Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed the head of a far-right political party as defence minister of his caretaker government, a spokesman for the premier's right-wing Likud party said on Friday.

Naftali Bennett, who heads the New Right party, will take the defence portfolio from the right-wing Netanyahu, who has simultaneously served as premier and defence minister for nearly a year.

"The appointment will be brought to the government for approval at an upcoming government meeting," the Likud spokesman said in a statement.

Israeli politics is deadlocked after two inconclusive elections this year. Former military chief Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White party emerged neck and neck with Netanyahu following a September vote, and both leaders have struggled to put together a ruling coalition.

Gantz, who was asked by Israel's president to forge a coalition after Netanyahu failed to do so, has less than two weeks left to form a government.

If he fails, the country could be headed towards an unprecedented third election although a smaller party might be given a chance before that.

Netanyahu has led a caretaker government throughout the political turmoil.

Bennett previously served in Netanyahu's cabinet as education minister. A former settler leader, he advocates tough action against Palestinian militants in Gaza and unusual tactics towards Israel's arch-foe Iran and its proxy Hezbollah.

Netanyahu took over the defence portfolio following the resignation of then-chief Avigdor Lieberman, who in stepping down in November 2018 helped plunge the country towards snap elections in April.

Netanyahu and Bennett also agreed to form a parliamentary alliance, the Likud spokesman said, adding that Bennett agreed another person would be appointed defence chief if a unity government or narrow right-wing coalition is formed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed the head of a far-right political party as defence minister of his caretaker government, a spokesman for the premier's right-wing Likud party said on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed the head of a far-right political party as defence minister of his caretaker government, a spokesman for the premier's right-wing Likud party said on Friday. Naftali Bennett, who heads the New Right party, will take the defence portfolio from the right-wing Netanyahu, who has simultaneously served as premier and defence minister for nearly a year. "The appointment will be brought to the government for approval at an upcoming government meeting," the Likud spokesman said in a statement. Israeli politics is deadlocked after two inconclusive elections this year. Former military chief Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White party emerged neck and neck with Netanyahu following a September vote, and both leaders have struggled to put together a ruling coalition. Gantz, who was asked by Israel's president to forge a coalition after Netanyahu failed to do so, has less than two weeks left to form a government. If he fails, the country could be headed towards an unprecedented third election although a smaller party might be given a chance before that. Netanyahu has led a caretaker government throughout the political turmoil. Bennett previously served in Netanyahu's cabinet as education minister. A former settler leader, he advocates tough action against Palestinian militants in Gaza and unusual tactics towards Israel's arch-foe Iran and its proxy Hezbollah. Netanyahu took over the defence portfolio following the resignation of then-chief Avigdor Lieberman, who in stepping down in November 2018 helped plunge the country towards snap elections in April. Netanyahu and Bennett also agreed to form a parliamentary alliance, the Likud spokesman said, adding that Bennett agreed another person would be appointed defence chief if a unity government or narrow right-wing coalition is formed.

Israel's Netanyahu appoints far-right Bennett as defence minister

The U.N.'s top court said on Friday it had jurisdiction to hear a case brought by Ukraine accusing Russia of supporting rebels in war-torn eastern Ukraine.

Russia had asked the International Court of Justice in September 2018 to throw out Kiev's case, saying the tribunal had no right to deal with the matter.

Ukraine dragged Russia to the Hague-based court in 2017 saying it had breached a U.N. convention on the financing of terrorism by funnelling arms and cash to pro-Russian fighters.

ICJ President Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said the court "finds that it has jurisdiction... to entertain the claims made by Ukraine."

Kiev is seeking damages for attacks blamed on the pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine, where more than 13,000 people have died since the war broke out more than five years ago.

These include 298 people killed when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down over rebel territory in July 2014.

A Dutch court is due in March 2020 to begin the trial of three Ukrainians and one Russian over the MH17 crash.

The ICJ judgement came as Ukraine's army and Kremlin-backed separatists were set to complete the last phase of a troop pullback in war-torn eastern Ukraine on Saturday.&nbsp;

The ICJ was set up in 1946 to rule in disputes between countries in a bid to create a new global era of harmony after World War II.

The U.N.'s top court said on Friday it had jurisdiction to hear a case brought by Ukraine accusing Russia of supporting rebels in war-torn eastern Ukraine. Russia had asked the International Court of Justice in September 2018 to throw out Kiev's case, saying the tribunal had no right to deal with the matter.

