Pompeo says ‘no sanctions’ prevent Covid-19 aid to Iran, as US blocks $5bn IMF loan & ignores calls to lift penalties

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said a raft of US sanctions do not stop humanitarian aid from reaching Tehran, even as the UN and rights groups say the penalties are crippling Iran’s healthcare system. … Read More >Pompeo says ‘no sanctions’ prevent Covid-19 aid to Iran, as US blocks $5bn IMF loan & ignores calls to lift penalties

Cheesus crisis! ‘Cry of alarm’ as Covid-19 bites French cheese industry after coming for iconic wines

Two of France’s favorite pastimes — eating cheese and drinking wine — are under threat as the Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure of restaurants, markets and pubs. Producers fear France’s key industries might not survive. … Read More >Cheesus crisis! ‘Cry of alarm’ as Covid-19 bites French cheese industry after coming for iconic wines

EU ‘to take common approach’ on Covid-19 tracking apps as projects in Germany and France face privacy concerns, legal challenges

The EU is reportedly prepared to adopt a common strategy for Covid-19 tracking apps amid calls to create a pan-European software model. Such projects have been met with privacy concerns and legal hurdles in Germany and France. … Read More >EU ‘to take common approach’ on Covid-19 tracking apps as projects in Germany and France face privacy concerns, legal challenges

‘Do not politicize this virus unless you want more BODY BAGS,’ WHO chief responds to Trump

The WHO head Tedros Ghebreyesus has responded to US President Donald Trump’s threat to defund the UN health body with a harsh rebuke. Not focusing on the criticism of the body’s Covid-19 response, he instead promised more deaths. … Read More >‘Do not politicize this virus unless you want more BODY BAGS,’ WHO chief responds to Trump

Head of EU’s top science body quits after Covid-19 response plans get bogged down by Brussels bureaucracy

The head of EU’s main science organization has resigned just months after taking the job. He said both the body and EU leadership failed to adopt a robust science-based approach to the Covid-19 outbreak when one was badly needed. … Read More >Head of EU’s top science body quits after Covid-19 response plans get bogged down by Brussels bureaucracy