Russia said on Tuesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-weapon-exports-to-turkey-over-syria-offensive-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-256092">Syrian government forces</a> had taken control of the city of Manbij, after Damascus deployed troops to the country's north to contain a Turkish offensive.

"The Syrian government army has full control over the city of Manbij and nearby settlements," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Monday that government troops had entered Manbij, which is controlled by a military council linked to Syria's Kurds.

Syrian forces moved into the area as part of a deal that has seen regime troops deploy in several Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria's north to protect the region from Ankara's assault.

Russia is a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad and launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of his forces.

The defence ministry said Russian forces were continuing to patrol border areas along the "line of contact" between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-aid-in-northeast-syria-fully-halted-kurds-256084">Syrian and Turkish forces</a>.

"Cooperation has been organised with the Turkish side," it said.

Moscow's special envoy on Syria, Alexander Lavrentyev, said Tuesday that it would not allow clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces.

"This would simply be unacceptable...&nbsp;And therefore we will not allow it, of course," Lavrentyev, who was on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

He said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-soldier-killed-in-shelling-from-syrias-manbij-ministry-256080">Turkish and Syrian officials</a> were in contact to avoid any conflict.&nbsp;

"Negotiations are taking place in real-time," he said.

Russia said on Tuesday that Syrian government forces had taken control of the city of Manbij, after Damascus deployed troops to the country's north to contain a Turkish offensive.

Russia said on Tuesday that Syrian government forces had taken control of the city of Manbij, after Damascus deployed troops to the country's north to contain a Turkish offensive. "The Syrian government army has full control over the city of Manbij and nearby settlements," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Monday that government troops had entered Manbij, which is controlled by a military council linked to Syria's Kurds. Syrian forces moved into the area as part of a deal that has seen regime troops deploy in several Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria's north to protect the region from Ankara's assault. Russia is a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad and launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of his forces. The defence ministry said Russian forces were continuing to patrol border areas along the "line of contact" between Syrian and Turkish forces. "Cooperation has been organised with the Turkish side," it said. Moscow's special envoy on Syria, Alexander Lavrentyev, said Tuesday that it would not allow clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces. "This would simply be unacceptable... And therefore we will not allow it, of course," Lavrentyev, who was on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. He said Turkish and Syrian officials were in contact to avoid any conflict. "Negotiations are taking place in real-time," he said.

Syrian forces in 'full control' of Manbij: Russia

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-jails-nine-catalan-leaders-up-to-13-years-for-sedition-255792">jailing of&nbsp;Catalan&nbsp;separatists</a> for their role in a failed secession bid will only galvanise the region's independence movement and another&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;is&nbsp;inevitable, the&nbsp;leader&nbsp;hit by the heaviest jail sentence told Reuters.

Former regional government deputy&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Oriol Junqueras and eight others were convicted of sedition on Monday by the Supreme Court and sentenced to terms ranging from 9-13 years.

The ruling<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-protesters-take-to-streets-as-spain-jails-catalan-leaders-255918"> triggered protests</a> across the wealthy northeastern region whose independence drive plunged Spain into a full-blown political crisis in October 2017, when the&nbsp;leaders organised a&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;that courts had ruled illegal and made a short-lived declaration of independence.

"This sentence will not weaken the independence movement, quite the contrary," Junqueras told Reuters in his first interview after the sentence. "We're not going to stop thinking what we think, ideals can't be derailed by (jail) sentences."

All the defendants were acquitted of the gravest charge, rebellion, but the length of the prison terms - which Junqueras said they planned to appeal in a European court - prompted anger in Catalonia.

On Monday, demonstrators blocked roads and regional railways there and thousands descended on Barcelona's international airport, where some clashed with police.

Those behind the airport protest, the Tsunami Democratic group, called for protesters to keep returning to the street. A spokesman for the airport said it had cancelled 110 flights on Monday and a further 45 on Tuesday.

"Never, never, never have&nbsp;separatists acted violently, never," added Junqueras, in emailed answers to questions passed on to Reuters by his staff late on Monday.

"What I'm sure of is that this conflict is to be resolved via ballot boxes ... we are convinced that sooner or later a&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;is&nbsp;inevitable&nbsp;because otherwise, how can we give a voice to the citizens?".

Catalan&nbsp;regional&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Quim Torra said on Tuesday his government would continue to defend the right to self determination, and that another&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;was "(the) most positive solution for trying to solve this."