The U.N.'s top court said on Friday it had jurisdiction to hear a case brought by Ukraine accusing Russia of supporting rebels in war-torn eastern Ukraine. Russia had asked the International Court of Justice in September 2018 to throw out Kiev's case, saying the tribunal had no right to deal with the matter. Ukraine dragged Russia to the Hague-based court in 2017 saying it had breached a U.N. convention on the financing of terrorism by funnelling arms and cash to pro-Russian fighters. ICJ President Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said the court "finds that it has jurisdiction... to entertain the claims made by Ukraine." Kiev is seeking damages for attacks blamed on the pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine, where more than 13,000 people have died since the war broke out more than five years ago. These include 298 people killed when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down over rebel territory in July 2014. A Dutch court is due in March 2020 to begin the trial of three Ukrainians and one Russian over the MH17 crash. The ICJ judgement came as Ukraine's army and Kremlin-backed separatists were set to complete the last phase of a troop pullback in war-torn eastern Ukraine on Saturday. The ICJ was set up in 1946 to rule in disputes between countries in a bid to create a new global era of harmony after World War II.

Ukraine case against Russia over war can proceed: United Nations court

The EU on Friday formally established its first standalone border force, boosting the Frontex service with a new permanent corps that will number 10,000 officers by 2027.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-singapore-trade-deal-takes-effect-on-november-21-260881">The adoption by EU</a> member states means Frontex,&nbsp;the border and coast guard agency for the bloc's Schengen area,&nbsp;will have personnel wearing its uniform and on its payroll who can be deployed to the EU's external borders to handle crises or general management.

Frontex currently has up to 1,500 officers active at any time but they are seconded to the agency by member states for short missions, along with ships and aircraft.

The EU regulation adopted Friday also expands the agency's mandate, which "will allow Frontex to play a bigger role in supporting member states in border control, on returns and in cooperating with third countries," said Maria Ohisalo, interior minister of Finland, which presently holds the EU's rotating presidency.

'First uniformed service'

Frontex, whose headquarters is in Poland's capital Warsaw, has been called on to handle numerous migration situations, most notably in 2015 when a million asylum-seekers entered the EU, many of them Syrians fleeing war.

While the number of migrants has fallen under a 2016 deal done with neighbouring Turkey, threats from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to "open the gates" once more have raised alarm in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-concerned-by-iran-nuclear-enrichment-announcement-260166">EU capitals</a>.

Frontex says its new corps will be "Europe's first uniformed service",&nbsp;a boast affirming the EU's goal to build integrated security institutions to match its economic and political heft.&nbsp;

Last month, it launched its first recruitment drive for more than 700 border guards who will be operational in January 2021.

"The agency will provide support at the request of the member state concerned or on its own initiative and in agreement with the member state concerned," the European Council said in a statement.

The Schengen area comprises 22 of the EU's 28 member states, with four more,&nbsp;Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania,&nbsp;due to be included in the future. Two EU countries have opt-outs from the area: Ireland and Brexit-bound Britain.

Another four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-top-court-rules-poland-broke-rule-of-law-with-judicial-reforms-260119">European countries</a> outside the EU but with close relations with it,&nbsp;Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland,&nbsp;are also part of the Schengen area.

Frontex's budget has swelled steadily in the 14 years of its existence and will jump 26 per cent from this year to next to stand at 421 million euros ($464 million).

The EU on Friday formally established its first standalone border force, boosting the Frontex service with a new permanent corps that will number 10,000 officers by 2027.

The EU on Friday formally established its first standalone border force, boosting the Frontex service with a new permanent corps that will number 10,000 officers by 2027. The adoption by EU member states means Frontex, the border and coast guard agency for the bloc's Schengen area, will have personnel wearing its uniform and on its payroll who can be deployed to the EU's external borders to handle crises or general management. Frontex currently has up to 1,500 officers active at any time but they are seconded to the agency by member states for short missions, along with ships and aircraft. The EU regulation adopted Friday also expands the agency's mandate, which "will allow Frontex to play a bigger role in supporting member states in border control, on returns and in cooperating with third countries," said Maria Ohisalo, interior minister of Finland, which presently holds the EU's rotating presidency. 'First uniformed service' Frontex, whose headquarters is in Poland's capital Warsaw, has been called on to handle numerous migration situations, most notably in 2015 when a million asylum-seekers entered the EU, many of them Syrians fleeing war. While the number of migrants has fallen under a 2016 deal done with neighbouring Turkey, threats from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to "open the gates" once more have raised alarm in EU capitals. Frontex says its new corps will be "Europe's first uniformed service", a boast affirming the EU's goal to build integrated security institutions to match its economic and political heft. Last month, it launched its first recruitment drive for more than 700 border guards who will be operational in January 2021. "The agency will provide support at the request of the member state concerned or on its own initiative and in agreement with the member state concerned," the European Council said in a statement. The Schengen area comprises 22 of the EU's 28 member states, with four more, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania, due to be included in the future. Two EU countries have opt-outs from the area: Ireland and Brexit-bound Britain. Another four European countries outside the EU but with close relations with it, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, are also part of the Schengen area. Frontex's budget has swelled steadily in the 14 years of its existence and will jump 26 per cent from this year to next to stand at 421 million euros ($464 million).

