China's largely rubber-stamp parliament has passed a new law on cryptography as the country gears up to launch its own digital currency, state media reported late on Saturday.

China's central bank set up a research team in 2014 to explore launching its own digital currency to cut the costs of circulating traditional paper money and boost policymakers' control of money supply.

China's proposed new digital currency would bear some similarities to Facebook Inc's&nbsp;Libra coin and would be able to be used across major payment platforms such as WeChat and Alipay, a senior central bank official said last month.

China's cryptography law, which takes effect on January&nbsp;1, is aimed at "facilitating the development of the cryptography business and ensuring the security of cyberspace and information", the official Xinhua news agency said, citing parliament. The law states that the state encourages and supports the research and application of science and technology in cryptography and ensures confidentiality.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bitcoin-surges-above-11000-thanks-to-facebooks-currency-plans-230055">Facebook's proposed cryptocurrency</a> has sparked concerns among global regulators that it could quickly become a dominant form of digital payment and a channel for money laundering given the social network's massive cross-border reach.

Libra will be a digital currency backed by a reserve of real-world assets, including bank deposits and short-term government securities, and held by a network of custodians. Its structure is intended to foster trust and stabilise the price.

Like other cryptocurrencies, Libra transactions will be powered and recorded by a blockchain, which is a shared ledger of transactions maintained by a network of computers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said last week that the country should accelerate the development of blockchain technology as a core for innovation.

China's largely rubber-stamp parliament has passed a new law on cryptography as the country gears up to launch its own digital currency, state media reported late on Saturday.

China's largely rubber-stamp parliament has passed a new law on cryptography as the country gears up to launch its own digital currency, state media reported late on Saturday. China's central bank set up a research team in 2014 to explore launching its own digital currency to cut the costs of circulating traditional paper money and boost policymakers' control of money supply. China's proposed new digital currency would bear some similarities to Facebook Inc's Libra coin and would be able to be used across major payment platforms such as WeChat and Alipay, a senior central bank official said last month. China's cryptography law, which takes effect on January 1, is aimed at "facilitating the development of the cryptography business and ensuring the security of cyberspace and information", the official Xinhua news agency said, citing parliament. The law states that the state encourages and supports the research and application of science and technology in cryptography and ensures confidentiality. Facebook's proposed cryptocurrency has sparked concerns among global regulators that it could quickly become a dominant form of digital payment and a channel for money laundering given the social network's massive cross-border reach. Libra will be a digital currency backed by a reserve of real-world assets, including bank deposits and short-term government securities, and held by a network of custodians. Its structure is intended to foster trust and stabilise the price. Like other cryptocurrencies, Libra transactions will be powered and recorded by a blockchain, which is a shared ledger of transactions maintained by a network of computers. Chinese President Xi Jinping said last week that the country should accelerate the development of blockchain technology as a core for innovation.

China passes cryptography law to gear up for digital currency

How NSO secretly transmitted malicious code to infect phones with spyware

A shoot-out in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus between police and suspected drug traffickers left 17 people dead, local authorities announced Wednesday.

"The individuals exchanged fire with the police, 17 were hit by bullets and transported to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead," the state security secretariat said of the clash late Tuesday.

The aim of the police operation had been "to intercept a group of drug traffickers from a criminal faction that was preparing to murder rivals to take control of drug selling positions" in the city.

Police seized 17 weapons, including an Uzi submachine gun, as well as a huge amount of ammunition.

Military police commander Ayrton Norte told reporters that authorities were tipped off that 50 armed people were in a truck heading to attack a rival gang.

Various groups are fighting for control of the drug trafficking business in the north of Brazil, a strategic area for the transport of cocaine from neighbouring countries such as Colombia, Peru and Bolivia.

"We intervened to save lives, to apply the law and unfortunately they instigated a confrontation and were defeated," said Norte.

"Good always overcomes evil. Whomsoever dares to take on the police will face the appropriate response."

Local news website Portal do Holanda said a 14-year-old and 17-year-old were among those killed, although authorities have not confirmed that.

Gang rivalries frequently have flared into gruesome prison massacres in recent years.

At the end of July, 57 inmates were killed during a riot at a prison in Para state, which neighbours Amazonas, whose capital is Manaus.

In January 2017, more than 100 inmates were killed in a spate of prison clashes, the bloodiest of which was in Manaus.

Prison conditions in Brazil have been widely condemned due to chronic overcrowding, while riots and attempted breakouts are common.

A shoot-out in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus between police and suspected drug traffickers left 17 people dead, local authorities announced Wednesday. "The individuals exchanged fire with the police, 17 were hit by bullets and transported to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead," the state security secretariat said of the clash late Tuesday.

