The Honduran government declared a state of emergency late Friday and imposed a 10-day curfew in an attempt to stop violent demonstrations across the country triggered by claims of presidential election fraud.

Police said at least two officers and 12 civilians were injured, some by gunfire, after clashes in several parts of the country between riot police and opposition supporters.

The violence was sparked by opposition candidate Salvador Nasralla claiming election fraud and calling his supporters onto the streets.

An executive decree issued by President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who is seeking re-election despite a constitutional ban on a second term, imposes a nighttime curfew from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Representatives of the country&#39;s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and political parties, national and international observers and journalists accredited to cover the elections are exempt.

Thousands of Nasrallah supporters blocked roads across the country, and footage of their confrontations with the police&nbsp;who attempted to disperse demonstrators with tear gas&nbsp;went viral on social media.

In the capital Tegucigalpa, protesters lit bonfires of sticks and tires on boulevards and on exit routes.

The unrest sparked panic, with people rushing to supermarkets and gas stations to stock up, fearing the riots would prevent them from leaving their homes.

Shops closed by the afternoon and some international flights were suspended at the capital&#39;s airport. 
&nbsp;

Cliffhanger vote&nbsp;

With nearly 95 per cent of the ballots counted from last week&#39;s vote, Hernandez had a razor-thin lead of 42.92 per cent over Nasrallah&#39;s 41.42 pe rcent.

TSE president David Matamoros postponed until Saturday a special count&nbsp;with officials from both camps present&nbsp;to review ballots with inconsistencies, blurs and other errors before a result can be declared, following new demands from the leftist leader and ex-president Manuel Zelaya.

&quot;Within three days, we will have the result. We accept to recognise the final result if they accept these points,&quot; Zelaya said.

But in a television interview, Nasrallah demanded a full recount, warning of possible collusion between the TSE and the government.

&quot;Do not let them steal the presidency,&quot; said activist Juan Barahona of Nasrallah&#39;s Alliance of Opposition Against the Dictatorship.

Police said they had arrested 50 people for alleged looting between Thursday and Friday.

Security forces said rioters had damaged businesses and vehicles, some of which had been doused in gasoline and set on fire.

Earlier, Hernandez broadcast a statement calling for calm and predicting &quot;we are going to do very well&quot; in the vote.

The Organization of American States observer mission urged the TSE in a letter Thursday to ensure that 100 per cent of the ballots were processed before declaring a result.

&quot;Political parties should be given the opportunity to present challenges. These will have to be dealt with impartially and within a reasonable timeframe and following due process,&quot; it said.

&quot;This is the only way to restore confidence in this election and in the integrity of the popular will.&quot;

A 10-day curfew has been imposed in an attempt to stop violent demonstrations across the country triggered by claims of presidential election fraud

The Honduran government declared a state of emergency late Friday and imposed a 10-day curfew in an attempt to stop violent demonstrations across the country triggered by claims of presidential election fraud. Police said at least two officers and 12 civilians were injured, some by gunfire, after clashes in several parts of the country between riot police and opposition supporters. The violence was sparked by opposition candidate Salvador Nasralla claiming election fraud and calling his supporters onto the streets. An executive decree issued by President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who is seeking re-election despite a constitutional ban on a second term, imposes a nighttime curfew from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. Representatives of the country's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and political parties, national and international observers and journalists accredited to cover the elections are exempt. Thousands of Nasrallah supporters blocked roads across the country, and footage of their confrontations with the police who attempted to disperse demonstrators with tear gas went viral on social media. In the capital Tegucigalpa, protesters lit bonfires of sticks and tires on boulevards and on exit routes. The unrest sparked panic, with people rushing to supermarkets and gas stations to stock up, fearing the riots would prevent them from leaving their homes. Shops closed by the afternoon and some international flights were suspended at the capital's airport. Cliffhanger vote With nearly 95 per cent of the ballots counted from last week's vote, Hernandez had a razor-thin lead of 42.92 per cent over Nasrallah's 41.42 pe rcent. TSE president David Matamoros postponed until Saturday a special count with officials from both camps present to review ballots with inconsistencies, blurs and other errors before a result can be declared, following new demands from the leftist leader and ex-president Manuel Zelaya. "Within three days, we will have the result. We accept to recognise the final result if they accept these points," Zelaya said. But in a television interview, Nasrallah demanded a full recount, warning of possible collusion between the TSE and the government. "Do not let them steal the presidency," said activist Juan Barahona of Nasrallah's Alliance of Opposition Against the Dictatorship. Police said they had arrested 50 people for alleged looting between Thursday and Friday. Security forces said rioters had damaged businesses and vehicles, some of which had been doused in gasoline and set on fire. Earlier, Hernandez broadcast a statement calling for calm and predicting "we are going to do very well" in the vote. The Organization of American States observer mission urged the TSE in a letter Thursday to ensure that 100 per cent of the ballots were processed before declaring a result. "Political parties should be given the opportunity to present challenges. These will have to be dealt with impartially and within a reasonable timeframe and following due process," it said. "This is the only way to restore confidence in this election and in the integrity of the popular will."