European Union establishes standalone border force to boost Frontex service

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-talks-to-reconvene-in-geneva-on-november-25-un-envoy-260850">Syria summit</a> will be held in early December between the leaders of Turkey, France, Germany and Britain in London, the Turkish presidency said Friday.

"It was decided to organise this four-way summit on the sidelines of the NATO summit scheduled in London on December 3 and 4," Anadolu state news agency quoted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's advisor Ibrahim Kalin as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-says-united-states-not-fulfilling-syria-deal-ahead-of-doanld-trump-talks-260531">Erdogan</a> is expected to sit down with Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel and Boris Johnson at a time of high tensions in the NATO alliance over Turkey's offensive last month against Kurdish militants, who had been a key ally for the West against the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Erdogan has accused Western governments of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/examining-security-implications-of-turkish-invasion-of-syria-260554">"siding with terrorists"</a> over their NATO ally.

Turkey sees the Syrian Kurdish militants as an off-shoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a bloody insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is considered a terrorist organisation by the European Union and United States.&nbsp;

The Turkish offensive was halted by two ceasefires organised with Moscow and Washington, but Ankara has threatened to resume hostilities if Kurdish forces do not fully withdraw from an agreed 30-kilometre-deep zone along the Turkish border.&nbsp;

A Syria summit will be held in early December between the leaders of Turkey, France, Germany and Britain in London, the Turkish presidency said Friday. "It was decided to organise this four-way summit on the sidelines of the NATO summit scheduled in London on December 3 and 4," Anadolu state news agency quoted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's advisor Ibrahim Kalin as saying.

A Syria summit will be held in early December between the leaders of Turkey, France, Germany and Britain in London, the Turkish presidency said Friday. "It was decided to organise this four-way summit on the sidelines of the NATO summit scheduled in London on December 3 and 4," Anadolu state news agency quoted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's advisor Ibrahim Kalin as saying. Erdogan is expected to sit down with Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel and Boris Johnson at a time of high tensions in the NATO alliance over Turkey's offensive last month against Kurdish militants, who had been a key ally for the West against the Islamic State group. Erdogan has accused Western governments of "siding with terrorists" over their NATO ally. Turkey sees the Syrian Kurdish militants as an off-shoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a bloody insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is considered a terrorist organisation by the European Union and United States. The Turkish offensive was halted by two ceasefires organised with Moscow and Washington, but Ankara has threatened to resume hostilities if Kurdish forces do not fully withdraw from an agreed 30-kilometre-deep zone along the Turkish border.

Turkey, Britain, France, Germany to hold Syria summit

A landmark trade deal between the EU and Singapore, a major hub for European businesses in Asia, will go into effect on November 21, a statement said on Friday.

Both sides have praised the deal as a strong rebuke to the rising protectionism that has been championed by US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Export powerhouse Singapore is by far the EU's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with total bilateral trade in goods of over 53 billion euros&nbsp;and another 51 billion euros of trade in services.&nbsp;

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker hailed the deal as "a building block towards a closer relationship between Europe and one of the most dynamic regions in the world," a statement said.

S&nbsp;Iswaran, Singapore's trade minister, said the deal's entry into force "is a strong signal by two like-minded partners on the need to continue upholding open and rules-based trade," Bloomberg reported.

The parties have also agreed an investment protection agreement, but this is more controversial as it sets up a special court to decide business conflicts.

After a successful battle spearheaded by environmentalists in Europe, this aspect of the deal will need the national ratification by the EU's 28 member states before entering into effect. That process that could years.

The deal with Singapore came after the EU suspended efforts to strike a bloc deal with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2009 amid widespread disagreements, including European concerns over Myanmar's human rights record.

The EU has instead pursued deals with individual ASEAN countries and has concluded a pact with Vietnam.

A landmark trade deal between the EU and Singapore, a major hub for European businesses in Asia, will go into effect on November 21, a statement said on Friday. Both sides have praised the deal as a strong rebuke to the rising protectionism that has been championed by US President Donald Trump in Washington.