Two years after the debacle of the first plebiscite, Catalonia's independence drive still dominates much of Spain's fractured political debate.

The country's main national parties are divided on whether to grant the region additional autonomy on top of the administrative and budgetary controls it already holds - but all except the far-left Podemos oppose holding a&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;on independence.

Besides, sharp divisions within Catalonia itself over the issue of independence have contributed to taking the steam out of the independence movement in recent months, with protests drawing smaller crowds.

Asked what message he had for the independence movement after the sentencing, Junqueras said: "That prison and exile have made us stronger and makes us ever more convinced, if that is possible, in our profoundly democratic beliefs."

He and the others planned to appeal the sentences at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, he said.

The jailing of Catalan separatists for their role in a failed secession bid will only galvanise the region's independence movement and another referendum is inevitable, the leader hit by the heaviest jail sentence told Reuters.

The jailing of Catalan separatists for their role in a failed secession bid will only galvanise the region's independence movement and another referendum is inevitable, the leader hit by the heaviest jail sentence told Reuters. Former regional government deputy leader Oriol Junqueras and eight others were convicted of sedition on Monday by the Supreme Court and sentenced to terms ranging from 9-13 years. The ruling triggered protests across the wealthy northeastern region whose independence drive plunged Spain into a full-blown political crisis in October 2017, when the leaders organised a referendum that courts had ruled illegal and made a short-lived declaration of independence. "This sentence will not weaken the independence movement, quite the contrary," Junqueras told Reuters in his first interview after the sentence. "We're not going to stop thinking what we think, ideals can't be derailed by (jail) sentences." All the defendants were acquitted of the gravest charge, rebellion, but the length of the prison terms - which Junqueras said they planned to appeal in a European court - prompted anger in Catalonia. On Monday, demonstrators blocked roads and regional railways there and thousands descended on Barcelona's international airport, where some clashed with police. Those behind the airport protest, the Tsunami Democratic group, called for protesters to keep returning to the street. A spokesman for the airport said it had cancelled 110 flights on Monday and a further 45 on Tuesday. "Never, never, never have separatists acted violently, never," added Junqueras, in emailed answers to questions passed on to Reuters by his staff late on Monday. "What I'm sure of is that this conflict is to be resolved via ballot boxes ... we are convinced that sooner or later a referendum is inevitable because otherwise, how can we give a voice to the citizens?". Catalan regional leader Quim Torra said on Tuesday his government would continue to defend the right to self determination, and that another referendum was "(the) most positive solution for trying to solve this." Two years after the debacle of the first plebiscite, Catalonia's independence drive still dominates much of Spain's fractured political debate. The country's main national parties are divided on whether to grant the region additional autonomy on top of the administrative and budgetary controls it already holds - but all except the far-left Podemos oppose holding a referendum on independence. Besides, sharp divisions within Catalonia itself over the issue of independence have contributed to taking the steam out of the independence movement in recent months, with protests drawing smaller crowds. Asked what message he had for the independence movement after the sentencing, Junqueras said: "That prison and exile have made us stronger and makes us ever more convinced, if that is possible, in our profoundly democratic beliefs." He and the others planned to appeal the sentences at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, he said.

Jailed Catalan separatist leader says new referendum inevitable

France welcomed on Tuesday the "positive momentum" in talks aimed at securing a deal on the terms of Britain's exit from the European Union, an aide to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-vows-unrelenting-fight-against-islamist-terror-after-police-killings-254514">President Emmanuel Macron said</a>.

"There is a possibility of an accord, everyone recognises that. We're hoping for a deal but we don't know yet," the adviser said at a briefing for journalists ahead of a last-ditch EU summit in Brussels on Thursday.

"We're hoping for a clear assessment tonight so we can know if there will be a deal or not," the adviser added, requesting anonymity to discuss the negotiations underway in Luxembourg.

There are no plans to hold any "technical talks" at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-and-frances-macron-to-meet-ahead-of-crunch-brexit-summit-254798">European Council meeting in Brussels</a>, which will be "a political moment to take note of the situation," the aide said.

The EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said in Luxembourg earlier Tuesday that a deal with Britain could still be reached this week.

"This work has been intense all along the weekend and yesterday because even if the agreement will be difficult, more and more difficult to be frank, it's still possible this week," Barnier said before briefing the other 27 EU states on the state of the closed-door talks.

