Iraqi PM holds session to discuss resignation
Baghdad, Nov. 30 (IANS): Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Saturday held an extraordinary session discussing the sending of his resignation and the daily duties of the caretaker government under the constitution. A statement by his office said that Abdul Mahdi "stressed the principle of peaceful transfer of power in the democratic system, noting that the government has made every effort to respond to the demands of the demonstrators by providing packages of reform, " Xinhua news agency reported. During the session, Abdul Mahdi called on the parliament to find appropriate solutions at its next session, and called on members of the government to continue their work until the formation of the new government, according to the statement. On November 29, Abdul Mahdi announced that he would submit his resignation to the parliament so lawmakers could choose a new government in response to anti-government protests.
Somali army kills six al-Shabab rebels in southern region
Mogadishu, Nov. 30 (IANS): THe Somali National Army (SNA) on Saturday killed six al-Shabab militants in a gun-battle in the country's southern region of Gedo, a military officer confirmed. Mohamed Ali Abdullahi, commander of Somali National Army (SNA) in Bardhere town, said they had launched an attack on al-Shabab militants in the area following a tip-off, Xinhua news agency reported. "Residents informed us that militants were forcing them to pay taxes. Our army attacked the area. It was a tough battle, but we drove them out of the town and killed six of them," the military commander said. Our forces also razed two battle vehicles of militants. "Al-Shabab militants entered our village and ordered us to pay mandatory taxes. But the government army attacked them. They fought for hours. The militants are now out of the city," Mulki Afrah, a resident told Xinhua via phone.
Libyan navy rescues over 200 migrants
Tripoli, Nov. 30 (IANS): The Libyan Coast Guard has rescued more than 200 migrants off the country's western coast, the International Organisation for Migration in Libya (IOM Libya) said. "Over 200 migrants were just returned to Libyan shore by the coast guard," the IOM Libya tweeted earlier Saturday. "While our staff are at the disembarkation point to provide needed emergency assistance, we reiterate that Libya is not a safe port," said the UN Migration Agency in Libya. Libya has become a preferred departure point for migrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe due to the insecurity and chaos in the North African country following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi, Xinhua news agency reported.