A landmark trade deal between the EU and Singapore, a major hub for European businesses in Asia, will go into effect on November 21, a statement said on Friday. Both sides have praised the deal as a strong rebuke to the rising protectionism that has been championed by US President Donald Trump in Washington. Export powerhouse Singapore is by far the EU's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with total bilateral trade in goods of over 53 billion euros and another 51 billion euros of trade in services. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker hailed the deal as "a building block towards a closer relationship between Europe and one of the most dynamic regions in the world," a statement said. S Iswaran, Singapore's trade minister, said the deal's entry into force "is a strong signal by two like-minded partners on the need to continue upholding open and rules-based trade," Bloomberg reported. The parties have also agreed an investment protection agreement, but this is more controversial as it sets up a special court to decide business conflicts. After a successful battle spearheaded by environmentalists in Europe, this aspect of the deal will need the national ratification by the EU's 28 member states before entering into effect. That process that could years. The deal with Singapore came after the EU suspended efforts to strike a bloc deal with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2009 amid widespread disagreements, including European concerns over Myanmar's human rights record. The EU has instead pursued deals with individual ASEAN countries and has concluded a pact with Vietnam.

European Union-Singapore trade deal takes effect on November 21

Extensive evacuation underway as bushfires rage in Australia

Fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters broke out in Baghdad on Friday despite a call for calm by the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-top-shiite-cleric-sistani-says-security-forces-must-keep-peace-260801">top Shi'ite Muslim cleric</a>, as authorities grapple with the country's biggest crisis in years.

Security forces fired tear gas and threw stun grenades into crowds of protesters wearing helmets and makeshift body armour on the main road in the middle of the Iraqi capital, sending demonstrators scattering, some wounded, Reuters reporters said.

More than 260 people have been killed since the protests over a lack of jobs and services began in Baghdad on Oct. 1 and quickly spread to southern provinces, according to police and medics.

Police, the military and paramilitary groups have used live gunfire against mostly unarmed protesters since the beginning of the unrest.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who only speaks on politics in times of crisis and wields enormous influence over public opinion in Shi'ite-majority Iraq, held security forces accountable for any violent escalation and urged the government to respond as quickly as possible to demonstrators' demands.

"The biggest responsibility is on the security forces," a representative of Sistani said in a sermon after Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala. "They must avoid using excessive force with peaceful protesters."

Protesters, some of whom view Sistani as part of the political and religious system they say is the cause of many Iraqis' misery, took little solace from the cleric's words.

"He says he's supporting protests and that we should keep going but he hasn't helped. The speech won't make a difference either way," said one woman protesting in Baghdad whose son was killed in recent clashes.

"I'm the mother of a student. They took his life," she said, giving her name as Umm al-Shaheed, Arabic for mother of the martyr.

The demonstrators, mostly unemployed youth, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-crude-stuck-at-field-for-third-day-as-protests-cut-roads-260728">demand an overhaul of the political system</a> and a corrupt ruling class which has dominated state institutions since the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The violent response from authorities has fuelled public anger. Snipers from Iran-backed militias that have participated in the crackdown were deployed last month, Reuters reported.

Watch video: Iraq protests continue

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Deadly force

Live fire is still being used and even tear gas canisters, fired directly at protesters' bodies instead of being lobbed into crowds, have killed at least 16 people, New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Friday.

Doctors at hospitals have shown Reuters scans of tear gas canisters embedded in the skulls of dead protesters.

Sistani warned against the exploitation of the unrest by "internal and external" forces which he said sought to destabilise Iraq for their own goals. He did not elaborate.

He said those in power must come up with a meaningful response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blocking-police-at-checkpoints-iraqis-revel-in-people-power-260738">the demonstrations</a>.

Handouts for the poor, promises to try corrupt officials and creation of more job opportunities for graduates have failed to placate protesters, whose demands include a new electoral system and the removal of all current political leaders.

The protesters have also rejected foreign interference in Iraq, which has long been caught between its two main allies and bitter rivals the United States and Iran.

Public anger has been directed particularly towards Iran, which supports the parties and paramilitary groups that dominate the Baghdad government and state institutions.

Fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters broke out in Baghdad on Friday despite a call for calm by the country's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, as authorities grapple with the country's biggest crisis in years.

Fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters broke out in Baghdad on Friday despite a call for calm by the country's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, as authorities grapple with the country's biggest crisis in years. Security forces fired tear gas and threw stun grenades into crowds of protesters wearing helmets and makeshift body armour on the main road in the middle of the Iraqi capital, sending demonstrators scattering, some wounded, Reuters reporters said. More than 260 people have been killed since the protests over a lack of jobs and services began in Baghdad on Oct. 1 and quickly spread to southern provinces, according to police and medics. Police, the military and paramilitary groups have used live gunfire against mostly unarmed protesters since the beginning of the unrest. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who only speaks on politics in times of crisis and wields enormous influence over public opinion in Shi'ite-majority Iraq, held security forces accountable for any violent escalation and urged the government to respond as quickly as possible to demonstrators' demands. "The biggest responsibility is on the security forces," a representative of Sistani said in a sermon after Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala. "They must avoid using excessive force with peaceful protesters." Protesters, some of whom view Sistani as part of the political and religious system they say is the cause of many Iraqis' misery, took little solace from the cleric's words. "He says he's supporting protests and that we should keep going but he hasn't helped. The speech won't make a difference either way," said one woman protesting in Baghdad whose son was killed in recent clashes. "I'm the mother of a student. They took his life," she said, giving her name as Umm al-Shaheed, Arabic for mother of the martyr. The demonstrators, mostly unemployed youth, demand an overhaul of the political system and a corrupt ruling class which has dominated state institutions since the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The violent response from authorities has fuelled public anger. Snipers from Iran-backed militias that have participated in the crackdown were deployed last month, Reuters reported. Watch video: Iraq protests continue Deadly force Live fire is still being used and even tear gas canisters, fired directly at protesters' bodies instead of being lobbed into crowds, have killed at least 16 people, New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Friday. Doctors at hospitals have shown Reuters scans of tear gas canisters embedded in the skulls of dead protesters. Sistani warned against the exploitation of the unrest by "internal and external" forces which he said sought to destabilise Iraq for their own goals. He did not elaborate. He said those in power must come up with a meaningful response to the demonstrations. Handouts for the poor, promises to try corrupt officials and creation of more job opportunities for graduates have failed to placate protesters, whose demands include a new electoral system and the removal of all current political leaders. The protesters have also rejected foreign interference in Iraq, which has long been caught between its two main allies and bitter rivals the United States and Iran. Public anger has been directed particularly towards Iran, which supports the parties and paramilitary groups that dominate the Baghdad government and state institutions.

Fresh clashes erupt in Baghdad despite call for peace by top cleric Sistani

The White House blockade of the Democratic-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-impeachment-hearings-trump-may-expand-communications-team-to-bolster-defense-260440">impeachment enquiry</a> of President Donald Trump seemed likely to hold firm on Friday, as congressional officials said they expected two administration officials to rebuff a request to testify.

The House of Representatives Intelligence Committee late on Thursday subpoenaed acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney to appear for a closed-door deposition on Friday, an official working on the impeachment enquiry said.

The panel, along with the House Foreign Relations and Oversight committees, has also called Mark Sandy, associate director for national security programs at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for interviews behind closed doors on Friday.

Lawmakers want to ask Mulvaney and Sandy about OMB's decision last summer to block, without explanation to Congress, nearly $400 million in security assistance for Ukraine that had been approved by lawmakers.

Mulvaney, a former Republican House member, started his tenure at the Trump White House as director of the budget office. Due to his role at OMB, Sandy likely would have been involved in the decision.

Congressional investigators are trying to determine whether Trump told the Kiev government it would not get the aid unless it agreed to launch an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/public-hearings-in-trump-impeachment-probe-start-next-week-us-lawmaker-260398">investigation of Hunter Biden</a>, the son of former US&nbsp;Vice President Joe Biden, one of Trump's main Democratic rivals as he runs for re-election in 2020.

Mulvaney acknowledged at an October&nbsp;17 news conference that the White House had withheld the assistance. "I have news for everybody: Get over it. There is going to be political influence in foreign policy," Mulvaney said, although he later contradicted himself, saying in a White House statement: "There was absolutely no quid pro quo."

'Witch Hunt'

Trump has denied wrongdoing and disparaged the investigation as a politically motivated "witch hunt." A White House spokesman said earlier this week that Mulvaney did not intend to comply with the request to appear.

Officials did not immediately respond on Thursday to a request for comment on whether that still held, and on Sandy's intentions.

Mulvaney has also ignored an October&nbsp;4 subpoena from the House committees to provide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-chief-of-staff-summoned-to-testify-in-impeachment-probe-260220">documents for the investigation</a>.

Mulvaney is now Trump's top aide, and the White House, claiming executive privilege, has argued that any official close to Trump should not have to provide depositions to congressional investigators.

So far, most officials who work in the executive branch have declined to cooperate with the investigation, although an adviser to Vice President Mike Pence appeared as requested on Thursday.

The House committees dispute the privilege argument. "As Mulvaney knows from his previous service in the House of Representatives, both Republican and Democratic-led committees have conducted depositions for decades with high-level White House aides,&nbsp;include White House Chiefs of Staff," they said in an emailed statement.

