French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme.

"Iran must stop worsening the nuclear situation that is already serious by accumulating violations of the Vienna accord," Macron told reporters alongside visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

"Iran must make the expected gestures and behave in a responsible manner," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-iran-unveils-new-city-of-missiles-370991/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new administration of US President Joe Biden has indicated it is prepared to re-enter the nuclear deal after Donald Trump walked out in 2015, but so far there has been no sign of any breakthrough as Tehran ramps up its nuclear work.

"France is fully mobilised for a relaunch of a credible process to find a solution to this crisis," Macron added. "This means returning to a control and supervision of the Iranian nuclear programme while also integrating a control of Iran's ballistic activity in the region."

Biden's administration has said it will rejoin the deal and start lifting sanctions against Iran if it returns to full compliance.

But Tehran rejected this precondition, pressing on with increasing nuclear work in retaliation for Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" sanctions policy to weaken the Iranian regime, which has had no official relations with Washington for four decades.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme. "Iran must stop worsening the nuclear situation that is already serious by accumulating violations of the Vienna accord," Macron told reporters alongside visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. "Iran must make the expected gestures and behave in a responsible manner," he said. Watch | The new administration of US President Joe Biden has indicated it is prepared to re-enter the nuclear deal after Donald Trump walked out in 2015, but so far there has been no sign of any breakthrough as Tehran ramps up its nuclear work. "France is fully mobilised for a relaunch of a credible process to find a solution to this crisis," Macron added. "This means returning to a control and supervision of the Iranian nuclear programme while also integrating a control of Iran's ballistic activity in the region." Biden's administration has said it will rejoin the deal and start lifting sanctions against Iran if it returns to full compliance. But Tehran rejected this precondition, pressing on with increasing nuclear work in retaliation for Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" sanctions policy to weaken the Iranian regime, which has had no official relations with Washington for four decades.

France's Macron urges Iran to 'stop worsening' nuclear crisis

Amid the verbal spat, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday invited his US counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> for virtual talks.&nbsp;

"I want to invite President Biden to continue our discussion, but on condition that we will do this practically live, as they say, online," the Russian president said in televised comments, hinting that their talks could be held either on Friday or Monday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-us-russia-tensions-escalate-over-killer-remarks-371471/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He added that the discussion would be an "open direct" one and "interesting" for the people of both nations.&nbsp;

Putin's comments came after Washington and Moscow exchanged barbs following Biden's comments in which he said he agrees that Putin is a "killer" in an interview.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/takes-one-to-know-one-putin-strikes-back-on-bidens-killer-comment-371402">'Takes one to know one': Putin strikes back on Biden's 'killer' comment</a>

Biden also told ABC News in the interview that Putin would "pay a price" for attempting to undermine his candidacy in the 2020 US election.

The White House on Thursday defended the American president, saying the "president gave a direct answer to a direct question.&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday, the Russian president mocked Biden's "killer" comments, saying "it takes one to know one".&nbsp;

The US president's remarks escalated one of the biggest diplomatic crisis between Russia and the US in years as Moscow late Wednesday asked its Washington ambassador to return back for urgent consultations.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Amid the verbal spat, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday invited his US counterpart Joe Biden for virtual talks. "I want to invite President Biden to continue our discussion, but on condition that we will do this practically live, as they say, online," the Russian president said in televised comments, hinting that their talks could be held either on Friday or Monday.

Amid the verbal spat, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday invited his US counterpart Joe Biden for virtual talks. "I want to invite President Biden to continue our discussion, but on condition that we will do this practically live, as they say, online," the Russian president said in televised comments, hinting that their talks could be held either on Friday or Monday. Watch | He added that the discussion would be an "open direct" one and "interesting" for the people of both nations. Putin's comments came after Washington and Moscow exchanged barbs following Biden's comments in which he said he agrees that Putin is a "killer" in an interview. Also read | 'Takes one to know one': Putin strikes back on Biden's 'killer' comment Biden also told ABC News in the interview that Putin would "pay a price" for attempting to undermine his candidacy in the 2020 US election. The White House on Thursday defended the American president, saying the "president gave a direct answer to a direct question. Earlier on Thursday, the Russian president mocked Biden's "killer" comments, saying "it takes one to know one". The US president's remarks escalated one of the biggest diplomatic crisis between Russia and the US in years as Moscow late Wednesday asked its Washington ambassador to return back for urgent consultations.

Amid row over Biden's 'killer' remarks, Putin invites US president for virtual talks

EU health regulator on Thursday said that 'no evidence'&nbsp;was found of any direct links between either AstraZeneca or Pfizer Covid vaccine and blood clots.

"The committee has come to a clear scientific conclusion: this is a safe and effective vaccine," European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke told a press conference after an investigation.

The remarks by the EMA&nbsp;come after the UK health regulator on Thursday also shrugged off concerns regarding Pfizer and Oxford <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Britain's health regulator on Thursday said it had found no evidence between Oxford-AstraZeneca's&nbsp;coronavirus vaccine&nbsp;and cases of blood clots after several countries halted the use of its jabs over safety fears.&nbsp;

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also said that they did not find any relation even between Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine and blood clots.&nbsp;

"There is no evidence that blood clots in veins is occurring more than would be expected in the absence of vaccination, for either vaccine," said June Raine, chief executive of the independent MHRA, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-astrazeneca-vaccinations-will-go-on-with-full-vigour-371400/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), has said that it had detected "no indication" of a major problem and the number of clots after receiving the AstraZeneca shot is not higher than the group of people who are unvaccinated.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trust-in-astrazeneca-vaccine-is-shaken-in-europe-371386">Trust in AstraZeneca vaccine is shaken in Europe</a>

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday continued to urge nations to use the Oxford jab.&nbsp;

"The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the latest available safety data," the WHO said in a statement on Wednesday. 
&nbsp;

EU health regulator on Thursday said that 'no evidence' was found of any direct links between either AstraZeneca or Pfizer Covid vaccine and blood clots. "The committee has come to a clear scientific conclusion: this is a safe and effective vaccine," European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke told a press conference after an investigation.