State of emergency in Honduras after post-vote violence

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared a three-month state of emergency in Egypt following twin church bombings that killed dozens of people in two cities on Sunday. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Egyptian president to declare three-month state of emergency in wake of two suicide bombings at churches. <a href="https://t.co/co0ehNQhQc">https://t.co/co0ehNQhQc</a>
&mdash; The Associated Press (@AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AP/status/851157844699348993">April 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Sisi announced the &quot;state of emergency for three months&quot; in a defiant speech at the presidential palace after a meeting of the national defence council.

The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the church bombings in the Nile Delta cities of Alexandria and Tanta in which at least 44 people were killed.

The emergency law expands police powers of arrest, surveillance and seizures and can limit freedom of movement.

Egypt had been ruled for decades under a state of emergency, which was cancelled a month before Islamist president Mohamed Morsi took power in 2012.

Rescinding it had been a main demand of Egyptian rights activists during the 2011 revolt that overthrew veteran strongman Hosni Mubarak.

Following Morsi&#39;s overthrow by Sisi, then an army chief, in 2013, a state of emergency was declared for a month after deadly clashes between police and Islamist protesters killed hundreds and Islamist mobs attacked Christian properties.

Part of North Sinai where the Islamic State group&#39;s Egyptian affiliate is based has remained under a state of emergency.

&nbsp;

Footage of the explosions

Egypt&#39;s Interior Ministry has published footage captured by CCTV cameras showing the moment&nbsp;a suspected suicide bomber attacked a Coptic cathedral in Alexandria Sunday, Reuters reports.

The bomber, wearing a brown jacket with a blue sweater tied over his shoulders, is seen walking up to the cathedral&#39;s gate and is refused entry. He then walked to a metal detector at the gate&#39;s entrance before an explosion erupted.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWIONews%2Fvideos%2F630803390463633%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe>

Egypt&#39;s Ministry of Health said 16 people were killed, including three police officers, and 41 injured.

The explosion came just hours after a bombing rocked a Coptic church in Tanta, killing at least 27 people and injuring 78. Meanwhile, other video footage emerged on Twitter purporting to be of&nbsp;the moment&nbsp;leading up to the blast in the Mari Girgis church in&nbsp;Tanta, also on Sunday:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The moment the bomb went off inside the Mari Girgis church in Tanta, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Egypt?src=hash">#Egypt</a>. <a href="https://t.co/pU9c0vBeCQ">pic.twitter.com/pU9c0vBeCQ</a>
&mdash; Haidar Sumeri (@IraqiSecurity) <a href="https://twitter.com/IraqiSecurity/status/851009248955944960">April 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Disturbing video footage has emerged of both attacks