European diplomats said London has already given ground on customs rules for Northern Ireland, but must go further quickly if a deal is to be done this month, allowing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to fulfil his pledge to lead Britain out on October 31.

France welcomed on Tuesday the "positive momentum" in talks aimed at securing a deal on the terms of Britain's exit from the European Union, an aide to President Emmanuel Macron said.

France welcomed on Tuesday the "positive momentum" in talks aimed at securing a deal on the terms of Britain's exit from the European Union, an aide to President Emmanuel Macron said. "There is a possibility of an accord, everyone recognises that. We're hoping for a deal but we don't know yet," the adviser said at a briefing for journalists ahead of a last-ditch EU summit in Brussels on Thursday. "We're hoping for a clear assessment tonight so we can know if there will be a deal or not," the adviser added, requesting anonymity to discuss the negotiations underway in Luxembourg. There are no plans to hold any "technical talks" at the European Council meeting in Brussels, which will be "a political moment to take note of the situation," the aide said. The EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said in Luxembourg earlier Tuesday that a deal with Britain could still be reached this week. "This work has been intense all along the weekend and yesterday because even if the agreement will be difficult, more and more difficult to be frank, it's still possible this week," Barnier said before briefing the other 27 EU states on the state of the closed-door talks. European diplomats said London has already given ground on customs rules for Northern Ireland, but must go further quickly if a deal is to be done this month, allowing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to fulfil his pledge to lead Britain out on October 31.

France sees 'positive momentum' for Brexit deal: Presidential aide

Six months after a blaze caused devastating damage to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/notre-dame-fire-main-structure-saved-president-emmanuel-macron-says-will-rebuild-paris-historic-cathedral-210759">Paris' Notre-Dame cathedral</a>, nearly one billion euros have been paid or pledged to rebuild the edifice, France's culture minister said Tuesday.

Of the total, 104 million euros have already been paid over by 350,000 donors, Franck Riester told journalists in Paris.

"It is far too early to say whether the amount will be enough," the minister said, adding "the government will assume its responsibilities; we will not leave Notre-Dame in the lurch."

Riester said the total had reached 922 million euros (just over $1 billion).&nbsp;

Three foundations and France's National Monuments Centre have been charged with raising money for rebuilding the cathedral, which saw a fire tearing through its roof on April 15, toppling its historic spire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/notre-dame-fire-under-control-partially-extinguished-210772">There is no consensus on how the Notre-Dame</a> should look after reconstruction, with some arguing for the spire to be rebuilt exactly as it was, and others making the case for innovation.

On Tuesday, the project's chief architect Philippe Villeneuve said the reconstruction can be done within five years if it is re-made to look as it did before.

France's richest man Bernard Arnault in September signed a formal accord to firm up a pledge of 200 million euros ($220 million). The signing on another 100 million promised by the oil giant Total is awaited in October.

Six months after a blaze caused devastating damage to Paris' Notre-Dame cathedral, nearly one billion euros have been paid or pledged to rebuild the edifice, France's culture minister said Tuesday.

Six months after a blaze caused devastating damage to Paris' Notre-Dame cathedral, nearly one billion euros have been paid or pledged to rebuild the edifice, France's culture minister said Tuesday. Of the total, 104 million euros have already been paid over by 350,000 donors, Franck Riester told journalists in Paris. "It is far too early to say whether the amount will be enough," the minister said, adding "the government will assume its responsibilities; we will not leave Notre-Dame in the lurch." Riester said the total had reached 922 million euros (just over $1 billion). Three foundations and France's National Monuments Centre have been charged with raising money for rebuilding the cathedral, which saw a fire tearing through its roof on April 15, toppling its historic spire. There is no consensus on how the Notre-Dame should look after reconstruction, with some arguing for the spire to be rebuilt exactly as it was, and others making the case for innovation. On Tuesday, the project's chief architect Philippe Villeneuve said the reconstruction can be done within five years if it is re-made to look as it did before. France's richest man Bernard Arnault in September signed a formal accord to firm up a pledge of 200 million euros ($220 million). The signing on another 100 million promised by the oil giant Total is awaited in October.

