The French city of&nbsp;Bordeaux&nbsp;will fast-track vaccinations for residents in one neighbourhood after nearly&nbsp;50&nbsp;people tested positive for a "very&nbsp;rare"&nbsp;variant&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, health authorities told AFP on Friday.

All adult residents of the city's northern Bacalan neighbourhood will be granted "unconditional" access to jabs, "this weekend or at worst early next week", said Patrick Dehail, medical advisor to the regional health authority.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-caseload-tops-1676-mn-387421">Global COVID-19 caseload tops 167.6&nbsp;mn</a>

"We are working with the (health) ministry to obtain the&nbsp;extra&nbsp;doses required," Dehail said, adding that the boosted local effort will then be expanded to the wider&nbsp;Bordeaux&nbsp;area.

"We are talking about a&nbsp;variant&nbsp;that has already been identified at the national level but which has been&nbsp;very&nbsp;rare&nbsp;until now," he added.&nbsp;

At least 46 people have been infected with the&nbsp;variant&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Bordeaux&nbsp;neighbourhood, with mass&nbsp;testing&nbsp;launched Friday to track down further&nbsp;cases. None of those infected so far has been hospitalised.

Labelled VOC 20I/484Q, the strain is related to the British&nbsp;variant&nbsp;of COVID-19, but with an additional mutation.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-covid-19-virus-variants-respond-to-approved-vaccines-who-386258">All COVID-19 virus variants respond to approved vaccines: WHO</a>

This mutation, (E484K), is also carried by the South African and Brazilian variants and is suspected of reducing the immunity acquired by either past infection or by some vaccines.

However, Dehail said there was as yet "no reason" to suggest that the&nbsp;variant&nbsp;is resistant to mRNA vaccines such as those made by Pfizer or Moderna, or that it causes a more serious form of COVID-19.

The&nbsp;variant&nbsp;has been detected in the northern Paris region as well as&nbsp;Bordeaux&nbsp;in southwest&nbsp;France.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/for-coffee-paris-cafes-and-restaurants-reopen-after-covid-lockdown-386242">'For coffee!': Paris cafes and restaurants reopen after covid lockdown</a>

In&nbsp;France&nbsp;as a whole, vaccinations have so far been limited to the&nbsp;over-50s, although people outside this age group can book unused slots advertised at short notice. All adults will be eligible for vaccinations in&nbsp;France&nbsp;from May 31.

The French city of Bordeaux will fast-track vaccinations for residents in one neighbourhood after nearly 50 people tested positive for a "very rare" variant of COVID-19, health authorities told AFP on Friday.

The French city of Bordeaux will fast-track vaccinations for residents in one neighbourhood after nearly 50 people tested positive for a "very rare" variant of COVID-19, health authorities told AFP on Friday. All adult residents of the city's northern Bacalan neighbourhood will be granted "unconditional" access to jabs, "this weekend or at worst early next week", said Patrick Dehail, medical advisor to the regional health authority. Also Read | Global COVID-19 caseload tops 167.6 mn "We are working with the (health) ministry to obtain the extra doses required," Dehail said, adding that the boosted local effort will then be expanded to the wider Bordeaux area. "We are talking about a variant that has already been identified at the national level but which has been very rare until now," he added. At least 46 people have been infected with the variant in the Bordeaux neighbourhood, with mass testing launched Friday to track down further cases. None of those infected so far has been hospitalised. Labelled VOC 20I/484Q, the strain is related to the British variant of COVID-19, but with an additional mutation. Also Read | All COVID-19 virus variants respond to approved vaccines: WHO This mutation, (E484K), is also carried by the South African and Brazilian variants and is suspected of reducing the immunity acquired by either past infection or by some vaccines. However, Dehail said there was as yet "no reason" to suggest that the variant is resistant to mRNA vaccines such as those made by Pfizer or Moderna, or that it causes a more serious form of COVID-19. The variant has been detected in the northern Paris region as well as Bordeaux in southwest France. Also Read | 'For coffee!': Paris cafes and restaurants reopen after covid lockdown In France as a whole, vaccinations have so far been limited to the over-50s, although people outside this age group can book unused slots advertised at short notice. All adults will be eligible for vaccinations in France from May 31.

Covid in France: Race to vaccinate in Bordeaux as rare variant detected

Three unidentified masked men assaulted journalist Asad Toor at his home here, Geo News reported. 
 
Toor was later shifted to the hospital. The Islamabad police are investigating the incident.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-probe-opened-after-senior-journalist-critical-of-military-attacked-379077">Pakistan: Probe opened after senior journalist critical of military attacked</a>&nbsp; 
 
Closed-circuit television camera footage obtained by Geo News shows the suspects fleeing after assaulting the journalist. In the video, three suspects wearing masks can be seen leaving Toor`s apartment. 
 