A shoot-out in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus between police and suspected drug traffickers left 17 people dead, local authorities announced Wednesday. "The individuals exchanged fire with the police, 17 were hit by bullets and transported to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead," the state security secretariat said of the clash late Tuesday. The aim of the police operation had been "to intercept a group of drug traffickers from a criminal faction that was preparing to murder rivals to take control of drug selling positions" in the city. Police seized 17 weapons, including an Uzi submachine gun, as well as a huge amount of ammunition. Military police commander Ayrton Norte told reporters that authorities were tipped off that 50 armed people were in a truck heading to attack a rival gang. Various groups are fighting for control of the drug trafficking business in the north of Brazil, a strategic area for the transport of cocaine from neighbouring countries such as Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. "We intervened to save lives, to apply the law and unfortunately they instigated a confrontation and were defeated," said Norte. "Good always overcomes evil. Whomsoever dares to take on the police will face the appropriate response." Local news website Portal do Holanda said a 14-year-old and 17-year-old were among those killed, although authorities have not confirmed that. Gang rivalries frequently have flared into gruesome prison massacres in recent years. At the end of July, 57 inmates were killed during a riot at a prison in Para state, which neighbours Amazonas, whose capital is Manaus. In January 2017, more than 100 inmates were killed in a spate of prison clashes, the bloodiest of which was in Manaus. Prison conditions in Brazil have been widely condemned due to chronic overcrowding, while riots and attempted breakouts are common.

Brazil says 17 killed in police action in Manaus

Twelve migrants,&nbsp;11 Syrians and a Sudanese, all men,&nbsp;have been found alive in a refrigerated truck in Belgium transporting fruit and vegetables, police said Wednesday.

The discovery came as British police investigate the deaths of 39 people whose bodies were found a week ago in another refrigerated truck parked east of London.

The Belgium human cargo was discovered on a road linking the city of Antwerp to the capital Brussels on Tuesday, a police spokeswoman told AFP.&nbsp;

All 12 were "in good health," she said.

The driver of the truck contacted the police after suspecting he had stowaways in the back, and he was directed to pull over into a highway parking area.

A police investigation has been launched, notably to find out how the migrants got on board and whether they were seeking to get to Britain.

Several Vietnamese families fear their relatives were among the eight women and 31 men who died in the London case. The trailer they were in was in-transit through Belgium.

Migrants and people-smugglers often use Belgium to try to reach Britain. In many cases, migrants try to sneak aboard trucks stopped in parking areas.

Last weekend, Belgian authorities said they had found two more trucks carrying 20 migrants, all alive.

Twelve migrants, 11 Syrians and a Sudanese, all men, have been found alive in a refrigerated truck in Belgium transporting fruit and vegetables, police said Wednesday.

Twelve migrants, 11 Syrians and a Sudanese, all men, have been found alive in a refrigerated truck in Belgium transporting fruit and vegetables, police said Wednesday. The discovery came as British police investigate the deaths of 39 people whose bodies were found a week ago in another refrigerated truck parked east of London. The Belgium human cargo was discovered on a road linking the city of Antwerp to the capital Brussels on Tuesday, a police spokeswoman told AFP. All 12 were "in good health," she said. The driver of the truck contacted the police after suspecting he had stowaways in the back, and he was directed to pull over into a highway parking area. A police investigation has been launched, notably to find out how the migrants got on board and whether they were seeking to get to Britain. Several Vietnamese families fear their relatives were among the eight women and 31 men who died in the London case. The trailer they were in was in-transit through Belgium. Migrants and people-smugglers often use Belgium to try to reach Britain. In many cases, migrants try to sneak aboard trucks stopped in parking areas. Last weekend, Belgian authorities said they had found two more trucks carrying 20 migrants, all alive.

Migrants found alive in refrigerated truck in Belgium

Russia's newest nuclear submarine on Wednesday successfully test-fired a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from the White Sea off Russia's northwestern coast, the defence ministry said.

The Knyaz Vladimir, or Prince Vladimir, fired the missile from underwater that landed on target on the Kamchatka peninsula in far eastern Russia, the ministry said.

The defence ministry said the "missile's flight went according to plan" and it landed at the set time.

Launched in 2017, the Prince Vladimir submarine is the first upgraded model of Russia's Borei class of ballistic missile submarines, designed to be more manoeuvrable and quieter than previous models.

It is currently being tested and is set to enter service with the Russian Navy's northern fleet in December this year, the fleet's commander Vice Admiral Moiseyev told TASS state news agency.

Other Borei class submarines already in service include the Yury Dolgoruky and the Alexander Nevsky. They can carry up to 16 Bulava missiles, which are designed for use on these submarines.

Russia's newest nuclear submarine on Wednesday successfully test-fired a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from the White Sea off Russia's northwestern coast, the defence ministry said.

