Algeria Orders Gradual Reopening of Mosques

A general view shows empty streets in Algiers, Algeria March 20, 2020. REUTERS / Ramzi Boudina
A general view shows empty streets in Algiers, Algeria March 20, 2020. REUTERS / Ramzi Boudina
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Algeria Orders Gradual Reopening of Mosques

A general view shows empty streets in Algiers, Algeria March 20, 2020. REUTERS / Ramzi Boudina
A general view shows empty streets in Algiers, Algeria March 20, 2020. REUTERS / Ramzi Boudina

Algeria's president has ordered the gradual reopening of mosques for the first time since March.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the government to work out a reopening plan for mosques and beaches, according to a statement read on state television.

It will start with large mosques in big cities, where masks and social distancing measures will be required.

Algeria reported 507 new infections Monday, for a total of 31,000 cases, The Associated Press reported.

Algeria has reported the third-highest number of virus deaths in Africa since the pandemic began, according to a count by Johns Hopkins University, with 1,239 confirmed as of Monday.



Libya Signs Geological, Geophysical MoU with Türkiye on Offshore Areas, NOC Says

Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP
Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP
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Libya Signs Geological, Geophysical MoU with Türkiye on Offshore Areas, NOC Says

Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP
Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP

Libya's National Oil Company (NOC) had signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish state oil company TPAO to conduct a geological and geophysical study of four offshore areas, NOC said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

"Discussions were also held regarding conducting a two-dimensional seismic survey (10,000 km long), and processing the data resulting from these surveys within a period not exceeding 9 months," Libya's state oil firm said in a statement.

NOC said the agreement was signed in Istanbul by the two companies' executives. It provided no further details.