Nearly one billion euros raised, pledged for rebuilding Notre-Dame

Hundreds of people were killed or wounded in violence related to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/unidentified-gunmen-kill-prosecutor-in-ghor-province-255800">Afghanistan's recent presidential election</a> season as the Taliban sought to undermine the democratic process, a United Nations agency said Tuesday.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that 85 people were killed and another 373 wounded in election violence during the period from June 8 to September 30.

On polling day alone, 28 civilians were killed and 249 injured. Children accounted for more than one-third of the victims.

Despite the high toll, Afghan security forces said election day was a success because the Taliban failed to pull off any large-scale attacks that stole the headlines.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/policeman-killed-4-others-injured-in-bomb-blast-in-southern-afghanistan-255057">The majority of Taliban attacks</a> involved the use of rockets, grenades and mortars, as well as homemade bombs planted near polling centres, including schools, the report found.

On July 28, the same day as the election campaign started, militants targeted the office of Ghani's running mate Amrullah Saleh in Kabul, killing 21 people and wounding another 50.

"These attacks, along with public statements made by the Taliban, revealed a deliberate campaign intended to undermine the electoral process and deprive Afghan citizens of their right to participate in this important political process, freely and without fear," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the U.N. secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement.

The casualty figures are actually a substantial improvement in the run-up to parliamentary elections held a year ago, when UNAMA tallied 226 deaths and 781 injuries.

Final election turnout figures have yet to be released but it appears participation in this year's first-round presidential vote is at record low levels.

Voters stayed away, wary of repeated Taliban threats to attack polling stations and also despondent about the chances of their ballots being fairly counted in a country that has seen systemic and large-scale electoral fraud.

The Independent Election Commission, however, insists multiple safeguards including biometric verification will make this year's vote the cleanest yet.

Preliminary results are due Saturday, though officials have suggested this date will be pushed back a few days.

The race is seen as a two-horse steeplechase between President Ashraf Ghani and his top rival Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

If no one wins a majority of more than 50 per cent, the elections will go to a second round.

Hundreds of people were killed or wounded in violence related to Afghanistan's recent presidential election season as the Taliban sought to undermine the democratic process, a United Nations agency said Tuesday.

Hundreds of people were killed or wounded in violence related to Afghanistan's recent presidential election season as the Taliban sought to undermine the democratic process, a United Nations agency said Tuesday. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that 85 people were killed and another 373 wounded in election violence during the period from June 8 to September 30. On polling day alone, 28 civilians were killed and 249 injured. Children accounted for more than one-third of the victims. Despite the high toll, Afghan security forces said election day was a success because the Taliban failed to pull off any large-scale attacks that stole the headlines. The majority of Taliban attacks involved the use of rockets, grenades and mortars, as well as homemade bombs planted near polling centres, including schools, the report found. On July 28, the same day as the election campaign started, militants targeted the office of Ghani's running mate Amrullah Saleh in Kabul, killing 21 people and wounding another 50. "These attacks, along with public statements made by the Taliban, revealed a deliberate campaign intended to undermine the electoral process and deprive Afghan citizens of their right to participate in this important political process, freely and without fear," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the U.N. secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement. The casualty figures are actually a substantial improvement in the run-up to parliamentary elections held a year ago, when UNAMA tallied 226 deaths and 781 injuries. Final election turnout figures have yet to be released but it appears participation in this year's first-round presidential vote is at record low levels. Voters stayed away, wary of repeated Taliban threats to attack polling stations and also despondent about the chances of their ballots being fairly counted in a country that has seen systemic and large-scale electoral fraud. The Independent Election Commission, however, insists multiple safeguards including biometric verification will make this year's vote the cleanest yet. Preliminary results are due Saturday, though officials have suggested this date will be pushed back a few days. The race is seen as a two-horse steeplechase between President Ashraf Ghani and his top rival Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. If no one wins a majority of more than 50 per cent, the elections will go to a second round.

Afghanistan election campaign witnessed 85 deaths, 373 injured civilians: United Nations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-visit-showcases-vladimir-putins-growing-middle-east-influence-255779">President Vladimir Putin visited Abu Dhabi on Tuesday</a>, seeking to attract over $1.3 billion worth of investments in Russia's economy.

Putin, who came to the United Arab Emirates a day after signing a key oil deal with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, was greeted by Abu Dhabi's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.&nbsp;

A dozen agreements worth more than $1.3 billion, notably in the energy, advanced technology and sectors, are expected to be sealed during the visit, according to the Russian sovereign wealth fund.&nbsp;

As Putin made his way to the presidential palace, jets painted the sky white, blue and red,&nbsp;the colours of the Russian flag, and ceremonial cannon salutes were fired.

