5 'hot' events in the world yesterday

(Baonghean.vn) - Chancellor Merkel announced that she is ready for a new election; President Trump again listed North Korea as a sponsor of terrorism; Zimbabwean President agreed to resign;... are the outstanding international news of the past day.

1. Chancellor Merkel declares readiness for new elections

Angela Merkel arrives for talks on forming a coalition government on November 19 in Berlin, Germany. Photo: AFP.

Chancellor Angela Merkel affirmed on November 20 that she is ready to continue leading the conservative coalition party CDU/CSU and will conduct a new election campaign in case of re-election.

Chancellor Merkel said she was "very sceptical" about a minority government and stressed that if given the choice, she would prefer new elections.

Ms. Merkel's statement was made in the context of negotiations to form a new coalition government in Germany between the CDU/CSU coalition, the business-friendly FDP party, and the Green party, advocating environmental protection, ending in failure in the early morning of November 20.

2. President Trump again lists North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism

US President Donald Trump.

On November 20, President Donald Trump signed a decision to put North Korea back on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula.

With Trump’s decision, Washington will begin announcing its decision to impose even heavier sanctions on North Korea on November 21. Trump’s decision came as a surprise, after the White House chief made a long trip to Asia with a focus on finding a way to resolve the situation in North Korea.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Trump said that "in addition to threatening nuclear devastation to the world, North Korea has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism, including assassinations on foreign soil."

3. Zimbabwean President agrees to resign terms

Mr. Mugabe (right) met with Zimbabwean military leaders on November 19. Photo: Reuters

On November 20, citing internal Zimbabwean negotiations, President Robert Mugabe agreed to the conditions to leave the chair he has held for decades.

The source said the army generals had accepted President Mugabe's demands such as pardoning him and his wife and allowing him to keep his personal assets.

Previously, the military allowed Mr. Mugabe to appear in public to officially declare the return of power, but he firmly refused to mention his resignation.

To make his resignation official, Mr. Mugabe has completed a letter of notification to the speaker of the Zimbabwean Parliament. However, it is not clear exactly when Mr. Mugabe will leave.

4. Indonesian Parliament Speaker Arrested

Indonesian Parliament Speaker Setya Novanto. Photo: AP

Indonesian Parliament Speaker Setya Novanto was escorted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) from a hospital to a detention facility at the agency's headquarters in the capital Jakarta on the evening of November 19.

Mr Novanto is one of the most senior politicians in the country to be arrested by the independent KPK. The arrest was delayed for two days because Mr Novanto had to receive treatment for injuries sustained in a car accident the day before.

According to AP, the $170 million is related to the country's electronic identification card program.

Laode Muhammad Syarif, KPK Vice Chairman, said in a video posted on Periscope - the official website of the KPK - that the doctor had confirmed that Mr. Novanto did not need further treatment in the hospital, so there was no need to delay the arrest any further.

5. Czech President visits Russia

President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman.

Czech President Miloš Zeman is visiting Russia from November 20 to 24. The main focus of his visit is to strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations. The main part of his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev will be devoted to this.

When discussing bilateral relations and the international situation, Milos Zeman plans to talk about the meaninglessness of the current sanctions imposed by Western countries against Russia and Russia's response. About this, the Czech head said on Thursday on TV Barrandov.

Peace

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