August 18, 2020 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

World

Ukraine recalls Belarus envoy for consultations ‘for first time ever’, but it’s not about protests

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020By Editor

Kiev has recalled its ambassador from Minsk for consultations, for the “first time in history.” However, the move appears to be more about Belarus’ refusal to hand suspected Russian mercenaries over to Ukraine than the protests. … Read More >Ukraine recalls Belarus envoy for consultations ‘for first time ever’, but it’s not about protests

Israeli military grounds Black Hawk helicopter fleet after spate of malfunctions

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020By Editor

The commander of Israel’s Air Force has ordered the immediate grounding of its fleet of Yanshuf helicopters from training and transport activities, as technicians try to determine the cause of recent motor issues. … Read More >Israeli military grounds Black Hawk helicopter fleet after spate of malfunctions

EU

France sends in RIOT POLICE to enforce mask-wearing in Marseille amid spike in new Covid-19 cases

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020By Editor

The French government has sent 130 riot officers to help enforce face mask wearing rules in the southern city of Marseille as the nation sees a rise in new coronavirus cases amid increased resistance to restrictions. … Read More >France sends in RIOT POLICE to enforce mask-wearing in Marseille amid spike in new Covid-19 cases

WATCH: Thousands gather to call for new constitution, ‘real democracy’ in Bangkok, Thailand

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020By Editor

Thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets of Bangkok over the weekend to demand the dissolution of parliament, a new constitution, and reform of the country’s longstanding monarchy. … Read More >WATCH: Thousands gather to call for new constitution, ‘real democracy’ in Bangkok, Thailand

Russia

The AK-19: Kalashnikov announces new lightweight assault rifle to be presented at military expo

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020By Editor

Russia’s world famous Kalashnikov Concern weapons factory has announced a brand new, state-of-the-art assault rifle, built for 5.56mm NATO cartridges. … Read More >The AK-19: Kalashnikov announces new lightweight assault rifle to be presented at military expo

‘I’m going to set an example’: President Maduro vows to be 1st Venezuelan to take Russian Covid-19 vaccine

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020By Editor

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said he will be the first person in the country to take Russia’s recently announced Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine when it arrives. … Read More >‘I’m going to set an example’: President Maduro vows to be 1st Venezuelan to take Russian Covid-19 vaccine

UAE says deal with Israel is not directed at Tehran, summons Iran’s envoy after President Rouhani blasts agreement

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020By Editor

The United Arab Emirates’ agreement to normalize ties with Israel was not directed against Iran, the Gulf state’s foreign affairs minister claimed after the deal was slammed by Tehran. … Read More >UAE says deal with Israel is not directed at Tehran, summons Iran’s envoy after President Rouhani blasts agreement

1 Syrian soldier killed, 2 others wounded in US airstrike, state media reports

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020By Editor

A US airstrike targeted a Syrian Army checkpoint in the country’s northeast, killing one soldier and wounding two others, according to SANA. … Read More >1 Syrian soldier killed, 2 others wounded in US airstrike, state media reports

China awards country’s 1st Covid-19 vaccine patent amid ‘baseless’ US claims that Beijing stole coronavirus research

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020By Editor

China has approved the country’s first-ever coronavirus vaccine patent, state media reported, paving the way for home-grown inoculation against the illness. … Read More >China awards country’s 1st Covid-19 vaccine patent amid ‘baseless’ US claims that Beijing stole coronavirus research

S. Korea quarantines thousands of church members amid ‘worst coronavirus outbreak in months’

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020By Editor

South Korea is bracing for a looming coronavirus spike after new clusters linked to religious groups emerged. … Read More >S. Korea quarantines thousands of church members amid ‘worst coronavirus outbreak in months’