Russia's newest nuclear submarine on Wednesday successfully test-fired a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from the White Sea off Russia's northwestern coast, the defence ministry said. The Knyaz Vladimir, or Prince Vladimir, fired the missile from underwater that landed on target on the Kamchatka peninsula in far eastern Russia, the ministry said. The defence ministry said the "missile's flight went according to plan" and it landed at the set time. Launched in 2017, the Prince Vladimir submarine is the first upgraded model of Russia's Borei class of ballistic missile submarines, designed to be more manoeuvrable and quieter than previous models. It is currently being tested and is set to enter service with the Russian Navy's northern fleet in December this year, the fleet's commander Vice Admiral Moiseyev told TASS state news agency. Other Borei class submarines already in service include the Yury Dolgoruky and the Alexander Nevsky. They can carry up to 16 Bulava missiles, which are designed for use on these submarines.

Russia's newest nuclear submarine test fires ballistic missile

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-kurdish-withdrawal-in-northeast-syria-complete-258817">Syrian army troops</a> clashed with Turkish forces near the border town of Ras al-Ain on Wednesday, Syrian state media reported, as Ankara said it reserved the right to launch another cross-border offensive against Kurdish YPG militia.

The state media gave no details but Turkish-backed rebels said similar, intermittent clashes had occurred in recent days with Syrian troops south of the town, which Turkey seized from Syrian Kurdish-led forces earlier this month.

The report underscores the risk that violence in northeast Syria could rekindle after Ankara and Moscow struck a deal a week ago in which Russia agreed to move the YPG at least 30 km&nbsp;south of the border by late on Tuesday.

As part of the deal, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-largely-reached-agreement-with-russia-in-syria-talks-report-258801">Syrian troops have with the agreement of Kurdish forces</a> headed north to take up positions in a region Damascus has not controlled since early on in the country's eight-and-a-half-year-old war.

In Ankara, President Tayyip Erdogan told lawmakers from his AK Party that Turkey has information the YPG has not completed its pull-out, despite assurances from Russia that they had left ahead of the deal's deadline.

"Even though the information in our hands suggests this has not been succeeded in a full sense, we will give our response to them after our field assessments," he said, adding Turkey reserved the right to return to military operations against the YPG in the area.

Ankara views the YPG as a terrorist organisation because of its links to Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey and aims to establish a "safe zone" in northern Syria cleared of the YPG.

The YPG is the main component in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that fought for years alongside US&nbsp;forces to shatter the declared "caliphate" of Islamic State militants that spanned a swathe of northern and eastern Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-kurdish-ypg-still-in-syria-border-area-as-deadline-looms-258685">Turkish-backed forces</a> crossed the border into northeast Syria on October&nbsp;9 to attack the YPG after President Donald Trump's abrupt withdrawal of US. forces there a few days earlier, drawing international condemnation of Ankara.

Trump's decision has been condemned in Washington by Democrats and his fellow Republicans alike for abandoning Kurdish fighters who helped rout Islamic State.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted decisively to sanction Turkey, a NATO ally.

Joint Russian-Turkish patrols had been set to begin on Tuesday at a depth of 10 km&nbsp;inside northern Syria, but Erdogan said they would begin on Friday and at a depth of just 7 km.

"If we see that the members of the terrorist organisation have not been moved out of the 30 km, or if attacks continue, no matter from where, we reserve our right to carry out our own operation," Erdogan said.

On Tuesday, the Turkey-backed Syrian rebels said they had captured an undisclosed number of Syrian army soldiers near Tel Hawa, in the countryside around Ras al-Ain. A spokesman for the rebels said that the YPG had not fully withdrawn from the border area and that a new round of clashes was expected.

Some 300,000 people have been displaced by Turkey's offensive and 120 civilians have been killed, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor.

The US&nbsp;House voted 403-16 for a resolution calling on Trump to impose sanctions and other restrictions on Turkey and Turkish officials over its offensive in Syria.

In Geneva, Assad's government condemned what it called the occupation of its land while the Syrian opposition demanded justice at the opening of a U.N.-backed panel meant to usher in reconciliation, political reforms and free and fair elections as a basis for lasting peace.

Syrian army troops clashed with Turkish forces near the border town of Ras al-Ain on Wednesday, Syrian state media reported, as Ankara said it reserved the right to launch another cross-border offensive against Kurdish YPG militia.