The video also showed an injured Toor walking out of the apartment with his hands and feet tied, calling for help.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Pakistan's</a>&nbsp;Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry took notice of the incident and instructed the Islamabad SSP to investigate the attack.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-female-journalist-shaheena-shaheen-shot-dead-in-balochistan-325445">Pakistani female journalist Shaheena Shaheen shot dead in Balochistan</a> 
 
Attorney-General Khalid Javed Khan spoke to Geo News about the attack on Toor, saying that the federal capital is not a forest. 
 
"We are bringing a bill for the protection of journalists. Such incidents are intolerable," he said. 
 
He said the issue has been discussed with the home secretary and Islamabad IG. 
 
"Anyone involved in violence against journalists should be punished," Khan said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/another-journalist-goes-missing-in-pakistan-337596">Another journalist goes missing in Pakistan</a> 
 
The attack on journalist Asad Toor is reprehensible, said PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb. 
 
She said the government should ensure security for journalists instead of giving lectures on the protection of journalists. 
 
The government has failed to bring the accused to justice, Aurangzeb said. 
 
PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz and PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto, too, condemned the attack on Toor.

Three unidentified masked men assaulted journalist Asad Toor at his home here, Geo News reported. Toor was later shifted to the hospital. The Islamabad police are investigating the incident.

Three unidentified masked men assaulted journalist Asad Toor at his home here, Geo News reported. Toor was later shifted to the hospital. The Islamabad police are investigating the incident. Also Read | Pakistan: Probe opened after senior journalist critical of military attacked Closed-circuit television camera footage obtained by Geo News shows the suspects fleeing after assaulting the journalist. In the video, three suspects wearing masks can be seen leaving Toor`s apartment. The video also showed an injured Toor walking out of the apartment with his hands and feet tied, calling for help. Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry took notice of the incident and instructed the Islamabad SSP to investigate the attack. Also Read | Pakistani female journalist Shaheena Shaheen shot dead in Balochistan Attorney-General Khalid Javed Khan spoke to Geo News about the attack on Toor, saying that the federal capital is not a forest. "We are bringing a bill for the protection of journalists. Such incidents are intolerable," he said. He said the issue has been discussed with the home secretary and Islamabad IG. "Anyone involved in violence against journalists should be punished," Khan said. Also Read | Another journalist goes missing in Pakistan The attack on journalist Asad Toor is reprehensible, said PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb. She said the government should ensure security for journalists instead of giving lectures on the protection of journalists. The government has failed to bring the accused to justice, Aurangzeb said. PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz and PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto, too, condemned the attack on Toor.

Unidentified men attack Pakistani journalist Asad Toor in Islamabad

At least six people were killed and another 14 wounded by a bomb at a pro-Palestinian rally in a Pakistani city bordering Afghanistan on Friday, officials said, the latest violence to hit the restive area.

"It was an improvised explosive device which went off as participants began to disperse," said Tariq Mengal, a senior local administration official in Chaman, Balochistan province.&nbsp;

A second official confirmed the incident and toll.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-protesters-supporting-israel-palestinians-clash-in-new-york-386203">Watch: Protesters supporting Israel, Palestinians clash in New York</a>

Thousands of people rallied in support of the Palestinians across&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;Friday, hours after a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group which governs the Gaza Strip.

Friday's blast comes just weeks after a suicide bombing in the provincial capital of Quetta struck a luxury hotel&nbsp;where the Chinese ambassador was being hosted.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-claim-deadly-blast-at-luxury-hotel-379329">Pakistan Taliban claim deadly blast at luxury hotel</a>

That attack was later claimed by the Pakistani Taliban.&nbsp;

Chaman has long served as a gateway for Afghan Taliban militants entering Afghanistan from their alleged shelters in Balochistan, where the group's leadership council is believed to be based.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestine-protesters-shut-down-israeli-drone-makers-factory-in-leicester-uk-386250">Pro-Palestine protesters shut down Israeli drone maker's factory in Leicester, UK</a>

Pakistan&nbsp;is fighting several low-level insurgencies in the impoverished province, waged by Islamist, separatist and sectarian groups.

Balochistan is&nbsp;Pakistan's largest and poorest province despite being rich in natural resources.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-quetta-blast-is-a-big-concern-for-chinas-ambitious-projects-379361">Why Quetta blast is a big concern for China's ambitious projects</a>&nbsp;

Resentment has been fuelled by billions of dollars of Chinese money flowing into the region through the China-Pakistan&nbsp;Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, which locals say gave them little benefit as most new jobs went to outsiders.

