#TURKEY: Pres. Erdogan Launches Referendum Campaign After Parliament Approves Sweeping Gov't Reforms

[world politics news]

Pres. Recep Erdogan has begun to campaign for a package of major constitutional reforms after parliament votes in favor of a referendum. Critics fear the changes will concentrate too many powers in the hands of Erdogan, who is accused of authoritarian behavior and has already established a de-facto presidential system since coming into office in 2014.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#VENEZUELA: Opposition Marches Call For President Maduro's Ouster Amid Violent Crackdown

[world politics news]

Rivals and allies of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro rallied in the streets Monday as the opposition demanded early elections to oust him over the country's ongoing economic and political crisis. It was the first coordinated street demonstration called by the opposition since Maduro launched a crackdown with the arrests of several of his opponents early this month.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: PM Abe Orders Probe After Ministry Helping Colleague Broke Ethics Law

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has ordered all of the country's ministries and agencies to check whether their officials helped colleagues secure post-retirement jobs. The move follows word that education ministry officials lobbied to secure a university job for a retiring colleague. The government's re-employment oversight committee ruled that this violated the national public service law.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Foreign Minister Warns of "Difficult" Relations Between Germany And Trump

[world politics news]

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is predicting turbulent times ahead for the world following Donald Trump's accession to power in the United States. In a commentary published in the Bild am Sonntag newspaper, Steinmeier said relations with the US would become "more difficult." Steinmeier, 60, has emerged in recent months as the German government's most strident detractor of Trump.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#EU: Antonio Tajani, Italian Ally Of Former PM Berlusconi, Elected EU Parliament's President

[world politics news]

Italy's Antonio Tajani, 63, an ally and former spokesman for scandal-plagued former PM Silvio Berlusconi, has been elected as the new European Parliament president after a bitterly fought vote. The center-right politician will play a key role at a time of crisis for the European Union, with the assembly having the final say on any deal for Britain's exit from the bloc.

[FULL STORY HERE],

#INDONESIA: Gov't Wants To Keep 3.5% Threshold For Parties Winning Seats In Parliament

[world politics news]

The government has signaled it plans to keep in place a requirement that parties contesting elections for parliament earn 3.5% of the national vote total to win any seats. Some smaller parties had urged elimination of the requirement. Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo said it doesn't have the votes to raise the percentage, or it would. Even if smaller parties win more than 3.5% in regional elections, that would not qualify them for seats in the House of Representatives.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SWEDEN: PM Stefan Löfven Set To Make Diplomatic Trip To Iran; Syria, Trade On Agenda

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Stefan Löfven is set to visit Iran next month after being invited by Iranian president Hassan Rouhani. The Swedish PM's visit will take place on the 11th and 12th of February, the Government Offices of Sweden announced, and will also concern bilateral cooperation and developments in the region. The Syrian civil war and migration crisis will also reportedly be on his agenda.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#NETHERLANDS: PM Rutte Warns UK: Will "Pay Heavy Price" For Brexit; Wilders Goes On The Attack

[world politics news]

Speaking at the Davos, Switzerland Economic Forum, Dutch PM Mark Rutte warned UK PM Theresa May that her nation would "pay a heavy price" for leaving the EU. May is seeking a break with the economic bloc within two years, after last years "Brexit" vote in the UK. Rutte is facing a stiff electoral challenge from local Euro-skeptic Geert Wilders, who tweeted that Rutte had "no spine" and was the [Neville] Chamberlain of Holland and would be "out of office soon."

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: Legislature Starts Planning For Emperor To Abdicate In 2019

[world politics news]

The Japanese government has been considering the possibility of arranging for Crown Prince Naruhito to ascend the throne on Jan 1, 2019, with Emperor Akihito having expressed his desire to abdicate during a video message to the nation last August. The 83-year-old ceremonial monarch has been on the throne since 1989. Legislation is considering his post-reign role and where he will live after abdication. No emperor has abdicated since Japan's current constitution came into effect, the last abdication taking place in 1817.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Human Rights Spokesman For Chancellor Merkel's CDU Resigns Over Migrant Crisis

[world politics news]

