President Donald Trump's personal attorney, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-panel-chairman-says-will-probe-ukraine-invites-giuliani-254586">Rudy Giuliani</a>, was paid $500,000 for work he did for a company co-founded by the Ukrainian-American businessman arrested last week on campaign finance charges, Giuliani told Reuters on Monday.

The businessman, Lev Parnas, is a close associate of Giuliani and was involved in his effort to investigate Trump's political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, who is a leading contender for the 2020 Democratic Party nomination.

Giuliani said&nbsp;Parnas' company,&nbsp;Boca Raton-based Fraud Guarantee, whose website says it aims to help clients "reduce and mitigate fraud",&nbsp;engaged Giuliani Partners, a management and security consulting firm, around August 2018. Giuliani said he was hired to&nbsp;consult on&nbsp;Fraud Guarantee's&nbsp;technologies and provide legal advice on regulatory issues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/giuliani-says-trump-did-not-pay-for-his-push-for-biden-probe-252746">Federal prosecutors are "examining Giuliani's interactions"</a> with Parnas and another Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman,&nbsp;who was also indicted on campaign finance charges, a law enforcement source told Reuters on Sunday.

The New York Times reported last week that Parnas had told associates he paid Giuliani hundreds of thousands of dollars for what Giuliani said was business and legal advice. Giuliani said for the first time on Monday that the total amount was $500,000.

Giuliani told Reuters the money came in two payments made within weeks of each other. He&nbsp;said he&nbsp;could not recall the dates of the payments. He said most of the work he did for Fraud Guarantee was completed in 2018 but that he had been doing follow-up for over a year.

Parnas and Fruman were arrested at Dulles Airport outside Washington last week&nbsp;on charges they funnelled foreign money to unnamed US&nbsp;politicians in a bid to influence US-Ukraine relations in violation of US&nbsp;campaign finance laws. The men were preparing to board a plane to Europe.

According to an indictment unsealed by US prosecutors, an unidentified Russian businessman arranged for two $500,000 wires to be sent from foreign bank accounts to a US&nbsp;account controlled by Fruman in September and October 2018. The money was used, in part, by Fruman, Parnas and two other men charged in the indictment to gain influence with &nbsp;US&nbsp;politicians and candidates, the indictment said.

Foreign nationals are prohibited from making contributions and other expenditures in connection with US&nbsp;elections, and from making contributions in someone else’s name.

Giuliani said he was confident that the money he received was from "a domestic source," but he would not say where it came from.

"I know beyond any doubt the source of the money is not any questionable source," he told Reuters in an interview. "The money did not come from foreigners. I can rule that out 100 per cent," he said.

He declined to say whether the money had been paid directly to him by Fraud Guarantee or from another source.

John Dowd, a lawyer for Parnas and Fruman,&nbsp;also would not discuss the source of the funding that Giuliani said he received for his work for&nbsp;Fraud Guarantee.&nbsp;"What I know is privileged," Dowd said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, was paid $500,000 for work he did for a company co-founded by the Ukrainian-American businessman arrested last week on campaign finance charges, Giuliani told Reuters on Monday.

President Donald Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, was paid $500,000 for work he did for a company co-founded by the Ukrainian-American businessman arrested last week on campaign finance charges, Giuliani told Reuters on Monday. The businessman, Lev Parnas, is a close associate of Giuliani and was involved in his effort to investigate Trump's political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, who is a leading contender for the 2020 Democratic Party nomination. Giuliani said Parnas' company, Boca Raton-based Fraud Guarantee, whose website says it aims to help clients "reduce and mitigate fraud", engaged Giuliani Partners, a management and security consulting firm, around August 2018. Giuliani said he was hired to consult on Fraud Guarantee's technologies and provide legal advice on regulatory issues. Federal prosecutors are "examining Giuliani's interactions" with Parnas and another Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman, who was also indicted on campaign finance charges, a law enforcement source told Reuters on Sunday. The New York Times reported last week that Parnas had told associates he paid Giuliani hundreds of thousands of dollars for what Giuliani said was business and legal advice. Giuliani said for the first time on Monday that the total amount was $500,000. Giuliani told Reuters the money came in two payments made within weeks of each other. He said he could not recall the dates of the payments. He said most of the work he did for Fraud Guarantee was completed in 2018 but that he had been doing follow-up for over a year. Parnas and Fruman were arrested at Dulles Airport outside Washington last week on charges they funnelled foreign money to unnamed US politicians in a bid to influence US-Ukraine relations in violation of US campaign finance laws. The men were preparing to board a plane to Europe. According to an indictment unsealed by US prosecutors, an unidentified Russian businessman arranged for two $500,000 wires to be sent from foreign bank accounts to a US account controlled by Fruman in September and October 2018. The money was used, in part, by Fruman, Parnas and two other men charged in the indictment to gain influence with US politicians and candidates, the indictment said. Foreign nationals are prohibited from making contributions and other expenditures in connection with US elections, and from making contributions in someone else’s name. Giuliani said he was confident that the money he received was from "a domestic source," but he would not say where it came from. "I know beyond any doubt the source of the money is not any questionable source," he told Reuters in an interview. "The money did not come from foreigners. I can rule that out 100 per cent," he said. He declined to say whether the money had been paid directly to him by Fraud Guarantee or from another source. John Dowd, a lawyer for Parnas and Fruman, also would not discuss the source of the funding that Giuliani said he received for his work for Fraud Guarantee. "What I know is privileged," Dowd said.

Donald Trump's lawyer Giuliani was paid $500,000 to work for company run by arrested Ukrainian-American businessman

Catalan separatists on Tuesday blocked streets and train tracks in protest against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-protesters-take-to-streets-as-spain-jails-catalan-leaders-255918">Spain's jailing of nine of their leaders</a>, a day after activists stormed Barcelona airport in an angry response to the verdict.&nbsp;

Pro-independence groups called for demonstrators to hold sit-ins from 1700 GMT&nbsp;outside of Spanish government offices in Barcelona and other Catalan cities as part of Tuesday's protests.

Several roads were cut across the northeastern region, including the AP-7 which links Barcelona to France&nbsp;near the separatist stronghold of Girona, local officials said.