At least six people were killed and another 14 wounded by a bomb at a pro-Palestinian rally in a Pakistani city bordering Afghanistan on Friday, officials said, the latest violence to hit the restive area.

At least six people were killed and another 14 wounded by a bomb at a pro-Palestinian rally in a Pakistani city bordering Afghanistan on Friday, officials said, the latest violence to hit the restive area. "It was an improvised explosive device which went off as participants began to disperse," said Tariq Mengal, a senior local administration official in Chaman, Balochistan province. A second official confirmed the incident and toll. Also Read | Watch: Protesters supporting Israel, Palestinians clash in New York Thousands of people rallied in support of the Palestinians across Pakistan Friday, hours after a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group which governs the Gaza Strip. Friday's blast comes just weeks after a suicide bombing in the provincial capital of Quetta struck a luxury hotel where the Chinese ambassador was being hosted. Also Read | Pakistan Taliban claim deadly blast at luxury hotel That attack was later claimed by the Pakistani Taliban. Chaman has long served as a gateway for Afghan Taliban militants entering Afghanistan from their alleged shelters in Balochistan, where the group's leadership council is believed to be based. Also Read | Pro-Palestine protesters shut down Israeli drone maker's factory in Leicester, UK Pakistan is fighting several low-level insurgencies in the impoverished province, waged by Islamist, separatist and sectarian groups. Balochistan is Pakistan's largest and poorest province despite being rich in natural resources. Also Read | Why Quetta blast is a big concern for China's ambitious projects Resentment has been fuelled by billions of dollars of Chinese money flowing into the region through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, which locals say gave them little benefit as most new jobs went to outsiders.

Six killed in blast at pro-Palestinian rally in southwest Pakistan

The US wants to strengthen its relationship with&nbsp;Greenland, especially commercially, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday, but stressed that they, unlike Donald Trump, don't want to buy it.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-confirms-interest-in-buying-greenland-243957">US President Donald Trump confirms interest in buying Greenland</a>

Blinken visited the Danish autonomous territory as he ended a four-day trip that included a meeting of the foreign ministers of countries bordering the Arctic in Reykjavik.

"I am in&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;because the United States deeply values our partnership and wants to make it even stronger," Antony Blinken told reporters on his final stop of the Arctic tour.

Last year, the US reopened a consulate in&nbsp;Greenland's capital Nuuk and pledged $12 million in aid for civilian projects.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-donald-trump-wants-to-buy-greenland-244206">Why Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland</a>

While he spoke of potential additional funding, Blinken was vague about new US projects, even though the new Greenlandic local government had floated the idea of a free trade agreement earlier in the week.

"We would like to find ways to strengthen even more the commercial relationship," Blinken said.

The then US president Donald Trump's 2019 proposal to buy the Arctic territory, described as "absurd" by the Danish government, caused a diplomatic kerfuffle but meanwhile signalled in clear terms the US' renewed interest in the region.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenland-tells-trump-it-is-open-for-business-but-not-for-sale-243427">Greenland tells US President Donald Trump it is open for business but not for sale</a>

Asked whether the US had definitively ruled out any plans to buy&nbsp;Greenland, Blinken replied with a smile: "I can confirm that's correct."

Greenlandic new young Prime Minister Mute Egede, who came to power in April, said he was "convinced that this decade will be the beginning of a new era in the relationship between our countries."

The left-wing government, which won snap parliamentary elections last month, is allied with a small pro-independence party, Naleraq, which has shown itself to be in favour of mending ties with the US.

The US wants to strengthen its relationship with Greenland, especially commercially, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday, but stressed that they, unlike Donald Trump, don't want to buy it.

The US wants to strengthen its relationship with Greenland, especially commercially, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday, but stressed that they, unlike Donald Trump, don't want to buy it. Also Read | US President Donald Trump confirms interest in buying Greenland Blinken visited the Danish autonomous territory as he ended a four-day trip that included a meeting of the foreign ministers of countries bordering the Arctic in Reykjavik. "I am in Greenland because the United States deeply values our partnership and wants to make it even stronger," Antony Blinken told reporters on his final stop of the Arctic tour. Last year, the US reopened a consulate in Greenland's capital Nuuk and pledged $12 million in aid for civilian projects. Also Read | Why Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland While he spoke of potential additional funding, Blinken was vague about new US projects, even though the new Greenlandic local government had floated the idea of a free trade agreement earlier in the week. "We would like to find ways to strengthen even more the commercial relationship," Blinken said. The then US president Donald Trump's 2019 proposal to buy the Arctic territory, described as "absurd" by the Danish government, caused a diplomatic kerfuffle but meanwhile signalled in clear terms the US' renewed interest in the region. Also Read | Greenland tells US President Donald Trump it is open for business but not for sale Asked whether the US had definitively ruled out any plans to buy Greenland, Blinken replied with a smile: "I can confirm that's correct." Greenlandic new young Prime Minister Mute Egede, who came to power in April, said he was "convinced that this decade will be the beginning of a new era in the relationship between our countries." The left-wing government, which won snap parliamentary elections last month, is allied with a small pro-independence party, Naleraq, which has shown itself to be in favour of mending ties with the US.