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared a three-month state of emergency in Egypt following twin church bombings that killed dozens of people in two cities on Sunday. Egyptian president to declare three-month state of emergency in wake of two suicide bombings at churches. https://t.co/co0ehNQhQc — The Associated Press (@AP) April 9, 2017 × Sisi announced the "state of emergency for three months" in a defiant speech at the presidential palace after a meeting of the national defence council. The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the church bombings in the Nile Delta cities of Alexandria and Tanta in which at least 44 people were killed. The emergency law expands police powers of arrest, surveillance and seizures and can limit freedom of movement. Egypt had been ruled for decades under a state of emergency, which was cancelled a month before Islamist president Mohamed Morsi took power in 2012. Rescinding it had been a main demand of Egyptian rights activists during the 2011 revolt that overthrew veteran strongman Hosni Mubarak. Following Morsi's overthrow by Sisi, then an army chief, in 2013, a state of emergency was declared for a month after deadly clashes between police and Islamist protesters killed hundreds and Islamist mobs attacked Christian properties. Part of North Sinai where the Islamic State group's Egyptian affiliate is based has remained under a state of emergency. Footage of the explosions Egypt's Interior Ministry has published footage captured by CCTV cameras showing the moment a suspected suicide bomber attacked a Coptic cathedral in Alexandria Sunday, Reuters reports. The bomber, wearing a brown jacket with a blue sweater tied over his shoulders, is seen walking up to the cathedral's gate and is refused entry. He then walked to a metal detector at the gate's entrance before an explosion erupted. Egypt's Ministry of Health said 16 people were killed, including three police officers, and 41 injured. The explosion came just hours after a bombing rocked a Coptic church in Tanta, killing at least 27 people and injuring 78. Meanwhile, other video footage emerged on Twitter purporting to be of the moment leading up to the blast in the Mari Girgis church in Tanta, also on Sunday: The moment the bomb went off inside the Mari Girgis church in Tanta, #Egypt. pic.twitter.com/pU9c0vBeCQ — Haidar Sumeri (@IraqiSecurity) April 9, 2017 × Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Egypt's President Sisi declares three-month state of emergency after twin church bombings kills dozens

France&rsquo;s parliament voted early Wednesday to extend a national state of emergency until July 15, after next year&rsquo;s elections.

The security measures, in force since attacks in Paris that killed 130 people in November 2015, are now expected to be approved by the Senate on Thursday.&nbsp;

It is the fifth extension of the state of emergency, which gives police extended powers of search and arrest.

The overnight vote in the National Assembly passed by 288 to 32, with only Left Front lawmakers, protesting ecologists and a handful of centre-right Republicans voting against.

The extension, which will give the country its longest uninterrupted state of emergency since the Algerian War in the 1960s, will span the two-round presidential election in April-May and June parliamentary polls.

The government has cited a heightened risk of jihadist attacks coinciding with the polls.

Ahead of the vote, new interior minister Bruno Le Roux stressed that France faced &quot;an extremely high&quot; risk of a terrorist attack.

Since the last extension,shortly after the Bastille Day attack in July when a Tunisian jihadist rammed a truck through a crowd in Nice, killing 86 people, he said &quot;we have foiled no fewer than 13 attacks, involving about 30 individuals&quot;.

With numerous public meetings and campaign rallies expected in the coming months, Le Roux said &quot;the intense electoral period we are entering increases the risk of further terrorist acts&quot;, echoing weekend comments by his predecessor, newly-appointed Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.

The extension until July 15 would also allow a new president,incumbent Francois Hollande is not seeking re-election,to assess security and prolong the state of emergency if necessary.

Hollande&rsquo;s tenure has been marred by the three major Islamist-inspired terror attacks,against Charlie Hebdo magazine in January 2015, then in Paris the following November and the Bastille Day attack in Nice.

Cazeneuve, the former interior minister who coordinated the introduction of the state of emergency, took over as prime minister on Tuesday after Manuel Valls stepped down to seek the Socialist nomination for the presidency. 
&nbsp;

(AFP)

The extension will span the two-round presidential election in April-May and June parliamentary polls

France’s parliament voted early Wednesday to extend a national state of emergency until July 15, after next year’s elections. The security measures, in force since attacks in Paris that killed 130 people in November 2015, are now expected to be approved by the Senate on Thursday. It is the fifth extension of the state of emergency, which gives police extended powers of search and arrest. The overnight vote in the National Assembly passed by 288 to 32, with only Left Front lawmakers, protesting ecologists and a handful of centre-right Republicans voting against. The extension, which will give the country its longest uninterrupted state of emergency since the Algerian War in the 1960s, will span the two-round presidential election in April-May and June parliamentary polls. The government has cited a heightened risk of jihadist attacks coinciding with the polls. Ahead of the vote, new interior minister Bruno Le Roux stressed that France faced "an extremely high" risk of a terrorist attack. Since the last extension,shortly after the Bastille Day attack in July when a Tunisian jihadist rammed a truck through a crowd in Nice, killing 86 people, he said "we have foiled no fewer than 13 attacks, involving about 30 individuals". With numerous public meetings and campaign rallies expected in the coming months, Le Roux said "the intense electoral period we are entering increases the risk of further terrorist acts", echoing weekend comments by his predecessor, newly-appointed Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. The extension until July 15 would also allow a new president,incumbent Francois Hollande is not seeking re-election,to assess security and prolong the state of emergency if necessary. Hollande’s tenure has been marred by the three major Islamist-inspired terror attacks,against Charlie Hebdo magazine in January 2015, then in Paris the following November and the Bastille Day attack in Nice. Cazeneuve, the former interior minister who coordinated the introduction of the state of emergency, took over as prime minister on Tuesday after Manuel Valls stepped down to seek the Socialist nomination for the presidency. (AFP)

France: Parliament votes to extend state of emergency to July 15

Authorities have arrested more than 11,000 people since Ethiopia declared a state of emergency in early October amid violent protests,the&nbsp;state TV said on Saturday.