EU health regulator on Thursday said that 'no evidence' was found of any direct links between either AstraZeneca or Pfizer Covid vaccine and blood clots. "The committee has come to a clear scientific conclusion: this is a safe and effective vaccine," European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke told a press conference after an investigation. The remarks by the EMA come after the UK health regulator on Thursday also shrugged off concerns regarding Pfizer and Oxford coronavirus vaccines. Britain's health regulator on Thursday said it had found no evidence between Oxford-AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine and cases of blood clots after several countries halted the use of its jabs over safety fears. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also said that they did not find any relation even between Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine and blood clots. "There is no evidence that blood clots in veins is occurring more than would be expected in the absence of vaccination, for either vaccine," said June Raine, chief executive of the independent MHRA, as quoted by news agency AFP. Watch | Earlier, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), has said that it had detected "no indication" of a major problem and the number of clots after receiving the AstraZeneca shot is not higher than the group of people who are unvaccinated. Also read | Trust in AstraZeneca vaccine is shaken in Europe Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday continued to urge nations to use the Oxford jab. "The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the latest available safety data," the WHO said in a statement on Wednesday.

EU, UK regulator shrug off AstraZeneca vaccine concerns

The Chinese government has signaled that it will soon begin trials of two Canadian men held in China for more than two years on vague charges of espionage, escalating a punitive campaign against Canada.

China plans to go forward with the trials, Canadian officials said, despite global pressure to release the two men, Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a business consultant, who have been held largely in isolation since they were detained in 2018.

The prosecution of the two men is widely seen as retribution for Canada’s decision in 2018 to arrest Meng Wanzhou, a top executive of Chinese technology giant Huawei, at the request of the United States. The start of Spavor’s trial, on Friday, coincides with the first meeting of senior U.S. and Chinese officials since President Joe Biden took office in January, amid tensions over technology, defense and other issues.

Kovrig’s trial is to start Monday.

Here’s what to expect.

Politics will hang over the trials.

Kovrig and Spavor have been caught up in a broader geopolitical struggle involving China, Canada and the United States.

China has adopted an increasingly aggressive foreign policy in recent years, and experts say the detention of the two Canadians is part of a campaign by Beijing to show that it will not give in to demands from Western countries.

Officials in Canada and the United States have accused China of holding the two Canadians as a bargaining chip to win the release of Meng, the daughter of Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei and one of China’s most prominent businessmen.

“We believe these detentions are arbitrary and remain deeply troubled by the lack of transparency surrounding these proceedings,” Marc Garneau, Canada’s minister of foreign affairs, said in a statement Wednesday.

Meng was arrested on sweeping fraud charges but was granted bail and has been living in a mansion in Vancouver.

Chinese officials have repeatedly called on Canada to release Meng. China has described her arrest as an attempt by the United States to target China’s most successful companies and thwart its scientific and technological progress.

“The Chinese judiciary handles cases independently according to the law and fully protects the legitimate rights of the persons involved,” Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a regular news briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

He did not provide details on the impending trials.

The proceedings will likely be shrouded in secrecy.

China maintains one of the most opaque legal systems in the world. Courts are controlled by the ruling Communist Party, and convictions in high-profile cases are almost certain, especially those involving national security.

The trials will likely be shrouded in secrecy, with limited opportunities to examine evidence or hear rebuttals from the two men. The proceedings will likely be closed to the public and the news media.

Spavor’s family said in a statement Thursday that Spavor had “very limited access” to defense lawyers during his time in detention.

“The specific charges against Michael are vague and have not been publicly released,” Spavor’s family said. “He loved living and working in China and would never have done anything to offend the interests of China or the Chinese people. We stand by Michael and maintain his innocence in this difficult situation.”

Kovrig and Spavor are likely to be convicted and may receive harsh sentences, experts say, given the grave charges against them.

“Nobody should be in any doubt that this is a completely political trial in both cases,” said Donald Clarke, a specialist in Chinese law at George Washington University. “If the merit of the cases had anything to do with it, we would not see them proceeding in absolute lock step in this way.”

Some are looking to the United States to help resolve the issue.

The issue of Meng and the “two Michaels,” as they are known in Canada, is likely to come up during the meetings between American and Chinese officials starting Thursday in Alaska, experts say, though a breakthrough is unlikely in the short term.

Biden has called for the release of the Canadians, saying last month that “human beings are not bartering chips.” But his administration has not indicated exactly how it might address the issue.

Jerome A. Cohen, a New York University law professor who specializes in Chinese law, said the trials could pave the way for an agreement to secure the release of Kovrig and Spavor.

“The PRC is more likely to release them after vindicating its judicial sovereignty by convicting them,” Cohen said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

Friends and relatives of Kovrig and Spavor said it was important for Canada and the United States to take action to secure the release of the two men.

“This is a stark reminder that real lives are on the line and that if we, Canada and the U.S., don’t intervene to secure their freedom, they will remain in great peril,” Vina Nadjibulla, the wife of Kovrig, said in a telephone interview. “This is the moment. We are running out of time.”

The Chinese government has signaled that it will soon begin trials of two Canadian men held in China for more than two years on vague charges of espionage, escalating a punitive campaign against Canada.