US wants 'stronger' ties with Greenland without buying it, assures Blinken

'Blood-soaked' naked activists protest against meat consumption in Spain

In pictures: Indonesia backs Gaza as Israel pounds back

Beaten, kicked in the groin and threatened with sexual violence - a young&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;teenager detained by the junta's security forces has described the treatment suffered by some women and girls behind bars.

Ma Chaw, 17, and her mother were arrested on April 14 in Yangon,&nbsp;Myanmar's commercial capital, which has been blanketed with heavy security since the military seized power in a coup.

As they were walking to a friend's house from a morning protest, she said, they were stopped by two security trucks.&nbsp;

"They forced us to crouch face-down on the ground," Ma Chaw told AFP.

The high school student then faced six days of fear and anxiety, held with women who alleged torture and abuse by police behind closed doors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-anti-junta-unity-government-says-it-has-formed-defence-force-383019">Myanmar's anti-junta unity government says it has formed defence force</a>

Ma Chaw said she herself had to endure a police officer molesting her during an interrogation session.

The teenager was released on April 20, but her mother was not as fortunate, she was instead taken to Yangon's Insein prison.

"My mother is my only family," she said.&nbsp;"I'm very worried for her safety and life."

To secure her release, she said, she had to sign documents saying she suffered "no torture" behind bars.

"It's the opposite of what they have done," Ma Chaw said.&nbsp;"It is totally unacceptable and unfair."

Molested, slapped, beaten

Her mother is among more than 3,800 civilians arrested and still languishing behind bars since the February 1 coup, according to local monitoring group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Little is known about the conditions of detainees across&nbsp;Myanmar, as those released rarely speak out about it.

Ma Chaw said she and her mother were taken first to a local police station where they were questioned separately.

"I was touched by a police officer, who told me he could kill me and make me disappear," she said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thailand-seeking-humanitarian-solution-for-detained-myanmar-journalists-384263">Thailand seeking 'humanitarian' solution for detained Myanmar journalists</a>

&nbsp;

"If I didn't push his hand away, I'm sure he would have continued."

She added that her mother was slapped twice during her interrogation.

The following day, they were taken to a detention centre on Yangon's northern outskirts where they met other women, some of whom had bruises all over their bodies.

One of them, a woman who had been in a relationship with a foreigner, was beaten so badly she could barely talk or eat, Ma Chaw said.

"We had to feed her fried egg and rice," she said. "She told us she couldn't urinate because her women parts had been kicked during the interrogation."

The National Unity Government, an underground group of ousted lawmakers opposing the junta, has announced it is investigating the "allegations of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in unlawful detention".

"These cases are indicative of the wider pattern of sexual and gender-based violence committed by&nbsp;Myanmar's military that has persisted for years with impunity, particularly against ethnic minority women and girls in armed conflict areas," it said in a statement.

Threatened disappearances

Another woman held in the same detention centre as Ma Chaw recalled similar experiences.&nbsp;Both women have been given pseudonyms because of the sensitivity of their allegations.

Ngwe Thanzin told AFP she and four others were protesting in Yangon's South Okkalapa township when they were arrested.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-declares-martial-law-in-town-after-attacks-on-bank-police-384978">Myanmar junta declares martial law in town after attacks on bank, police</a>

"I was kicked in my face for having a black mask in my bag," she said, adding that security forces also yelled misogynistic abuse at them.

The women were then taken to the same detention centre as Ma Chaw, where Ngwe Thanzin said she was handcuffed so tightly it left marks on her wrists.

"They also threatened us saying they could kill us and make us disappear without anyone knowing it," she told AFP.

During her three-night detention, she said she saw a 19-year-old girl bruised so badly she could barely stand.

"They don't beat or torture in front of other people. But when people were individually interrogated, they came out with bruises."

AFP was unable to independently verify the allegations made by Ma Chaw and Ngwe Thanzin.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-may-target-free-speech-in-effort-to-stifle-protests-363394">Myanmar may target free speech in effort to stifle protests</a>

Repeated attempts to contact the junta spokesman for a response went unanswered.