Ethiopia has been in political crisis for around a year with frequent outbreaks of violence as authorities have brutally cracked down on anti-government demonstrators.

&quot;Some 11,607 individuals have so far been detained in six prisons, of which 347 are female, in connection with the state of emergency declared in the country,&quot; State of Emergency Inquiry Board chairperson Taddesse Hordofa said in a statement broadcast by EBC.

Hordofa reeled off a long list of offences ranging from serious crimes such as &quot;attacking security forces using firearms&quot; or &quot;killing civilians and members of security forces&quot; to the much more mundane &quot;denying provision of public services&quot; and &quot;disrupting movement of vehicles&quot;.

This figure is a huge increase on the 2,500 arrests that Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn&#39;s government had announced at the end of October.

The six-month state of emergency was declared on October 9, an unprecedented move by the current government, which has been in power for 25 years.

Unrest in the country had begun in the central Oromo region and then spread to Amhara in the north, causing hundreds of deaths, according to human rights organisations.

Those regions are where the majority of arrests have been made and make up 60 per cent of the country&#39;s population.

On October 31, Ethiopian defence minister Siraj Fegessa announced that 2,000 people who had participated in protests had been released, although today&#39;s announcement included no details on how many of the 11,000 remain in prison.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The six-month state of emergency was declared on October 9 following political instability and frequent violent outbreaks

Authorities have arrested more than 11,000 people since Ethiopia declared a state of emergency in early October amid violent protests,the state TV said on Saturday. Ethiopia has been in political crisis for around a year with frequent outbreaks of violence as authorities have brutally cracked down on anti-government demonstrators. "Some 11,607 individuals have so far been detained in six prisons, of which 347 are female, in connection with the state of emergency declared in the country," State of Emergency Inquiry Board chairperson Taddesse Hordofa said in a statement broadcast by EBC. Hordofa reeled off a long list of offences ranging from serious crimes such as "attacking security forces using firearms" or "killing civilians and members of security forces" to the much more mundane "denying provision of public services" and "disrupting movement of vehicles". This figure is a huge increase on the 2,500 arrests that Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn's government had announced at the end of October. The six-month state of emergency was declared on October 9, an unprecedented move by the current government, which has been in power for 25 years. Unrest in the country had begun in the central Oromo region and then spread to Amhara in the north, causing hundreds of deaths, according to human rights organisations. Those regions are where the majority of arrests have been made and make up 60 per cent of the country's population. On October 31, Ethiopian defence minister Siraj Fegessa announced that 2,000 people who had participated in protests had been released, although today's announcement included no details on how many of the 11,000 remain in prison. (AFP)

Ethiopia: 11,000 arrests under state of emergency, says state TV

President Tayyip Erdogan tightened his grip on Turkey on Saturday, ordering the closure of thousands of private schools, charities and other institutions in his first decree since imposing a state of emergency after the failed military coup.&nbsp;A restructuring of Turkey&#39;s once untouchable military also drew closer, with a planned meeting between Erdogan and the already purged top brass brought forward. 
 
In the decree, published by the Anadolu state news agency, Erdogan extended to a maximum of 30 days from four days the period in which some suspects can be detained. It said this was to facilitate a full investigation into the coup attempt.&nbsp;Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possible death during the July 15 coup attempt, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday he would restructure the armed forces and bring in &quot;fresh blood&quot;. 
 
Turkey&#39;s Supreme Military Council (YAS) will meet under Erdogan&#39;s supervision on July 28, a few days earlier than originally planned, private broadcaster NTV reported, a sign that the president wants to act fast to ensure the armed forces are fully under the government&#39;s control. 
 
Reinforcing that message, the YAS meeting, which usually takes place every August, will be held this time in the presidential palace, not as is customary at the headquarters of the military General Staff. 
 