The Chinese government has signaled that it will soon begin trials of two Canadian men held in China for more than two years on vague charges of espionage, escalating a punitive campaign against Canada. China plans to go forward with the trials, Canadian officials said, despite global pressure to release the two men, Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a business consultant, who have been held largely in isolation since they were detained in 2018. The prosecution of the two men is widely seen as retribution for Canada’s decision in 2018 to arrest Meng Wanzhou, a top executive of Chinese technology giant Huawei, at the request of the United States. The start of Spavor’s trial, on Friday, coincides with the first meeting of senior U.S. and Chinese officials since President Joe Biden took office in January, amid tensions over technology, defense and other issues. Kovrig’s trial is to start Monday. Here’s what to expect. Politics will hang over the trials. Kovrig and Spavor have been caught up in a broader geopolitical struggle involving China, Canada and the United States. China has adopted an increasingly aggressive foreign policy in recent years, and experts say the detention of the two Canadians is part of a campaign by Beijing to show that it will not give in to demands from Western countries. Officials in Canada and the United States have accused China of holding the two Canadians as a bargaining chip to win the release of Meng, the daughter of Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei and one of China’s most prominent businessmen. “We believe these detentions are arbitrary and remain deeply troubled by the lack of transparency surrounding these proceedings,” Marc Garneau, Canada’s minister of foreign affairs, said in a statement Wednesday. Meng was arrested on sweeping fraud charges but was granted bail and has been living in a mansion in Vancouver. Chinese officials have repeatedly called on Canada to release Meng. China has described her arrest as an attempt by the United States to target China’s most successful companies and thwart its scientific and technological progress. “The Chinese judiciary handles cases independently according to the law and fully protects the legitimate rights of the persons involved,” Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a regular news briefing in Beijing on Thursday. He did not provide details on the impending trials. The proceedings will likely be shrouded in secrecy. China maintains one of the most opaque legal systems in the world. Courts are controlled by the ruling Communist Party, and convictions in high-profile cases are almost certain, especially those involving national security. The trials will likely be shrouded in secrecy, with limited opportunities to examine evidence or hear rebuttals from the two men. The proceedings will likely be closed to the public and the news media. Spavor’s family said in a statement Thursday that Spavor had “very limited access” to defense lawyers during his time in detention. “The specific charges against Michael are vague and have not been publicly released,” Spavor’s family said. “He loved living and working in China and would never have done anything to offend the interests of China or the Chinese people. We stand by Michael and maintain his innocence in this difficult situation.” Kovrig and Spavor are likely to be convicted and may receive harsh sentences, experts say, given the grave charges against them. “Nobody should be in any doubt that this is a completely political trial in both cases,” said Donald Clarke, a specialist in Chinese law at George Washington University. “If the merit of the cases had anything to do with it, we would not see them proceeding in absolute lock step in this way.” Some are looking to the United States to help resolve the issue. The issue of Meng and the “two Michaels,” as they are known in Canada, is likely to come up during the meetings between American and Chinese officials starting Thursday in Alaska, experts say, though a breakthrough is unlikely in the short term. Biden has called for the release of the Canadians, saying last month that “human beings are not bartering chips.” But his administration has not indicated exactly how it might address the issue. Jerome A. Cohen, a New York University law professor who specializes in Chinese law, said the trials could pave the way for an agreement to secure the release of Kovrig and Spavor. “The PRC is more likely to release them after vindicating its judicial sovereignty by convicting them,” Cohen said, referring to the People’s Republic of China. Friends and relatives of Kovrig and Spavor said it was important for Canada and the United States to take action to secure the release of the two men. “This is a stark reminder that real lives are on the line and that if we, Canada and the U.S., don’t intervene to secure their freedom, they will remain in great peril,” Vina Nadjibulla, the wife of Kovrig, said in a telephone interview. “This is the moment. We are running out of time.”

Canadians to stand trial in China for spying: What we know

The governments of Gibraltar and Isle of Man have said that they will not house asylum seekers on behalf of the United Kingdom.

British Home Secretary&nbsp;Priti&nbsp;Patel is&nbsp;mulling plans to send people to processing centres abroad to overhaul the immigration system, according to the Daily Mail and the Times.

She is expected to publish details next week of the scheme in which people arriving via illegal methods, such as crossing the English Channel in small boats would be removed to a third country to have any claim dealt with.

Gibraltar Chief Minister&nbsp;Fabian&nbsp;Picardo&nbsp;said Thursday he did not have any discussion with the United Kingdom and had written to Patel that the reports were ''groundless'' and had ''no foundation.''

“Immigration is an area of my responsibility as chief minister under the Gibraltar constitution and I can confirm that this issue has not been raised with me at any level. I would have made clear this is not an area on which we believe we can assist the UK,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Isle of Man issued a statement that it is ''self-governing,'' and&nbsp;the UK government would not be able to open any sort of processing centre on the island without consent. The UK government has not contacted the Isle of Man government about any such proposal.”

Earlier, The Guardian quoted a UK Home Office source saying,&nbsp;“Whilst people are dying making perilous journeys we would be irresponsible if we didn’t consider every avenue.”

The latest proposals have been criticised by immigration experts who called them ''ineffective'' and ''inhumane.''

According to the chief executive of the British Red Cross, Mike Adamson&nbsp;“Offshoring the UK’s asylum system will do nothing to address the reasons people take dangerous journeys in the first place and will almost certainly have grave humanitarian consequences.”

“From the children rescued by the Kindertransport to those displaced by the decade-long conflict in Syria, providing sanctuary in the heart of our communities is what’s needed for people fleeing conflict and persecution and should be a key feature of global Britain as a force for good. Being housed in facilities offshore is the opposite of that.”

The governments of Gibraltar and Isle of Man have said that they will not house asylum seekers on behalf of the United Kingdom. British Home Secretary Priti Patel is mulling plans to send people to processing centres abroad to overhaul the immigration system, according to the Daily Mail and the Times.