Demonstrators also blocked train tracks with burning tyres and other debris as they awaited new instructions from Democratic Tsunami, the group which coordinated Monday's mass bid to swarm the city's El Prat airport, where they choked-off road and rail access.

Activists engaged in running battles with riot police as they sought to enter the terminal but were repeatedly rebuffed, with police staging multiple charges and firing foam rounds into the crowds in a standoff which forced the cancellation of 110 flights, airport officials said.&nbsp;

Although life was slowly returning to normal at the airport after a night in which hundreds of people were stranded at the terminal, another 45 flights were cancelled on Tuesday morning, Spanish airport authority AENA said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-jails-nine-catalan-leaders-up-to-13-years-for-sedition-255792">Monday's ruling unleashed a day of chaos</a>, with Catalan separatists enraged by the Supreme Court's decision to hand heavy prison sentences of between nine and 13 years to leaders convicted of sedition over the 2017 referendum and short-lived declaration of independence.

The emergency services said 131 people were injured in the protests, 115 of them at the airport, with the rest in Barcelona and elsewhere. One protester sustained a serious eye injury, hospital officials said. &nbsp;

The separatist movement has made clear there will be no let-up in their protests over the verdict which came as Spain counts down to a November 10 general election, its fourth in as many years, putting the Catalan question at the heart of the political debate.&nbsp;

'Route of civil disobedience'

Around 10,000 people took part in the demonstration at the airport, according to the interior ministry.

Many people took the day off to join the protests, heeding widespread calls on social media to "Turn Catalonia into the new Hong Kong" and raise international awareness of the crisis in this wealthy northeastern region of Spain.&nbsp;Hong Kong has been rattled by weeks of pro-democracy street protests.

"For me, the worst thing is Europe, which hasn't said anything. That's why we're doing this, to cause the worst possible disturbance, so it affects everyone, to see if they realise and do something," IT consultant Carles Navarro told AFP.&nbsp;

"We have always chosen peaceful ways (of fighting for what we believe in) but nobody listens. Now we're forced to go down the route of civil disobedience."

In a message to its 150,000 followers on the Telegram messaging app, Democratic Tsunami directed activists to head for the airport. &nbsp;

"The time has come to make our voice felt around the world. The goal: stop the activity of Barcelona's airport," it said in a call heeded by thousands.&nbsp;

So far, those <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatist-leaders-trial-spains-supreme-court-expected-to-announce-verdict-255749">behind the movement remain unknown</a> but Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said investigators were trying to identify them.&nbsp;

"I have no doubt we will end up finding out who's behind Democratic Tsunami," he told Spain's RNE public radio.&nbsp;

'Contradiction'

Spain's government has expressed hope the trial's end would allow it to move on from the crisis in Catalonia, where support for independence has gained momentum over the past decade.&nbsp;

But the Catalan separatists, who control the regional government and last month passed a motion in their parliament granting legitimacy to civil disobedience, have shown little willingness to talk.&nbsp;

While Catalan president Quim Torra has encouraged Catalans to exercise civil disobedience, his government is also responsible for the regional police who are charged with controlling demonstrations, putting him in an uncomfortable position.

This "contradiction" is "one of the difficulties of this process," Torra said Tuesday.

In the coming days, protesters are planning to stage marches from five Catalan towns towards Barcelona where they will gather on Friday when unions have called a general strike.&nbsp;Students are also planning to rally in Madrid on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Catalan separatists on Tuesday blocked streets and train tracks in protest against Spain's jailing of nine of their leaders, a day after activists stormed Barcelona airport in an angry response to the verdict.

Catalan separatists on Tuesday blocked streets and train tracks in protest against Spain's jailing of nine of their leaders, a day after activists stormed Barcelona airport in an angry response to the verdict. Pro-independence groups called for demonstrators to hold sit-ins from 1700 GMT outside of Spanish government offices in Barcelona and other Catalan cities as part of Tuesday's protests. Several roads were cut across the northeastern region, including the AP-7 which links Barcelona to France near the separatist stronghold of Girona, local officials said. Demonstrators also blocked train tracks with burning tyres and other debris as they awaited new instructions from Democratic Tsunami, the group which coordinated Monday's mass bid to swarm the city's El Prat airport, where they choked-off road and rail access. Activists engaged in running battles with riot police as they sought to enter the terminal but were repeatedly rebuffed, with police staging multiple charges and firing foam rounds into the crowds in a standoff which forced the cancellation of 110 flights, airport officials said. Although life was slowly returning to normal at the airport after a night in which hundreds of people were stranded at the terminal, another 45 flights were cancelled on Tuesday morning, Spanish airport authority AENA said. Monday's ruling unleashed a day of chaos, with Catalan separatists enraged by the Supreme Court's decision to hand heavy prison sentences of between nine and 13 years to leaders convicted of sedition over the 2017 referendum and short-lived declaration of independence. The emergency services said 131 people were injured in the protests, 115 of them at the airport, with the rest in Barcelona and elsewhere. One protester sustained a serious eye injury, hospital officials said. The separatist movement has made clear there will be no let-up in their protests over the verdict which came as Spain counts down to a November 10 general election, its fourth in as many years, putting the Catalan question at the heart of the political debate. 'Route of civil disobedience' Around 10,000 people took part in the demonstration at the airport, according to the interior ministry. Many people took the day off to join the protests, heeding widespread calls on social media to "Turn Catalonia into the new Hong Kong" and raise international awareness of the crisis in this wealthy northeastern region of Spain. Hong Kong has been rattled by weeks of pro-democracy street protests. "For me, the worst thing is Europe, which hasn't said anything. That's why we're doing this, to cause the worst possible disturbance, so it affects everyone, to see if they realise and do something," IT consultant Carles Navarro told AFP. "We have always chosen peaceful ways (of fighting for what we believe in) but nobody listens. Now we're forced to go down the route of civil disobedience." In a message to its 150,000 followers on the Telegram messaging app, Democratic Tsunami directed activists to head for the airport. "The time has come to make our voice felt around the world. The goal: stop the activity of Barcelona's airport," it said in a call heeded by thousands. So far, those behind the movement remain unknown but Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said investigators were trying to identify them. "I have no doubt we will end up finding out who's behind Democratic Tsunami," he told Spain's RNE public radio. 'Contradiction' Spain's government has expressed hope the trial's end would allow it to move on from the crisis in Catalonia, where support for independence has gained momentum over the past decade. But the Catalan separatists, who control the regional government and last month passed a motion in their parliament granting legitimacy to civil disobedience, have shown little willingness to talk. While Catalan president Quim Torra has encouraged Catalans to exercise civil disobedience, his government is also responsible for the regional police who are charged with controlling demonstrations, putting him in an uncomfortable position. This "contradiction" is "one of the difficulties of this process," Torra said Tuesday. In the coming days, protesters are planning to stage marches from five Catalan towns towards Barcelona where they will gather on Friday when unions have called a general strike. Students are also planning to rally in Madrid on Wednesday.

