Obama ‘trying to control Cuba ties’

UNITED STATES: The media claimed yesterday that President Barack Obama’s renewal of Cuba’s listing in the Trading with the Enemy Act is a ploy to allow him to keep executive powers to further ties with the island.

The action is said to be in tune with his decision to re-establish diplomatic relations with Havana.

Mr Obama needs the Act to make regulatory changes like the recent expansion of travel or the Helms Burton law would come into effect, banning all transaction and travel to the socialist island.

Cabinet quits amid corruption scandal

EGYPT: Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb and his Cabinet resigned yesterday amid a corruption investigation that led to the arrest of Agriculture Minister Salah el-Din Helal last week.

The office of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said that the president had accepted the resignation but that the ministers would continue to serve until a new body is appointed.

President Sissi tasked Petroleum Minister Sherif Ismail with forming a new cabinet within a week.

Gas cylinder blast kills 82

INDIA: At least 82 people died when a gas cylinder exploded in a packed restaurant in India’s central Madhya Pradesh state yesterday morning, shattering surrounding buildings.

Rescuers recovered dozens of bodies from the debris of the destroyed restaurant and neighbouring structures.

The blast occurred in the restaurant in Petlawad as many office workers and schoolchildren were having breakfast.

Consul suspended for selling dinghies

FRANCE: The government has suspended its honorary consul in the Turkish port of Bodrum yesterday after a TV report showed a shop she owns selling dinghies and life jackets to refugees.

Francoise Olcay claimed the items would be bought elsewhere if she didn’t sell them.

Admitting that she was taking part in the trade, she alleged that local Turkish authorities were also involved.