The three House committees are wrapping up the closed-door phase of their investigation before open hearings start next Wednesday with testimony from two diplomats who have been interviewed behind closed doors, William Taylor, the top US&nbsp;diplomat in Ukraine, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent.

This week, the committees have been releasing transcripts of the closed-door interviews, including with Taylor, Kent and former US&nbsp;Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, who appears at a public hearing on November&nbsp;15.

Trump abruptly recalled Yovanovitch as ambassador in May.

Another transcript release is expected on Friday, although the committees declined to say which it would be.

The White House blockade of the Democratic-led impeachment enquiry of President Donald Trump seemed likely to hold firm on Friday, as congressional officials said they expected two administration officials to rebuff a request to testify.

The White House blockade of the Democratic-led impeachment enquiry of President Donald Trump seemed likely to hold firm on Friday, as congressional officials said they expected two administration officials to rebuff a request to testify. The House of Representatives Intelligence Committee late on Thursday subpoenaed acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney to appear for a closed-door deposition on Friday, an official working on the impeachment enquiry said. The panel, along with the House Foreign Relations and Oversight committees, has also called Mark Sandy, associate director for national security programs at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for interviews behind closed doors on Friday. Lawmakers want to ask Mulvaney and Sandy about OMB's decision last summer to block, without explanation to Congress, nearly $400 million in security assistance for Ukraine that had been approved by lawmakers. Mulvaney, a former Republican House member, started his tenure at the Trump White House as director of the budget office. Due to his role at OMB, Sandy likely would have been involved in the decision. Congressional investigators are trying to determine whether Trump told the Kiev government it would not get the aid unless it agreed to launch an investigation of Hunter Biden, the son of former US Vice President Joe Biden, one of Trump's main Democratic rivals as he runs for re-election in 2020. Mulvaney acknowledged at an October 17 news conference that the White House had withheld the assistance. "I have news for everybody: Get over it. There is going to be political influence in foreign policy," Mulvaney said, although he later contradicted himself, saying in a White House statement: "There was absolutely no quid pro quo." 'Witch Hunt' Trump has denied wrongdoing and disparaged the investigation as a politically motivated "witch hunt." A White House spokesman said earlier this week that Mulvaney did not intend to comply with the request to appear. Officials did not immediately respond on Thursday to a request for comment on whether that still held, and on Sandy's intentions. Mulvaney has also ignored an October 4 subpoena from the House committees to provide documents for the investigation. Mulvaney is now Trump's top aide, and the White House, claiming executive privilege, has argued that any official close to Trump should not have to provide depositions to congressional investigators. So far, most officials who work in the executive branch have declined to cooperate with the investigation, although an adviser to Vice President Mike Pence appeared as requested on Thursday. The House committees dispute the privilege argument. "As Mulvaney knows from his previous service in the House of Representatives, both Republican and Democratic-led committees have conducted depositions for decades with high-level White House aides, include White House Chiefs of Staff," they said in an emailed statement. The three House committees are wrapping up the closed-door phase of their investigation before open hearings start next Wednesday with testimony from two diplomats who have been interviewed behind closed doors, William Taylor, the top US diplomat in Ukraine, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent. This week, the committees have been releasing transcripts of the closed-door interviews, including with Taylor, Kent and former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, who appears at a public hearing on November 15. Trump abruptly recalled Yovanovitch as ambassador in May. Another transcript release is expected on Friday, although the committees declined to say which it would be.

White House's blockade of impeachment probe likely to hold firm before open hearings

Two aeroplanes owned by different domestic airlines collided at the parking bay of the Tribhuwan International Airport on Friday afternoon, an airport official said. 
 
The incident occurred at around 2:30 pm when an aircraft with a call-sign 9N-AMC hit the tail end of a parked ATR 72 of Yeti Airlines while taxiing to the parking bay. 
 
The aircraft of Shree Airlines laid impact on the tail end of an aircraft of Yeti Airlines while it was on its way to parking. 
 
The incident occurred at the Domestic Parking bay of the airport. The flights at the airport are operational," TIA Spokesperson Pratap Babu Tiwari told ANI. 
 
No person was injured in the incident.

Two aeroplanes owned by different domestic airlines collided at the parking bay of the Tribhuwan International Airport on Friday afternoon, an airport official said.

Two aeroplanes owned by different domestic airlines collided at the parking bay of the Tribhuwan International Airport on Friday afternoon, an airport official said. The incident occurred at around 2:30 pm when an aircraft with a call-sign 9N-AMC hit the tail end of a parked ATR 72 of Yeti Airlines while taxiing to the parking bay. The aircraft of Shree Airlines laid impact on the tail end of an aircraft of Yeti Airlines while it was on its way to parking. The incident occurred at the Domestic Parking bay of the airport. The flights at the airport are operational," TIA Spokesperson Pratap Babu Tiwari told ANI. No person was injured in the incident.

