World News Delight

A Thai activist and magazine editor who in 2013 was sentenced to 11 years behind bars for insulting the monarchy has been released after seven years in prison. Somyot Prueksakasemsuk was arrested in 2011 after launching a campaign to collect 10,000 signatures for a petition that called for a reform of Thailand’s strict lese majesty law – using the French term, a “lese majeste” crime is one committed against a sovereign ruler. The editor of political magazine “Voice of Taksin” was imprisoned without bail for nearly two years and in January 2013 the Criminal Court of Thailand convicted him of lese majeste and sentenced him to 10 years in prison, plus another year for a separate defamation case. Somyot refused to plead guilty or seek a royal pardon. The Supreme Court reduced his sentence in 2017. After his release on Monday, Somyot vowed to keep pressing his call for democracy. “I will use my rights as a Thai citizen to join this movement and I invite people to support

President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha, on Monday said the President deserved some accolades for his United States’ outing. Mrs. Buhari said this in a message she posted on her verified Twitter handle, @aishambuhari. “Dear President, you deserve some accolades,” she wrote as she shared some of photographs taken during Buhari’s meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Washington DC earlier in the day. Aisha M. Buhari ✔ @aishambuhari Dear President, You deserve some # accolades . 3:11 AM - May 1, 2018 2,238 2,000 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy The pictures included where Buhari was signing the visitors’ register with Trump looking on, where both leaders were shaking hands and another one depicting the the two Presidents and members of their teams. The message instantly generated diverse reactions from Mrs. Buhari’s followers on Twitter.

The World Bank says it has approved a $180 million loan guarantee for Kenya Electricity Generation Company to help strengthen the financial position of the state-run company. The World Bank said in a statement on Monday in Nairobi, that the guarantee would help in long-term commercial financing of up to $300 million to refinance part of KenGen’s existing commercial loans. The bank said that the loan would also help KenGen to enhance its credit quality and promote further development of renewable energy in Kenya. Kenya has an installed generating capacity of 2,370 MW and peak demand of about 1,770 MW. KenGen, which is 70 per cent owned by the government, has an installed capacity of 1,631 MW. The power firm produces more than 70 per cent of the country’s electricity. Demand for electricity is growing at about eight per cent a year, according to the government’s transmission and generation plan. The East Africa’s richest economy is ramping up electricity production

President Donald Trump on Monday said he would like to visit Nigeria, describing it as an “amazing country.” Mr Trump spoke while receiving President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House. “Well, I would like very much to visit Nigeria. It is an amazing country. In certain ways, I hear from the standpoint of the beauty of a country — there’s no country more beautiful,” he said. Mr Trump received Mr Buhari in his first meeting with a leader from sub-Saharan Africa at the White House. The two leaders emphasised the need to improve trade, technology and human rights records. Mr Buhari acknowledged Mr Trump’s mild gesture about Nigeria’s beauty, but did not immediately say whether he would invite him to Nigeria. The warming remarks was made at the same time as when Mr Trump decried Nigeria’s corruption, saying it was “massive.” The last sitting American president to visit Nigeria was George Bush, who came in in 2003 for discussions with former President Olusegun Obasanjo

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday says pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal will not have negative impact on his upcoming nuclear talks with North Korea. He stressed that he would be open to negotiating new nuclear accord with Tehran. Mr Trump told a news conference when asked if pulling out of the Iran deal would send the wrong message to Pyongyang that “I think it sends the right message. “You know in seven years that deal will have expired and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons.” Trump, however, declined to say whether the U.S. would pull out of the nuclear deal before a May 12 deadline for a decision. “We’ll see what happens.” However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the pact, stressing “that is just not an acceptable situation. They’re not sitting back idly. They’re setting off missiles, which they say are for television purposes. “I don’t think so, though that doesn’t mean we won’t negotiate a real agreement.”

US President Donald Trump has called on Nigeria to remove its trade barriers, saying America is “owed that” on account of providing the West African country with more than $1bn in foreign aid each year. Trump, speaking on Monday at a joint press conference with Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari in Washington, DC, said the US will invest substantially in Nigeria if Buhari is able to create a more “level playing field” on trade. Trump’s comments come ahead of a meeting between the pair, during which they are expected to discuss a range of issues, including security. “We have many things that we do together, as you know, probably, especially on terrorism,” Trump said. “We also have a very big trade deal that we’re working on for military equipment – helicopters and the like.” Buhari thankful Buhari, who is the first leader from sub-Saharan Africa to visit the White House since Trump took office more than a year ago, said he is thankful for US support in his government’s

President Muhammadu Buhari said his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump yielded positive results in areas of the economy, security and anti-corruption. Buhari, announced this during a joint press conference by Buhari and Trump after a one-day official working visit to the White House. The Nigerian president lauded the shared history of close and cordial relations between the two countries , saying it encompasses political, economic, military, social and cultural cooperation. He said: “Our two countries maintain a strategic partnership for peace and security, conflict resolution as well as the global fight against terrorism. “We also share common features as secular federal states, practicing a similar democratic model of governance and committed to the universal values of fundamental human rights and freedoms, free enterprise, social justice and the rule of law. “President Trump and his team and myself and the Nigerian team discussed issues related to security, trade,

