RIO DE JANEIRO: Millions gathered on Brazil’s Copacabana beach late Sunday to welcome 2018 in sultry conditions — while a frigid North America prepared to close out the world’s New Year celebrations. Bikinis were the last thing on the minds of North American revelers, who would follow Rio and South America in welcoming the New Year. As the midnight chimes neared in western Europe, Hong Kong had already moved into 2018 with a stunning fireworks display over Victoria Harbor. “2018 will be a great year for America!” Trump said in a tweet to close out the year. Political and diplomatic earthquakes set to rumble into 2018 include the Middle East crisis between Saudi Arabia and its allies against Qatar, and the humanitarian disaster in Yemen.

Source: Manila Times January 01, 2018 03:33 UTC