The governments of Gibraltar and Isle of Man have said that they will not house asylum seekers on behalf of the United Kingdom. British Home Secretary Priti Patel is mulling plans to send people to processing centres abroad to overhaul the immigration system, according to the Daily Mail and the Times. She is expected to publish details next week of the scheme in which people arriving via illegal methods, such as crossing the English Channel in small boats would be removed to a third country to have any claim dealt with. Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said Thursday he did not have any discussion with the United Kingdom and had written to Patel that the reports were ''groundless'' and had ''no foundation.'' “Immigration is an area of my responsibility as chief minister under the Gibraltar constitution and I can confirm that this issue has not been raised with me at any level. I would have made clear this is not an area on which we believe we can assist the UK,” he added. Meanwhile, the Isle of Man issued a statement that it is ''self-governing,'' and the UK government would not be able to open any sort of processing centre on the island without consent. The UK government has not contacted the Isle of Man government about any such proposal.” Earlier, The Guardian quoted a UK Home Office source saying, “Whilst people are dying making perilous journeys we would be irresponsible if we didn’t consider every avenue.” The latest proposals have been criticised by immigration experts who called them ''ineffective'' and ''inhumane.'' According to the chief executive of the British Red Cross, Mike Adamson “Offshoring the UK’s asylum system will do nothing to address the reasons people take dangerous journeys in the first place and will almost certainly have grave humanitarian consequences.” “From the children rescued by the Kindertransport to those displaced by the decade-long conflict in Syria, providing sanctuary in the heart of our communities is what’s needed for people fleeing conflict and persecution and should be a key feature of global Britain as a force for good. Being housed in facilities offshore is the opposite of that.”

Gibraltar, Isle of Man rule out housing asylum seekers for Britain

To mark the 50th year of the Bangladesh victory in the Liberation War, the 70-day-long "Maitri Cycle Rally" by India's Border Security Forces (BSF) concluded on Wednesday after covering a distance of around 4,000 km.&nbsp;

The rally along the borders of five Indian states that began on January 10 in South Bengal ended at Silkore BOP in western Mizoram.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bangladesh-teesta-pact-secretary-level-talks-held-in-new-delhi-371169/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It concluded on the 101st birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is called the "Father of the Nation" of Bangladesh.

Such a rally was organised for the first time to encourage and boost the friendship between both the nations and to increase the mutual cooperation and trust between the BSF and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), BSF Spokesperson Ashok Kumar said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-life-and-death-mujibur-rahman-continues-to-be-a-towering-figure-in-bangladesh-371417">In life and death, Mujibur Rahman continues to be a towering figure in Bangladesh</a>

"This would also create a sense of security and confidence among the people living along the international borders and impart messages about the ill effects of drug abuse and border crimes among others," Kumar was quoted as saying by the news agency IANS.&nbsp;

The spokesperson added that during the journey the 13 BSF cyclists were welcomed by the BGB officials, border residents and school students in several places along the border.&nbsp;

Five Indian states namely West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam that share a 4,096 km long border with Bangladesh were covered in the cycle rally.

 
&nbsp;

To mark the 50th year of the Bangladesh victory in the Liberation War, the 70-day-long "Maitri Cycle Rally" by India's Border Security Forces (BSF) concluded on Wednesday after covering a distance of around 4,000 km.

To mark the 50th year of the Bangladesh victory in the Liberation War, the 70-day-long "Maitri Cycle Rally" by India's Border Security Forces (BSF) concluded on Wednesday after covering a distance of around 4,000 km. The rally along the borders of five Indian states that began on January 10 in South Bengal ended at Silkore BOP in western Mizoram. Watch | It concluded on the 101st birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is called the "Father of the Nation" of Bangladesh. Such a rally was organised for the first time to encourage and boost the friendship between both the nations and to increase the mutual cooperation and trust between the BSF and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), BSF Spokesperson Ashok Kumar said. Also read | In life and death, Mujibur Rahman continues to be a towering figure in Bangladesh "This would also create a sense of security and confidence among the people living along the international borders and impart messages about the ill effects of drug abuse and border crimes among others," Kumar was quoted as saying by the news agency IANS. The spokesperson added that during the journey the 13 BSF cyclists were welcomed by the BGB officials, border residents and school students in several places along the border. Five Indian states namely West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam that share a 4,096 km long border with Bangladesh were covered in the cycle rally.

BSF cycle rally to mark 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's victory in Liberation War concludes

Failure to prove that they were not under "undue influence" from Beijing, three Chinese state-owned telecommunications companies could be barred to operate in the United States.&nbsp;

China Unicom America, Pacific Networks, and ComNet had failed to prove that their work in the US was not subject to "undue influence" from China, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said, as quoted by news agency AFP on Wednesday.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nyse-does-u-turn-on-delisting-three-chinese-telecom-giants-354621/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The FCC officials voted 4-0 to initiate a probe that could make these companies unable to work within the US.&nbsp;

"The threat to our networks from entities aligned with Communist China is one that we must address head on, and I am pleased that the FCC continues to show the strength and resolve necessary to meet this menace," FCC commissioner Brendan Carr in a statement said.&nbsp;

"When it comes to Communist China, we have set a high bar for action over the last few years," he added.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-subpoenas-chinese-communications-firms-in-probe-on-national-security-risks-371287">US subpoenas Chinese communications firms in probe on national security risks</a>

The move is a further jolt to these firms after a January decision by the New York Stock Exchange to ban them from trading.&nbsp;

Following the FCC's move, China Unicom in a statement stressed that it has never acted illegally and hoped a "thorough, fair and fact-based review of the company’s conduct by the FCC," as reported by Bloomberg.&nbsp;

Failure to prove that they were not under "undue influence" from Beijing, three Chinese state-owned telecommunications companies could be barred to operate in the United States.