Erdogan has accused US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, who has many followers in Turkey and abroad, of masterminding the failed coup, in which at least 246 people were killed. Gulen denies the charge and has condemned the coup. 
 
PURGES 
 
Erdogan declared the state of emergency late on Wednesday saying it would enable authorities to swiftly and effectively root out supporters of the coup. 
 
The state of emergency allows the president and government to pass laws without first having to win parliamentary support and also allows them to curb or suspend rights and freedoms as they deem necessary. 
 
Turkish authorities have already launched a series of mass purges of the armed forces, police, judiciary and education system, targeting followers of Gulen, who operates an extensive network of schools and charitable foundations. 
 
The first decree signed by Erdogan authorises the closure of 1,043 private schools, 1,229 charities and foundations, 19 trade unions, 15 universities and 35 medical institutions over suspected links to the Gulen movement, the Anadolu agency said. 
 
Parliament must still approve the decree but requires only a simply majority, which the ruling AK Party founded by Erdogan and in power in Turkey since 2002 commands. 
 
In an address to lawmakers late on Friday Erdogan vowed to bring to justice supporters of the Gulenist &quot;terrorist&quot; movement and he urged Turks to continue attending rallies in major cities in support of democracy and against the coup plotters. 
 
Turkey expects to complete within a week to 10 days a dossier requesting Gulen&#39;s extradition from the United States, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told private broadcaster NTV in an interview. 
 
Cavusoglu said the link between soldiers involved in the abortive coup and Gulen&#39;s extensive network of followers was &quot;very clear&quot;, adding that Turkey would do all it could &quot;politically and legally&quot; to secure his extradition. 
 
Washington has said Ankara needs to provide clear evidence of Gulen&#39;s involvement before it can agree to extradite him. Lawyers say the process could take many years. 
 
On Friday evening Erdogan held his first meeting since the coup with the head of the national intelligence agency, Hakan Fidan, after complaining of significant intelligence shortcomings ahead of the coup attempt. Despite media speculation, however, he did not sack Fidan. 
 
After the coup Western countries pledged support for democracy in Turkey, a NATO ally and an important partner in the fight against Islamic State, but they have also expressed concern over the scale of the subsequent purges of state institutions. 
 
Turkish authorities have suspended, detained or placed under investigation more than 60,000 soldiers, police, judges, teachers, civil servants and others in the past week. 
 
Speaking at a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bankers in China on Saturday, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said Turkey would strongly adhere to democratic principles and the rule of law. 
 
(Reuters)

The first decree signed by Erdogan authorises the closure of thousands of schools, unions, charities over suspected links to Fethullah Gulen

President Tayyip Erdogan tightened his grip on Turkey on Saturday, ordering the closure of thousands of private schools, charities and other institutions in his first decree since imposing a state of emergency after the failed military coup. A restructuring of Turkey's once untouchable military also drew closer, with a planned meeting between Erdogan and the already purged top brass brought forward. In the decree, published by the Anadolu state news agency, Erdogan extended to a maximum of 30 days from four days the period in which some suspects can be detained. It said this was to facilitate a full investigation into the coup attempt. Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possible death during the July 15 coup attempt, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday he would restructure the armed forces and bring in "fresh blood". Turkey's Supreme Military Council (YAS) will meet under Erdogan's supervision on July 28, a few days earlier than originally planned, private broadcaster NTV reported, a sign that the president wants to act fast to ensure the armed forces are fully under the government's control. Reinforcing that message, the YAS meeting, which usually takes place every August, will be held this time in the presidential palace, not as is customary at the headquarters of the military General Staff. Erdogan has accused US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, who has many followers in Turkey and abroad, of masterminding the failed coup, in which at least 246 people were killed. Gulen denies the charge and has condemned the coup. PURGES Erdogan declared the state of emergency late on Wednesday saying it would enable authorities to swiftly and effectively root out supporters of the coup. The state of emergency allows the president and government to pass laws without first having to win parliamentary support and also allows them to curb or suspend rights and freedoms as they deem necessary. Turkish authorities have already launched a series of mass purges of the armed forces, police, judiciary and education system, targeting followers of Gulen, who operates an extensive network of schools and charitable foundations. The first decree signed by Erdogan authorises the closure of 1,043 private schools, 1,229 charities and foundations, 19 trade unions, 15 universities and 35 medical institutions over suspected links to the Gulen movement, the Anadolu agency said. Parliament must still approve the decree but requires only a simply majority, which the ruling AK Party founded by Erdogan and in power in Turkey since 2002 commands. In an address to lawmakers late on Friday Erdogan vowed to bring to justice supporters of the Gulenist "terrorist" movement and he urged Turks to continue attending rallies in major cities in support of democracy and against the coup plotters. Turkey expects to complete within a week to 10 days a dossier requesting Gulen's extradition from the United States, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told private broadcaster NTV in an interview. Cavusoglu said the link between soldiers involved in the abortive coup and Gulen's extensive network of followers was "very clear", adding that Turkey would do all it could "politically and legally" to secure his extradition. Washington has said Ankara needs to provide clear evidence of Gulen's involvement before it can agree to extradite him. Lawyers say the process could take many years. On Friday evening Erdogan held his first meeting since the coup with the head of the national intelligence agency, Hakan Fidan, after complaining of significant intelligence shortcomings ahead of the coup attempt. Despite media speculation, however, he did not sack Fidan. After the coup Western countries pledged support for democracy in Turkey, a NATO ally and an important partner in the fight against Islamic State, but they have also expressed concern over the scale of the subsequent purges of state institutions. Turkish authorities have suspended, detained or placed under investigation more than 60,000 soldiers, police, judges, teachers, civil servants and others in the past week. Speaking at a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bankers in China on Saturday, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said Turkey would strongly adhere to democratic principles and the rule of law. (Reuters)