Syrian army troops clashed with Turkish forces near the border town of Ras al-Ain on Wednesday, Syrian state media reported, as Ankara said it reserved the right to launch another cross-border offensive against Kurdish YPG militia. The state media gave no details but Turkish-backed rebels said similar, intermittent clashes had occurred in recent days with Syrian troops south of the town, which Turkey seized from Syrian Kurdish-led forces earlier this month. The report underscores the risk that violence in northeast Syria could rekindle after Ankara and Moscow struck a deal a week ago in which Russia agreed to move the YPG at least 30 km south of the border by late on Tuesday. As part of the deal, Syrian troops have with the agreement of Kurdish forces headed north to take up positions in a region Damascus has not controlled since early on in the country's eight-and-a-half-year-old war. In Ankara, President Tayyip Erdogan told lawmakers from his AK Party that Turkey has information the YPG has not completed its pull-out, despite assurances from Russia that they had left ahead of the deal's deadline. "Even though the information in our hands suggests this has not been succeeded in a full sense, we will give our response to them after our field assessments," he said, adding Turkey reserved the right to return to military operations against the YPG in the area. Ankara views the YPG as a terrorist organisation because of its links to Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey and aims to establish a "safe zone" in northern Syria cleared of the YPG. The YPG is the main component in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that fought for years alongside US forces to shatter the declared "caliphate" of Islamic State militants that spanned a swathe of northern and eastern Syria. Turkish-backed forces crossed the border into northeast Syria on October 9 to attack the YPG after President Donald Trump's abrupt withdrawal of US. forces there a few days earlier, drawing international condemnation of Ankara. Trump's decision has been condemned in Washington by Democrats and his fellow Republicans alike for abandoning Kurdish fighters who helped rout Islamic State. On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted decisively to sanction Turkey, a NATO ally. Joint Russian-Turkish patrols had been set to begin on Tuesday at a depth of 10 km inside northern Syria, but Erdogan said they would begin on Friday and at a depth of just 7 km. "If we see that the members of the terrorist organisation have not been moved out of the 30 km, or if attacks continue, no matter from where, we reserve our right to carry out our own operation," Erdogan said. On Tuesday, the Turkey-backed Syrian rebels said they had captured an undisclosed number of Syrian army soldiers near Tel Hawa, in the countryside around Ras al-Ain. A spokesman for the rebels said that the YPG had not fully withdrawn from the border area and that a new round of clashes was expected. Some 300,000 people have been displaced by Turkey's offensive and 120 civilians have been killed, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor. The US House voted 403-16 for a resolution calling on Trump to impose sanctions and other restrictions on Turkey and Turkish officials over its offensive in Syria. In Geneva, Assad's government condemned what it called the occupation of its land while the Syrian opposition demanded justice at the opening of a U.N.-backed panel meant to usher in reconciliation, political reforms and free and fair elections as a basis for lasting peace.

Syrian army, Turkish force clash near border: Report

A US&nbsp;appeals court on Wednesday dealt a major blow to Merck &amp; Co Inc as it upheld a ruling that threw out a $2.54 billion (£1.97 billion) jury verdict the drugmaker had won against Gilead Sciences Inc.

The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a Delaware judge's determination that the Merck patent at issue in the case, which relates to hepatitis C treatment, was invalid.

Merck and Gilead representatives were not immediately reachable for comment.

In 2016, a jury returned a verdict that Gilead's hepatitis C drugs Sovaldi and Harvoni infringed the patent, which Merck acquired when it bought Idenix Pharmaceuticals. Jurors determined that Gilead should pay $2.54 billion in damages, which was the largest verdict ever in a US&nbsp;patent case.

But a judge in Delaware tossed the verdict in 2018, saying the Merck patent should not have been granted in the first place because it did not meet a requirement that it disclose how to make the treatment it covered without undue experimentation.

In Wednesday's split decision, the appeals court said it agreed with that determination.

A US appeals court on Wednesday dealt a major blow to Merck & Co Inc as it upheld a ruling that threw out a $2.54 billion (£1.97 billion) jury verdict the drugmaker had won against Gilead Sciences Inc.

A US appeals court on Wednesday dealt a major blow to Merck & Co Inc as it upheld a ruling that threw out a $2.54 billion (£1.97 billion) jury verdict the drugmaker had won against Gilead Sciences Inc. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a Delaware judge's determination that the Merck patent at issue in the case, which relates to hepatitis C treatment, was invalid. Merck and Gilead representatives were not immediately reachable for comment. In 2016, a jury returned a verdict that Gilead's hepatitis C drugs Sovaldi and Harvoni infringed the patent, which Merck acquired when it bought Idenix Pharmaceuticals. Jurors determined that Gilead should pay $2.54 billion in damages, which was the largest verdict ever in a US patent case. But a judge in Delaware tossed the verdict in 2018, saying the Merck patent should not have been granted in the first place because it did not meet a requirement that it disclose how to make the treatment it covered without undue experimentation. In Wednesday's split decision, the appeals court said it agreed with that determination.

Merck loses bid to revive $2.54 billion patent verdict against Gilead

GlaxoSmithKline on Wednesday raised its annual profit forecast for the second time this year as sales of its shingles vaccine beat expectations and older medicines, including HIV treatments, continued to sell well.

The British drugmaker's shares rose as much as 3 per cent&nbsp;to a more than a six-year high after the company said it now expected profit to be roughly flat at constant currency for the year, compared with a previous forecast of a fall of 3 per cent&nbsp;to 5 per cent.

CEO Emma Walmsley has embarked on a plan to rejuvenate GSK, which has included the spin-off or sale of a number of businesses since she took over in 2017. The company has formed a joint venture with Pfizer's&nbsp;consumer health division for over the counter products, which include Sensodyne toothpaste and Panadol painkillers.