Failure to prove that they were not under "undue influence" from Beijing, three Chinese state-owned telecommunications companies could be barred to operate in the United States. China Unicom America, Pacific Networks, and ComNet had failed to prove that their work in the US was not subject to "undue influence" from China, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said, as quoted by news agency AFP on Wednesday. Watch | The FCC officials voted 4-0 to initiate a probe that could make these companies unable to work within the US. "The threat to our networks from entities aligned with Communist China is one that we must address head on, and I am pleased that the FCC continues to show the strength and resolve necessary to meet this menace," FCC commissioner Brendan Carr in a statement said. "When it comes to Communist China, we have set a high bar for action over the last few years," he added. Also read | US subpoenas Chinese communications firms in probe on national security risks The move is a further jolt to these firms after a January decision by the New York Stock Exchange to ban them from trading. Following the FCC's move, China Unicom in a statement stressed that it has never acted illegally and hoped a "thorough, fair and fact-based review of the company’s conduct by the FCC," as reported by Bloomberg.

Three Chinese telecom firms face threat to work in US as regulator begins probe

Spain's parliament voted through a law legalising euthanasia Thursday, becoming one of the few nations to allow terminally-ill or gravely-injured patients to end their own suffering.

A priority for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government, the law was drafted following public pressure generated by several high-profile cases, notably that of Ramon Sampedro whose plight was immortalised in the Oscar-winning 2004 film "The Sea Inside".

The vote, which passed by 202 in favour and 141 against and two abstentions in the 350-seat chamber, makes Spain the fourth European nation to decriminalise assisted suicide, alongside the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Although Portugal's parliament passed a similar law in January, it was blocked this week by the Constitutional Court.

"Today we have become a country that is more humane, fairer and freer. The euthanasia law, widely demanded by society, has finally become a reality," Sanchez tweeted just minutes after the vote.

"Thanks to all the people who have fought tirelessly for the right to die with dignity to be recognised in Spain."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>&nbsp;</h5>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hoy somos un país más humano, más justo y más libre. La ley de eutanasia, ampliamente demandada por la sociedad, se convierte por fin en una realidad. Gracias a todas las personas que han peleado incansablemente para que el derecho a morir dignamente fuera reconocido en España. <a href="https://t.co/Ge4CZWuvIe">pic.twitter.com/Ge4CZWuvIe</a>
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1372516402746306561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet&gt;&lt;p lang=es dir=ltr&gt;Hoy somos un país más humano, más justo y más libre. La ley de eutanasia, ampliamente demandada por la sociedad, se convierte por fin en una realidad. Gracias a todas las personas que han peleado incansablemente para que el derecho a morir dignamente fuera reconocido en España. &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://t.co/Ge4CZWuvIe href=https://t.co/Ge4CZWuvIe&gt;pic.twitter.com/Ge4CZWuvIe&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1372516402746306561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1372516402746306561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;March 18, 2021&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset=utf-8></script>" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

The Spanish legislation will permit euthanasia in which medical staff intentionally end a life to relieve suffering, and assisted suicide in which it is the patient who carries out the procedure.

Various other countries permit assisted suicide as well as "passive euthanasia" in which life-saving medical treatment is halted.

Speaking to AFP, Ramona Maneiro, a friend of Sampedro's who was arrested for helping him die but not prosecuted for lack of evidence, hailed the move as a victory "for those who can benefit from it" and "for Ramon".

<h2>Strict conditions&nbsp;</h2>

Backed by leftwing and centrist parties, the legislation allows anyone with a "serious or incurable illness" or a "chronic or incapacitating" condition to request help dying, thereby avoiding "intolerable suffering".

But the patient must be a Spanish national or a legal resident and must be "fully aware and conscious" when they make the request, which must be submitted twice in writing, 15 days apart.

However, a doctor can reject the request if the requirements have not been met; it must be approved by a second medic and by an evaluation body.&nbsp;

Any medic can withdraw on grounds of "conscience" from taking part in the procedure that would be available through Spain's national health service.

The move has been hailed by patients and right-to-die campaigners.

"It doesn't make any sense that people... would choose to live an undignified life," said Sofia Malagon, 60, who has Parkinson's and worries what will happen if she gets dementia.

"I don't want to be left like a vegetable."&nbsp;

<h2>'Form of murder'&nbsp;</h2>

But the move has been roundly rejected by the Catholic Church and Spain's right and far-right opposition, and some medics have raised questions about its implementation.&nbsp;

Euthanasia "is always a form of murder since it involves one man causing the death of another," said the Episcopal Conference that groups Spain's leading bishops.&nbsp;

"Life cannot be left in the hands of the authorities," said Lourdes Mendez Monasterio, an MP for the far-right Vox party which has vowed to appeal to the Constitutional Court.

"We will not rest until ensuring that at the end of life, a person can die with dignity without pain and without being killed," she told the chamber.

Since the mid-1980s when euthanasia first entered the public debate, the most famous case has been that of Ramon Sampedro, who became a tetraplegic after breaking his neck and fought an unsuccessful 30-year court battle to end his own life with dignity.

He died in 1998 with the help of his friend with his story told in "The Sea Inside" starring Hollywood actor Javier Bardem that won the 2005 best-foreign language Oscar.

A different but equally high-profile case was that of Luis Montes, an anaesthetist accused of causing the deaths of 73 terminal patients at a Madrid hospital. A court dropped the case against him in 2007.

More recently, pensioner Angel Hernandez was arrested in 2019 and is awaiting trial for helping his wife end her life after decades suffering from multiple sclerosis.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Spain's parliament voted through a law legalising euthanasia Thursday, becoming one of the few nations to allow terminally-ill or gravely-injured patients to end their own suffering.

