February 2021 – Page 35 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

World

US apologizes to Ireland after American troops flout strict Covid-19 regulations during overnight stopover

Posted on February 16, 2021February 16, 2021By Editor

US officials have apologized to the Irish government after more than 50 military personnel broke Irish Covid-19 rules by spending a night at a Limerick hotel without supplying negative tests or filling in contact-tracing forms . … Read More >US apologizes to Ireland after American troops flout strict Covid-19 regulations during overnight stopover

Philippines denies trying to ‘extort’ US after Duterte demands Washington pay for its troops staying in the country

Posted on February 16, 2021February 16, 2021By Editor

The presidential spokesman has denied allegations that the government is trying to extort money from the US in exchange for a new Visiting Forces Agreement, but is upset that Washington gives more defense aid to other countries. … Read More >Philippines denies trying to ‘extort’ US after Duterte demands Washington pay for its troops staying in the country

Peru’s foreign minister becomes 2nd govt official to step down for receiving Covid-19 jab ahead of priority groups

Posted on February 16, 2021February 16, 2021By Editor

The foreign minister of Peru has resigned amid a very public scandal – which has also seen Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti step down – over politicians receiving Covid-19 vaccines long before they were given to healthcare workers. … Read More >Peru’s foreign minister becomes 2nd govt official to step down for receiving Covid-19 jab ahead of priority groups

World

Google & Facebook ‘very close’ to striking deals with news orgs, Aussie treasurer says as media reform bill moves on

Posted on February 16, 2021February 16, 2021By Editor

There has been “great progress” in talks between US tech giants and Australia over legislation which would tip the balance of power in favor of news organizations. Google earlier threatened to stop its services over the bill. … Read More >Google & Facebook ‘very close’ to striking deals with news orgs, Aussie treasurer says as media reform bill moves on

South Korea rules out giving AstraZeneca vaccine to over-65s

Posted on February 16, 2021February 16, 2021By Editor

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on Monday that it will not give the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to individuals over the age of 65 due to a lack of data. … Read More >South Korea rules out giving AstraZeneca vaccine to over-65s

Police fire at anti-coup protesters in Myanmar as clashes intensify (GRAPHIC VIDEO)

Posted on February 15, 2021February 15, 2021By Editor

Fierce clashes have erupted between protesters in northern Myanmar and security forces. Footage emerged online showing police opening fire on the crowd. It’s unclear if live rounds or rubber bullets were used. … Read More >Police fire at anti-coup protesters in Myanmar as clashes intensify (GRAPHIC VIDEO)

Syrian Army says Israeli jets targeted Damascus countryside after Iran warned of repercussions

Posted on February 15, 2021February 15, 2021By Editor

Israeli aircraft pelted the area outside Damascus with missiles, Syrian state media reported. The reported air raid comes shortly after Tehran warned Tel Aviv against “crossing red lines” in Syria, vowing a strong response. … Read More >Syrian Army says Israeli jets targeted Damascus countryside after Iran warned of repercussions

UK

UK foreign sec says Covid vaccine passports ‘under consideration’ just days after vaccine minister calls idea ‘discriminatory’

Posted on February 15, 2021February 15, 2021By Editor

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab revealed that domestic Covid-19 vaccine passports – which would allow only vaccinated Brits to enter shops and other establishments – haven’t been ruled out, despite their controversial nature. … Read More >UK foreign sec says Covid vaccine passports ‘under consideration’ just days after vaccine minister calls idea ‘discriminatory’

UK

Heathrow warns of ‘significant gaps’ in UK govt hotel quarantine plan, two days before launch of new border restrictions

Posted on February 15, 2021February 15, 2021By Editor

Britain’s busiest airport has said that a quarantine plan for arrivals from Covid-19 hotspot countries is still not ready, two days before its launch. The government has failed to provide “necessary reassurances,” it added. … Read More >Heathrow warns of ‘significant gaps’ in UK govt hotel quarantine plan, two days before launch of new border restrictions

USA

Trump impeachment acquittal is a victory for ‘white supremacy’… according to liberals crying over ‘sad day in America’

Posted on February 15, 2021February 15, 2021By Editor

Though Donald Trump’s impeachment was not expected by most to pass in the Senate, the former president’s loudest critics expressed their shock on social media by equating it to a victory for fascism and white supremacy. … Read More >Trump impeachment acquittal is a victory for ‘white supremacy’… according to liberals crying over ‘sad day in America’