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Added on the 23/05/2024 20:19:17 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
The UN Secretary-General calls for "complete transparency" in Venezuela following the announced re-election of President Nicolas Maduro, contested by the opposition, says his spokesman. "We have taken note of the announcement made by the electoral authorities, as well as concerns expressed by political actors and members of the international community, the Secretary-General calls for complete transparency," Stephane Dujarric tells reporters during a briefing. SOUNDBITE
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is "shocked by the reported death" of Russia's opposition figure Alexei Navalny. "The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to Mr. Navalny's family and calls for a full, credible, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Navalny's reported death in custody," Stephane Dujarric tells a press conference. SOUNDBITE
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin calls on the Iran-backed movement Hezbollah to avoid provoking a wider conflict amid near-daily skirmishes along the Israel-Lebanon border since Israel's war with Hamas. SOUNDBITE
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in calls Monday urged all sides in the Middle East to avoid "escalation," his spokesman says, as fears grew of an imminent Iranian counterattack on Israel. "It's important that all parties take steps over the coming days to refrain from escalation and calm tensions," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller tells reporters, describing Blinken's telephone calls in the region. SOUNDBITE
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns a drone strike on Tel Aviv claimed by Yemen's Huthis that left one person dead, expressing concern over a possible further escalation, a spokesman says. "The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the risk such dangerous acts pose for further escalation in the region," says Farhan Haq, adding a call for "maximum restraint." SOUNDBITE
Supporters of Zambian President Lungu hold a rally in Lusaka during a tense presidential race, which has been marked by clashes between rival supporters. The presidential election will take place on Thursday. IMAGES.