Spain's parliament voted through a law legalising euthanasia Thursday, becoming one of the few nations to allow terminally-ill or gravely-injured patients to end their own suffering. A priority for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government, the law was drafted following public pressure generated by several high-profile cases, notably that of Ramon Sampedro whose plight was immortalised in the Oscar-winning 2004 film "The Sea Inside". The vote, which passed by 202 in favour and 141 against and two abstentions in the 350-seat chamber, makes Spain the fourth European nation to decriminalise assisted suicide, alongside the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Although Portugal's parliament passed a similar law in January, it was blocked this week by the Constitutional Court. "Today we have become a country that is more humane, fairer and freer. The euthanasia law, widely demanded by society, has finally become a reality," Sanchez tweeted just minutes after the vote. "Thanks to all the people who have fought tirelessly for the right to die with dignity to be recognised in Spain." Hoy somos un país más humano, más justo y más libre. La ley de eutanasia, ampliamente demandada por la sociedad, se convierte por fin en una realidad. Gracias a todas las personas que han peleado incansablemente para que el derecho a morir dignamente fuera reconocido en España. pic.twitter.com/Ge4CZWuvIe — Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) March 18, 2021 × The Spanish legislation will permit euthanasia in which medical staff intentionally end a life to relieve suffering, and assisted suicide in which it is the patient who carries out the procedure. Various other countries permit assisted suicide as well as "passive euthanasia" in which life-saving medical treatment is halted. Speaking to AFP, Ramona Maneiro, a friend of Sampedro's who was arrested for helping him die but not prosecuted for lack of evidence, hailed the move as a victory "for those who can benefit from it" and "for Ramon". Strict conditions Backed by leftwing and centrist parties, the legislation allows anyone with a "serious or incurable illness" or a "chronic or incapacitating" condition to request help dying, thereby avoiding "intolerable suffering". But the patient must be a Spanish national or a legal resident and must be "fully aware and conscious" when they make the request, which must be submitted twice in writing, 15 days apart. However, a doctor can reject the request if the requirements have not been met; it must be approved by a second medic and by an evaluation body. Any medic can withdraw on grounds of "conscience" from taking part in the procedure that would be available through Spain's national health service. The move has been hailed by patients and right-to-die campaigners. "It doesn't make any sense that people... would choose to live an undignified life," said Sofia Malagon, 60, who has Parkinson's and worries what will happen if she gets dementia. "I don't want to be left like a vegetable." 'Form of murder' But the move has been roundly rejected by the Catholic Church and Spain's right and far-right opposition, and some medics have raised questions about its implementation. Euthanasia "is always a form of murder since it involves one man causing the death of another," said the Episcopal Conference that groups Spain's leading bishops. "Life cannot be left in the hands of the authorities," said Lourdes Mendez Monasterio, an MP for the far-right Vox party which has vowed to appeal to the Constitutional Court. "We will not rest until ensuring that at the end of life, a person can die with dignity without pain and without being killed," she told the chamber. Since the mid-1980s when euthanasia first entered the public debate, the most famous case has been that of Ramon Sampedro, who became a tetraplegic after breaking his neck and fought an unsuccessful 30-year court battle to end his own life with dignity. He died in 1998 with the help of his friend with his story told in "The Sea Inside" starring Hollywood actor Javier Bardem that won the 2005 best-foreign language Oscar. A different but equally high-profile case was that of Luis Montes, an anaesthetist accused of causing the deaths of 73 terminal patients at a Madrid hospital. A court dropped the case against him in 2007. More recently, pensioner Angel Hernandez was arrested in 2019 and is awaiting trial for helping his wife end her life after decades suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Spain legalises euthanasia, assisted suicide

If you find it hard to cry, Dutch scientists have developed a technology that might help you bring tears.&nbsp;

Initially, the researchers were looking for the inner lining of the gut as it replaces itself every five days, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

They took a tiny piece of gut tissue filled with stem cells and gave it proteins called growth factors to push cell growth, hoping the stem cells to quickly proliferate.

"But to our surprise, the stem cells created a mini-organ...it's small, but it has all the different cells in the gut that you need for digesting food, said the study author Hans Clevers, group leader at the Hubrecht Institute for developmental biology and stem cell research and at the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology.

This happened in 2009 and since then, scientists have created mini versions, called organoids of the liver, bladder, pancreas, among others.&nbsp;

When they were successful in developing tear glands for mice, they tried to work on human tissue.&nbsp;

The tiny piece of the donated issue, suspended in a gel was given some elements for growth.&nbsp;

About a week after this, the researchers broke it up into small portions and fed it some more to produce many mini-glands.&nbsp;

"They looked like little balloons," said Clevers.

These glands are useful for humans in several ways.&nbsp;

They produce a thin layer of liquid, lubricating the surface of the eye, protecting it from irritants and infections, and providing nutrients.&nbsp;

These can also manufacture tears, either due to physical provocation or emotional event.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

If you find it hard to cry, Dutch scientists have developed a technology that might help you bring tears. Initially, the researchers were looking for the inner lining of the gut as it replaces itself every five days, reports The Guardian.

If you find it hard to cry, Dutch scientists have developed a technology that might help you bring tears. Initially, the researchers were looking for the inner lining of the gut as it replaces itself every five days, reports The Guardian. They took a tiny piece of gut tissue filled with stem cells and gave it proteins called growth factors to push cell growth, hoping the stem cells to quickly proliferate. "But to our surprise, the stem cells created a mini-organ...it's small, but it has all the different cells in the gut that you need for digesting food, said the study author Hans Clevers, group leader at the Hubrecht Institute for developmental biology and stem cell research and at the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology. This happened in 2009 and since then, scientists have created mini versions, called organoids of the liver, bladder, pancreas, among others. When they were successful in developing tear glands for mice, they tried to work on human tissue. The tiny piece of the donated issue, suspended in a gel was given some elements for growth. About a week after this, the researchers broke it up into small portions and fed it some more to produce many mini-glands. "They looked like little balloons," said Clevers. These glands are useful for humans in several ways. They produce a thin layer of liquid, lubricating the surface of the eye, protecting it from irritants and infections, and providing nutrients. These can also manufacture tears, either due to physical provocation or emotional event.

Struggle to cry? Dutch scientists develop tear glands

NASA's Mars rover Perseverance has sent back first-ever sounds of driving on the Martian surface.