Erika Steinbach, who's been a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union Party for 43 years, has resigned from the party. She served as the Christian Democrats Union's human rights spokesperson, has stepped down from the party, but has strongly criticized the leader's handling of the migrant crisis. She claims conservatives have been sidelined in Germany's main ruling party.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#AUSTRALIA: New South Wales Premier Resigns Unexpectedly; Cites "High Cost," Ill Family Members

[world politics news]

Mike Baird, the Premier of NSW, has announced he is retiring from politics. At a press conference in Sydney on Thursday Baird said he was stepping down from the job after three years as Premier and 10 years in parliament to allow a "refresh" of his government, which faces an election in 2019. An emotional Baird revealed that a disastrous 2016 for his government that saw his popularity plummet had been coupled with "much tougher" personal challenges of significant health issues faced by his father, mother and sister.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CANADA: TV Star Kevin O'Leary Launches Bid To Lead The Federal Conservative Party

[world politics news]

Canadian businessman and reality TV star Kevin O'Leary is running for the leadership of the federal Conservative party. He joins 13 other contenders in the crowded race. O'Leary, who appears on the reality show Shark Tank in the US and Dragon's Den in Canada, has been seriously exploring a bid since December. He has drawn comparisons to Donald Trump for both his TV and business background and his boastful tendencies.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GAMBIA: Parliament Extends Pres. Jammeh's Term By 90 Days, Declares State Of Emergency

[world politics news]

Gambia's parliament today extended Pres. Yahya Jammeh's term, which is due to end on Thursday following his defeat in elections, by 90 days. It also approved his decision to declare a 90-day state of emergency in the tiny West African state. Regional leaders have threatened to use military force to oust Jammeh if he refuses to hand power to President-elect Adama Barrow on Thursday.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#AUSTRIA: Freedom Party Leader Calls For "Zero Immigration" Of "Anti-Liberal" Muslims Entering EU

[world politics news]

The leader of Austria's Freedom Party, Heinz-Christian Strache, described Islam as "misogynistic," "anti-liberal," and as having "a fascistic world view" during an almost two-hour speech at the party's New Year gathering in the city of Salzburg. Strache told around 4,000 party loyalists that Austria should "quickly put an end to this policy of Islamization... otherwise we Austrians, we Europeans will come to an abrupt end"

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Parliamentary Committee Preparing To Probe Mistakes Made Before Christmas Market Attack

[world politics news]

A parliamentary committee is reviewing possible mistakes made by security agencies leading up to the Berlin Christmas market attack, in which 12 people were killed by a suspect known to officials. The Bundestag's Control Committee is holding a special meeting on Monday afternoon behind closed doors to discuss a report by the Federal Criminal Police Office.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#NORTHERNIRELAND: New Assembly Elections Called After Sinn Fein Fails To Nominate New Deputy First Minister

[world politics news]

Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has called for new Assembly elections, which will take place on Thursday March 2. It comes after Sinn Fein collapsed the power-sharing institutions by refusing to nominate a deputy First Minister to replace Martin McGuinness, who resigned last Monday over the First Minister's handling of the Renewable Heating Incentive scandal.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#AUSTRALIA: Two MPs To Attend Feb. Anti-Muslim Dinner To Raise Funds For Defamation Case

[world politics news]

Two federal government MPs, Sen. Cory Bernardi and House member George Christensen, will attend a dinner to help an anti-Islam organisation fund a defamation case. The two Liberal Party politicians will attend the Q Society's function in Melbourne next month, with Senator Bernardi listed to give a speech. The organisation's website says all proceeds of the dinner will go towards the legal expenses of the Q Society and two individuals in a Supreme Court defamation action initiated by Mohamed El-Mouehly of the Halal Certification Authority. Bernardi has hinted about leaving the Liberal-National Coalition Party.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ISRAEL: Netanyahu Tapes Highlighting Media Mogul Deals Continue To Leak Out

[world politics news]

The revelations come as damning leaks continue to flow from an ongoing investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a powerful newspaper publisher, with new excerpts quoted Friday from meetings in 2014 where they tried to negotiate a mutually beneficial deal. Newly released tapes show that Netanyahu hesitated in reaching a deal with a dominant local media mogul because he was worried about crossing powerful Jewish American billionaire Sheldon Adelson,