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has faulted the United States President Donald Trump’s offer on killings in Nigeria, saying such an offer would further divide Nigeria. The Amir (President) of the MSSN in Lagos State, Saheed Ashafa, said this in a press statement to react to the discussions between President Muhammadu Buhari and Mr Trump during the Nigerian president’s official visit to the U.S. on Monday. During the visit, Mr Trump specifically read what could be described as a riot act to the Nigerian government, saying the “killing of Christians in Nigeria was unacceptable” to the American government. But Mr Ashafa considered Mr Trump’s comment as one-sided and uncomplimentary, warning that Nigeria must be cautious of her relationship with the U.S. The Muslim students’ leader alleged that Mr Trump’s comment signalled his hatred for Muslims and Islam in Nigeria. He said, “Trump’s offer shows that he is myopic and uncivilised. The pronouncement to help fight

Iran’s supreme leader hit out at the United States, accusing Washington of trying to stoke a “regional crisis” by provoking its ally Saudi Arabia to confront Tehran. In remarks broadcast on state television, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated on Monday longstanding calls for the United States to “leave” the Middle East and said any power seeking to challenge Iran would be defeated. “One of the ways to confront Iran is to provoke inexperienced rulers of the region,” Khamenei said, in an apparent reference to Saudi Arabia’s 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “Americans are trying to provoke Saudi Arabia against Tehran… Their aim is to create more regional crisis … to push Muslims to fight against Muslims. “If these governments gain more wisdom, they will not confront Iran. If they confront Iran, they will be defeated.” ‘Iran will remain’ Khamenei said Iran had no intention of limiting its influence in the Middle East. “Americans are the ones who should leave… The M

The US president Donald Trump Monday said Nigeria has a reputation for “very massive corruption” but insisted that President Buhari’s fight against graft in Africa’s most populous country is commendable. Both men were addressing a joint press conference after bilateral talks held at the White House. “Nigeria has a reputation for very massive corruption. I also know that the President has been able to cut that down very substantially,” Trump said. “We talked about that, he is working on it and they have made a lot of progress and I think they will continue to make a lot of progress.” The American president said it was in the best interest of his country and American businesses present in Nigeria that Buhari’s anti-graft war succeeds. Trump said, “We have a lot of people in this country that invests in Nigeria, so cutting down on that corruption element and a corrupt element is very important to us and the President will be able to do that.” Apart from improved trade

Comoros President Azali Assoumani is considering announcing nationwide elections next year if a controversial constitution-altering referendum is passed, one of his advisers said Monday, as opposition parties cried foul. Assoumani is believed to be seeking to consolidate his power with the constitutional changes so that he can remain in office beyond 2021 when his currently non-renewable term would otherwise end. “The head of state indicated that if the referendum on altering the constitution is approved, there will be elections which he will contest. This suggests there will be a presidential election,” said the adviser who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity. The referendum on a package of so-far unconfirmed constitutional changes is due on July 29. A source close to the presidency said that any presidential election would “probably” be held in the first quarter of 2019. Opposition parties deplored the president’s moves. “This amounts to a constitutional coup d’etat

Chad’s parliament on Monday overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that expands President Idriss Deby’s powers and could allow him to stay in office until 2033, in a vote boycotted by most opposition lawmakers. The new constitution reimposes a two-term limit scrapped in a 2005 referendum. But it will not be applied retroactively, meaning Deby could serve two terms after the next election in 2021. The constitution now heads to Deby for his signature. Deby’s opponents say that the constitution, which eliminates the post of prime minister and creates a fully presidential system, is aimed at installing a de facto monarchy in Chad, an ally of Western nations fighting jihadist groups in West Africa. The new constitution – approved by a vote of 132 to two — introduces six-year rather than five-year presidential terms. That would mean Deby could stay in power until 2033, when he will be at least 80. Deby first came to power in a rebellion in 1990. He has recently faced s

A court in Burundi has jailed an official who allegedly called for the drowning of the government’s opponents. The charging and conviction of Melchiade Nzopfabarushe in just hours is rare punishment for a government supporter in this country plagued by the threat of violence stemming from the president’s political moves. Tensions are rising over the May 17 referendum proposing a constitutional change that would allow President Pierre Nkurunziza to extend his rule. Nzopfabrushe, who once worked in Nkurunziza’s office, is a senior official with the governing party in Bujumbura’s Kabezi neighbourhood. iBurundi, a group of activists monitoring the government’s alleged crimes, dismissed his conviction as a “side show.” In a video circulating on Twitter, Nzopfabarushe is seen saying those opposed to the referendum will be thrown into Lake Tanganyika.

