NEW YORK -- More than 30 U.S. manufacturing groups on Wednesday called on Congress to reopen the federal government without delay as the ongoing shutdown hampers economic activities.
"An open and fully functioning government is essential to the growth of the American economy, the success of manufacturers across the country and the wellbeing of our communities," the manufacturers said in a letter to congressional leaders. (US-Government Shutdown)
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DAMASCUS -- Visiting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met here on Thursday with Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, and reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Syria's political and economic transition.
During a press conference following the meeting, Wadephul said Syria is entering a decisive stage of rebuilding, which must ensure the "dignity and security" for all its citizens, "regardless of gender, religious, ethnic, or social background." (Syria-Germany-Ties)
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TEHRAN -- At least 21 people were injured in a 14-vehicle pileup in Iran's northern Golestan province on Thursday, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
The crash occurred in the afternoon on an intercity road. Three rescue teams and three ambulances were dispatched to the scene, Morteza Salimi, head of the provincial Red Crescent Society, told Mehr. (Iran-Traffic Accident-Casualty)
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DAR ES SALAAM -- Tanzania's Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has won a second term in office, the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) announced on Thursday night.
ZEC Chairperson George Joseph Kazi said Mwinyi, the candidate of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, won 74.8 percent of the vote in Wednesday's elections, beating 10 contenders from opposition parties. (Tanzania-Election) ■