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ITALY: Constitutional Court Rejects Labor Union Petition To Roll Back Former PM Renzi's Jobs Act

[world politics news]

Italy's constitutional court has rejected a petition form labor unions calling for a referendum on The Jobs Act, a key plank of labor legislation that was a flagship reform of ousted premier Matteo Renzi, whose Democratic Party welcomed the ruling, and hopes it boosts his chances for a comeback in the next election. The Act makes it easier for companies to hire and fire employees.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ROMANIA: Pres. Rejects Muslim Candidate For Prime Minister

[world politics news]

The president of Romania has rejected a Muslim candidate for prime minister proposed by the nation's Social Democratic Party. Sevil Shhaideh, would have been the EU nation’s first female and Muslim prime minister. Klaus Iohannis did not elaborate on his reason for his end-of-year decision to reject the candidacy of Shhaideh, a 52-year-old politician of Turkish origin who comes from Romania's 65,000-member Muslim community, but her husband is a public supporter of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CANADA: Trudeau Faces Calls For Ethics Probe Over Use Of Aga Khan Helicopter

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing calls for an ethics probe after it was revealed that he and his family used a private helicopter for transportation during a Christmas vacation in the Bahamas. His family and that of a Liberal MPs were flown 71 miles from Nassau in the helicopter to the private island of the Aga Khan, the billionaire head of a the Muslim Islmaili sect. Ethics rules seem to forbid government members using private transportation, and Trudeau kept the vacation secret for days.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#AUSTRALIA: Health Min. Sussan Ley Resigns Over Expenses Scandal

[world politics news]

Health minister Sussan Ley has resigned her front bench position in the cabinet following an ongoing expenses scandal. Despite questions about her spending while on official business Ley says she has done nothing wrong. Ley faces two investigations into her travel expenses, which included billing taxpayers to attend two New Year's Eve events hosted by a prominent Queensland businesswoman and donor.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#LIBYA: House Leader Considers New Flag & National Anthem For Libya

[world politics news]

Awad Al-Fituri, the Head of the House of Representatives office in Tobruk, Libya, says he wants the legislature to consider a new flag and national anthem for Libya. The red-black-green tricolor "Independence" flag was re-introduced in 2011 after the fall of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. It was previously used from 1951-1969. Several House members are also supporting the plan. The Tobruk-based legislature is recognized as the official government of Libya by the United Nations. A rival government, in Tripoli, is dominated by members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#HUNGARY: Gov't Passes Bill Banning Wind Power In Hungary

[world politics news]

The Hungarian parliament passed a law that bans wind turbines within a 12-kilometer radius of populated areas. The legislation will leave no area in Hungary where it will be possible to install new wind energy capacity. Parliament originally passed the amendment in October, but Pres. Janos Ader, however, sent it back to the parliament for review, arguing that it would not help reach the targets of the Paris climate accord. The bill then passed without any substantial modification.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#TURKEY: Fights Break Out In National Assembly Over Plans To Give Erdogan More Powers

[world politics news]

Turkish lawmakers got engaged in physical violence, pushing each other and exchanging blows during a round of voting on Wednesday. The opposition lawmakers accuse the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of breaching the law on secrecy of ballot by displaying their votes. The move highlights the ruling party's pressure on its lawmakers to vote in favor of the amendments, and not independently, the opposition lawmakers said.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#UK: Shadow Defense Sec. "Furious" With Labour Ldr. Corbyn Over NATO Remarks

[world politics news]

The Labour Party's Shadow Defense Secretary Nia Griffith is being described as "absolutely furious" and "livid" after Mr Corbyn's spokesman appeared to question a NATO mission designed to deter Russian aggression, say published reports. Corbyn's team suggested Britain's deployment of troops and jets to Estonia was "escalating tensions" with Russia. Source say Griffith's support for NATO is a "red line" but she was not considering resigning her position in the shadow cabinet.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#POLAND: Foreign Min. Mocked For Accidentally Creating Nation of "San Escobar"

[world politics news]

