NEWS OF THE DAY
_1 Terror attacks: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage Sunday to the more than 250 Sri Lankans killed in the Easter suicide bombings and agreed with Sri Lanka’s leaders to improve cooperation to combat terrorism. Modi, on his first overseas tour since being reelected this spring, emphasized India’s “neighborhood first” policy during weekend visits to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Modi visited St. Anthony’s Church in Colombo — one of three churches targeted by bombers on April 21 — to pay respects to those killed in the attacks. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the bombings.
_2 Sudan strike: Shops were closed and streets were empty across Sudan on Sunday, the first day of a general strike called for the start of the workweek by protest leaders demanding the resignation of the ruling military council. The Sudanese Professionals Association urged people to stay home to protest the deadly crackdown last week when security forces violently dispersed the group’s main sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum. The protesters say more than 100 people have been killed since the crackdown began June 3, including at least four slain by security forces on Sunday. The military leaders ousted President Omar al-Bashir in April after four months of mass rallies. The generals have refused demonstrators’ demands for an immediate move to civilian rule, instead pushing for a transitional power-sharing arrangement. _3 Amnesty law: Lawmakers allied with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega have approved an amnesty bill for crimes related to last year’s anti-government rallies over staunch criticism from the opposition. Critics say the measure would forgive abuses by police and progovernment militias during a deadly crackdown on demonstrators who were demanding Ortega leave office. The ruling Sandinista bloc said the law seeks “reconciliation” and a “stable and lasting peace.” Ortega’s allies consider the student-led protests a failed coup attempt. The InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights says the crackdown resulted in 325 people killed and more than 2,000 wounded.
_4 Britain politics: Former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is stepping up his campaign to be Britain’s next prime minister by challenging the European Union over Brexit terms. Johnson told the Sunday Times he would refuse to pay the agreed-upon 39 billion pound ($50 billion) divorce settlement unless the EU offers Britain a better withdrawal agreement than the one currently on the table. The contest for leadership of the Conservative Party officially begins Monday. The post was vacated Friday by Prime Minister Theresa May, who will serve as a caretaker until a new leader is chosen and moves into 10 Downing Street. Johnson, the early front-runner in a crowded field, said he is the only contender who can triumph over the Labor Party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party.
_5 Haiti protest: Thousands of protesters denouncing corruption blocked roads and paralyzed much of the capital Sunday as they demanded the removal of President Jovenel Moise. At least two people were reported killed. Demonstrators burned tires and threw stones during the march in Port-au-Prince. Many stores and gas stations were closed, and travel between some cities was impeded. Police placed barricades near the presidential palace and fired tear gas when protesters attempted to breach them.