News Wire | August 2023 Archive

Guatemala’s Congress Refuses to Recognize President-Elect’s Party

By Sonia Perez D. | Associated Press

Guatemala’s Congress, which is controlled by the currently governing party, on Wednesday refused to recognize the seven lawmakers from the Seed Movement party of President-elect Bernardo Arévalo, following the suspension of his party earlier this week.

More from WPR: To Reform in Guatemala, Arevalo Will Need the World’s Attention

Shapps Becomes UK Defense Minister With Vow to Keep Up Support for Ukraine

By Elizabeth Piper and Andrew Macaskill | Reuters

Former energy minister Grant Shapps replaced Ben Wallace on Thursday as Britain's defense minister, a surprise move that reaffirmed London's support for Ukraine while raising questions over his lack of experience of the military.

Niger’s Military Regime Orders Police to Expel French Ambassador

By Sam Mednick | Associated Press

The mutinous soldiers who ousted Niger’s president more than a month ago gave French Ambassador Sylvain Itte 48 hours to leave the country last week. The deadline expired on August 28 without France recalling Itte.

More from WPR: Niger Was Never the ‘Success Story’ It’s Being Made Out to Be

UN Vote on Lebanon Peacekeeping Force Delayed as France, US, UAE Argue

By Michelle Nichols | Reuters

A planned United Nations vote on Wednesday to renew approval for a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon has been delayed as France, the United States and the United Arab Emirates argue over the freedom of movement of U.N. troops, diplomats said.

More from WPR: Lebanon’s Military Could Be the Next Casualty of Its Economic Crisis