The 16-minute raw audio released by Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California on Wednesday is from Persevarance's six metal wheels and suspension on its first test drive two weeks ago.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasas-astrobiology-rover-perseverance-makes-historic-mars-landing-365101/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If I heard these sounds driving my car, I'd pull over and call for a tow," Dave Gruel, an engineer on the rover team, said.&nbsp;

"But if you take a minute to consider what you're hearing and where it was recorded, it makes perfect sense," he further added in a written statement.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-discovers-three-microbes-that-may-help-grow-plants-on-mars-370933">NASA discovers three microbes that may help grow plants on Mars</a>

Perseverance, the biggest and most advanced rover ever sent to Mars landed near an ancient river delta on February 18 to discover the origins of past life.&nbsp;

Samples will be collected from the Red Planet's most promising rocks for eventual return to Earth for analysis.

The rover is embedded with two microphones and one has already has captured the sounds of wind and rock-zapping lasers.

The other microphone was intended to record the descent and landing.&nbsp;

This second mike failed to record the rover's arrival at Mars but was able to record the sounds of first test drive on March 4. 
&nbsp;

NASA's Mars rover Perseverance has sent back first-ever sounds of driving on the Martian surface. The 16-minute raw audio released by Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California on Wednesday is from Persevarance's six metal wheels and suspension on its first test drive two weeks ago.

NASA's Mars rover Perseverance has sent back first-ever sounds of driving on the Martian surface. The 16-minute raw audio released by Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California on Wednesday is from Persevarance's six metal wheels and suspension on its first test drive two weeks ago. Watch | "If I heard these sounds driving my car, I'd pull over and call for a tow," Dave Gruel, an engineer on the rover team, said. "But if you take a minute to consider what you're hearing and where it was recorded, it makes perfect sense," he further added in a written statement. Also read | NASA discovers three microbes that may help grow plants on Mars Perseverance, the biggest and most advanced rover ever sent to Mars landed near an ancient river delta on February 18 to discover the origins of past life. Samples will be collected from the Red Planet's most promising rocks for eventual return to Earth for analysis. The rover is embedded with two microphones and one has already has captured the sounds of wind and rock-zapping lasers. The other microphone was intended to record the descent and landing. This second mike failed to record the rover's arrival at Mars but was able to record the sounds of first test drive on March 4.

What is the sound of driving on Mars? NASA's probe finds

Asking Moscow to respect "international obligations", the G7 nations on Thursday refused to recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea.&nbsp;

"We unequivocally denounce Russia's temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. Russia's attempts to legitimise it are not, and will not, be recognised," the G7 nations in a statement marking the seventh anniversary of the takeover of Crimea said.&nbsp;

It also asked Moscow to allow access to "international monitors" and release all "those who are unjustly detained" in an indirect reference to top Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny and hundreds of others recently jailed.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-us-wont-accept-russias-crimea-annexation-366505">Biden says US won't accept Russia's Crimea annexation</a>

The statement comes amid the fighting between Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine's east that has damaged the ceasefire agreed upon last year.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged for a summit with European nations and suggested a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the crisis.&nbsp;

Last month, US President Joe Biden said that Washington would never recognise Moscow's annexation of Crimea and expressed solidarity with Ukraine against "Russia's aggressive acts".&nbsp;

"The United States does not and will never recognise Russia's purported annexation of the peninsula, and we will stand with Ukraine against Russia's aggressive acts," Biden had said.

Biden on Wednesday also described Putin as a "killer".&nbsp;

Asking Moscow to respect "international obligations", the G7 nations on Thursday refused to recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea. "We unequivocally denounce Russia's temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.

Asking Moscow to respect "international obligations", the G7 nations on Thursday refused to recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea. "We unequivocally denounce Russia's temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. Russia's attempts to legitimise it are not, and will not, be recognised," the G7 nations in a statement marking the seventh anniversary of the takeover of Crimea said. It also asked Moscow to allow access to "international monitors" and release all "those who are unjustly detained" in an indirect reference to top Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny and hundreds of others recently jailed. Also read | Biden says US won't accept Russia's Crimea annexation The statement comes amid the fighting between Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine's east that has damaged the ceasefire agreed upon last year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged for a summit with European nations and suggested a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the crisis. Last month, US President Joe Biden said that Washington would never recognise Moscow's annexation of Crimea and expressed solidarity with Ukraine against "Russia's aggressive acts". "The United States does not and will never recognise Russia's purported annexation of the peninsula, and we will stand with Ukraine against Russia's aggressive acts," Biden had said. Biden on Wednesday also described Putin as a "killer".

We will never accept Russia's occupation of Crimea: G7

Bangladesh Minister of Foreign Affairs AK Abdul Momen said that Bangladesh is "very lucky" that Indian PM Narendra Modi will be a part of two of its major celebrations in an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.&nbsp;

PM Modi will be visiting Bangladesh on January 26 for the celebrations of 50 years of Bangladesh's Independence and the 100th birth anniversary of its Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wion-exclusive-what-pm-modis-visit-to-dhaka-means-for-bangladesh-370082/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"These are two great events for Bangladesh and we are very lucky that the Indian Prime Minister will join us in this celebration," Momen said. &nbsp;

He also underscored that both countries have a "rock-solid relationship" and there has been a strong social, cultural and historical bond between people of both nations.&nbsp;

The Bangladeshi foreign minister also said that during the country's independence movement, India came forward to help them "physically, mentally" and stressed that Indian soldiers "shed blood" for their cause.&nbsp;

He also thanked his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar for keeping his word of visiting Bangladesh in-person once the coronavirus situation improved in India.&nbsp;

"We have shown the world the height of the leadership maturity as we have resolved most of the major issues through dialogue, discussions and through consensus," Momen said.&nbsp;

However, he said there are few issues remaining, like border killing, but added that both countries are on the same page to settle the matter and are against any loss of life.&nbsp;

Momen also said that the countries agreed to open a bridge between Bangladesh and India and road connectivity which will extend to Nepal and Bhutan.&nbsp;

He also said that India was requested to join India-Bangladesh-Myanmar-Thailand and beyond road belt to which New Delhi agreed.&nbsp;

On the Teesta river issue, the Bangladeshi minister said that both countries stood by the 2011 agreement, but due to some local problems, the delivery of the deal has not been done.&nbsp;

Even Jaishankar told me that "let's keep our fingers crossed" and I hope that the issue will be resolved, he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Rohingya crisis</h2>

He said that there are 1.1 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and their effort is to provide them with education and technical knowledge.&nbsp;

Recognising that Rohingyas have been "persecuted, killed" in their own land, Momen said that they are negotiating with the Myanmar government.