And junta-appointed Minister of Social Welfare Thet Thet Khine, who chairs a National Committee on Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence in Conflict, could not be reached for comment.&nbsp;

Ngwe Thanzin said the least the junta could do was have female security personnel available to interrogate them, instead of men.

"All our rights and dignity were violated and abused," she said.

"Since we have no rights, I felt we were like water in their hands."

Beaten, kicked in the groin and threatened with sexual violence - a young Myanmar teenager detained by the junta's security forces has described the treatment suffered by some women and girls behind bars.

Beaten, kicked in the groin and threatened with sexual violence - a young Myanmar teenager detained by the junta's security forces has described the treatment suffered by some women and girls behind bars. Ma Chaw, 17, and her mother were arrested on April 14 in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial capital, which has been blanketed with heavy security since the military seized power in a coup. As they were walking to a friend's house from a morning protest, she said, they were stopped by two security trucks. "They forced us to crouch face-down on the ground," Ma Chaw told AFP. The high school student then faced six days of fear and anxiety, held with women who alleged torture and abuse by police behind closed doors. Also read | Myanmar's anti-junta unity government says it has formed defence force Ma Chaw said she herself had to endure a police officer molesting her during an interrogation session. The teenager was released on April 20, but her mother was not as fortunate, she was instead taken to Yangon's Insein prison. "My mother is my only family," she said. "I'm very worried for her safety and life." To secure her release, she said, she had to sign documents saying she suffered "no torture" behind bars. "It's the opposite of what they have done," Ma Chaw said. "It is totally unacceptable and unfair." Molested, slapped, beaten Her mother is among more than 3,800 civilians arrested and still languishing behind bars since the February 1 coup, according to local monitoring group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Little is known about the conditions of detainees across Myanmar, as those released rarely speak out about it. Ma Chaw said she and her mother were taken first to a local police station where they were questioned separately. "I was touched by a police officer, who told me he could kill me and make me disappear," she said. Also read | Thailand seeking 'humanitarian' solution for detained Myanmar journalists "If I didn't push his hand away, I'm sure he would have continued." She added that her mother was slapped twice during her interrogation. The following day, they were taken to a detention centre on Yangon's northern outskirts where they met other women, some of whom had bruises all over their bodies. One of them, a woman who had been in a relationship with a foreigner, was beaten so badly she could barely talk or eat, Ma Chaw said. "We had to feed her fried egg and rice," she said. "She told us she couldn't urinate because her women parts had been kicked during the interrogation." The National Unity Government, an underground group of ousted lawmakers opposing the junta, has announced it is investigating the "allegations of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in unlawful detention". "These cases are indicative of the wider pattern of sexual and gender-based violence committed by Myanmar's military that has persisted for years with impunity, particularly against ethnic minority women and girls in armed conflict areas," it said in a statement. Threatened disappearances Another woman held in the same detention centre as Ma Chaw recalled similar experiences. Both women have been given pseudonyms because of the sensitivity of their allegations. Ngwe Thanzin told AFP she and four others were protesting in Yangon's South Okkalapa township when they were arrested. Also read | Myanmar junta declares martial law in town after attacks on bank, police "I was kicked in my face for having a black mask in my bag," she said, adding that security forces also yelled misogynistic abuse at them. The women were then taken to the same detention centre as Ma Chaw, where Ngwe Thanzin said she was handcuffed so tightly it left marks on her wrists. "They also threatened us saying they could kill us and make us disappear without anyone knowing it," she told AFP. During her three-night detention, she said she saw a 19-year-old girl bruised so badly she could barely stand. "They don't beat or torture in front of other people. But when people were individually interrogated, they came out with bruises." AFP was unable to independently verify the allegations made by Ma Chaw and Ngwe Thanzin. Also read | Myanmar may target free speech in effort to stifle protests Repeated attempts to contact the junta spokesman for a response went unanswered. And junta-appointed Minister of Social Welfare Thet Thet Khine, who chairs a National Committee on Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence in Conflict, could not be reached for comment. Ngwe Thanzin said the least the junta could do was have female security personnel available to interrogate them, instead of men. "All our rights and dignity were violated and abused," she said. "Since we have no rights, I felt we were like water in their hands."

Kicked in the groin: Myanmar teen describes junta's brutal treatment of detained women

Kenya&nbsp;announced Tuesday that flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu had been suspended, just days after&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;said diplomatic ties with its neighbour had been normalised following months of tensions.

The&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said commercial flights to and from&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;would be paused for three months, without giving a reason.