Two aeroplanes collide at Nepal airport, no casualties reported

A U.N. envoy concluded an opening round of talks on the political future of Syria on Friday meant to bring political reconciliation after 8-1/2 years of war, saying they went better than expected and would reconvene later this month.

Acknowledging that discussions were sometimes "very painful" Geir Pedersen said the delegates to the Constitutional Committee from the government, opposition and civil society addressed them with professionalism.

"I believe it has gone much better than most people would have expected," he told journalists in Geneva.

"The next round of discussions will start on November 25," Pedersen said.

He said the discussions focused on issues of sovereignty, territorial integrity and terrorism, without going into details.

There was no immediate deal on the release of thousands of detainees in the country, one of the points that Pedersen had previously said was an important step needed to build confidence between the parties.

A U.N. envoy concluded an opening round of talks on the political future of Syria on Friday meant to bring political reconciliation after 8-1/2 years of war, saying they went better than expected and would reconvene later this month.

A U.N. envoy concluded an opening round of talks on the political future of Syria on Friday meant to bring political reconciliation after 8-1/2 years of war, saying they went better than expected and would reconvene later this month. Acknowledging that discussions were sometimes "very painful" Geir Pedersen said the delegates to the Constitutional Committee from the government, opposition and civil society addressed them with professionalism. "I believe it has gone much better than most people would have expected," he told journalists in Geneva. "The next round of discussions will start on November 25," Pedersen said. He said the discussions focused on issues of sovereignty, territorial integrity and terrorism, without going into details. There was no immediate deal on the release of thousands of detainees in the country, one of the points that Pedersen had previously said was an important step needed to build confidence between the parties.

Syrian talks to reconvene in Geneva on November 25: U.N. envoy

Turkey will start sending foreign jihadists back to their home countries next week, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu told state news agency Anadolu on Friday.

"Now we are telling you that we are going to send them back to you. We are starting this on Monday," Soylu said, referring to members of the Islamic State group (IS).

Earlier this week, Soylu said Turkey had nearly 1,200 foreign members of IS in custody and had captured 287 during its recent operation in northern Syria.

Turkey has criticised Western countries for refusing to repatriate their citizens who left to join IS in Syria and Iraq and stripping some of them of their citizenship.&nbsp;

It remains unclear whether Turkey will be able to repatriate those who have lost their citizenship.&nbsp;

Although under the New York Convention of 1961, it is illegal to leave someone stateless, several countries, including Britain and France, have not ratified it, and recent cases have triggered prolonged legal battles.&nbsp;

Britain has stripped more than 100 people of their citizenship for allegedly joining jihadist groups abroad.&nbsp;

High-profile cases such as teenage IS recruit Shamima Begum, and another alleged recruit Jack Letts, have sparked court proceedings and fierce political debate in Britain.&nbsp;

Turkey will start sending foreign jihadists back to their home countries next week, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu told state news agency Anadolu on Friday. "Now we are telling you that we are going to send them back to you.

Turkey will start sending foreign jihadists back to their home countries next week, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu told state news agency Anadolu on Friday. "Now we are telling you that we are going to send them back to you. We are starting this on Monday," Soylu said, referring to members of the Islamic State group (IS). Earlier this week, Soylu said Turkey had nearly 1,200 foreign members of IS in custody and had captured 287 during its recent operation in northern Syria. Turkey has criticised Western countries for refusing to repatriate their citizens who left to join IS in Syria and Iraq and stripping some of them of their citizenship. It remains unclear whether Turkey will be able to repatriate those who have lost their citizenship. Although under the New York Convention of 1961, it is illegal to leave someone stateless, several countries, including Britain and France, have not ratified it, and recent cases have triggered prolonged legal battles. Britain has stripped more than 100 people of their citizenship for allegedly joining jihadist groups abroad. High-profile cases such as teenage IS recruit Shamima Begum, and another alleged recruit Jack Letts, have sparked court proceedings and fierce political debate in Britain.

Turkey to send foreign Islamic State jihadists home from Monday: Minister

As India prepares for one of its most important court verdicts of the century, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-gives-up-4000-capf-personnel-to-maintain-law-and-order-before-after-ayodhya-judgement-260061">city of Ayodhya</a> remains on edge. The Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid conflict has remained unresolved since 1992 and the verdict is expected next week.

The Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi has met with the top officials of the Uttar Pradesh government to overlook the situation as the judgment is due before&nbsp;November 17.