Turkey's Erdogan closes more schools, extends detention without charge period

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has extended the country&#39;s state of &quot;economic emergency&quot; for another 60 days, an official newspaper reported, a sign of declining conditions in the crisis-hit country. 
 
The state of emergency, in place since January, was necessary due to &quot;extraordinary... social, economic, political, natural and ecological&quot; pressures, according to the presidential decree, signed by Maduro on Tuesday and released on Wednesday. 
 
The declaration allows the government to seize assets of private companies to obtain essential food and goods. 
 
It was the third time the state of economic emergency has been extended. 
 
In May, Maduro declared a general state of emergency, broadening the scope of the economic emergency degree and allowing security units to tackle food and energy shortages and public unrest. 
 
Maduro is trying to cling to power and avert the total collapse of his oil-dependent country. 
 
This week, he greatly boosted the authority of his defense minister, making him responsible for distributing food, medicine and basic goods. The armed forces have also taken control of Venezuela&#39;s five main seaports. 
 
Luis Almagro, secretary general of the Organization of American States, said on Wednesday that Maduro&#39;s decision to turn key government functions over to the military is &quot;not normal.&quot; 
 
An estimated 80 per cent of food items, medicines and other basics are in short supply in Venezuela. Inflation hit 180 per cent last year and the IMF has forecast it at 720 per cent this year. 
 
Critics say the problem stems from the leftist government&#39;s model of tight grips on the economy and currency controls in place since 2003. 
 
Maduro says he is being targeted by US interests and local business elites bent on stoking grassroots anger and removing him from power. 
 
The Venezuelan opposition launched efforts to remove the president after winning control of the legislature in January. 
 
But Maduro has challenged his rivals through the Supreme Court, which they accuse him of controlling. 
 
(AFP)

The declaration allows the government to seize assets of private companies to obtain essential food and goods

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has extended the country's state of "economic emergency" for another 60 days, an official newspaper reported, a sign of declining conditions in the crisis-hit country. The state of emergency, in place since January, was necessary due to "extraordinary... social, economic, political, natural and ecological" pressures, according to the presidential decree, signed by Maduro on Tuesday and released on Wednesday. The declaration allows the government to seize assets of private companies to obtain essential food and goods. It was the third time the state of economic emergency has been extended. In May, Maduro declared a general state of emergency, broadening the scope of the economic emergency degree and allowing security units to tackle food and energy shortages and public unrest. Maduro is trying to cling to power and avert the total collapse of his oil-dependent country. This week, he greatly boosted the authority of his defense minister, making him responsible for distributing food, medicine and basic goods. The armed forces have also taken control of Venezuela's five main seaports. Luis Almagro, secretary general of the Organization of American States, said on Wednesday that Maduro's decision to turn key government functions over to the military is "not normal." An estimated 80 per cent of food items, medicines and other basics are in short supply in Venezuela. Inflation hit 180 per cent last year and the IMF has forecast it at 720 per cent this year. Critics say the problem stems from the leftist government's model of tight grips on the economy and currency controls in place since 2003. Maduro says he is being targeted by US interests and local business elites bent on stoking grassroots anger and removing him from power. The Venezuelan opposition launched efforts to remove the president after winning control of the legislature in January. But Maduro has challenged his rivals through the Supreme Court, which they accuse him of controlling. (AFP)

Maduro extends Venezuela's state of emergency for another 60 days

At least two people have died in a fire in central California that has destroyed 100 structures and prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency, officials said on Friday. 
 