Poland’s foreign minister has become the subject of online derision after he misspoke and claimed he had met the representative of a non-existent country as part of Poland's campaign to get a non-permanent seat on the UN security council. Witold Waszczykowski was in New York to lobby for a seat on the council from 2018-19. He told reporters he held meetings with officials from several nations that had previously not been approached, giving as examples, "Belize or San Escobar.." The latter, as many people were quick to point out, does not exist. Social media erupted in mockery, creating a twitter feed and facebook page for the new nation, as well as a flag.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SWEDEN: Finance Minister Takes Credit, Personally, For 2nd Year Of Budget Surpluses

[world politics news]

Sweden's finance minister is taking credit for a second year of budget surpluses in the Scandinavian nation. The Swedish government's fiscal forecast for 2016 shows the country's public coffers are operating at a surplus this year, for a second year running. Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson recently presented the Ministry of Finance's latest economic and public finances forecast at a news conference, noting confidently, "We have had me as finance minister for two years, and we have had a surplus in public finances for two years." It is unclear whether Andersson is seeking higher office.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#NORTHERNIRELAND: Deputy First Min. McGuinness Resigns, Prompting Political Crisis

[world politics news]

Northern Ireland is in political crisis after Martin McGuinness resigned yesterday as Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister to protest First Minister Arlene Foster's handling of a botched "green energy" plan that could cost taxpayers 490 million Pounds. His Sein Fein Party must share power with the Democratic Unionist Party in the Northern Ireland power-sharing agreement. Today, Sein Fein leaders say they will not replace McGuinness, making it almost certain new elections for the Stormont Assembly will be called.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#TURKEY: New Constitution Would Eliminate PM, Gives Erdogan Enormous New Powers

[world politics news]

A parliamentary committee has approved a draft constitution that gives Pres. Recep Erdogan enormous new powers and eliminates the position of prime minister.  The amendments, proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party, pave the way to an executive presidency amid fears of one-man rule. The amendments would give the president the authority to dissolve Parliament, rule for fixed five-year terms with no snap elections, and would be able to head a political party, whereas now he nominally isn't allowed to be a member of a party.

[FULL STORY HERE AND HERE]

#RUSSIA: New Law Would Fine End Users Who Download Pirated Content

[world politics news]

A draft bill being prepared by Russia's Culture Ministry for the legislature would fine end-users of pirated content they have downloaded online. Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky said the bill targeting copyright piracy is modeled on German legislation which also allowed for fines to be imposed on people whose internet addresses were used to download pirated content.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CURACAO: Ruling Party Wants To Modify Party List Voting

[world politics news]

Curaçao's ruling MAN Party wants to amend the nation's elections law so that candidates with more personal votes can take a seat in parliament. Currently, the order of candidates on the party list determines who wins a seat. The proposal comes after a MAN Party candidate, Yaël Plet won a seat in parliament instead of Wimbert Hato, who won more personal votes in the Oct. 2016 election.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#MOLDOVA: Newly Elected Pro-Russian Pres. Dodon Lurches Nation Towards Putin

[world politics news]

Igor Dodon, an advocate of Moldova’s tighter ties with Russia, has already drastically swing his nation towards Putin's Russia since being sworn in as president of the former Soviet republic on December 23. In his first days in office, Dodon dismissed Minister of Defense Anatol Salaru, a member of the Liberal Party, for his pro-NATO views and took legal steps to cancel the bill under which the government was supposed to pay from the budget the $1bn siphoned off from the three bankrupt banks in a massive fraud that shocked the EU. He also scheduled a meeting with Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin for January 17 in Moscow. Russia’s deputy PM, Dmitri Rogozin, attended Dodon’s inauguration.

#ISRAEL: Tape Shows Netanyahu Negotiating Good Press In Exchange For Hurting Paper's Competitor

[world politics news]

A new scandal is engulfing embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after a tape revealed him speaking with newspaper publisher Arnon Mozes, during which Mozes allegedly suggests giving the PM positive coverage. In return, Netanyahu would limit the circulation of Mozes' biggest competitor, Israel Hayom. That paper is Israel's largest, owned by U.S. billionaire Sheldon Adelson, a close confidant of Netanyahu. Mozes has been questioned by investigators, and the incident may have wide-ranging political implications for Netanyahu.

