EU SOURCES DENY REPORT OF A ‘NEW NUCLEAR DEAL’ WITH AID FOR IRAN

BERLIN: Three European Union sources have denied that diplomats meeting in Vienna to salvage the imperilled Iranian nuclear deal after Washington withdrew will discuss offering Iran financial aid in exchange for concessions. A German newspaper reported on Sunday that diplomats from Britain, Germany, France, China and Russia will meet in Vienna on Friday to discuss next steps after the May 8 decision by US President Donald Trump to pull out of a 2015 nuclear accord with Iran. The Welt am Sonntag newspaper said the diplomats would discuss a proposal for a new agreement with some additions to appease the US.BUT three EU sources who were part of talks to keep Trump from quitting the deal said this was incorrect. REUTERS

Greek mayor hospitalised after ‘farright’ attack

THESSALONIKI: The mayor of Greece’s second city Thessaloniki was hospitalised on Sunday after an assault by suspected far-right members at a rally, officials said. Yiannis Boutaris, 75, had to be escorted from an event commemorating the massacre of Black Sea Greeks in Turkey during and after World War 1 when members of the crowd turned violent. A maverick politician, Boutaris has repeatedly angered hardliners in Greece with controversial statements on Macedonia, Turkey and Israel.

Macedonian climber dies on Mount Everest

KATHMANDU: A Macedonian climber died on Sunday while making a final push for the summit of Mount Everest, the latest fatality of the current spring climbing season. The 62-year-old collapsed above Camp Three at 7,200 metres. “Our team at the base camp confirms his death,” Iswari Poudel of Himalayan Guides Nepal, his expedition organiser, said.

Pope Francis to create 14 new cardinals in June

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis announced on Sunday he has chosen 14 men to be the newest cardinals in the church, among them his chief aide for helping Rome’s homeless and poor, as well as prelates based in Iraq and Pakistan, where Christians are a vulnerable minority. “I am happy to announce that on June 29, I will hold a consistory (ceremony) to make 14 new cardinals,” Francis said, in remarks to pilgrims and tourists in St Peter’s Square. AP

Ebola deaths rise to 26, says Congo health ministry

KINSHASA: Congo’s health ministry said there has been one new death from Ebola, bringing to 26 the number of deaths from the deadly outbreak in Equateur province in the country’s northwest. Four new cases have been confirmed as Ebola, said the health ministry released on Sunday. A total of 46 cases of haemorrhagic fever have been reported in the outbreak, including 21 confirmed cases of Ebola, 21 probable and four suspected. AP