Gogoi the State Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police, and other office-bearers of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/district-magistrate-issues-directives-ahead-of-ayodhya-verdict-259783">state government</a>. He reviewed the security preparedness and possible implications ahead of the crucial judgment.

The 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict ordered trifurcation of the land, but the stakeholders appealed against it at the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

As the date of the final verdict nears, the central and state governments have started to make full preparations for only the implementation, but also to avoid any potential conflict in the city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that unnecessary controversy on the issue should be avoided at all costs.

The authorities are also making special efforts to curb the propagation of fake news on social media websites. In view of this, the state government has deployed 16,000 volunteers to maintain peace.

Additionally, four security zones have been created in Ayodhya. These zones have been colour coded into red, yellow, green, and blue zones. The red and yellow zones will be manned by the paramilitary, while the blue and green zones will be manned by the local police.

The colours also reflect the intensity of potential hazards. For instance, the red zone covers the disputed site and yellow covers five kilometres outside of it.

To avoid any scope of conflict, four-thousand paramilitary forces have been deployed in the holy city.

Watch: India braces for Ayodhya judgment

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-braces-for-ayodhya-judgment-heavy-security-deployment-in-ayodhya-260674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Home Ministry has issued an advisory to state governments to ensure that law and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/everyone-should-respect-supreme-court-verdict-in-ayodhya-case-yogi-adityanath-258896">order is maintained throughout the country</a>.

The police have sealed off the roads leading to the sensitive Ram Kot area.

Even the Indian Railways, which is a major artery of transportation in India, is bracing itself for the verdict through preparation measures.

Some railway staff have been called back from their holidays, and their leaves have been annulled. Additionally, 80 major railway stations have been identified as nerve centres and will remain on high alert.

To top it all off, until the end of December, any assembly of more than four people will not be allowed in Ayodhya.

Political organisations across the country are appealing their followers to remain calm and maintain peace in the aftermath of the verdict. Furthermore, it is being ensured that the verdict is neither celebrated nor do protests break out against it in the country.

During the 2010 verdict, Mayawati’s government in Uttar Pradesh ensured that even flower and music shops remained closed after the verdict was pronounced.

Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will retire on November 17 and the judgment will come any day before his retirement.

As India prepares for one of its most important court verdicts of the century, the city of Ayodhya remains on edge. The Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid conflict has remained unresolved since 1992 and the verdict is expected next week.

As India prepares for one of its most important court verdicts of the century, the city of Ayodhya remains on edge. The Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid conflict has remained unresolved since 1992 and the verdict is expected next week. The Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi has met with the top officials of the Uttar Pradesh government to overlook the situation as the judgment is due before November 17. Gogoi the State Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police, and other office-bearers of the state government. He reviewed the security preparedness and possible implications ahead of the crucial judgment. The 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict ordered trifurcation of the land, but the stakeholders appealed against it at the Supreme Court. As the date of the final verdict nears, the central and state governments have started to make full preparations for only the implementation, but also to avoid any potential conflict in the city. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that unnecessary controversy on the issue should be avoided at all costs. The authorities are also making special efforts to curb the propagation of fake news on social media websites. In view of this, the state government has deployed 16,000 volunteers to maintain peace. Additionally, four security zones have been created in Ayodhya. These zones have been colour coded into red, yellow, green, and blue zones. The red and yellow zones will be manned by the paramilitary, while the blue and green zones will be manned by the local police. The colours also reflect the intensity of potential hazards. For instance, the red zone covers the disputed site and yellow covers five kilometres outside of it. To avoid any scope of conflict, four-thousand paramilitary forces have been deployed in the holy city. Watch: India braces for Ayodhya judgment The Home Ministry has issued an advisory to state governments to ensure that law and order is maintained throughout the country. The police have sealed off the roads leading to the sensitive Ram Kot area. Even the Indian Railways, which is a major artery of transportation in India, is bracing itself for the verdict through preparation measures. Some railway staff have been called back from their holidays, and their leaves have been annulled. Additionally, 80 major railway stations have been identified as nerve centres and will remain on high alert. To top it all off, until the end of December, any assembly of more than four people will not be allowed in Ayodhya. Political organisations across the country are appealing their followers to remain calm and maintain peace in the aftermath of the verdict. Furthermore, it is being ensured that the verdict is neither celebrated nor do protests break out against it in the country. During the 2010 verdict, Mayawati’s government in Uttar Pradesh ensured that even flower and music shops remained closed after the verdict was pronounced. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will retire on November 17 and the judgment will come any day before his retirement.

Parties appeal followers to maintain peace ahead of Ayodhya verdict, UP deploys 4,000 paramilitary forces

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