The sudden death last year of millions of Iraqi carp, used in the country's signature dish, was caused by a strain of herpes harmless to humans, the United Nations said Wednesday. Iraqi fish farmers south of Baghdad were left reeling in late 2018 after piles of dead carp were found washed up on the banks of the Euphrates River or floating in their cages. Rumours swirled over whether the fish were sick or the river had been poisoned, and Iraqi politicians put the issue at the top of their agenda. On Wednesday, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said a months-long international investigation had pinned down the slippery source: the Koi Herpes Virus. "KHV is a very serious and lethal disease that is known to cause almost 100 percent mortality rates in carps," said Dr. Thomas Wahli, who heads the Swiss Reference Laboratory for Notifiable Diseases. Flame-grilled carp seasoned with sauces made from onions and tomato and known as masgoof, is Iraq's national delicacy. The … [Read more...] about UN finds herpes killed millions of Iraqi carp
Iraqi health minister
World News in Brief: December 22
* Myanmar's National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) has pledged to continue to strive towards the participation of eight remaining non-ceasefire signatory ethnic armed organizations in political dialogue, while strengthening the ceasefire already achieved with 10 armed organizations. * Cuba's economy is expected to expand 1.5 percent in 2019 after a 1.2-percent growth in 2018 which is below the government's previous forecast of 2 percent, said the country's economy minister on December 21. * The 77th Mekong River joint patrol led by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand concluded Friday (December 21) at Guanlei Port, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province. * Japan's cabinet on December 21 approved a record-high JPY101.46 trillion (US$913 billion) budget plan for fiscal 2019, with soaring social security costs and military spending weighing on the country's already-fragile fiscal health. * US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Iraqi Prime … [Read more...] about World News in Brief: December 22
World News in Brief: September 9
* India celebrated the "International Literacy Day" on September 8 to spread literacy and education among the masses, the poor, downtrodden and the destitute. * Tens of Syrian refugees returned from Lebanon to their homeland Sunday (September 9) by bus under strict supervision of Lebanon's general security through Aboudiya crossing point, the National News Agency reported. * A total of 35 people have been confirmed dead, two others in state of cardiopulmonary arrest and three remain missing in the wake of a powerful earthquake that rocked Hokkaido Prefecture in northern Japan days ago, local authorities said on September 8. * Tianjin Airlines has changed to larger passenger aircraft on its Tokyo-Tianjin air route to evacuate Chinese passengers stranded at Japanese airports in wake of a typhoon and earthquake. * Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on September 8 underlined the potential for further cooperation. * Egyptian President Abdel … [Read more...] about World News in Brief: September 9
Iraq forces open fire on protesters during new clashes, one dead
Iraqi security forces are deployed in a street in the southern city of Basra yesterday. — AFP Photo Viet Nam News BASRA — One person was killed and 25 injured, some seriously, yesterday as Iraqi security forces opened fire on protesters as clashes broke out in the southern city of Basra, a day after six people were killed in demonstrations over poor public services. An AFP journalist reported gunshots and tear gas were fired by security personnel directly at demonstrators, who had gathered in their thousands outside the regional government headquarters. The measures failed to disperse protesters, who responded by hurling Molotov cocktails and letting off fireworks at the security forces. Security forces later stopped firing in the direction of protesters and instead fired shots in the air and used tear gas. "One demonstrator was killed and 25 others wounded, including some seriously," said Mehdi al-Tamimi, head of the … [Read more...] about Iraq forces open fire on protesters during new clashes, one dead