IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Iraq

PM declares 'end of war against IS'

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Saturday declared victory in a three-year war by Iraqi forces to expel the Islamic State jihadist group that at its height endangered Iraq's very existence. "Our forces are in complete control of the Iraqi-Syrian border and I therefore announce the end of the war against Daesh (IS)," Abadi told a conference in Baghdad.

Iran

Envoy raises detainee's case

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson raised the case of a detained dual national on Sunday when he met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during a two-day trip to Tehran. The British Foreign Office says Johnson raised the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who is serving a five-year prison sentence for allegedly plotting against Iran's government, during a "worthwhile visit" to the country.

Libya

Europe supports nation's security

Italian Minister of Interior Marco Minniti said on Saturday that European countries will next week provide Libya with 35 million euros ($41.18 million) to support its southern security. Southern Libya is used as a crossing point for illegal immigrants desperate to reach Europe, due to poor security conditions. During a meeting on Saturday in Tripoli, Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Serraj said the number of illegal immigrants outside shelters remains large and "we need more cooperation".

France

Nation bids farewell to singer

France paid an emotional farewell on Saturday to Johnny Hallyday - the singer who taught the country how to rock - in a highly theatrical "people's tribute" that brought Paris to a standstill. Hundreds of thousands of people lined the Champs Elysees to watch his white coffin, escorted by some 700 bikers, descend the great ceremonial avenue.

Colombia

Hit man accused of parole violation

Colombian authorities are seeking to re-arrest a former hit man for late drug lord Pablo Escobar for violating his parole after he was caught partying with a major trafficker wanted by the US, prosecutors said on Saturday. Jhon Jairo Velasquez, known by his nickname Popeye, was paroled in 2014 after confessing to hundreds of murders and spending 22 years in jail for plotting the murder of an ex-presidential candidate.

AFP - AP - Xinhua

(China Daily 12/11/2017 page12)