Fresh protests in Spain over Catalan sentence

The United Nations Security Council will convene on Wednesday to discuss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-weapon-exports-to-turkey-over-syria-offensive-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-256092">Turkey's military incursion in northeast Syria</a>, diplomats said, with Ankara showing no sign of relenting in its assault on the Kurds.

This session was requested by European countries with seats on the 15-member council, the diplomats said Tuesday.

At a first meeting last Thursday, the council was divided, and only the European members issued a statement calling for an end to the Turkish offensive.

On Friday, Russia and China blocked a United States-sponsored text that also called for an end to the assault.

A diplomat said there may not be consensus this time either as the council meets on the incursion, with Russia possibly preventing members from showing a unified front.

There will likely be another statement issued by the European countries on the council, the diplomat said.

Russia risks becoming increasingly isolated on the council. It has already used its veto power as a permanent member 13 times since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-slaps-punitive-sanctions-on-turkeys-defence-minister-255960">war in Syria broke out</a> in 2011.

The United States is calling in increasingly firm language for an end to the incursion and announced sanctions against Turkey on Monday.

China on Tuesday also called on Turkey to halt its military operation and "return to the correct way of political resolution."

The United Nations Security Council will convene on Wednesday to discuss Turkey's military incursion in northeast Syria, diplomats said, with Ankara showing no sign of relenting in its assault on the Kurds.

The United Nations Security Council will convene on Wednesday to discuss Turkey's military incursion in northeast Syria, diplomats said, with Ankara showing no sign of relenting in its assault on the Kurds. This session was requested by European countries with seats on the 15-member council, the diplomats said Tuesday. At a first meeting last Thursday, the council was divided, and only the European members issued a statement calling for an end to the Turkish offensive. On Friday, Russia and China blocked a United States-sponsored text that also called for an end to the assault. A diplomat said there may not be consensus this time either as the council meets on the incursion, with Russia possibly preventing members from showing a unified front. There will likely be another statement issued by the European countries on the council, the diplomat said. Russia risks becoming increasingly isolated on the council. It has already used its veto power as a permanent member 13 times since the war in Syria broke out in 2011. The United States is calling in increasingly firm language for an end to the incursion and announced sanctions against Turkey on Monday. China on Tuesday also called on Turkey to halt its military operation and "return to the correct way of political resolution."

United Nations Security Council to meet on Turkish Syria assault

Pakistan may end up being pushed into Financial Action Task Force 'dark grey' list

Nepali adventurer Nirmal Purja is on track to make history after Chinese authorities granted him a special permit Tuesday to climb the final mountain of a 14-peak quest despite closing the peak for the season.

Purja, 36, who served in the British special forces, embarked in April on his ambitious "Project Possible" to scale the 14 peaks above 8,000 metres on Earth in seven months, starting with Nepal's Annapurna.

But his plans hit a roadblock after the Chinese government decided to close the 8,027 metre&nbsp;Mount Shishapangma for the season.&nbsp;

A permit was granted after intensive lobbying including from the Nepali government.

"I'm full of mixed emotions. I am thankful everyone is helping, treating it like their own project," Purja told AFP, confirming he had received the permit.&nbsp;

Purja hopes to summit Shishapangma by October 23, a month ahead of his target.

It took Polish climber Jerzy Kukuczka seven years, 11 months and 14 days to complete the same feat.

South Korean Kim Chang-ho completed the challenge one month less than Kukuczka, although unlike the other two climbers he did not use supplementary oxygen.

In the first part of his record attempt, Purja climbed&nbsp;Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, among the highest of the so-called "8000ers" peaks, in just one month.&nbsp;

A month later, he headed to Pakistan for the second part, where he first tackled the notorious Nanga Parbat at 8,125 metres.

Battling sleep deprivation to meet his target, Purja said he was almost sprinting up and down five of Pakistan's highest peaks including Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II and K2, the second tallest in the world.

Twenty-three days later he was standing atop Broad Peak, his fifth and final mountain of the second phase.

Purja began his final push in September, reaching the tops of Cho Oyu and Manaslu within a week.

The phenomenal mountaineer already set several speed climbing records during the quest.

Nepali adventurer Nirmal Purja is on track to make history after Chinese authorities granted him a special permit Tuesday to climb the final mountain of a 14-peak quest despite closing the peak for the season.

Nepali adventurer Nirmal Purja is on track to make history after Chinese authorities granted him a special permit Tuesday to climb the final mountain of a 14-peak quest despite closing the peak for the season. Purja, 36, who served in the British special forces, embarked in April on his ambitious "Project Possible" to scale the 14 peaks above 8,000 metres on Earth in seven months, starting with Nepal's Annapurna. But his plans hit a roadblock after the Chinese government decided to close the 8,027 metre Mount Shishapangma for the season. A permit was granted after intensive lobbying including from the Nepali government. "I'm full of mixed emotions. I am thankful everyone is helping, treating it like their own project," Purja told AFP, confirming he had received the permit. Purja hopes to summit Shishapangma by October 23, a month ahead of his target. It took Polish climber Jerzy Kukuczka seven years, 11 months and 14 days to complete the same feat. South Korean Kim Chang-ho completed the challenge one month less than Kukuczka, although unlike the other two climbers he did not use supplementary oxygen. In the first part of his record attempt, Purja climbed Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, among the highest of the so-called "8000ers" peaks, in just one month. A month later, he headed to Pakistan for the second part, where he first tackled the notorious Nanga Parbat at 8,125 metres. Battling sleep deprivation to meet his target, Purja said he was almost sprinting up and down five of Pakistan's highest peaks including Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II and K2, the second tallest in the world. Twenty-three days later he was standing atop Broad Peak, his fifth and final mountain of the second phase. Purja began his final push in September, reaching the tops of Cho Oyu and Manaslu within a week. The phenomenal mountaineer already set several speed climbing records during the quest.

