malian President Assimi Goïta in the arm at a mosque in Bamako. The perpetrator is arrested, and the attack is described as an assassination attempt. (Al Jazeera)
A second criminal investigation is opened into the husband of Popular Force leader and former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori over allegations of money laundering. (Radio Havana Cuba)
COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe COVID-19 vaccination in Zimbabwe Zimbabwean authorities order compulsory vaccinations for civil servants and also reduce the number of government workers to physically report for duty to 25% in an attempt to reduce the local transmission of COVID-19. (RTÉ)
COVID-19 vaccination in Zimbabwe Zimbabwean authorities order compulsory vaccinations for civil servants and also reduce the number of government workers to physically report for duty to 25% in an attempt to reduce the local transmission of COVID-19. (RTÉ)
Zimbabwean authorities order compulsory vaccinations for civil servants and also reduce the number of government workers to physically report for duty to 25% in an attempt to reduce the local transmission of COVID-19. (RTÉ)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea South Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum and Minister for National Defnese Suh Wook apologize for the outbreak of COVID-19 aboard the destroyer Munmu the Great off the coast of Africa. Currently, nearly 250 of the 301 unvaccinated crew aboard the ship have contracted COVID-19. Prime Minister Kim says "I apologize for having failed to take better care of the health of our soldiers who devoted themselves to the country". (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi fires Minister for Public Health Faouzi Mehdi and appoints Mohamed Trabelsi as caretaker Minister for Public Health amid a collapse of the nation's healthcare system due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. (Anadolu Agency)
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum and Minister for National Defnese Suh Wook apologize for the outbreak of COVID-19 aboard the destroyer Munmu the Great off the coast of Africa. Currently, nearly 250 of the 301 unvaccinated crew aboard the ship have contracted COVID-19. Prime Minister Kim says "I apologize for having failed to take better care of the health of our soldiers who devoted themselves to the country". (Reuters)
Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi fires Minister for Public Health Faouzi Mehdi and appoints Mohamed Trabelsi as caretaker Minister for Public Health amid a collapse of the nation's healthcare system due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 misinformation, COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil YouTube says that it has pulled videos from Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for promoting misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. (Reuters)
YouTube says that it has pulled videos from Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for promoting misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri Governor Mike Parson announces that Missouri will launch a "Be a Mo VIP Winner" campaign to vaccinate individuals amidst a rise of cases in the state. In five rounds, over 180 people will be drawn with each receiving a US$10,000 prize. The announcement comes after 3,031 cases of COVID-19 was reported in the state, the highest since January. (Springfield News-Leader)
Governor Mike Parson announces that Missouri will launch a "Be a Mo VIP Winner" campaign to vaccinate individuals amidst a rise of cases in the state. In five rounds, over 180 people will be drawn with each receiving a US$10,000 prize. The announcement comes after 3,031 cases of COVID-19 was reported in the state, the highest since January. (Springfield News-Leader)
On September 12, Pope Francis will visit Hungary as he celebrates the concluding Mass of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress. He will then travel to Slovakia and return to Rome on September 15. (Catholic Culture) (Vatican News)
2021 Taliban offensive Tajikistan holds its largest military exercise, mobilizing 130,000 servicemen in addition to 100,000 active servicemen and parades more than 1,000 military vehicles and many more warfare equipment and military helicopters. President Emomali Rakhmon urged Tajik people to protect the "peace and stability achieved at a high price" amid a Taliban offensive in neighboring Afghanistan. (Reuters)
Tajikistan holds its largest military exercise, mobilizing 130,000 servicemen in addition to 100,000 active servicemen and parades more than 1,000 military vehicles and many more warfare equipment and military helicopters. President Emomali Rakhmon urged Tajik people to protect the "peace and stability achieved at a high price" amid a Taliban offensive in neighboring Afghanistan. (Reuters)
China rejects the next stage of a World Health Organization (WHO) investigation into COVID-19. Chinese Deputy Minister of Health Zeng Yixin rebuffed the proposal to investigate the origins in Wuhan as "disrespect for common sense and arrogance towards Science". WHO experts said it was very unlikely that the virus escaped from a Chinese lab, but the theory has endured. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic The Chilean government announces that beginning on July 26, fully vaccinated residents will be able to travel internationally by airplane without special permission as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decrease and the number of people who have received a vaccine continues to increase. (Bloomberg)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy COVID-19 vaccination in Italy The Government of Italy announces that it will require people in the country to show a proof of vaccination of at least one dose, a negative COVID-19 test, or that they have recovered from COVID-19 in order to participate in social activities such as indoor dining, visiting museums, and attending shows beginning on August 6. (The New York Times)
Investigations into the origin of COVID-19, COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China rejects the next stage of a World Health Organization (WHO) investigation into COVID-19. Chinese Deputy Minister of Health Zeng Yixin rebuffed the proposal to investigate the origins in Wuhan as "disrespect for common sense and arrogance towards Science". WHO experts said it was very unlikely that the virus escaped from a Chinese lab, but the theory has endured. (BBC News)
The Chilean government announces that beginning on July 26, fully vaccinated residents will be able to travel internationally by airplane without special permission as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decrease and the number of people who have received a vaccine continues to increase. (Bloomberg)
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison apologises during a press conference for the slow rollout of the vaccination program and appeals for changes to the restrictions on the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (ABC Australia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Australia COVID-19 vaccination in Australia Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison apologises during a press conference for the slow rollout of the vaccination program and appeals for changes to the restrictions on the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (ABC Australia)