The fast-moving blaze that erupted late on Thursday afternoon in the Lake Isabella area of Kern County had spread to about 30,000 acres by Friday afternoon and was five per cent contained, authorities said 
 
The Kern County Fire Department confirmed the two fatalities in a message on Twitter but provided no further details. 
 
It said firefighters were dealing with strong winds that were fanning the so-called Erskine fire - located three hours north of Los Angeles. 
 
Governor Jerry Brown issued a state of emergency for the region, allowing aid to be deployed more quickly. 
 
&quot;Anne and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to everyone impacted by this destructive blaze,&quot; the governor said in a statement, referring to his wife. 
 
&quot;We join all Californians in expressing our gratitude to the courageous firefighters, emergency personnel and volunteers working tirelessly throughout Kern County to help residents and extinguish this fire.&quot; 
 
Local media said 80 homes had been destroyed by the flames, which quickly went out of control and that number was likely to grow. 
 
Thousands of residents have also been evacuated. 
 
&quot;This fire ... it exploded. It went from 2 to thousands of acres within hours,&quot; county fire captain Tyler Townsend told reporters. 
 
Fire officials said some 800 firefighters were battling the blaze and several hundred more were on the way. 
 
&quot;The mountainous terrain, five years of drought and wind gusts ...drove a fire over 11 miles in 13 hours,&quot; said county fire Chief Brian Marshall, quoted by KTLA. 
 
&quot;Our firefighters have been engaged in a firefight of epic proportions, trying to save every structure possible.&quot; 
 
Authorities closed several highways and evacuated two schools and a retirement home in the agricultural and oil region after the blaze started due to unknown causes. 
 
California is experiencing a record five-year drought and trees and brush are at risk of igniting from the smallest spark. 
 
Temperatures that climbed to more than 40 degrees Celsius earlier this week increased the risk of fire. 
 
More than 14 large fires are currently raging in the United States, mostly in the southwest, where a record heat wave left at least five dead last Sunday. 
 
(AFP)

Authorities said conflagration has spread to about 30,000 acres, is only 5% contained so far

At least two people have died in a fire in central California that has destroyed 100 structures and prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency, officials said on Friday. The fast-moving blaze that erupted late on Thursday afternoon in the Lake Isabella area of Kern County had spread to about 30,000 acres by Friday afternoon and was five per cent contained, authorities said The Kern County Fire Department confirmed the two fatalities in a message on Twitter but provided no further details. It said firefighters were dealing with strong winds that were fanning the so-called Erskine fire - located three hours north of Los Angeles. Governor Jerry Brown issued a state of emergency for the region, allowing aid to be deployed more quickly. "Anne and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to everyone impacted by this destructive blaze," the governor said in a statement, referring to his wife. "We join all Californians in expressing our gratitude to the courageous firefighters, emergency personnel and volunteers working tirelessly throughout Kern County to help residents and extinguish this fire." Local media said 80 homes had been destroyed by the flames, which quickly went out of control and that number was likely to grow. Thousands of residents have also been evacuated. "This fire ... it exploded. It went from 2 to thousands of acres within hours," county fire captain Tyler Townsend told reporters. Fire officials said some 800 firefighters were battling the blaze and several hundred more were on the way. "The mountainous terrain, five years of drought and wind gusts ...drove a fire over 11 miles in 13 hours," said county fire Chief Brian Marshall, quoted by KTLA. "Our firefighters have been engaged in a firefight of epic proportions, trying to save every structure possible." Authorities closed several highways and evacuated two schools and a retirement home in the agricultural and oil region after the blaze started due to unknown causes. California is experiencing a record five-year drought and trees and brush are at risk of igniting from the smallest spark. Temperatures that climbed to more than 40 degrees Celsius earlier this week increased the risk of fire. More than 14 large fires are currently raging in the United States, mostly in the southwest, where a record heat wave left at least five dead last Sunday. (AFP)

Two die in central California wildfire