Nepali climber set for final summit in record 14-peak bid

Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (CPEC Authority) by Pakistan is another step in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-women-protest-against-enforced-disappearances-in-quetta-253945">turning Balochistan into a Chinese military garrison</a>, leader of the Free Balochistan Movement Hyrbyair Marri said&nbsp;on Tuesday.

Adding that Pakistanis and Chinese have been calling it an economic project to hide its military and strategic aspects, the Baloch leader, in a statement, said, "because of Balochistan's socio-political conditions, CPEC is not an economically viable project which is well understood even by Pakistan's military and political elite."

"Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan indicated in August 2019 that a new authority 'National Coastal Development Authority' formation was also approved and now Pakistan's own parliamentarian parties are saying that formation of National Coastal Development Authority (NCDA) which will directly be controlled by Pakistani Punjabis (federal government) is in violation of Pakistan's constitution," he added.

"On one hand Pakistan shed crocodile tears on India's decision on Article 370 and on the other hand, it violates its own constitution," Marri also said. 
 
The Baloch leader further stated that NCDA and CPEC-Authority are attempts by Pakistan's military to directly control coastal areas of Balochistan where millions of Punjabi and Han Chinese people will be settled to secure their military bases and permanently colonise the areas by implementing demographic changes where secretly underground submarine bases and naval bases are being built.

"The Chinese Communist government can control the coastal strip of Balochistan by cutting it from other Baloch areas. For an economically viable plan, it is necessary to have perfect socio-economic conditions which cannot develop in Balochistan until it is under Sunni Punjabi occupation, whereas it is possible to have military bases in coastal areas by cutting off the coastal areas from rest of Balochistan," he added.

"In such a scenario, China could maintain bases in Balochistan's coastal areas, in the same manner, Russia has been maintaining Kaliningrad in the heart of eastern Europe," Marri continued.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balochistan-continues-to-be-short-changed-politically-human-rights-commission-of-pakistan-253458">"Pakistan is turning Gwadar and other coastal areas of Balochistan into a Chinese Kaliningrad</a> which already has the largest concentration of military cantonments and bases in the region and new bases are being built in Jiwani, Sonmiani and other areas," he added.

Further, he said: "Some pro-independence Baloch and Indian journalists have claimed that CPEC has failed, are in an illusion and wrong because CPEC's success will be the end of Balochistan's independence movement and success of Balochistan's national struggle will end the CPEC."

"Some Baloch political parties are under the illusion that they have succeeded in failing the CPEC project. They have deluded themselves and some Indian columnists in believing that the project has failed," he added.

Adding that Chinese imperialist communist designs cannot be defeated that easily, Marri, in the statement further said, "If CPEC succeeds, the Baloch nation will be converted into a minority in our own homeland. CPEC's success will be the end of Balochistan's independence movement and success of Balochistan's national struggle will end the CPEC."

"Chinese and Pakistani nexus in the region and their belligerence towards their neighbours are known to everyone. Once CPEC's military objectives are achieved that is the construction of bases in Jiwani, Ormara and underground submarine base in Sonmiani, which will help China and Pakistan to encircle India by sea," he added.

Marri also warned that geopolitically Baloch will be the first causality of the CPEC and then it will be India and the western countries.

Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (CPEC Authority) by Pakistan is another step in turning Balochistan into a Chinese military garrison, leader of the Free Balochistan Movement Hyrbyair Marri said on Tuesday.

Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (CPEC Authority) by Pakistan is another step in turning Balochistan into a Chinese military garrison, leader of the Free Balochistan Movement Hyrbyair Marri said on Tuesday. Adding that Pakistanis and Chinese have been calling it an economic project to hide its military and strategic aspects, the Baloch leader, in a statement, said, "because of Balochistan's socio-political conditions, CPEC is not an economically viable project which is well understood even by Pakistan's military and political elite." "Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan indicated in August 2019 that a new authority 'National Coastal Development Authority' formation was also approved and now Pakistan's own parliamentarian parties are saying that formation of National Coastal Development Authority (NCDA) which will directly be controlled by Pakistani Punjabis (federal government) is in violation of Pakistan's constitution," he added. "On one hand Pakistan shed crocodile tears on India's decision on Article 370 and on the other hand, it violates its own constitution," Marri also said. The Baloch leader further stated that NCDA and CPEC-Authority are attempts by Pakistan's military to directly control coastal areas of Balochistan where millions of Punjabi and Han Chinese people will be settled to secure their military bases and permanently colonise the areas by implementing demographic changes where secretly underground submarine bases and naval bases are being built. "The Chinese Communist government can control the coastal strip of Balochistan by cutting it from other Baloch areas. For an economically viable plan, it is necessary to have perfect socio-economic conditions which cannot develop in Balochistan until it is under Sunni Punjabi occupation, whereas it is possible to have military bases in coastal areas by cutting off the coastal areas from rest of Balochistan," he added. "In such a scenario, China could maintain bases in Balochistan's coastal areas, in the same manner, Russia has been maintaining Kaliningrad in the heart of eastern Europe," Marri continued. "Pakistan is turning Gwadar and other coastal areas of Balochistan into a Chinese Kaliningrad which already has the largest concentration of military cantonments and bases in the region and new bases are being built in Jiwani, Sonmiani and other areas," he added. Further, he said: "Some pro-independence Baloch and Indian journalists have claimed that CPEC has failed, are in an illusion and wrong because CPEC's success will be the end of Balochistan's independence movement and success of Balochistan's national struggle will end the CPEC." "Some Baloch political parties are under the illusion that they have succeeded in failing the CPEC project. They have deluded themselves and some Indian columnists in believing that the project has failed," he added. Adding that Chinese imperialist communist designs cannot be defeated that easily, Marri, in the statement further said, "If CPEC succeeds, the Baloch nation will be converted into a minority in our own homeland. CPEC's success will be the end of Balochistan's independence movement and success of Balochistan's national struggle will end the CPEC." "Chinese and Pakistani nexus in the region and their belligerence towards their neighbours are known to everyone. Once CPEC's military objectives are achieved that is the construction of bases in Jiwani, Ormara and underground submarine base in Sonmiani, which will help China and Pakistan to encircle India by sea," he added. Marri also warned that geopolitically Baloch will be the first causality of the CPEC and then it will be India and the western countries.