GSK's leaner structure has also helped the company focus more on its pharmaceuticals business and build a newer pool of treatments, including its shingles vaccine, Shingrix.

Walmsley said she was delighted with the vaccine's performance, which had exceeded the drugmaker's expectations.

"Shingrix will be a material contributor to the company's growth for some time," she told reporters.

GSK has at times struggled to keep up with demand.

"Obviously it (Shingrix) has performed ahead of our initial expectations, which is why we have been working extremely hard on improving and accelerating our supply," Walmsley said.

Sales of the vaccine, launched in 2017, jumped 76 per cent&nbsp;to £535 million, zooming past analysts' estimate of £464 million, driven by sales in the United States where doctors are recommending immunisation more often for patients.

That performance helped sales at GSK's vaccines business to increase 15 per cent&nbsp;to £2.31 billion in the third quarter, above consensus.

Shingrix sales have already reached £1.24 billion in the first nine months of this year and it looks on course to exceed analysts' £1.52 billion sales forecast for 2019.

The company said its new profit forecast also reflected operating performance, increased investment in research and development as well as a lower expected effective tax rate of around 17 per cent&nbsp;for the year.

GSK's joint venture with Pfizer reported sales of £2.53 billion, boosted by US&nbsp;drugmaker Pfizer's older brands.

On Brexit, the British drugmaker said it had been preparing for a no-deal divorce between Britain and the European Union for some time now.

"Any difference between the preparation for the risk of a no-deal scenario and an ordered planned one in January is de minimis because that all happened over the last couple of years," Walmsley said.

Total group sales of £9.39 billion surpassed a company-compiled consensus. This is the drugmaker's sixth consecutive quarterly sales beat, according to Refinitiv Eikon data.

GSK shares were up 1.7 per cent&nbsp;at 1,769 pence at 1317 GMT.

GlaxoSmithKline on Wednesday raised its annual profit forecast for the second time this year as sales of its shingles vaccine beat expectations and older medicines, including HIV treatments, continued to sell well.

GlaxoSmithKline on Wednesday raised its annual profit forecast for the second time this year as sales of its shingles vaccine beat expectations and older medicines, including HIV treatments, continued to sell well. The British drugmaker's shares rose as much as 3 per cent to a more than a six-year high after the company said it now expected profit to be roughly flat at constant currency for the year, compared with a previous forecast of a fall of 3 per cent to 5 per cent. CEO Emma Walmsley has embarked on a plan to rejuvenate GSK, which has included the spin-off or sale of a number of businesses since she took over in 2017. The company has formed a joint venture with Pfizer's consumer health division for over the counter products, which include Sensodyne toothpaste and Panadol painkillers. GSK's leaner structure has also helped the company focus more on its pharmaceuticals business and build a newer pool of treatments, including its shingles vaccine, Shingrix. Walmsley said she was delighted with the vaccine's performance, which had exceeded the drugmaker's expectations. "Shingrix will be a material contributor to the company's growth for some time," she told reporters. GSK has at times struggled to keep up with demand. "Obviously it (Shingrix) has performed ahead of our initial expectations, which is why we have been working extremely hard on improving and accelerating our supply," Walmsley said. Sales of the vaccine, launched in 2017, jumped 76 per cent to £535 million, zooming past analysts' estimate of £464 million, driven by sales in the United States where doctors are recommending immunisation more often for patients. That performance helped sales at GSK's vaccines business to increase 15 per cent to £2.31 billion in the third quarter, above consensus. Shingrix sales have already reached £1.24 billion in the first nine months of this year and it looks on course to exceed analysts' £1.52 billion sales forecast for 2019. The company said its new profit forecast also reflected operating performance, increased investment in research and development as well as a lower expected effective tax rate of around 17 per cent for the year. GSK's joint venture with Pfizer reported sales of £2.53 billion, boosted by US drugmaker Pfizer's older brands. On Brexit, the British drugmaker said it had been preparing for a no-deal divorce between Britain and the European Union for some time now. "Any difference between the preparation for the risk of a no-deal scenario and an ordered planned one in January is de minimis because that all happened over the last couple of years," Walmsley said. Total group sales of £9.39 billion surpassed a company-compiled consensus. This is the drugmaker's sixth consecutive quarterly sales beat, according to Refinitiv Eikon data. GSK shares were up 1.7 per cent at 1,769 pence at 1317 GMT.

GSK raises profit forecast after shingles vaccine sales boost

Saad al-Hariri is ready to return as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-roads-reopen-in-lebanon-after-prime-minister-resigns-258802">prime minister</a> of a new government, a senior official familiar thinking said, on condition it includes technocrats and be capable of quickly implementing reforms needed to stave off economic collapse.

Hariri's resignation on Tuesday has left Lebanon with a political vacuum at a moment of acute crisis with reforms urgently needed to ward off even deeper financial problems in one of the world's most heavily indebted states.