He described Myanmar as a "friendly nation," and said that the country agreed to take these migrants home.&nbsp;

But "almost four years have passed, there has been lack of insecurity and Rohingyas don't trust their govt," he said. &nbsp;

He said that Bangladesh suggested Myanmar allow non-military civilian observers from friendly countries like ASEAN, India, Japan and others to monitor that these migrants are safely sent back, but Myanmar did not answer their requests.&nbsp;

But, he hoped that the Myanmar junta can find a solution to the massive crisis.&nbsp;

"The generals have visited some of the Rohingyas in Rakhine camps and assured them safety and security. These are good beginnings," the Bangladeshi minister said.&nbsp;

He recalled Myanmar's military administration in 1978 and 1992 when the country was able to repatriate 200,000 refugees each time, stressing that it "depends on political commitment".&nbsp;

Momen said soon a solution to this matter should be found otherwise the Rohingyas out of "frustration" could become radicals.&nbsp;

"If these Rohingyas will be here for very long without any hope...then there is always a possibility of developing radicalism," he said, adding that then it will be a problem for the entire region.&nbsp;

<h2>On rumours of India stopping Chinese vaccine trials&nbsp;</h2>

"These are unsubstantiated, rumours. The reality is India is our age-old friend," he said.&nbsp;

He called China Bangladesh's "development partner" and added that the country has good relations with Beijing.&nbsp;

Momen thanked India for sending two million vaccine doses and agreeing to provide 30 million more.&nbsp;

He also expressed hope that one day that the region one day becomes passport-free.&nbsp;

"I believe one day the whole of Indian sub-continent will be visa-free...just like European Union," the Bangladeshi foreign minister said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Bangladesh Minister of Foreign Affairs AK Abdul Momen said that Bangladesh is "very lucky" that Indian PM Narendra Modi will be a part of two of its major celebrations in an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

Bangladesh Minister of Foreign Affairs AK Abdul Momen said that Bangladesh is "very lucky" that Indian PM Narendra Modi will be a part of two of its major celebrations in an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. PM Modi will be visiting Bangladesh on January 26 for the celebrations of 50 years of Bangladesh's Independence and the 100th birth anniversary of its Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Watch | "These are two great events for Bangladesh and we are very lucky that the Indian Prime Minister will join us in this celebration," Momen said. He also underscored that both countries have a "rock-solid relationship" and there has been a strong social, cultural and historical bond between people of both nations. The Bangladeshi foreign minister also said that during the country's independence movement, India came forward to help them "physically, mentally" and stressed that Indian soldiers "shed blood" for their cause. He also thanked his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar for keeping his word of visiting Bangladesh in-person once the coronavirus situation improved in India. "We have shown the world the height of the leadership maturity as we have resolved most of the major issues through dialogue, discussions and through consensus," Momen said. However, he said there are few issues remaining, like border killing, but added that both countries are on the same page to settle the matter and are against any loss of life. Momen also said that the countries agreed to open a bridge between Bangladesh and India and road connectivity which will extend to Nepal and Bhutan. He also said that India was requested to join India-Bangladesh-Myanmar-Thailand and beyond road belt to which New Delhi agreed. On the Teesta river issue, the Bangladeshi minister said that both countries stood by the 2011 agreement, but due to some local problems, the delivery of the deal has not been done. Even Jaishankar told me that "let's keep our fingers crossed" and I hope that the issue will be resolved, he said. Rohingya crisis He said that there are 1.1 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and their effort is to provide them with education and technical knowledge. Recognising that Rohingyas have been "persecuted, killed" in their own land, Momen said that they are negotiating with the Myanmar government. He described Myanmar as a "friendly nation," and said that the country agreed to take these migrants home. But "almost four years have passed, there has been lack of insecurity and Rohingyas don't trust their govt," he said. He said that Bangladesh suggested Myanmar allow non-military civilian observers from friendly countries like ASEAN, India, Japan and others to monitor that these migrants are safely sent back, but Myanmar did not answer their requests. But, he hoped that the Myanmar junta can find a solution to the massive crisis. "The generals have visited some of the Rohingyas in Rakhine camps and assured them safety and security. These are good beginnings," the Bangladeshi minister said. He recalled Myanmar's military administration in 1978 and 1992 when the country was able to repatriate 200,000 refugees each time, stressing that it "depends on political commitment". Momen said soon a solution to this matter should be found otherwise the Rohingyas out of "frustration" could become radicals. "If these Rohingyas will be here for very long without any hope...then there is always a possibility of developing radicalism," he said, adding that then it will be a problem for the entire region. On rumours of India stopping Chinese vaccine trials "These are unsubstantiated, rumours. The reality is India is our age-old friend," he said. He called China Bangladesh's "development partner" and added that the country has good relations with Beijing. Momen thanked India for sending two million vaccine doses and agreeing to provide 30 million more. He also expressed hope that one day that the region one day becomes passport-free. "I believe one day the whole of Indian sub-continent will be visa-free...just like European Union," the Bangladeshi foreign minister said.

Bangladesh 'very lucky' to host PM Narendra Modi for major celebrations: Foreign Minister Momen

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Abhilash Mahajan

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.