Pakistan created Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority to turn Balochistan into Chinese garrison, says Free Balochistan Movement's President

German authorities on Tuesday appealed to its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-forces-in-full-control-of-manbij-russia-256109">Turkish and Kurdish communities</a> to avoid echoing the Middle Eastern conflict, after clashes between the two groups over Ankara's offensive in northeastern Syria.

Police said at least five people had been injured in fights between the two communities late on Monday.

"We have a responsibility to prevent the conflict in the region becoming a conflict in our society... in Germany," integration commissioner Annette Widmann-Mauz told the Funke newspaper group.

"I expect all sides, especially migrant organisations and religious communities, to take responsibility and contribute to restraint", Annette added.

The commissioner advises the government on integration and serves as a point of contact for migrants and community organisations.

The clashes happened as around 350 people were marching through the western city of Herne Monday against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-weapon-exports-to-turkey-over-syria-offensive-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-256092">Turkey's offensive in Kurdish-controlled areas of Syria</a>, police said in a statement.

They were "provoked with hand signals" by people drinking at a nearby kiosk, the statement added.

"Some of them stormed into the kiosk, attacked two people inside and injured them" as well as breaking a window.

The demonstration continued and someone threw a bottle at the marchers from a Turkish-owned cafe as they passed.

"The reaction was very emotional and angry" as several participants again rushed into the cafe, breaking windows and furniture and injuring at least one person inside, as well as one of the police officers who intervened to stop the fighting.

Nevertheless, "the police were able to calm the situation" and the demonstration ended as planned when the marchers reached their destination in the centre.

Among the five people hurt was the organiser of the march. He too was attacked when he tried to stop the violence.

Of the roughly three million people with Turkish nationality or roots living in Germany, around one million are Kurds.

Politicians regularly warn of tensions between the two communities, which have been stoked by Turkey's offensive against Kurdish fighters inside Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-eu-shielding-terror-elements-by-criticising-syria-offensive-255938">Separately in Berlin</a>, local police said a man wearing a jacket with a Turkish flag was beaten by around 15 people, leaving him with a facial injury.

"According to the 30-year-old Turkish citizen, the men had assaulted him because of the jacket he was wearing, which had a Turkish national flag on it," Berlin police said in a statement.

The assailants spoke Arabic and German, police said.

From last Wednesday, Turkish troops moved into the zone controlled by Kurdish militias, which had helped a Western-led coalition fight jihadists of the Islamic State (IS) group but whom Ankara accuses of terrorism.

Germany, along with European allies such as France, has condemned the offensive and halted arms exports to Turkey.

German authorities on Tuesday appealed to its Turkish and Kurdish communities to avoid echoing the Middle Eastern conflict, after clashes between the two groups over Ankara's offensive in northeastern Syria.

German authorities on Tuesday appealed to its Turkish and Kurdish communities to avoid echoing the Middle Eastern conflict, after clashes between the two groups over Ankara's offensive in northeastern Syria. Police said at least five people had been injured in fights between the two communities late on Monday. "We have a responsibility to prevent the conflict in the region becoming a conflict in our society... in Germany," integration commissioner Annette Widmann-Mauz told the Funke newspaper group. "I expect all sides, especially migrant organisations and religious communities, to take responsibility and contribute to restraint", Annette added. The commissioner advises the government on integration and serves as a point of contact for migrants and community organisations. The clashes happened as around 350 people were marching through the western city of Herne Monday against Turkey's offensive in Kurdish-controlled areas of Syria, police said in a statement. They were "provoked with hand signals" by people drinking at a nearby kiosk, the statement added. "Some of them stormed into the kiosk, attacked two people inside and injured them" as well as breaking a window. The demonstration continued and someone threw a bottle at the marchers from a Turkish-owned cafe as they passed. "The reaction was very emotional and angry" as several participants again rushed into the cafe, breaking windows and furniture and injuring at least one person inside, as well as one of the police officers who intervened to stop the fighting. Nevertheless, "the police were able to calm the situation" and the demonstration ended as planned when the marchers reached their destination in the centre. Among the five people hurt was the organiser of the march. He too was attacked when he tried to stop the violence. Of the roughly three million people with Turkish nationality or roots living in Germany, around one million are Kurds. Politicians regularly warn of tensions between the two communities, which have been stoked by Turkey's offensive against Kurdish fighters inside Syria. Separately in Berlin, local police said a man wearing a jacket with a Turkish flag was beaten by around 15 people, leaving him with a facial injury. "According to the 30-year-old Turkish citizen, the men had assaulted him because of the jacket he was wearing, which had a Turkish national flag on it," Berlin police said in a statement. The assailants spoke Arabic and German, police said. From last Wednesday, Turkish troops moved into the zone controlled by Kurdish militias, which had helped a Western-led coalition fight jihadists of the Islamic State (IS) group but whom Ankara accuses of terrorism. Germany, along with European allies such as France, has condemned the offensive and halted arms exports to Turkey.

Berlin urges 'restraint' after Turkish-Kurdish clashes in Germany

Burying fighters killed in a nearly week-long battle against Turkish forces in northern Syria, the country's Kurdish minority denounced a "betrayal" by United States&nbsp;allies that paved the way for Ankara's offensive.

In a graveyard in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-forces-in-full-control-of-manbij-russia-256109">Kurdish-majority</a> city of Qamishli, 57-year-old Basna Amin watched as the newly fallen were laid to rest near comrades who died in the US-backed fight against the Islamic State group.