"All flights between&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;and&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;are suspended expect medevac flights and United Nations flights on humanitarian missions only," the regulator said.

KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe told AFP the suspension was "a decision by the government" but gave no further details.

The directive appeared to catch some Somali aviation officials and travel agents by surprise.

"We had not been given a prior notice, and there's been no explanation about the reason so far," an airport tower operator in Mogadishu told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The suspension comes a day after&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;said shipments of khat from&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;remained on hold. Khat is a narcotic leaf popular in&nbsp;Somalia.

Somalia&nbsp;announced last week that bilateral ties with&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;had been restored, citing "the interests of good neighbourliness" as motivating its decision.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-somalia-agree-to-normalise-ties-after-tensions-262304">Kenya, Somalia agree to normalise ties after tensions</a>

Nairobi said it took note of the statement and was looking forward "to further normalisation of relations by the Somali authorities."

Mogadishu cut off diplomatic relations in December after Nairobi hosted the political leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by&nbsp;Somalia's central government.

Somalia&nbsp;has long bristled over what it calls&nbsp;Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/somalia-accuses-kenya-of-meddling-in-internal-affairs-350316/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The pair have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter.

Kenya announced Tuesday that flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu had been suspended, just days after Somalia said diplomatic ties with its neighbour had been normalised following months of tensions.

Kenya announced Tuesday that flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu had been suspended, just days after Somalia said diplomatic ties with its neighbour had been normalised following months of tensions. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said commercial flights to and from Somalia would be paused for three months, without giving a reason. "All flights between Kenya and Somalia are suspended expect medevac flights and United Nations flights on humanitarian missions only," the regulator said. KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe told AFP the suspension was "a decision by the government" but gave no further details. The directive appeared to catch some Somali aviation officials and travel agents by surprise. "We had not been given a prior notice, and there's been no explanation about the reason so far," an airport tower operator in Mogadishu told AFP on condition of anonymity. The suspension comes a day after Somalia said shipments of khat from Kenya remained on hold. Khat is a narcotic leaf popular in Somalia. Somalia announced last week that bilateral ties with Kenya had been restored, citing "the interests of good neighbourliness" as motivating its decision. Also read | Kenya, Somalia agree to normalise ties after tensions Nairobi said it took note of the statement and was looking forward "to further normalisation of relations by the Somali authorities." Mogadishu cut off diplomatic relations in December after Nairobi hosted the political leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by Somalia's central government. Somalia has long bristled over what it calls Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems. The pair have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter.

In surprise move, Kenya suspends flights from Somalia

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines.

Health officials planned to roll out mandatory inoculations for the 370,000 domestic workers in the city, mostly poorly paid women from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report">Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report</a>

Those wanting to apply for work visas -- or renew their current ones -- would need to show they had received two doses.

But on Tuesday city leader Carrie Lam announced a U-turn.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it">China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it</a>

" The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts,"&nbsp;she said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin had previously warned the initial proposal "smacked of discrimination".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16">Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16</a>

Hong Kong health officials announced the mandatory vaccination plan after two domestic workers were found to be infected with one of the more virulent strains of the coronavirus.

They said domestic workers were 'high risk'&nbsp;because they often work with the elderly and meet in parks on Sundays -- usually their one day off a week.

Labour groups representing domestic workers said they felt they were being singled out, noting that the families they worked for -- as well as locals working in environments such as care homes -- were not required to get vaccinated.

They also pointed out that wealthier foreign migrants such as the city's white-collar financial workers were not forced to get vaccines when outbreaks of the coronavirus were traced to their well-heeled districts.

Thanks to strict quarantine measures and economically painful social distancing rules, Hong Kong has kept infections to just under 12,000 cases and 210 deaths.

It has secured ample vaccine doses but the public take-up has been very low.

So far just 16 percent of the city's 7.5 million people have received one or more doses, a long way from the 60-70 percent considered necessary for herd immunity.

Regular polling shows Hong Kongers have some of the lowest support ratings for inoculation in the world.

Some of Hong Kong's BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines will pass their shelf-life in September and officials fret they may be in the unenviable position of throwing away good doses.

The vaccination drive has been hampered by the government's public trust deficit.

After huge democracy protests exploded in 2019, Hong Kong's unpopular unelected leaders -- with the backing of Beijing -- have overseen a sweeping crackdown in dissent in the city.

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines.

