IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Dr Congo

Court confirms presidential victory

The constitutional court of the country on Sunday confirmed the victory of opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi in presidential elections after rejecting a legal appeal by the runner-up. According to the court, Tshisekedi, a candidate from the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, won the election with more than 38.5 percent of the vote while his close rival Martin Fayulu, another opposition candidate, garnered around 28 percent of the vote. They were followed by Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a candidate for the ruling coalition.

Madagascar

Govt dismissed as new president sworn in

The government led by incumbent Prime Minister Christian Ntsay was dismissed after Andry Rajoelina was sworn in as Madagascar's president earlier on Saturday, Ralala Roger, general secretary of the Madagascan Presidency, announced. According to the political convention in Madagascar, the prime minister should resign after the inauguration of a new president to facilitate the nomination of his successor.

United Kingdom

Car bomb blast, no injuries reported

Northern Ireland police and politicians have condemned a "reckless" car bombing outside a courthouse in the city of Londonderry. The device was placed inside a hijacked delivery vehicle and exploded Saturday night as police, who had received a warning, were evacuating the area. There were no reports of injuries. Police and army bomb-disposal experts remained at the scene on Sunday. An assistant police chief called the attack "incredibly reckless".

Prince Philip warned by police over seat belt

Police have spoken with 97-year-old Prince Philip after the husband of Queen Elizabeth II was photographed apparently driving without wearing a seat belt - just two days after he was involved in a car crash. Norfolk Police said late on Saturday "suitable words of advice have been given to the driver". On Thursday, Philip was driving a car when he was involved in a serious collision in which two people in the other car suffered minor injuries. The accident is still being investigated.

Xinhua - Ap

(China Daily 01/21/2019 page11)