Mugabe axed as WHO ambassador

GENEVA • Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has been removed as a World Health Organisation (WHO) goodwill ambassador, the health agency said yesterday, following an outrage among donors and rights groups at his appointment.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who made the appointment at a high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases in Uruguay last Wednesday, said in a statement that he had listened to those expressing concerns.

REUTERS

Russian opposition leader released

MOSCOW • Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said on social media yesterday that he had been released from detention after spending around three weeks in jail.

Mr Navalny was detained by police late last month and sentenced to 20 days in jail on charges of repeatedly violating laws by organising public meeting and rallies.

After his release, Mr Navalny also said on social media he planned to speak at a political meeting in the provincial town of Astrakhan in southern Russia later in the day.

REUTERS

Brexit deal: London 'not bluffing'

LONDON • Britain can come up with a figure for a financial settlement with the European Union only when Brexit has been agreed, British Trade Minister Liam Fox said yesterday, warning EU leaders not to believe London is bluffing over a "no deal".

Mr Fox, speaking on ITV television, said Britain would offer the other 27 European Union members "further assurance" on its divorce before the next summit in December to unlock talks to make way for a discussion of future trade ties.

REUTERS