The streets of Abu Dhabi were lined with Emirati and Russian flags, while road signs typically displaying warnings for motorists greeted Putin in Arabic and Russian.

"The United Arab Emirates welcomes the visit of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-nothing-compromising-in-trump-call-to-ukraine-leader-253325">the Russian president</a>," read the signs.&nbsp;

"Among the Gulf countries, the UAE is the leader in terms of trade with Russia," Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov told the press a few days ahead of the visit.

In 2018, trade between the two countries had reached up to $1.7 billion.

"Relations with the Emirates are very advanced, and they are constantly improving," Russian Economy Minister Maxim Oreshkin told reporters in Riyadh on Monday.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin visited Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, seeking to attract over $1.3 billion worth of investments in Russia's economy. Putin, who came to the United Arab Emirates a day after signing a key oil deal with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, was greeted by Abu Dhabi's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

President Vladimir Putin visited Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, seeking to attract over $1.3 billion worth of investments in Russia's economy. Putin, who came to the United Arab Emirates a day after signing a key oil deal with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, was greeted by Abu Dhabi's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. A dozen agreements worth more than $1.3 billion, notably in the energy, advanced technology and sectors, are expected to be sealed during the visit, according to the Russian sovereign wealth fund. As Putin made his way to the presidential palace, jets painted the sky white, blue and red, the colours of the Russian flag, and ceremonial cannon salutes were fired. The streets of Abu Dhabi were lined with Emirati and Russian flags, while road signs typically displaying warnings for motorists greeted Putin in Arabic and Russian. "The United Arab Emirates welcomes the visit of the Russian president," read the signs. "Among the Gulf countries, the UAE is the leader in terms of trade with Russia," Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov told the press a few days ahead of the visit. In 2018, trade between the two countries had reached up to $1.7 billion. "Relations with the Emirates are very advanced, and they are constantly improving," Russian Economy Minister Maxim Oreshkin told reporters in Riyadh on Monday.

Putin in Abu Dhabi seeking $1.3 billion in investments

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-a-victory-in-china-trade-war-but-us-farmers-want-details-256006&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEq6-qlZ7lAhW57XMBHSGDCXsQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Ginnq1mb3aG1GMOt1rMua">China said Tuesday there was "no difference" with the United States</a> on reaching a trade agreement, amid scepticism over what United States&nbsp;President Donald Trump has called a "substantial phase one" deal.

On Friday, Trump said after talks in Washington with Vice Premier Liu He that the two sides had reached an initial agreement, but while Beijing said progress was made it never stated that a deal was struck at the meeting.

Asked at a regular press conference on Tuesday if Washington and Beijing had the same approach on a deal, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: "What the US has said is the actual situation -- it is consistent with our understanding of the situation."

Geng added: "Both sides are in consensus about the issue of reaching an economic and trade agreement, there is no difference."

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday that US and Chinese officials will continue to hold talks by phone this week to finalise the deal.

Trump said the agreement included a pledge by China to rapidly ramp up purchases of American farm products to $40-50 billion -- more than double the prior level of less than $20 billion in 2017.

Geng said China "will also accelerate its purchases of US agricultural products".

Chinese businesses have bought this year 20 million tonnes of soybeans, 700,000 tonnes of pork, 700,000 tonnes of sorghum, 230,000 tonnes of wheat, and 320,000 tonnes of cotton, he added.

But few specifics are available on the deal announced by Trump, which would not roll back the tariffs already imposed on hundreds of billions of dollars in trade between the world's two dominant economic powers.

For his part, Liu said that "substantial progress" had been made in areas including agriculture, intellectual property rights protection and the transfer of technology, the official Xinhua news agency reported after the talks.

The Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily warned in an editorial Saturday the trade war would only be resolved by "abolishing all tariffs".

China's cautious response to Trump's announcement has prompted&nbsp;scepticism over the progress of the deal.

In turn, official media has hit back at reports doubting China's enthusiasm about the deal, with the state-run Global Times saying in an editorial that "the US and some Western media are looking for 'temperature differences' between Chinese and US announcements".

China said Tuesday there was "no difference" with the United States on reaching a trade agreement, amid scepticism over what United States President Donald Trump has called a "substantial phase one" deal.