[FULL STORY HERE]

Pictured: (from left) Sheldon Adelson, PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Adelson's wife, Miri Adelson, at an event in 2008.

#HONGKONG: Candidate For Chief Executive Endorses Controversial Security Legislation

[world politics news]

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, leader of the Pro-Beijing New People’s Party, has entered the race to be Hong Kong's next Chief Executive, but her support for security legislation is raising concerns about civil liberties. Ip resigned from the Executive Council (Hong Kong's core policy-making body) in 2003, after seeming to oppose pro-democracy demonstrations. Her newly announced campaign platform includes support for enacting the national security legislation under Article 23 of the city-state's Basic Law, which allows Hong Kong to enact laws "to prohibit treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government.''

Pictured, Sir David Akers-Jones, left, lends Regina Ip, a hand. Sir David is a special adviser to Ip

[FULL STORY HERE]

#INDIA: Congress Party Meeting May Discuss VP Rahul Gandhi Taking Over From His Mother, Sonia

[world politics news]

The Indian National Congress Party will hold a meeting of its highest body, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) January 11th, at which the elevation of party Vice Pres. Rahul Gandhi to the party's presidency may be discussed. His mother, Sonia Gandhi, is currently the party's leader. The meeting will also likely discuss how to sharpen attacks on the ruling BJP party's controversial policy of demonetization, in which large bills have been declared invalid.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#DENMARK: Greenland May Seek Independence From Denmark, Cites "Bad Deal" Over US Airbase

[world politics news]

Greenland's government may consider independence from Denmark, citing a "bad deal" with a US military base in Greenland and Danish "arrogance" in failing to grant the region more sovereignty, says Foreign Minister Vittus Qujaukitsoq. Citing frustration with the Danish government over its 1943 deal with the US over Thule Air Base, Qujaukitsoq says the base has been "nothing but trouble," citing concerns over pollution. Greenland created a new department for independence last year and passed a bill in parliament saying the US and Denmark should renegotiate the Thule deal.

[FULL STORY HERE]

Pictured: Nuuk, Greenland

#ITALY: Rome's Mayor Punished By Party After Aide Arrested For Corruption

[world politics news]

Rome's Mayor, Virginia Raggi, has been stripped by her populist Five Star Movement (M5S) Party of the power to make "important decisions" after an advisor was arrested for suspected corruption. Raffaele Marra, Rome city hall's head of personnel, was arrested for allegedly accepting an illegal payment from a real estate developer in 2013 while he was head of housing policy. Raggi has apologized for her poor judgment in holding over the advisor from a previous administration. Her party prides itself on being scrupulously ethical and having no links to "sleazy" Italian politics..

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SPAIN: Catalan Pres. Signals Independence Referendum Will Be Held In 2017

[world politics news]

In his year-end address, Catalonia's pro-independence president, Carles Puigdemont, signaled that there will be a "legal and binding referendum" in the region on whether to secede from Spain in 2017, despite fierce opposition from the central government. Puigdemont said that 2017 would be a "crucial" year for the Spanish northeastern region. Spain's Supreme Court has ruled future referenda on the issue illegal.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#TURKEY: Pres. Erdogan Says US Is Arming ISIS In Syria & Kurd Separatists Within Turkey

[world politics news]

Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused the United States of arming ISIS, as well as Syrian Kurds, which he believes are allied with Kurdish separatists within Turkey. Erdogan also took the Barack Obama administration to task for giving ammunition to the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party and its armed wing, the People’s Protection Units (YPG). Turkey considers the PYD an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought Turkey for independence and autonomy in southeast Turkey since 1984. The US embassy in Ankara denied the Turkish government’s allegations.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SAUDIARABIA: Iran Denies Receiving Invite To Saudi Hajj Pilgrimage Summit

[world politics news]

The head of Iran's Hajj organization has denied receiving an invitation from Saudi Arabia to engage in talks about the annual Hajj Muslim pilgrimage, after a dispute between the arch-foes saw its pilgrims remain at home last year. Saudi Pilgrims Minister Mohammed Bentin reportedly has opened discussions with more than 80 countries, including Iran, to work out the details of the 2017 Hajj, which takes place annually in Saudi Arabia. Yet Iran's Hajj Organization head Hamid Mohammadi says no invitation has been received. In Sept., 2015, nearly 2,300 pilgrims were killed in a stampede during that year's Hajj pilgrimage.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#IRELAND: Minister Says Airbnb Rentals Should Be Subject To Bed & Breakfast Regs

[world politics news]

Minister for Housing Simon Coveney has announced that landlords in Ireland cannot rent their properties for short-term housing using Airbnb unless they get planning permission for bed and breakfast or hotel status. Coveney said landlords should have to "go through the procedures that every other B&B must go through, including standards, inspections and tax treatment."