"We are disappointed because (the Americans) betrayed us," she said, a black and white headscarf covering her hair.

"The world wants the Kurds to always be broken," she told AFP.

At least 135 Kurdish fighters have been killed in Ankara's assault triggered by last week's US pullout from border areas in Syria's north, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Washington's move, widely interpreted as green-lighting the long-planned Turkish invasion, has sparked resentment among the Kurds who have already lost 11,000 of their fighters in anti-IS battles.&nbsp;

Sitting near the grave of her son who died battling jihadists in 2014, Jawahir said that sacrifices by Syria's Kurds will compensate for the blow dealt by Washington.

"We have been betrayed before," she said.

"All the gains we have scored are thanks to the blood of these martyrs," she added.

"Their blood will not go to waste."&nbsp;

Around her, women hunkered beside graves, their eyes red with tears.

Hundreds had streamed into the graveyard to bury fighters killed in recent border battles, the portraits of 'martyrs' plastered on coffins and pinned to clothes.

'Pay with our children'

Dressed in military fatigues, a female Kurdish fighter pressed her body against a colourful casket, held up by a sea of mourners.&nbsp;

She stroked the coffin's lid, its floral arrangement matching the pattern on her black headscarf.&nbsp;

In the crowd below, another woman whispered inaudible words as she caressed a similar coffin, decorated with ribbons, flowers and a red sheet.&nbsp;

Trump, who is campaigning for re-election but faces impeachment, is keen to deliver on a promise of pulling US troops out of the Syria quagmire.

More than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-weapon-exports-to-turkey-over-syria-offensive-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-256092">1,000 troops are now being withdrawn from northern Syria</a> and the United States will keep only a residual contingent of some 150 troops in the south at the Al-Tanf base near the borders with Jordan and Iraq.

"They used to break bread together, and fight terrorism together, it is a big disappointment," said Farida Bakr, speaking on Washington's decision to withdraw troops.&nbsp;

But "we will stay on our land, and we will fight until we are victorious, even if we have to pay with our children," said the 50-year-old.

Around her, women ululated in grief.

Others in headscarves stood silently, raising two fingers in a victory gesture, their solemn gaze directed to the floor.

They waved baskets carrying candles and henna dye, a custom during funerals for the young.

For Souad Hussein, whose children are among those fighting Ankara's forces, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-aid-in-northeast-syria-fully-halted-kurds-256084">the Kurds can rely only on themselves</a>.

"We have hope only in our forces because the Kurds have no friends," she told AFP.

"We will be friends to ourselves and we will confront our enemies."

Burying fighters killed in a nearly week-long battle against Turkish forces in northern Syria, the country's Kurdish minority denounced a "betrayal" by United States allies that paved the way for Ankara's offensive.

Burying fighters killed in a nearly week-long battle against Turkish forces in northern Syria, the country's Kurdish minority denounced a "betrayal" by United States allies that paved the way for Ankara's offensive. In a graveyard in the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli, 57-year-old Basna Amin watched as the newly fallen were laid to rest near comrades who died in the US-backed fight against the Islamic State group. "We are disappointed because (the Americans) betrayed us," she said, a black and white headscarf covering her hair. "The world wants the Kurds to always be broken," she told AFP. At least 135 Kurdish fighters have been killed in Ankara's assault triggered by last week's US pullout from border areas in Syria's north, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Washington's move, widely interpreted as green-lighting the long-planned Turkish invasion, has sparked resentment among the Kurds who have already lost 11,000 of their fighters in anti-IS battles. Sitting near the grave of her son who died battling jihadists in 2014, Jawahir said that sacrifices by Syria's Kurds will compensate for the blow dealt by Washington. "We have been betrayed before," she said. "All the gains we have scored are thanks to the blood of these martyrs," she added. "Their blood will not go to waste." Around her, women hunkered beside graves, their eyes red with tears. Hundreds had streamed into the graveyard to bury fighters killed in recent border battles, the portraits of 'martyrs' plastered on coffins and pinned to clothes. 'Pay with our children' Dressed in military fatigues, a female Kurdish fighter pressed her body against a colourful casket, held up by a sea of mourners. She stroked the coffin's lid, its floral arrangement matching the pattern on her black headscarf. In the crowd below, another woman whispered inaudible words as she caressed a similar coffin, decorated with ribbons, flowers and a red sheet. Trump, who is campaigning for re-election but faces impeachment, is keen to deliver on a promise of pulling US troops out of the Syria quagmire. More than 1,000 troops are now being withdrawn from northern Syria and the United States will keep only a residual contingent of some 150 troops in the south at the Al-Tanf base near the borders with Jordan and Iraq. "They used to break bread together, and fight terrorism together, it is a big disappointment," said Farida Bakr, speaking on Washington's decision to withdraw troops. But "we will stay on our land, and we will fight until we are victorious, even if we have to pay with our children," said the 50-year-old. Around her, women ululated in grief. Others in headscarves stood silently, raising two fingers in a victory gesture, their solemn gaze directed to the floor. They waved baskets carrying candles and henna dye, a custom during funerals for the young. For Souad Hussein, whose children are among those fighting Ankara's forces, the Kurds can rely only on themselves. "We have hope only in our forces because the Kurds have no friends," she told AFP. "We will be friends to ourselves and we will confront our enemies."

While burying their dead, Syria's Kurds blast United States for 'betrayal'

Hunter Biden denied any wrongdoing in his business dealings in Ukraine and China but acknowledged he exercised poor judgment and cashed in on the fame of his last name.

In an interview to be aired Tuesday on ABC News, Biden said he had failed to anticipate how those activities would be become fodder for critics of his father, former vice president Joe Biden, as he runs for the Democratic presidential nomination.

"Did I make a mistake? Maybe in the grand scheme of things," Biden said in the interview, excerpts of which were released ahead of its airing Tuesday evening before another Democratic presidential debate.

"But did I make a mistake based on some ethical lapse? Absolutely not," Biden, 49, insisted.

"I don’t think there’s a lot of things that would have happened in my life if my last name wasn’t Biden," Biden said.