China said Tuesday there was "no difference" with the United States on reaching a trade agreement, amid scepticism over what United States President Donald Trump has called a "substantial phase one" deal. On Friday, Trump said after talks in Washington with Vice Premier Liu He that the two sides had reached an initial agreement, but while Beijing said progress was made it never stated that a deal was struck at the meeting. Asked at a regular press conference on Tuesday if Washington and Beijing had the same approach on a deal, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: "What the US has said is the actual situation -- it is consistent with our understanding of the situation." Geng added: "Both sides are in consensus about the issue of reaching an economic and trade agreement, there is no difference." US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday that US and Chinese officials will continue to hold talks by phone this week to finalise the deal. Trump said the agreement included a pledge by China to rapidly ramp up purchases of American farm products to $40-50 billion -- more than double the prior level of less than $20 billion in 2017. Geng said China "will also accelerate its purchases of US agricultural products". Chinese businesses have bought this year 20 million tonnes of soybeans, 700,000 tonnes of pork, 700,000 tonnes of sorghum, 230,000 tonnes of wheat, and 320,000 tonnes of cotton, he added. But few specifics are available on the deal announced by Trump, which would not roll back the tariffs already imposed on hundreds of billions of dollars in trade between the world's two dominant economic powers. For his part, Liu said that "substantial progress" had been made in areas including agriculture, intellectual property rights protection and the transfer of technology, the official Xinhua news agency reported after the talks. The Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily warned in an editorial Saturday the trade war would only be resolved by "abolishing all tariffs". China's cautious response to Trump's announcement has prompted scepticism over the progress of the deal. In turn, official media has hit back at reports doubting China's enthusiasm about the deal, with the state-run Global Times saying in an editorial that "the US and some Western media are looking for 'temperature differences' between Chinese and US announcements".

China sees 'no difference' with US on trade deal

LeBron&nbsp;James weighed in on the controversy between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-organisers-cancel-nba-fan-event-amid-free-speech-row-254851">China and the NBA</a> on Monday, saying that Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey "wasn't educated" when he sent a tweet in support of protesters in Hong Kong this month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nba-rockets-executive-says-hong-kong-tweet-not-meant-to-offend-254149">Morey's tweet </a>of support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong on October&nbsp;4 set off a firestorm, prompting Chinese sponsors and partners to cut ties with the league and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to answer difficult questions about free speech.

"We all talk about this freedom of speech. Yes, we all do have freedom of speech. But at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you're not thinking about others," James told reporters before the Lakers' pre season game against Golden State in California. "I don't want to get into a word or sentence feud with Daryl," he added. "But I believe he wasn't educated on the situation at hand and he spoke."

Not long after the media session, James took to Twitter to clarify his statements.

"Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet," James tweeted. "I'm not discussing the substance. Others can talk about that."

James' tweets and statement have set off their own firestorm, with basketball fans in the US&nbsp;and China sounding off.

On Twitter, many users responded to his statement with anger. "Weak," said one user. Others simply posted emoji of bags of money.

On the other side of China's Great Firewall, netizens weighed in to support James, whose statements were trending on Weibo, China's equivalent to Twitter, and Douyin, a popular short video platform owned by Bytedance Ltd.

"My James is being attacked by Americans, Americans believe Morey should be supported, and James' words are basically opposing Morey," said one user on Weibo. "Sigh, I love you James, hope you can continue to be healthy and play ball!"

The Lakers played two exhibition games in China against the Brooklyn Nets last week, but the NBA canceled media availability for the teams during the trip.

A Rockets staff member also shut down a CNN reporter in Tokyo last week while trying to ask players a question about the controversy.

The league later apologized to the reporter in a statement. James is one of the few NBA representatives to speak openly about the contention.

"My team and this league just went through a difficult week," he tweeted on Monday. "I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it."

LeBron James weighed in on the controversy between China and the NBA on Monday, saying that Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey "wasn't educated" when he sent a tweet in support of protesters in Hong Kong this month.