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines. Health officials planned to roll out mandatory inoculations for the 370,000 domestic workers in the city, mostly poorly paid women from the Philippines and Indonesia. Also read | Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report Those wanting to apply for work visas -- or renew their current ones -- would need to show they had received two doses. But on Tuesday city leader Carrie Lam announced a U-turn. Also read | China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it " The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts," she said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia. Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin had previously warned the initial proposal "smacked of discrimination". Also read | Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16 Hong Kong health officials announced the mandatory vaccination plan after two domestic workers were found to be infected with one of the more virulent strains of the coronavirus. They said domestic workers were 'high risk' because they often work with the elderly and meet in parks on Sundays -- usually their one day off a week. Labour groups representing domestic workers said they felt they were being singled out, noting that the families they worked for -- as well as locals working in environments such as care homes -- were not required to get vaccinated. They also pointed out that wealthier foreign migrants such as the city's white-collar financial workers were not forced to get vaccines when outbreaks of the coronavirus were traced to their well-heeled districts. Thanks to strict quarantine measures and economically painful social distancing rules, Hong Kong has kept infections to just under 12,000 cases and 210 deaths. It has secured ample vaccine doses but the public take-up has been very low. So far just 16 percent of the city's 7.5 million people have received one or more doses, a long way from the 60-70 percent considered necessary for herd immunity. Regular polling shows Hong Kongers have some of the lowest support ratings for inoculation in the world. Some of Hong Kong's BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines will pass their shelf-life in September and officials fret they may be in the unenviable position of throwing away good doses. The vaccination drive has been hampered by the government's public trust deficit. After huge democracy protests exploded in 2019, Hong Kong's unpopular unelected leaders -- with the backing of Beijing -- have overseen a sweeping crackdown in dissent in the city.

Hong Kong scraps mandatory vaccines for foreign domestic workers

Venezuela's main academy of medicine has asked the United States to add the South American nation to its international donor list for millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines, despite a political freeze between the two countries.

Enrique Lopez-Loyo, president of the politically independent National Academy of Medicine, made the request to U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela James Story at a meeting on May 2, the academy said in a statement on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="US approves Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid vaccine for children aged 12-15">US approves Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid vaccine for children aged 12-15</a>

"To control the pandemic in our country, we need to vaccinate around 70% of the adult population, nearly 15 million people, in as little time as possible," the academy said in the statement. "The amount of vaccines that have arrived to Venezuela ... represents less than 10% of what Venezuela needs."

Venezuela has received around 1.4 million vaccines from China and Russia, according to the Health Ministry, and hopes to receive doses for about 5 million people from the World Health Organization's (WHO) COVAX program.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="'Vaccine tourists' fly in from abroad for injections on US beach ">'Vaccine tourists' fly in from abroad for injections on US beach&nbsp;</a>

The academy is a member of the Venezuelan government's round table developing a response to the coronavirus crisis for its 30 million people.

The academy's plea, however, for U.S. supplies of AstraZeneca PLC vaccines runs contrary to the government's refusal in March to authorize the vaccine because of reports of blood clotting in some recipients.

The academy's request also comes amid U.S. sanctions on Venezuela to protest the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro in 2018 in elections it, and many other nations, viewed as fraudulent. Venezuela blames Washington's sanctions for its economic woes.

Story, appointed at the end of last year, is based in Bogota, Colombia, because of the rupture in relations.

The academy said Story responded to its request, saying the United States valued the independence of the academy and it looked 'forward to working with all like-minded parties in the search for a solution to this crisis.'

Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Venezuela has reported a total of around 209,000 COVID-19 cases, including some 2,300 deaths.

Venezuela's main academy of medicine has asked the United States to add the South American nation to its international donor list for millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines, despite a political freeze between the two countries.

Venezuela's main academy of medicine has asked the United States to add the South American nation to its international donor list for millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines, despite a political freeze between the two countries. Enrique Lopez-Loyo, president of the politically independent National Academy of Medicine, made the request to U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela James Story at a meeting on May 2, the academy said in a statement on Monday. Also read | US approves Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid vaccine for children aged 12-15 "To control the pandemic in our country, we need to vaccinate around 70% of the adult population, nearly 15 million people, in as little time as possible," the academy said in the statement. "The amount of vaccines that have arrived to Venezuela ... represents less than 10% of what Venezuela needs." Venezuela has received around 1.4 million vaccines from China and Russia, according to the Health Ministry, and hopes to receive doses for about 5 million people from the World Health Organization's (WHO) COVAX program. Also read | 'Vaccine tourists' fly in from abroad for injections on US beach The academy is a member of the Venezuelan government's round table developing a response to the coronavirus crisis for its 30 million people. The academy's plea, however, for U.S. supplies of AstraZeneca PLC vaccines runs contrary to the government's refusal in March to authorize the vaccine because of reports of blood clotting in some recipients. The academy's request also comes amid U.S. sanctions on Venezuela to protest the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro in 2018 in elections it, and many other nations, viewed as fraudulent. Venezuela blames Washington's sanctions for its economic woes. Story, appointed at the end of last year, is based in Bogota, Colombia, because of the rupture in relations. The academy said Story responded to its request, saying the United States valued the independence of the academy and it looked 'forward to working with all like-minded parties in the search for a solution to this crisis.' Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Venezuela has reported a total of around 209,000 COVID-19 cases, including some 2,300 deaths.