The crisis has weighed on Lebanese sovereign debt prices and compounded pressure on the pegged Lebanese pound, which has been weakening on a parallel market below the official rate of 1,507.5 pounds. Prices cited in the black market for US&nbsp;dollars varied from 1,750 pounds to 1,850 on Wednesday.

Hariri resigned after nearly two weeks of massive protests against the political elite, accused by demonstrators of overseeing rampant state corruption, saying he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis.

The senior official, who declined to be identified, said any new cabinet led by Hariri should be devoid of a group of top-tier politicians who were in the outgoing coalition government, without naming them.

The outgoing cabinet comprised top representatives of most of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lebanon-in-deadlock-protesters-form-human-chain-258437">Lebanon's</a> sectarian parties, among them foreign minister Gebran Bassil of the Christian Free Patriotic Movement who has been a prominent target of protesters.

Bassil is a political ally of the powerful Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, which had opposed the government's resignation and has yet to comment on the resignation of Hariri, a long-time opponent of the group.

Main roads in Lebanon reopened on Wednesday as security forces sought to restore the semblance of normalcy.

But banks remained closed for an 11th working day.

There was no word yet on when they might reopen even as traffic began moving along major traffic arteries that had been blocked for days by demonstrators whose demands included the cabinet's resignation.

President Michel Aoun formally asked Hariri on Wednesday to continue in a caretaker role until a new cabinet is formed, as required by Lebanon's system of government.

There is no obvious alternative to Hariri to fill the post of the prime minister, which is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system.

Pound under pressure

Hariri, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-stresses-urgency-of-reforms-in-lebanon-to-restore-economic-stability-258530">Lebanon's leading Sunni politician</a>, is seen as the focal point for Western and Gulf Arab support to Lebanon, which is in dire need of external financial support to revive its economy and boost its foreign exchange reserves.

The banks have publicly cited security concerns as the reason for the closure. Bankers and analysts have also cited concern about a rush by savers to withdraw their savings or transfer them abroad once the banks reopen.

Early on Wednesday, troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television images showed.

The Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital opened after negotiations with some protesters who did not want to leave, saying they wanted more of the authorities to resign. Many protesters stayed on, but did not block the whole road.

In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only".

The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces.

Hariri made his resignation speech on Tuesday after a crowd loyal to Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut.

The strife was the most serious on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the formation of a new government responsive to the needs of the Lebanese people.

"The Lebanese people want an efficient and effective government, economic reform, and an end to endemic corruption," he said.

Saad al-Hariri is ready to return as prime minister of a new government, a senior official familiar thinking said, on condition it includes technocrats and be capable of quickly implementing reforms needed to stave off economic collapse.

Saad al-Hariri is ready to return as prime minister of a new government, a senior official familiar thinking said, on condition it includes technocrats and be capable of quickly implementing reforms needed to stave off economic collapse. Hariri's resignation on Tuesday has left Lebanon with a political vacuum at a moment of acute crisis with reforms urgently needed to ward off even deeper financial problems in one of the world's most heavily indebted states. The crisis has weighed on Lebanese sovereign debt prices and compounded pressure on the pegged Lebanese pound, which has been weakening on a parallel market below the official rate of 1,507.5 pounds. Prices cited in the black market for US dollars varied from 1,750 pounds to 1,850 on Wednesday. Hariri resigned after nearly two weeks of massive protests against the political elite, accused by demonstrators of overseeing rampant state corruption, saying he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis. The senior official, who declined to be identified, said any new cabinet led by Hariri should be devoid of a group of top-tier politicians who were in the outgoing coalition government, without naming them. The outgoing cabinet comprised top representatives of most of Lebanon's sectarian parties, among them foreign minister Gebran Bassil of the Christian Free Patriotic Movement who has been a prominent target of protesters. Bassil is a political ally of the powerful Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, which had opposed the government's resignation and has yet to comment on the resignation of Hariri, a long-time opponent of the group. Main roads in Lebanon reopened on Wednesday as security forces sought to restore the semblance of normalcy. But banks remained closed for an 11th working day. There was no word yet on when they might reopen even as traffic began moving along major traffic arteries that had been blocked for days by demonstrators whose demands included the cabinet's resignation. President Michel Aoun formally asked Hariri on Wednesday to continue in a caretaker role until a new cabinet is formed, as required by Lebanon's system of government. There is no obvious alternative to Hariri to fill the post of the prime minister, which is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system. Pound under pressure Hariri, Lebanon's leading Sunni politician, is seen as the focal point for Western and Gulf Arab support to Lebanon, which is in dire need of external financial support to revive its economy and boost its foreign exchange reserves. The banks have publicly cited security concerns as the reason for the closure. Bankers and analysts have also cited concern about a rush by savers to withdraw their savings or transfer them abroad once the banks reopen. Early on Wednesday, troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television images showed. The Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital opened after negotiations with some protesters who did not want to leave, saying they wanted more of the authorities to resign. Many protesters stayed on, but did not block the whole road. In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only". The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces. Hariri made his resignation speech on Tuesday after a crowd loyal to Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut. The strife was the most serious on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the formation of a new government responsive to the needs of the Lebanese people. "The Lebanese people want an efficient and effective government, economic reform, and an end to endemic corruption," he said.