LeBron James weighed in on the controversy between China and the NBA on Monday, saying that Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey "wasn't educated" when he sent a tweet in support of protesters in Hong Kong this month. Morey's tweet of support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong on October 4 set off a firestorm, prompting Chinese sponsors and partners to cut ties with the league and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to answer difficult questions about free speech. "We all talk about this freedom of speech. Yes, we all do have freedom of speech. But at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you're not thinking about others," James told reporters before the Lakers' pre season game against Golden State in California. "I don't want to get into a word or sentence feud with Daryl," he added. "But I believe he wasn't educated on the situation at hand and he spoke." Not long after the media session, James took to Twitter to clarify his statements. "Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet," James tweeted. "I'm not discussing the substance. Others can talk about that." James' tweets and statement have set off their own firestorm, with basketball fans in the US and China sounding off. On Twitter, many users responded to his statement with anger. "Weak," said one user. Others simply posted emoji of bags of money. On the other side of China's Great Firewall, netizens weighed in to support James, whose statements were trending on Weibo, China's equivalent to Twitter, and Douyin, a popular short video platform owned by Bytedance Ltd. "My James is being attacked by Americans, Americans believe Morey should be supported, and James' words are basically opposing Morey," said one user on Weibo. "Sigh, I love you James, hope you can continue to be healthy and play ball!" The Lakers played two exhibition games in China against the Brooklyn Nets last week, but the NBA canceled media availability for the teams during the trip. A Rockets staff member also shut down a CNN reporter in Tokyo last week while trying to ask players a question about the controversy. The league later apologized to the reporter in a statement. James is one of the few NBA representatives to speak openly about the contention. "My team and this league just went through a difficult week," he tweeted on Monday. "I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it."

Houston Rockets General Manager 'wasn't educated' when he sent Hong Kong tweet: LeBron James

California: Wildfire's hotspot

Cristiano Ronaldo hits milestone with 700th career goal

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has criticised European football's governing body UEFA for failing to abandon Monday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-bulgaria-after-game-halted-over-racist-abuse-255998">Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria</a> after England's black players were subjected to monkey chants.

The game was twice halted in the first half, first when England manager Gareth Southgate informed the UEFA delegate about incidents and a public announcement was made.

The abuse continued and the Group A match, which England went on to win 6-0, was again temporarily suspended by the referee under a three-step UEFA protocol for tackling abuse.

UEFA said it would announce possible disciplinary proceedings later on Tuesday or on Wednesday once it had received full reports from match officials.

Around 50 black-clad Bulgarian fans, some of whom were seen making Nazi salutes, left the stadium before halftime and the second half was completed without further stoppages.

Kick It Out said it was "sickened by the disgusting racist abuse" and suggested UEFA should have taken stronger action.

"We are encouraged that the protocol was initially enforced by the match officials, but UEFA must explain why players weren't sent to the dressing room during Step Two, as is clearly stated in the rules," a statement read.

"TV footage also clearly shows that racist abuse continued in the second half, so it is unacceptable that Step Three was not enforced. This match should have been abandoned by the officials.

"It's now time for UEFA to step up and show some leadership. For far too long, they have consistently failed to take effective action."

The first step of UEFA's protocol was enacted after 28 minutes when England defender Tyrone Mings was subjected to abuse and an announcement was made calling on supporters to stop using racist chants.

The second step, according to UEFA's protocol, is for the players to be sent to the dressing rooms for a specified period.

This was never implemented in Sofia although UEFA said there had been a discussion with the England bench after the second incident and they had agreed to continue as it was so close to halftime.

Step three, according to UEFA, is "after consultation, abandon the match if the discriminatory behaviour still does not cease or breaks out again."

UEFA is yet to comment officially on the incidents.

The threat of racism had dominated the buildup to the game and part of the stadium was empty after UEFA punished Bulgaria for racist behaviour by fans during June's qualifiers against the Czechs and Kosovo.

Bulgarian supporters also made monkey chants at visiting black players when England last travelled to Sofia for a European qualifier in 2011, prompting UEFA to fine the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) $44,072.

Kick It Out said the punishments were futile.

"The fact Bulgaria are already hosting this game with a partial stadium closure for racist abuse shows that UEFA's sanctions are not fit for purpose," it said.

"There can be no more pitiful fines or short stadium bans. If UEFA care at all about tackling discrimination -&nbsp;and if the Equal Game campaign means anything -&nbsp;then points deductions and tournament expulsion must follow."

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has criticised European football's governing body UEFA for failing to abandon Monday's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria after England's black players were subjected to monkey chants.