Anthony Joshua is unconvinced American Deontay Wilder’s team have the 50 million dollars that they are offering for a title unification bout, the British boxer’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said. America’s WBC heavyweight world champion Wilder challenged WBA Super, IBF, IBO and WBO champion, Joshua, to the fight with both boxers guaranteed a 50-50 money split. Hearn, however, said his team needs to be convinced the money exists. “It’s not a case of we sign the contract and they go and raise the money. “If you’ve got it, show it to us and then we can talk,’’ Hearn, who is in New York for a Matchroom Boxing USA card and will meet Wilder’s representatives on Friday,’’ said. Wilder’s promoter Shelly Finkel had earlier given Joshua until midnight on Thursday to respond to the offer. “I spoke to AJ, he knows the situation but we want to know if it’s real,” Hearn added. “We want to see the money and know where it is. There is a real strong chance this fight could happen –

Christian Benteke admits his indifferent form for Crystal Palace could cost him a place at the World Cup. The Belgium international has just three games left to impress Roberto Martinez before he picks his squad for the tournament in Russia this summer. The striker has scored just twice in 28 appearances for his club this season and is yet to play for this national side this campaign. “In the past I have had just one opportunity on the match and I scored,” Benteke said. “This year, I feel more involved in the game, I make more effort but I’m not rewarded. I do not say it’s the fault of others, I’m clumsy, lack of lucidity, lack of success too. But I will work.” Benteke was left out of the squad for the recent friendly against Saudi Arabia and he admits it would hurt if he did not regain his place for the World Cup. “I knew it was 50-50, I’m no longer a kid, I also knew the reason – it’s my statistics and not the overall quality of my matches,” he added. “The posi

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be coming out of retirement to play for Sweden at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The LA Galaxy and former Manchester United forward, 36, said recently he would attend the tournament but would not say in what capacity. Swedish FA chief Lars Richt said: “I talked to Zlatan on Tuesday. He announced he did not change his mind about the national team – it is no.” Ibrahimovic retired from international football after Euro 2016.

Wigan Athletic have been fined £12,500 for a pitch invasion following their shock 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round in February. Latics forward Will Grigg struck 11 minutes from time to secure a 1-0 win for the hosts at the DW Stadium. Home fans invaded the pitch, with one involved in an altercation with City striker Sergio Aguero as the players were escorted off at full-time. Some supporters ripped out advertising boards and threw them towards police. The Football Association said Wigan were fined for “failing to ensure that no spectators or unauthorised persons encroached onto the pitch”. The Latics, who sealed promotion to the Championship on Saturday, admitted the charge.

Gareth Bale has been linked with a return to Tottenham amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at Real Madrid, and Harry Redknapp says a Premier League homecoming would be “fantastic”. With the Wales international having endured another injury-hit campaign in Spain, leading to him being benched by Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane, talk of a summer transfer is growing in intensity. Bale’s representatives have done their best to quash the rumours, but reports of interest from the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich refuse to go away. Spurs have also been mooted as a possible landing spot for a man who left north London in a €100 million deal back in 2013, with a former boss at White Hart Lane eager to see a deal done if possible. Redknapp told talkSPORT: “Gareth would be a great signing for Tottenham, it would be fantastic. “He’s an amazing player. He can play so many positions and in so many systems, there are so many strings to his bow, he’s such a fantastic talen

Celtic forward James Forrest says the players want Brendan Rodgers to stay at the club and not go to Arsenal. Rodgers is one of the names being tipped by the bookies to replace Arsene Wenger, who has announced he will be leaving the Emirates at the end of the season. But with Celtic closing in on back-to-back trebles, Forrest wants Rodgers to stay put even though the club will not stand in his way if there is an approach from Arsenal. The 26-year old, who has been shortlisted for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year alongside Scott Brown, told Sky Sports: “The manager has been different class for me and for a lot of the other boys as well. “Since he has come in he has given us all confidence and made sure we’ve all been working hard and that’s what we’ve done. “I think we’ve done really well since he came in winning trophies, winning cups and we want to keep progressing and hopefully we can keep doing that . “He’s done a great job himself, he’s getting l

File photo: Andres Iniesta Andres Iniesta’s move to Chongqing Lifan is just “a rumour”, the Chinese club’s coach said, as the Barcelona captain gets ready to reveal his future plans. Reports in Spain and China say the 33-year-old Spanish international midfielder is close to sealing a transfer to the Chinese Super League (CSL), with Chongqing said to be his most likely destination. Chongqing coach Paulo Bento, who was in charge of Portugal at the last World Cup, said: “This is a rumour and it is very difficult to comment on rumours. “But I don’t think there is any fan or coach in the world that doesn’t like a player like Iniesta,” the Portuguese said, according to Chinese media reports, after Chongqing won 2-0 at Anhui Hefei in the fourth round of the Chinese FA Cup on Wednesday. Iniesta, who has been central to Barcelona and Spain’s success over more than a decade, looks set to leave his boyhood club at the end of the season. He is keeping tight-lipped about hi