Biden held a lucrative position on the board of a Ukrainian energy company, Burisma, while his father was vice president under Barack Obama and helped engineer the ouster of that country's prosecutor general on grounds he was weak on corruption.

A lawyer for Biden Jr&nbsp;said Sunday that Biden is leaving his position on the board of a Chinese private equity company.

Hunter Biden has kept out of public view since the impeachment scandal surrounding President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine erupted last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-he-wont-tie-biden-concerns-to-trade-deal-with-china-253812">Trump has disparaged Biden Jr</a>&nbsp;and taunted him with tweets like this one last week: "WHERE'S HUNTER?"

Trump has repeatedly made unsubstantiated charges that Biden Sr&nbsp;intervened in Ukraine to protect his son. And news that Trump's request in a July 25 phone call with the president of Ukraine that he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-violated-his-oath-of-office-he-should-be-impeached-biden-254850">probe the Bidens</a> has triggered the fast-moving impeachment investigation that is now consuming the Trump administration.

Biden Jr said in the interview that the administration has spread a "ridiculous conspiracy theory" about his work in Ukraine.

"I gave a hook to some very unethical people to act in illegal ways to try to do some harm to my father," Biden said.

"That’s where I made the mistake. So I take full responsibility for that. Did I do anything improper? No, not in any way. Not in any way whatsoever," he added.

Hunter Biden denied any wrongdoing in his business dealings in Ukraine and China but acknowledged he exercised poor judgment and cashed in on the fame of his last name.

Hunter Biden denied any wrongdoing in his business dealings in Ukraine and China but acknowledged he exercised poor judgment and cashed in on the fame of his last name. In an interview to be aired Tuesday on ABC News, Biden said he had failed to anticipate how those activities would be become fodder for critics of his father, former vice president Joe Biden, as he runs for the Democratic presidential nomination. "Did I make a mistake? Maybe in the grand scheme of things," Biden said in the interview, excerpts of which were released ahead of its airing Tuesday evening before another Democratic presidential debate. "But did I make a mistake based on some ethical lapse? Absolutely not," Biden, 49, insisted. "I don’t think there’s a lot of things that would have happened in my life if my last name wasn’t Biden," Biden said. Biden held a lucrative position on the board of a Ukrainian energy company, Burisma, while his father was vice president under Barack Obama and helped engineer the ouster of that country's prosecutor general on grounds he was weak on corruption. A lawyer for Biden Jr said Sunday that Biden is leaving his position on the board of a Chinese private equity company. Hunter Biden has kept out of public view since the impeachment scandal surrounding President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine erupted last month. Trump has disparaged Biden Jr and taunted him with tweets like this one last week: "WHERE'S HUNTER?" Trump has repeatedly made unsubstantiated charges that Biden Sr intervened in Ukraine to protect his son. And news that Trump's request in a July 25 phone call with the president of Ukraine that he probe the Bidens has triggered the fast-moving impeachment investigation that is now consuming the Trump administration. Biden Jr said in the interview that the administration has spread a "ridiculous conspiracy theory" about his work in Ukraine. "I gave a hook to some very unethical people to act in illegal ways to try to do some harm to my father," Biden said. "That’s where I made the mistake. So I take full responsibility for that. Did I do anything improper? No, not in any way. Not in any way whatsoever," he added.

Hunter Biden admits error in judgment but insists no wrongdoing

Britain's&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;William&nbsp;and his&nbsp;wife&nbsp;Kate&nbsp;on Tuesday met&nbsp;Pakistan's&nbsp;Prime Minister&nbsp;Imran&nbsp;Khan, a former international cricket star who the&nbsp;prince&nbsp;played cricket within London as a child.

The royal couple, on a five-day visit, also toured a school and a national park in the capital Islamabad where they chatted with children and admired their drawings.

The trip, which focuses on climate change and access to education, has been described by palace officials as the most complex the couple have undertaken due to security issues.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;at his official residence.&nbsp;William's mother&nbsp;Princess&nbsp;Diana, a hugely popular figure in Pakistan, visited Pakistan several times in the 1990s and helped&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;raise money for a cancer hospital.

Earlier&nbsp;William&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kate&nbsp;met students at an Islamabad Model College for Girls, discussing education with a group of older students and visiting the classrooms of younger students.

As they left, a group of girls sang one of&nbsp;Pakistan's&nbsp;national songs and the couple greeted preschoolers who had lined up to chant 'bye bye'.

They then visited the Margallah Hills National Park on the edge of Islamabad, which is under threat from poaching, wildfires, invasive species and littering.

For the morning events,&nbsp;Kate&nbsp;wore a periwinkle blue silk shalwar kameez, the national outfit of Pakistan consisting of a loose tunic worn over trousers. Many on social media and in the fashion industry had been hoping she would don the outfit, which&nbsp;Princess&nbsp;Diana&nbsp;had worn during visits.

The designer, Maheen&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;said on Twitter: "It is an honour to have been asked to create this outfit for the Duchess."

The Duchess of Cambridge's fashion choices, including a bright green tunic over white pants to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;with the Prime Minister, appeared to echo many of the colours and outfits worn by&nbsp;Diana.

Foreign policy experts and officials have said the trip, the first by a British royal family member in more than a decade and made at the request of the British foreign office, represented a soft power push, which may help both sides further their diplomatic aims.

It comes as Britain seeks to reinvigorate its foreign relationships as the deadline looms for its departure from the European Union, while Pakistan works to repair its global image to boost tourism and investment.

Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate on Tuesday met Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, a former international cricket star who the prince played cricket within London as a child.

Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate on Tuesday met Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, a former international cricket star who the prince played cricket within London as a child. The royal couple, on a five-day visit, also toured a school and a national park in the capital Islamabad where they chatted with children and admired their drawings. The trip, which focuses on climate change and access to education, has been described by palace officials as the most complex the couple have undertaken due to security issues. On Tuesday afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met Khan at his official residence. William's mother Princess Diana, a hugely popular figure in Pakistan, visited Pakistan several times in the 1990s and helped Khan raise money for a cancer hospital. Earlier William and Kate met students at an Islamabad Model College for Girls, discussing education with a group of older students and visiting the classrooms of younger students. As they left, a group of girls sang one of Pakistan's national songs and the couple greeted preschoolers who had lined up to chant 'bye bye'. They then visited the Margallah Hills National Park on the edge of Islamabad, which is under threat from poaching, wildfires, invasive species and littering. For the morning events, Kate wore a periwinkle blue silk shalwar kameez, the national outfit of Pakistan consisting of a loose tunic worn over trousers. Many on social media and in the fashion industry had been hoping she would don the outfit, which Princess Diana had worn during visits. The designer, Maheen Khan said on Twitter: "It is an honour to have been asked to create this outfit for the Duchess." The Duchess of Cambridge's fashion choices, including a bright green tunic over white pants to meet with the Prime Minister, appeared to echo many of the colours and outfits worn by Diana. Foreign policy experts and officials have said the trip, the first by a British royal family member in more than a decade and made at the request of the British foreign office, represented a soft power push, which may help both sides further their diplomatic aims. It comes as Britain seeks to reinvigorate its foreign relationships as the deadline looms for its departure from the European Union, while Pakistan works to repair its global image to boost tourism and investment.

Prince William and Kate Middleton meet Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan

Racist abuse aimed at England players during a match against Bulgaria on Monday was vile and European football's governing body UEFA must do more to tackle such behaviour, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said on Tuesday.

The Euro 2020 qualifier between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-bulgaria-after-game-halted-over-racist-abuse-255998">Bulgaria and England</a> in Sofia was twice halted by the referee after monkey noises and chants from the crowd were aimed at England's black players.

"The racism we saw and heard last night was vile and has no place in football or anywhere else," Johnson's spokesman said, adding there needed to be tough penalties in place to act as a real deterrent.

"UEFA need to face up to facts - this stain on football is not being adequately dealt with. Racism and discrimination must be driven out of football once and for all."

The British government will write to UEFA on Tuesday to ask for an investigation to be conducted swiftly, he said.

Racist abuse aimed at England players during a match against Bulgaria on Monday was vile and European football's governing body UEFA must do more to tackle such behaviour, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said on Tuesday.

Racist abuse aimed at England players during a match against Bulgaria on Monday was vile and European football's governing body UEFA must do more to tackle such behaviour, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said on Tuesday. The Euro 2020 qualifier between Bulgaria and England in Sofia was twice halted by the referee after monkey noises and chants from the crowd were aimed at England's black players. "The racism we saw and heard last night was vile and has no place in football or anywhere else," Johnson's spokesman said, adding there needed to be tough penalties in place to act as a real deterrent. "UEFA need to face up to facts - this stain on football is not being adequately dealt with. Racism and discrimination must be driven out of football once and for all." The British government will write to UEFA on Tuesday to ask for an investigation to be conducted swiftly, he said.

UEFA must do more to tackle 'vile' racism - UK PM Boris Johnson's spokesman

Sri Lanka's front-running presidential candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-removes-top-rajapakse-investigator-amid-crisis-178260">Gotabhaya Rajapakse</a> vowed Tuesday that if elected he will scrap Colombo's pledge to investigate war crimes committed during his brother Mahinda's decade in power.

Gotabhaya was defence secretary during his brother's rule, when troops were accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians while crushing the Tamil Tigers.

A later government co-sponsored a US-led resolution to appoint an independent panel to look into the actions of both sides in the final stages of Sri Lanka's bloody separatist conflict, although it was never formed.

But on Tuesday the 70-year-old Gotabhaya said he would not honour the commitments made to the UN Human Rights Council, saying people needed to "move on"

In response to questions by AFP about Sri Lanka's wartime human rights record, he said: "Why are you talking all the time on&nbsp;the past. Ask (about) the future.

"I am trying to become the president of the future Sri Lanka. So if you concentrate on the future, it is better."

He said even the Tamils were more interested in jobs, education and infrastructure than raking over the past.

The Rajapakses insist no civilians were killed by government forces in the latter stages of the war, and accuse the rebels of using tens of thousands of civilians as human shields.

At least 100,000 people were killed in the conflict between 1972 and 2009.&nbsp;

Mahinda Rajapakse's administration was on the verge of international sanctions because of its refusal to investigate the alleged war crimes when he was defeated at the January 2015 elections.

Gotabhaya Rajapakse was addressing the press Tuesday for the first time since launching his bid to become president in an election scheduled for November 16.

The presidential poll has attracted a record 35 candidates, with nearly 16 million people eligible to vote.

Sri Lanka's front-running presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapakse vowed Tuesday that if elected he will scrap Colombo's pledge to investigate war crimes committed during his brother Mahinda's decade in power.

Sri Lanka's front-running presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapakse vowed Tuesday that if elected he will scrap Colombo's pledge to investigate war crimes committed during his brother Mahinda's decade in power. Gotabhaya was defence secretary during his brother's rule, when troops were accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians while crushing the Tamil Tigers. A later government co-sponsored a US-led resolution to appoint an independent panel to look into the actions of both sides in the final stages of Sri Lanka's bloody separatist conflict, although it was never formed. But on Tuesday the 70-year-old Gotabhaya said he would not honour the commitments made to the UN Human Rights Council, saying people needed to "move on" In response to questions by AFP about Sri Lanka's wartime human rights record, he said: "Why are you talking all the time on the past. Ask (about) the future. "I am trying to become the president of the future Sri Lanka. So if you concentrate on the future, it is better." He said even the Tamils were more interested in jobs, education and infrastructure than raking over the past. The Rajapakses insist no civilians were killed by government forces in the latter stages of the war, and accuse the rebels of using tens of thousands of civilians as human shields. At least 100,000 people were killed in the conflict between 1972 and 2009. Mahinda Rajapakse's administration was on the verge of international sanctions because of its refusal to investigate the alleged war crimes when he was defeated at the January 2015 elections. Gotabhaya Rajapakse was addressing the press Tuesday for the first time since launching his bid to become president in an election scheduled for November 16. The presidential poll has attracted a record 35 candidates, with nearly 16 million people eligible to vote.

Rajapakse vows to scrap Sri Lanka war crimes probe if elected

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