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has criticised European football's governing body UEFA for failing to abandon Monday's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria after England's black players were subjected to monkey chants. The game was twice halted in the first half, first when England manager Gareth Southgate informed the UEFA delegate about incidents and a public announcement was made. The abuse continued and the Group A match, which England went on to win 6-0, was again temporarily suspended by the referee under a three-step UEFA protocol for tackling abuse. UEFA said it would announce possible disciplinary proceedings later on Tuesday or on Wednesday once it had received full reports from match officials. Around 50 black-clad Bulgarian fans, some of whom were seen making Nazi salutes, left the stadium before halftime and the second half was completed without further stoppages. Kick It Out said it was "sickened by the disgusting racist abuse" and suggested UEFA should have taken stronger action. "We are encouraged that the protocol was initially enforced by the match officials, but UEFA must explain why players weren't sent to the dressing room during Step Two, as is clearly stated in the rules," a statement read. "TV footage also clearly shows that racist abuse continued in the second half, so it is unacceptable that Step Three was not enforced. This match should have been abandoned by the officials. "It's now time for UEFA to step up and show some leadership. For far too long, they have consistently failed to take effective action." The first step of UEFA's protocol was enacted after 28 minutes when England defender Tyrone Mings was subjected to abuse and an announcement was made calling on supporters to stop using racist chants. The second step, according to UEFA's protocol, is for the players to be sent to the dressing rooms for a specified period. This was never implemented in Sofia although UEFA said there had been a discussion with the England bench after the second incident and they had agreed to continue as it was so close to halftime. Step three, according to UEFA, is "after consultation, abandon the match if the discriminatory behaviour still does not cease or breaks out again." UEFA is yet to comment officially on the incidents. The threat of racism had dominated the buildup to the game and part of the stadium was empty after UEFA punished Bulgaria for racist behaviour by fans during June's qualifiers against the Czechs and Kosovo. Bulgarian supporters also made monkey chants at visiting black players when England last travelled to Sofia for a European qualifier in 2011, prompting UEFA to fine the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) $44,072. Kick It Out said the punishments were futile. "The fact Bulgaria are already hosting this game with a partial stadium closure for racist abuse shows that UEFA's sanctions are not fit for purpose," it said. "There can be no more pitiful fines or short stadium bans. If UEFA care at all about tackling discrimination - and if the Equal Game campaign means anything - then points deductions and tournament expulsion must follow."

Euro 2020 qualifier: Anti-racism body says England game should have been abandoned

I don't go looking for them; records are looking for me, said Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring his career's 700th goal.

"Records come naturally - I don't go looking for them; records are looking for me! Without having an obsession, they happen naturally," Goal.com quoted Ronaldo'.

Ronaldo touched the 700-goal mark during Portuguese's Euro 2020 qualifying match against Ukraine on Monday.

By doing so, he became the only sixth player in history to do so.

After achieving the feat, Ronaldo thanked his team-mates and coaches."Thank you to my team-mates, colleagues and coaches who have helped me to become the player I am," he said.

The Juventus forward also said that he does not know how many records he has to his name.

"How many records do I have? I don't&nbsp;know. I have to enjoy the moment and thank those who helped me reach this impressive mark," he said.

However, the Portuguese faced a 1-2 defeat against Ukraine and Ronaldo expressed his disappointment over the defeat."I am disappointed that we didn`t win but proud of the team," Ronaldo said.&nbsp;

I don't go looking for them; records are looking for me, said Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring his career's 700th goal. "Records come naturally - I don't go looking for them; records are looking for me!

I don't go looking for them; records are looking for me, said Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring his career's 700th goal. "Records come naturally - I don't go looking for them; records are looking for me! Without having an obsession, they happen naturally," Goal.com quoted Ronaldo'. Ronaldo touched the 700-goal mark during Portuguese's Euro 2020 qualifying match against Ukraine on Monday. By doing so, he became the only sixth player in history to do so. After achieving the feat, Ronaldo thanked his team-mates and coaches."Thank you to my team-mates, colleagues and coaches who have helped me to become the player I am," he said. The Juventus forward also said that he does not know how many records he has to his name. "How many records do I have? I don't know. I have to enjoy the moment and thank those who helped me reach this impressive mark," he said. However, the Portuguese faced a 1-2 defeat against Ukraine and Ronaldo expressed his disappointment over the defeat."I am disappointed that we didn`t win but proud of the team," Ronaldo said.

I don't go looking for them, records are looking for me: Ronaldo on 700th goal

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Bharat Sharma

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