Hariri ready to be Lebanese Prime Minister again but with conditions: Report

Norwegian property tycoon Petter Stordalen and private equity firms Altor and TDR Capital have agreed to buy the Nordic business of collapsed British travel company Thomas Cook.

The profitable Thomas Cook Northern Europe, also known as the Ving Group, has been looking for a buyer since Thomas Cook's liquidation in September and this week said it had attracted several bids.

The buyers said in a joint statement they had agreed on a financial reconstruction package for the business that would provide about 6 billion Swedish crowns (£479 million) in liquid funds and guarantees.

Stordalen's Strawberry Group and Altor will each take a 40 per cent&nbsp;stake in the new group, and TDR Capital the remaining 20 per cent.

"Competition was rock hard to get in here, but we were the only group to work on a reconstruction that would secure one solution for all," billionaire investor Stordalen said in a presentation for media and Ving Group staff on Wednesday, drawing cheers from the employees.

Ving Group, which employs about 2,300 people, owns Nordic travel agencies Ving, Globetrotter, Spies, Tjareborg, carrier Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia and a number of hotel brands.

"It has been a very complex deal and has happened very fast," Ving Group CEO Magnus Wikner told media and staff.

"For us, it was incredibly important to find an owner that has the strategic competence and financial strength to become a good, long-term owner for us."

Thomas Cook, the world's oldest travel firm, went bankrupt when it couldn't service its debts and banks would not back a rescue plan in the face of changing customer habits and intense competition from low-cost airlines and online-only rivals.

The collapse stranded over 100,000 travellers worldwide and sparked a scramble for survival among many of its subsidiaries.

Ving Group, however, last year made an operating profit of 1.4 billion crowns. "Ving has always been a solid company," Stordalen said. "The truth is, Ving did everything right. Thomas Cook did everything wrong".

Norwegian property tycoon Petter Stordalen and private equity firms Altor and TDR Capital have agreed to buy the Nordic business of collapsed British travel company Thomas Cook.

Norwegian property tycoon Petter Stordalen and private equity firms Altor and TDR Capital have agreed to buy the Nordic business of collapsed British travel company Thomas Cook. The profitable Thomas Cook Northern Europe, also known as the Ving Group, has been looking for a buyer since Thomas Cook's liquidation in September and this week said it had attracted several bids. The buyers said in a joint statement they had agreed on a financial reconstruction package for the business that would provide about 6 billion Swedish crowns (£479 million) in liquid funds and guarantees. Stordalen's Strawberry Group and Altor will each take a 40 per cent stake in the new group, and TDR Capital the remaining 20 per cent. "Competition was rock hard to get in here, but we were the only group to work on a reconstruction that would secure one solution for all," billionaire investor Stordalen said in a presentation for media and Ving Group staff on Wednesday, drawing cheers from the employees. Ving Group, which employs about 2,300 people, owns Nordic travel agencies Ving, Globetrotter, Spies, Tjareborg, carrier Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia and a number of hotel brands. "It has been a very complex deal and has happened very fast," Ving Group CEO Magnus Wikner told media and staff. "For us, it was incredibly important to find an owner that has the strategic competence and financial strength to become a good, long-term owner for us." Thomas Cook, the world's oldest travel firm, went bankrupt when it couldn't service its debts and banks would not back a rescue plan in the face of changing customer habits and intense competition from low-cost airlines and online-only rivals. The collapse stranded over 100,000 travellers worldwide and sparked a scramble for survival among many of its subsidiaries. Ving Group, however, last year made an operating profit of 1.4 billion crowns. "Ving has always been a solid company," Stordalen said. "The truth is, Ving did everything right. Thomas Cook did everything wrong".

Trio of buyers rescues Thomas Cook's Nordic business

Boeing Co Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg faces a second day of questions Wednesday from US&nbsp;lawmakers on its now grounded 737 MAX after sharp criticism at a Senate hearing Tuesday.

US&nbsp;Representative Peter DeFazio, who heads the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which will hear from Muilenburg on Wednesday, said in a written statement that the committee's lengthy investigation into the MAX has turned up significant questions about Boeing's decision-making.

"Something went drastically wrong, a total of 346 people died, and we have a duty to fix it," DeFazio will say in his opening statement.

DeFazio said the panel is aware of "at least one case where a Boeing manager implored the then-vice president and general manager of the 737 programme&nbsp;to shut down the 737 MAX production line because of safety concerns." Boeing did not comment Tuesday on the allegation.

Muilenburg told reporters on Wednesday he believes the allegation was in response to concerns about a change in the increase of the production rate. He said Boeing was aware of those concerns and had acknowledged them.