Venezuela's academy of medicine asks US to donate COVID-19 vaccines

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday.

It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO">India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO</a>

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condoled Kalra's death.

"Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family," Jaishankar tweeted.

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Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family.
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Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described Kalra as a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment.

"Loss of a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. I spoke to Mrs Monika Kalra conveying heartfelt condolences of all @MEAIndia personnel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," he tweeted.

Kalra had served in Indian missions in Muscat, Hanoi, Pretoria, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Kalra showed exemplary commitment and dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions.@MEAIndia sincerely condoles passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif.

A sincere, hard working &amp; reliable officer, he showed exemplary commitment &amp; dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions to Afghanistan," he said.

Bagchi said the MEA will extend all possible support to his family.

"He will be remembered fondly and missed by one &amp; all. @MEAIndia will extend all possible support to his family," he tweeted.

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday. It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital.

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday. It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital. Also read | India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condoled Kalra's death. "Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family," Jaishankar tweeted. Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 10, 2021 × Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described Kalra as a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. "Loss of a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. I spoke to Mrs Monika Kalra conveying heartfelt condolences of all @MEAIndia personnel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," he tweeted. Kalra had served in Indian missions in Muscat, Hanoi, Pretoria, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Kalra showed exemplary commitment and dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions.@MEAIndia sincerely condoles passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A sincere, hard working & reliable officer, he showed exemplary commitment & dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions to Afghanistan," he said. Bagchi said the MEA will extend all possible support to his family. "He will be remembered fondly and missed by one & all. @MEAIndia will extend all possible support to his family," he tweeted.

India's Consul General in Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif dies after testing positive for Covid

As India's government scrambles for supplies of oxygen and other emergency aid to control the raging coronavirus outbreak, donors around the world have come to the rescue including a Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates.

On Monday, volunteers from the country's Hindu community gathered at the Jebel Ali Port, here at the northern end of Dubai, to haul hundreds of cylinders of liquid oxygen and massive containers of compressed oxygen onto a ship, where it will head to crisis-wracked India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO">India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO</a>

The organisers, Indian owners of a Dubai helium factory, shifted production to oxygen when the latest surge in virus cases hit India.

As calls for help back home grew, the factory enlisted the help of the main Hindu temple based in the UAE's capital of Abu Dhabi, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, to send oxygen supplies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge">Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge</a>

COVID-19 patients are suffocating in India's capital, New Delhi, and other cities because of the shortage.

Hindu spiritual leaders, dressed in saffron robes, came to bless the oxygen before sending it out, showering rose petals on the shipment and marking the cylinders with traditional orange dye.

The UAE's economy is powered by millions of foreign workers from Southeast Asia. Indian citizens make up nearly 30 per cent of the population.&nbsp;

As India's government scrambles for supplies of oxygen and other emergency aid to control the raging coronavirus outbreak, donors around the world have come to the rescue including a Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates.

As India's government scrambles for supplies of oxygen and other emergency aid to control the raging coronavirus outbreak, donors around the world have come to the rescue including a Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates. On Monday, volunteers from the country's Hindu community gathered at the Jebel Ali Port, here at the northern end of Dubai, to haul hundreds of cylinders of liquid oxygen and massive containers of compressed oxygen onto a ship, where it will head to crisis-wracked India. Also read | India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO The organisers, Indian owners of a Dubai helium factory, shifted production to oxygen when the latest surge in virus cases hit India. As calls for help back home grew, the factory enlisted the help of the main Hindu temple based in the UAE's capital of Abu Dhabi, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, to send oxygen supplies. Also read | Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge COVID-19 patients are suffocating in India's capital, New Delhi, and other cities because of the shortage. Hindu spiritual leaders, dressed in saffron robes, came to bless the oxygen before sending it out, showering rose petals on the shipment and marking the cylinders with traditional orange dye. The UAE's economy is powered by millions of foreign workers from Southeast Asia. Indian citizens make up nearly 30 per cent of the population.

Hindu community, temple in UAE help ship oxygen containers to Covid-hit India

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