Geneva

The Spirit of the Rose diamond sells for $26.6M at Sotheby's auction

The diamond was mined in Russia and was named 'The Spirit of the Rose' after a ballet performed by the Ballets Russes and its legendary dancer Vaslav Nijinsky.

Azerbaijan, Armenia continue to clash over Karabakh

Fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops over Nagorno-Karabakh resumes ahead of a crucial meeting of Azerbaijan's top diplomat with US, Russian and French envoys.

UN rights body OKs more scrutiny of Belarus over human rights abuses

Backed by the European Union, the resolution seeks scrutiny on violations of human rights, in particular the crackdown on protests over the disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko.

WHO sees initial Covid-19 drug trial results within next two weeks

Mike Ryan, head of the WHO's emergencies programme, said it would be unwise to predict when a vaccine could be ready against Covid-19, the respiratory disease that has killed more than half a million people.

Trump to reveal modest executive order on police reforms

The order is expected to seek the use of financial incentives to encourage police departments to adhere to best practices following nationwide protests against police brutality and racism.

UN rights body to debate 'systemic' US racism at African nations' plea

UN Human Rights Council to discuss "police brutality and violence against peaceful protests" in US, after request last week by Burkina Faso on behalf of 54 African countries.

The Saudis, King Juan Carlos I and a shady railroad deal

Spain’s former monarch, King Juan Carlos I, a transformative political figure, might have received illicit money from Saudi royals for a rail project.

Covid-19 death toll among nurses doubled in past month, says nurses group

At least 600 nurses worldwide are known to have died from the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected an estimated 450,000 healthcare workers, the International Council of Nurses said on Wednesday.

Yemen's health system "has in effect collapsed" as Covid-19 spreads – UN

The spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said aid workers reported having to turn people away because they do not have enough medical oxygen or sufficient supplies of personal protective equipment.

Mandatory mask law comes into effect in Spain – latest updates

The global coronavirus pandemic has affected more than five million people, with some 330,000 deaths. Coronavirus-related updates for May 21:

Over 90,000 health workers infected with Covid-19 worldwide - nurses group

The International Council of Nurses said in a statement that the disease has killed more than 260 nurses worldwide, urging authorities to keep more accurate records to help prevent the virus from spreading among staff and patients.

WHO warns against idea of 'immunity passports'

The concept of “immunity passports” or “risk-free certificates” has been floated as a way of allowing people protected against reinfection to return to work.