Muilenburg said that he had met with some family members of the victims before Wednesday's hearing. "It was tough to hear," he said, adding the company was making "the fixes we need to make."

The Boeing CEO on Tuesday acknowledged errors in failing to give pilots more information on a key safety system known as MCAS before the crashes, as well as for taking months to disclose that it had made optional an alarm that alerts pilots to a mismatch of flight data on the 737 MAX.

"We've made mistakes and we got some things wrong. We're improving and we're learning," he said.

The hearing, the highest-profile congressional scrutiny of commercial aviation safety in years, heaps pressure on a newly rejigged Boeing senior management team fighting to repair trust with airline customers and passengers shaken by an eight-month safety ban on its 737 MAX following the crashes.

"You have told me half-truths over and over again," Senator Tammy Duckworth told Muilenburg, questioning why the manufacturer did not disclose more details about MCAS's lack of safeguards. On Wednesday, Muilenburg said he would work to ensure she got the information she was seeking.

Taking turns to grill Muilenburg during his first appearance at a hearing on Capitol Hill in the year since the first crash in Indonesia, senators also expressed dismay that 2016 instant messages discussing erratic behaviour of simulator software - a replica of the system aboard the jetliner - did not prompt an immediate reaction from the company.

For months, Boeing had largely failed to acknowledge blame, instead vowing to make a "safe plane safer." Tuesday's hearing represents Boeing's broadest acceptance of responsibility that it made mistakes, but Muilenburg stopped short of what some lawmakers and family members had sought.

Family members were seated just three rows behind Muilenburg during his testimony and were invited at one point to stand and show large photos of their loved ones.

Nadia Milleron, whose daughter was killed in the Ethiopian Airlines crash in March, said Muilenburg and the board should resign for failing to do more to prevent the crashes.

As Muilenburg departed the hearing, she implored him to look at the victims' families when he apologized. He turned to her and said: "I'm sorry."

Boeing Co Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg faces a second day of questions Wednesday from US lawmakers on its now grounded 737 MAX after sharp criticism at a Senate hearing Tuesday.

Boeing Co Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg faces a second day of questions Wednesday from US lawmakers on its now grounded 737 MAX after sharp criticism at a Senate hearing Tuesday. US Representative Peter DeFazio, who heads the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which will hear from Muilenburg on Wednesday, said in a written statement that the committee's lengthy investigation into the MAX has turned up significant questions about Boeing's decision-making. "Something went drastically wrong, a total of 346 people died, and we have a duty to fix it," DeFazio will say in his opening statement. DeFazio said the panel is aware of "at least one case where a Boeing manager implored the then-vice president and general manager of the 737 programme to shut down the 737 MAX production line because of safety concerns." Boeing did not comment Tuesday on the allegation. Muilenburg told reporters on Wednesday he believes the allegation was in response to concerns about a change in the increase of the production rate. He said Boeing was aware of those concerns and had acknowledged them. Muilenburg said that he had met with some family members of the victims before Wednesday's hearing. "It was tough to hear," he said, adding the company was making "the fixes we need to make." The Boeing CEO on Tuesday acknowledged errors in failing to give pilots more information on a key safety system known as MCAS before the crashes, as well as for taking months to disclose that it had made optional an alarm that alerts pilots to a mismatch of flight data on the 737 MAX. "We've made mistakes and we got some things wrong. We're improving and we're learning," he said. The hearing, the highest-profile congressional scrutiny of commercial aviation safety in years, heaps pressure on a newly rejigged Boeing senior management team fighting to repair trust with airline customers and passengers shaken by an eight-month safety ban on its 737 MAX following the crashes. "You have told me half-truths over and over again," Senator Tammy Duckworth told Muilenburg, questioning why the manufacturer did not disclose more details about MCAS's lack of safeguards. On Wednesday, Muilenburg said he would work to ensure she got the information she was seeking. Taking turns to grill Muilenburg during his first appearance at a hearing on Capitol Hill in the year since the first crash in Indonesia, senators also expressed dismay that 2016 instant messages discussing erratic behaviour of simulator software - a replica of the system aboard the jetliner - did not prompt an immediate reaction from the company. For months, Boeing had largely failed to acknowledge blame, instead vowing to make a "safe plane safer." Tuesday's hearing represents Boeing's broadest acceptance of responsibility that it made mistakes, but Muilenburg stopped short of what some lawmakers and family members had sought. Family members were seated just three rows behind Muilenburg during his testimony and were invited at one point to stand and show large photos of their loved ones. Nadia Milleron, whose daughter was killed in the Ethiopian Airlines crash in March, said Muilenburg and the board should resign for failing to do more to prevent the crashes. As Muilenburg departed the hearing, she implored him to look at the victims' families when he apologized. He turned to her and said: "I'm sorry."

United States lawmakers will press Boeing CEO on day two of testimony

23 EU Lawmakers visits Kashmir in private capacity. Watch video to know more.

23 EU lawmakers visit Kashmir in personal capacity

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