[FULL STORY HERE]

#FRANCE: National Front's Marine LePen Now Says She'd Keep The Euro Alongside Franc

[world politics news]

Presidential candidate Marine LePen has adopted a "nuanced" position on leaving the Euro, at a time when polling shows that a full withdrawal is unpopular with voters. She now says her government would keep the Euro - the common European currency - as part of a "basket" of currencies, along with a revived French Franc. Older citizens worry that a sharp withdrawal from the Euro could cause currency fluctuations that would degrade their savings. She is, however, sticking by her call for a referendum on leaving  the European Union as a political institution.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CANADA: New Brunswick NDP Leader Quits, Says Progressive Platform Wasn't Adopted

[world politics news]

New Brunswick NDP party leader Dominic Cardy has resigned, citing "endless" dissension within the party, and a failure to adopt his "progressive" party platform. Cardy, who has led the New Brunswick party since 2011, issued a statement Sunday saying he cannot lead a party where a "tiny minority of well-connected members refuse" to accept the democratic will of its membership.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#LIBYA: Deputy PM Resigns, Says He Has "Failed"

[world politics news]

One of three deputy premiers in Libya's UN-backed Government of National Accord resigned on Monday, saying he had failed in his mission. Moussa al-Kouni told a press conference in the capital of the chaos-ridden North African country that he could no longer stay in the post. "I'm resigning because I have failed," said a visibly moved Kouni, who is originally from southern Libya

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ISRAEL: PM Netanyahu Under Criminal Investigation For Bribery; Denies Allegations

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  is under investigation by the Israel's Attorney General's office in a criminal bribery probe. Netanyahu was questioned Monday night for more than three hours by police at his residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem over suspicions he received illegal gifts from two businessmen. Netanyahu adamantly denied any wrongdoing in a facebook post.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#QATAR: "Nutrition Facts" Label Becomes Mandatory For Imports After Grace Period

[world politics news]

Food products without the "nutrition facts" label will no longer be imported to Qatar, as the Ministry of Public Health made the label mandatory from January 1. The ministry said it had notified traders about the new requirements in May last year. Under the new labeling system, each dietary elements in the food item should be specified along with the calories. This is intended to help consumers choose food based on the contents, dietary needs and calculate the calories.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#BURUNDI: Environment Minister Assassinated

Burundi's environment minister has been shot dead while on his way home on New Year's Eve.
Emmanuel Niyonkuru, 54, was killed at about 00:45 local time by "a criminal with a gun," a police spokesman tweeted. A woman who was with Mr Niyonkuru had been detained for questioning, say police. Pres. Pierre Nkurunziza said the crime would not go unpunished. Hundreds, including high-ranking army officials, have been killed in unrest since Nkurunziza ran for a third term in 2015, a move opponents say was unconstitutional.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#KENYA: Senate Speaker Orders Probe Into Police Surrounding Parliament During Session

[world politics news]

The speaker of Kenya's Senate has ordered a probe into why police cordoned off parliament during a session in which the ruling coalition pushed through a series of election reforms. Ekwee Ethuro directed the House National Security Committee to look into the matter and report back to the House. "This is not a police state. This is a democracy," Ethuro told senators.

#SOUTHAFRICA: Party Calls For Investigation Of Frmr. Police Min. Over Fatal Mine Shooting

[world politics news]

Members of Parliament from the Congress Of the People Party is calling on an Ad Hoc Committee to be established to further investigate Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa for their alleged involvement in the 2012 Marikana fatal shooting of 34 mine workers by the police.

[FULL STORY HERE]

Pictured: Former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa