<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-prices-steady-as-market-awaits-united-states-employment-report-253433">Gold prices on Wednesday</a> held on to the previous session's gains, as fading hopes for progress in US-China trade talks hit risk appetite, while markets also awaited clues on monetary easing by the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve.

Spot gold rose 0.4 per cent&nbsp;to $1,510.50 per ounce as of 0723 GMT, and stood its ground above $1,500 after jumping as much as 1 per cent&nbsp;in the previous session. US&nbsp;gold futures gained 0.8 per cent&nbsp;to $1,516.20 per ounce.

"The market is holding back, and looking at what's going to happen in the US-China trade talks on Thursday... If the trade dispute turns worse, we are going to expect some strong risk-off trade," said Phillip Futures analyst Benjamin Lu.

"The players who were short, rolled back on their positions. We are also seeing some weakness on the equity side."

The United States on Tuesday imposed visa restrictions on Chinese officials for the detention or abuse of Muslim minorities, angering Beijing ahead of high-level trade talks on Thursday and Friday, and sending Asian stocks lower.

The dollar was a shade lower against a basket of major currencies.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has said tariffs on Chinese imports will rise on October&nbsp;15 if no progress is made in the negotiations.

The US&nbsp;Treasury yield curve steepened in Asia after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signalled further interest rate cuts and the resumption of bond purchases to address a recent spike in money market rates.

Lower interest rates generally reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold and weigh on the dollar.

"With the latest QE-lite measures, we expect in flow of funds into gold-backed ETFs to continue, which is likely to push gold prices higher. We maintain that gold prices may test as high as $1,600/oz in this period of uncertainty," OCBC Bank said in a research note.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-prices-dip-as-fears-of-widening-trade-war-ease-252730">Signals are mixed for spot gold, as it failed to break a support at $1,488 per ounce</a>, said Reuters market analyst, Wang Tao.

"The psychological $1,500 pivot looms as the first key support for gold, however expect to see interest extend as far as $1,485," MKS PAMP said in a note.

Meanwhile, silver gained 1.2 per cent&nbsp;to $17.91 an ounce, while platinum rose 0.4 per cent&nbsp;to $892.99. Palladium declined 0.2 per cent&nbsp;to $1,673.17 an ounce.

Gold prices on Wednesday held on to the previous session's gains, as fading hopes for progress in US-China trade talks hit risk appetite, while markets also awaited clues on monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve.

Gold prices on Wednesday held on to the previous session's gains, as fading hopes for progress in US-China trade talks hit risk appetite, while markets also awaited clues on monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve. Spot gold rose 0.4 per cent to $1,510.50 per ounce as of 0723 GMT, and stood its ground above $1,500 after jumping as much as 1 per cent in the previous session. US gold futures gained 0.8 per cent to $1,516.20 per ounce. "The market is holding back, and looking at what's going to happen in the US-China trade talks on Thursday... If the trade dispute turns worse, we are going to expect some strong risk-off trade," said Phillip Futures analyst Benjamin Lu. "The players who were short, rolled back on their positions. We are also seeing some weakness on the equity side." The United States on Tuesday imposed visa restrictions on Chinese officials for the detention or abuse of Muslim minorities, angering Beijing ahead of high-level trade talks on Thursday and Friday, and sending Asian stocks lower. The dollar was a shade lower against a basket of major currencies. US President Donald Trump has said tariffs on Chinese imports will rise on October 15 if no progress is made in the negotiations. The US Treasury yield curve steepened in Asia after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signalled further interest rate cuts and the resumption of bond purchases to address a recent spike in money market rates. Lower interest rates generally reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold and weigh on the dollar. "With the latest QE-lite measures, we expect in flow of funds into gold-backed ETFs to continue, which is likely to push gold prices higher. We maintain that gold prices may test as high as $1,600/oz in this period of uncertainty," OCBC Bank said in a research note. Signals are mixed for spot gold, as it failed to break a support at $1,488 per ounce, said Reuters market analyst, Wang Tao. "The psychological $1,500 pivot looms as the first key support for gold, however expect to see interest extend as far as $1,485," MKS PAMP said in a note. Meanwhile, silver gained 1.2 per cent to $17.91 an ounce, while platinum rose 0.4 per cent to $892.99. Palladium declined 0.2 per cent to $1,673.17 an ounce.

Gold holds firm as optimism fades for US-China trade talks

Montgomery, the capital of the southern US&nbsp;state of Alabama, known as the birthplace of the civil rights movement for its 1950s bus boycotts over segregated seating, has elected the first black mayor in its 200-year history.

Steven Reed, a county probate judge who is black, defeated David Woods, a white businessman who owns a regional television station, unofficial results posted online by the city show, by winning 67 per cent of the vote in a nonpartisan runoff.

Media photographs online showed Reed supporters holding up campaign T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan, "We made history," in the city of about 200,000, about 60 per cent of whom are African American, according to the US&nbsp;Census Bureau.

"This election has never been about me," Mayor-elect Reed said in his victory speech late on Tuesday, according to the Montgomery Advertiser newspaper.

"This election has never been about just my ideas. It's been about all the hopes and dreams we have as individuals and collectively in this city."

Reed's victory came in a city still getting to terms with its past. It was the first capital of the Confederate States of America in 1861.

Last year, the Equal Justice Initiative opened the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum in downtown Montgomery to honour victims of lynching in the racially segregated era after the US&nbsp;Civil War.

The city is the site of the Montgomery bus boycott, a year-long civil rights protest that started in 1955, led by black seamstress Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat to a white patron, as the law then required, and was famously jailed.

The US&nbsp;Supreme Court ultimately ordered Montgomery to integrate its bus system, and one of the boycott leaders was the Rev&nbsp;Martin Luther King, Jr, who would emerge as the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement.

Reed was also the first African-American elected the county's probate judge in 2012, the Advertiser said. In 2015, he was the first probate judge in Alabama to issue same-sex marriage licenses.

Reed is scheduled to be sworn into office on November&nbsp;12 at city hall.

Montgomery, the capital of the southern US state of Alabama, known as the birthplace of the civil rights movement for its 1950s bus boycotts over segregated seating, has elected the first black mayor in its 200-year history.

Montgomery, the capital of the southern US state of Alabama, known as the birthplace of the civil rights movement for its 1950s bus boycotts over segregated seating, has elected the first black mayor in its 200-year history. Steven Reed, a county probate judge who is black, defeated David Woods, a white businessman who owns a regional television station, unofficial results posted online by the city show, by winning 67 per cent of the vote in a nonpartisan runoff. Media photographs online showed Reed supporters holding up campaign T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan, "We made history," in the city of about 200,000, about 60 per cent of whom are African American, according to the US Census Bureau. "This election has never been about me," Mayor-elect Reed said in his victory speech late on Tuesday, according to the Montgomery Advertiser newspaper. "This election has never been about just my ideas. It's been about all the hopes and dreams we have as individuals and collectively in this city." Reed's victory came in a city still getting to terms with its past. It was the first capital of the Confederate States of America in 1861. Last year, the Equal Justice Initiative opened the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum in downtown Montgomery to honour victims of lynching in the racially segregated era after the US Civil War. The city is the site of the Montgomery bus boycott, a year-long civil rights protest that started in 1955, led by black seamstress Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat to a white patron, as the law then required, and was famously jailed. The US Supreme Court ultimately ordered Montgomery to integrate its bus system, and one of the boycott leaders was the Rev Martin Luther King, Jr, who would emerge as the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement. Reed was also the first African-American elected the county's probate judge in 2012, the Advertiser said. In 2015, he was the first probate judge in Alabama to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Reed is scheduled to be sworn into office on November 12 at city hall.

Birthplace of US civil rights movement elects first black mayor

Beijing on Wednesday decried a United States decision to restrict visas for Chinese officials linked to the repression of Xinjiang Muslims and called on Washington to withdraw the measure.

The visa curbs followed the blacklisting this week of 28 Chinese entities involved in rights violations against minorities in Xinjiang, which China has said was based on "groundless" claims.

Rights groups say China is holding more than one million Uighurs and other minorities in re-education camps in the western region.

The US is "disregarding the facts, slandering and smearing China on Xinjiang-related issues," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press conference Wednesday, where he said the US actions were guided by "sinister intentions."

Geng called the US move "completely futile" and warned China would take "firm" action against violations of its sovereignty.

He also said China's commerce ministry would "soon" release its own entity list, which has been in the works for months.

Beijing on Wednesday decried a United States decision to restrict visas for Chinese officials linked to the repression of Xinjiang Muslims and called on Washington to withdraw the measure.

Beijing on Wednesday decried a United States decision to restrict visas for Chinese officials linked to the repression of Xinjiang Muslims and called on Washington to withdraw the measure. The visa curbs followed the blacklisting this week of 28 Chinese entities involved in rights violations against minorities in Xinjiang, which China has said was based on "groundless" claims. Rights groups say China is holding more than one million Uighurs and other minorities in re-education camps in the western region. The US is "disregarding the facts, slandering and smearing China on Xinjiang-related issues," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press conference Wednesday, where he said the US actions were guided by "sinister intentions." Geng called the US move "completely futile" and warned China would take "firm" action against violations of its sovereignty. He also said China's commerce ministry would "soon" release its own entity list, which has been in the works for months.

China slams 'sinister intentions' of US visa curbs on Xinjiang

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-brexit-talks-with-eu-teeter-on-verge-of-collapse-254597">Britain is looking forward to "taking back control" of its trade policy</a> after it exits the European Union later this month, a government minister told the World Trade Organization Wednesday.

Speaking at a WTO conference, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said her country was preparing to seize "a golden opportunity."

Britain will be able "to determine our own trade policy for the first time in almost half a century and retake our seat at the WTO as a fully independent, sovereign nation," she said, according to a written version of her speech.

"For those of you worried about where we might have been for 45 years, let me reassure you: Britain is back."

Truss was addressing a closed-door event hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce, attended by British businesses such as BT and mining firm Anglo American, and diplomats.

In a statement released before her address, she claimed that "Britain is on the verge of taking back control of its trade policy."

"We live in an increasingly protectionist world and it is vitally important – now more than ever – that Britain and other WTO members fly the flag for free trade," she said.&nbsp;

Her comments came as Brexit talks between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissions-juncker-says-britain-will-be-responsible-if-no-brexit-deal-252324">Britain and the European Union</a> teetered on the brink of collapse just three weeks ahead of the deadline for finding a deal for an orderly departure.

Truss insisted in her address that Britain's exit from the bloc would be beneficial the country, and also for the international trading system, which currently finds itself under attack.

"We will use our new-found freedom to champion free, fair, rules-based international trade with the WTO at its centre," she said.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked the WTO and has launched bruising trade wars with China especially, but also with European allies.

Earlier this month, Washington announced that starting October 18, it would slap tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of European goods in retaliation against illegal subsidies for Airbus, with the tariffs hitting everything from French cheeses to Scotch whisky.

"Some may be content to live in a world of rising trade tensions and tit-for-tat tariffs, a world in which, for example, the good people of America are deprived of the chance to sample excellent Scotch whisky," Truss said.

"But this is not a world that I want to see, and when we take our independent seat around the WTO table, I can assure you we will be unapologetic in fighting the forces of protectionism, in favour of genuinely free trade."

Britain is looking forward to "taking back control" of its trade policy after it exits the European Union later this month, a government minister told the World Trade Organization Wednesday.

Britain is looking forward to "taking back control" of its trade policy after it exits the European Union later this month, a government minister told the World Trade Organization Wednesday. Speaking at a WTO conference, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said her country was preparing to seize "a golden opportunity." Britain will be able "to determine our own trade policy for the first time in almost half a century and retake our seat at the WTO as a fully independent, sovereign nation," she said, according to a written version of her speech. "For those of you worried about where we might have been for 45 years, let me reassure you: Britain is back." Truss was addressing a closed-door event hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce, attended by British businesses such as BT and mining firm Anglo American, and diplomats. In a statement released before her address, she claimed that "Britain is on the verge of taking back control of its trade policy." "We live in an increasingly protectionist world and it is vitally important – now more than ever – that Britain and other WTO members fly the flag for free trade," she said. Her comments came as Brexit talks between Britain and the European Union teetered on the brink of collapse just three weeks ahead of the deadline for finding a deal for an orderly departure. Truss insisted in her address that Britain's exit from the bloc would be beneficial the country, and also for the international trading system, which currently finds itself under attack. "We will use our new-found freedom to champion free, fair, rules-based international trade with the WTO at its centre," she said. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked the WTO and has launched bruising trade wars with China especially, but also with European allies. Earlier this month, Washington announced that starting October 18, it would slap tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of European goods in retaliation against illegal subsidies for Airbus, with the tariffs hitting everything from French cheeses to Scotch whisky. "Some may be content to live in a world of rising trade tensions and tit-for-tat tariffs, a world in which, for example, the good people of America are deprived of the chance to sample excellent Scotch whisky," Truss said. "But this is not a world that I want to see, and when we take our independent seat around the WTO table, I can assure you we will be unapologetic in fighting the forces of protectionism, in favour of genuinely free trade."

Britain preparing to 'take back control' at World Trade Organisation: Minister

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tuesday he would send a letter to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking for her support to ratify the new US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-supreme-court-justice-resigns-over-suspicious-bank-deposits-253619">Mexico, which sends 80 per cent of its exports to the United States</a>, has watched nervously as the process of ratifying the deal has slowed to a seeming near-halt in the US amid election-year politics and President Donald Trump's impeachment battle.

Pelosi, the Democratic opposition leader who holds the keys to the deal's future in the House, has voiced reservations about certain aspects of the trade deal, which Trump is pushing hard to ratify.

She and other Democrats have notably voiced scepticism about measures to protect American workers by requiring better labour conditions in Mexico, a low-cost competitor.

"I'm going to send her (Pelosi) a letter today explaining our position, asking for her support to ratify the agreement in the US House of Representatives," Lopez Obrador told a news conference.

The leaders of the three countries signed the USMCA in November to replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which Trump regularly trashed as the worst trade deal his country ever signed.

The new deal must now be ratified in all three countries' legislatures. Mexico, whose economy has suffered from the uncertainty surrounding relations with its key trading partner, is the only one to do that so far.

Pelosi said last week the House is "on a path to yes" regarding the deal.

"We're trying to find common ground with the president. He always wanted this.&nbsp;We do too," she said.

Lopez Obrador was due to meet Tuesday with a delegation of US House Democrats visiting Mexico City.

He said he would urge Pelosi to seek a "speedy ratification" so that "this important issue, which will benefit all three countries' economies, does not get mixed up with and contaminated by the campaign" for the November 2020 elections in the United States.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tuesday he would send a letter to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking for her support to ratify the new US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA).

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tuesday he would send a letter to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking for her support to ratify the new US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA). Mexico, which sends 80 per cent of its exports to the United States, has watched nervously as the process of ratifying the deal has slowed to a seeming near-halt in the US amid election-year politics and President Donald Trump's impeachment battle. Pelosi, the Democratic opposition leader who holds the keys to the deal's future in the House, has voiced reservations about certain aspects of the trade deal, which Trump is pushing hard to ratify. She and other Democrats have notably voiced scepticism about measures to protect American workers by requiring better labour conditions in Mexico, a low-cost competitor. "I'm going to send her (Pelosi) a letter today explaining our position, asking for her support to ratify the agreement in the US House of Representatives," Lopez Obrador told a news conference. The leaders of the three countries signed the USMCA in November to replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which Trump regularly trashed as the worst trade deal his country ever signed. The new deal must now be ratified in all three countries' legislatures. Mexico, whose economy has suffered from the uncertainty surrounding relations with its key trading partner, is the only one to do that so far. Pelosi said last week the House is "on a path to yes" regarding the deal. "We're trying to find common ground with the president. He always wanted this. We do too," she said. Lopez Obrador was due to meet Tuesday with a delegation of US House Democrats visiting Mexico City. He said he would urge Pelosi to seek a "speedy ratification" so that "this important issue, which will benefit all three countries' economies, does not get mixed up with and contaminated by the campaign" for the November 2020 elections in the United States.

Mexico president writes to Pelosi to lobby for trade deal

United States&nbsp;border agents arrested or stopped nearly one million undocumented migrants at the southern border with Mexico in the last 12 months, the most in more than a decade, a top official said Tuesday.

The surge came amid President Donald Trump's tough efforts to halt illegal immigration, which began to show results only in the last three months when border arrests plummeted.

Acting Director of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Mark Morgan said migrants arrested at the border fell to just over 52,000 in September, the final month of the 2019 fiscal year, down from over 144,000 in May and the lowest monthly figure in one year.

The surge came mainly from Central American migrants fleeing poverty and violence, crossing in large groups and family units into the US from Mexico and turning themselves in to ask for asylum.

For most that meant being processed by immigration officials and then released to await a hearing on their asylum claim, but they usually disappeared into the US interior hoping to settle.

The Trump administration has stepped up efforts to discourage an exodus from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador by asking Mexico to impede their transit and requiring them to apply for asylum in the first country they enter -- meaning either Guatemala or Mexico.

"CBP is continuing to collaborate with our foreign partners -- particularly, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras -- to address this as a regional crisis," Morgan said in a White House briefing.

The administration has ordered the expulsion of any asylum seekers back to Mexico and is fighting a court injunction blocking the implementation of that order.

Besides restricting the ability of migrants to claim asylum, the White House has pressed forward on erecting more wall along the 3,200-kilometre&nbsp;border, diverting Defense Department funds committed to other programs for wall construction after Congress declined to provide the budget.

Morgan said 71 miles of new barrier had been built and predicted that a total of 450 miles would be completed by the end of 2020.

"It's a tough process," he said. "You have to obtain the land and land acquisition is a tough thing."

United States border agents arrested or stopped nearly one million undocumented migrants at the southern border with Mexico in the last 12 months, the most in more than a decade, a top official said Tuesday.

United States border agents arrested or stopped nearly one million undocumented migrants at the southern border with Mexico in the last 12 months, the most in more than a decade, a top official said Tuesday. The surge came amid President Donald Trump's tough efforts to halt illegal immigration, which began to show results only in the last three months when border arrests plummeted. Acting Director of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Mark Morgan said migrants arrested at the border fell to just over 52,000 in September, the final month of the 2019 fiscal year, down from over 144,000 in May and the lowest monthly figure in one year. The surge came mainly from Central American migrants fleeing poverty and violence, crossing in large groups and family units into the US from Mexico and turning themselves in to ask for asylum. For most that meant being processed by immigration officials and then released to await a hearing on their asylum claim, but they usually disappeared into the US interior hoping to settle. The Trump administration has stepped up efforts to discourage an exodus from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador by asking Mexico to impede their transit and requiring them to apply for asylum in the first country they enter -- meaning either Guatemala or Mexico. "CBP is continuing to collaborate with our foreign partners -- particularly, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras -- to address this as a regional crisis," Morgan said in a White House briefing. The administration has ordered the expulsion of any asylum seekers back to Mexico and is fighting a court injunction blocking the implementation of that order. Besides restricting the ability of migrants to claim asylum, the White House has pressed forward on erecting more wall along the 3,200-kilometre border, diverting Defense Department funds committed to other programs for wall construction after Congress declined to provide the budget. Morgan said 71 miles of new barrier had been built and predicted that a total of 450 miles would be completed by the end of 2020. "It's a tough process," he said. "You have to obtain the land and land acquisition is a tough thing."

US detained nearly one million migrants in 12 months

Brexit talks between Britain and the European Union teetered on the verge of collapse on Tuesday, with tit-for-tat claims of intransigence and sabotage before an end-of-the-month deadline.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel as he tried to salvage new divorce terms he had proposed ahead of next week's pivotal EU leaders' summit in Brussels.

Breaking with convention, Downing Street then provided a readout of what Merkel allegedly said, provoking an incendiary tweet from EU Council President Donald Tusk.

According to the London source, Merkel demanded a rewrite of Britain's approach to the long-vexing Irish border problem that made a compromise "essentially impossible".

A deal now looked "overwhelmingly unlikely" and talks were "close to breaking down", the source added.

Britain has been trying for more than three years to find a way to deliver on UK voters' wishes and end its almost five-decade involvement in the European project.

Riding a wave of British frustrations with the saga, Johnson is threatening to leave at any cost -- with or without a withdrawal deal -- on October 31.

In Berlin, Merkel's office said it would not comment "on such confidential discussions". Johnson's official spokesman also declined to comment on the substance of the call.

But he told reporters the pair had a "frank exchange" -- diplomatic speak for a disagreement.

The spokesman rejected Tusk's accusation that Johnson was playing "some stupid blame game" by having his office leak out the detail of private talks.

A frustrated Tusk had accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-stake-is-not-winning-some-stupid-blame-game-tusk-to-pm-johnson-on-brexit-254552">Britain of playing with "the future of Europe and the UK"</a> with no clear plan of what the country wanted.

Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney said he found it "hard to disagree" with Tusk, stressing that Dublin would "not strike a deal at any cost".

No deal planning

Although Johnson's Brexit negotiators were still meeting various European officials, much of the focus is shifting to what happens after the talks are formally pronounced dead.

The Irish government published a 2020 spending plan with a $1.3 billion&nbsp;relief fund based on the assumption that there will be no agreement.

The UK government also released updated preparations for a "no deal" exit at the end of the month, indicating it was increasingly expecting the outcome.&nbsp;

The Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank, however, warned that "even a relatively benign no-deal Brexit" would see Britain's debt burden surge to 50-year highs.

On the markets, the pound slipped to its lowest value against the euro in about a month.

Johnson, who took over from Theresa May in July, has been accused of political manoeuvring before calling a snap general election to strengthen his position in parliament.&nbsp;

On Tuesday the government suspended the legislature from Wednesday until October 14, when Queen Elizabeth II will set out the government's legislative domestic agenda.

Border dispute

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-is-essentially-impossible-ever-downing-street-source-254498">Johnson's proposals outline a new way to avoid a hard border between EU member the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit.</a>

It would take the British province of Northern Ireland out of the EU's customs union but keep it largely aligned with the bloc's "single market" standards and regulations.

EU officials said this would not remove the need for customs checks -- a deal-breaker because it jeopardises the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that ended three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

That agreement effectively created an invisible border between north and south, satisfying republicans who want a united Ireland and unionists who want to keep the status quo.

Keeping the border open and free-flowing has long been the main sticking point in the talks.

Downing Street officials say Brussels is making a big mistake because failure in the coming days to reach a deal would result in Britain's position only hardening down the line.

Another delay

One source in Johnson's office told The Spectator magazine the government will try to "do all sorts of things" to prevent another Brexit delay should negotiations really collapse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-starts-to-shows-cracks-under-brexit-and-global-strains-254409">Scotland's top civil court is due to rule Wednesday whether someone else - possibly a judge - could sign an extension request if Johnson fails to follow parliament's order to ask for one if there is still no deal by October 19.</a>

But should a delay still be granted at the EU summit, Johnson will campaign for a "no-deal" in an election, the Downing Street source told The Spectator, which supports the ruling Conservative party.

The Spectator's source also lashed out at Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, saying he had "gone back on his commitments" since parliament passed the law demanding a delay in case of no-deal.

"As things stand, Dublin will do nothing, hoping we offer more," the source said.

Brexit talks between Britain and the European Union teetered on the verge of collapse on Tuesday, with tit-for-tat claims of intransigence and sabotage before an end-of-the-month deadline.

Brexit talks between Britain and the European Union teetered on the verge of collapse on Tuesday, with tit-for-tat claims of intransigence and sabotage before an end-of-the-month deadline. Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel as he tried to salvage new divorce terms he had proposed ahead of next week's pivotal EU leaders' summit in Brussels. Breaking with convention, Downing Street then provided a readout of what Merkel allegedly said, provoking an incendiary tweet from EU Council President Donald Tusk. According to the London source, Merkel demanded a rewrite of Britain's approach to the long-vexing Irish border problem that made a compromise "essentially impossible". A deal now looked "overwhelmingly unlikely" and talks were "close to breaking down", the source added. Britain has been trying for more than three years to find a way to deliver on UK voters' wishes and end its almost five-decade involvement in the European project. Riding a wave of British frustrations with the saga, Johnson is threatening to leave at any cost -- with or without a withdrawal deal -- on October 31. In Berlin, Merkel's office said it would not comment "on such confidential discussions". Johnson's official spokesman also declined to comment on the substance of the call. But he told reporters the pair had a "frank exchange" -- diplomatic speak for a disagreement. The spokesman rejected Tusk's accusation that Johnson was playing "some stupid blame game" by having his office leak out the detail of private talks. A frustrated Tusk had accused Britain of playing with "the future of Europe and the UK" with no clear plan of what the country wanted. Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney said he found it "hard to disagree" with Tusk, stressing that Dublin would "not strike a deal at any cost". No deal planning Although Johnson's Brexit negotiators were still meeting various European officials, much of the focus is shifting to what happens after the talks are formally pronounced dead. The Irish government published a 2020 spending plan with a $1.3 billion relief fund based on the assumption that there will be no agreement. The UK government also released updated preparations for a "no deal" exit at the end of the month, indicating it was increasingly expecting the outcome. The Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank, however, warned that "even a relatively benign no-deal Brexit" would see Britain's debt burden surge to 50-year highs. On the markets, the pound slipped to its lowest value against the euro in about a month. Johnson, who took over from Theresa May in July, has been accused of political manoeuvring before calling a snap general election to strengthen his position in parliament. On Tuesday the government suspended the legislature from Wednesday until October 14, when Queen Elizabeth II will set out the government's legislative domestic agenda. Border dispute Johnson's proposals outline a new way to avoid a hard border between EU member the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit. It would take the British province of Northern Ireland out of the EU's customs union but keep it largely aligned with the bloc's "single market" standards and regulations. EU officials said this would not remove the need for customs checks -- a deal-breaker because it jeopardises the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that ended three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. That agreement effectively created an invisible border between north and south, satisfying republicans who want a united Ireland and unionists who want to keep the status quo. Keeping the border open and free-flowing has long been the main sticking point in the talks. Downing Street officials say Brussels is making a big mistake because failure in the coming days to reach a deal would result in Britain's position only hardening down the line. Another delay One source in Johnson's office told The Spectator magazine the government will try to "do all sorts of things" to prevent another Brexit delay should negotiations really collapse. Scotland's top civil court is due to rule Wednesday whether someone else - possibly a judge - could sign an extension request if Johnson fails to follow parliament's order to ask for one if there is still no deal by October 19. But should a delay still be granted at the EU summit, Johnson will campaign for a "no-deal" in an election, the Downing Street source told The Spectator, which supports the ruling Conservative party. The Spectator's source also lashed out at Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, saying he had "gone back on his commitments" since parliament passed the law demanding a delay in case of no-deal. "As things stand, Dublin will do nothing, hoping we offer more," the source said.

Britain's Brexit talks with EU teeter on verge of collapse

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ghosn-nissan-ceo-hiroto-saikawa-to-step-down-over-financial-irregularities-accusation-248639">Nissan Motor Co</a> named the head of its Chinese business as its next CEO on Tuesday, picking an executive known for close ties to top shareholder Renault and for a frank, straight-talking manner that has marked him as an outsider.

By selecting Senior Vice President Makoto Uchida, Nissan's board has gone with someone slightly at odds with its traditional corporate culture. He joined the carmaker mid-career in 2003, a rarity in a country where top executives usually spend their entire working lives at the same company.

Known for his unflagging work ethic and relentless focus on cost control, Uchida was described by one long-time associate who spoke on condition of anonymity as a "foreigner with a Japanese face" - direct and to the point in conversations.

He will be joined by newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ashwani Gupta, currently COO of junior partner Mitsubishi Motors Corp, in trying to find new ways to revive a business that has been struggling for months with plunging profits, management scandal and tensions with Renault.

Japan's second-largest automaker has been shaken in particular by the arrest of former Chairman Carlos Ghosn last year on allegations of financial misconduct, which he denies, and the more recent departure of CEO Hiroto Saikawa after he admitted to being improperly overpaid.

Whether the 53-year-old former theology student can deliver a miracle turnaround - particularly at Nissan's business in the United States - and repair ties with Renault will now be a focus for investors.

"The biggest business challenge for Nissan is speeding up," the head of Nissan's nominations committee, Masakazu Toyoda, told a news conference.

"Speedy decision making is a challenge that Uchida raised, and to this end, he said that he wants to empower people as much as possible, so we decided to ask Uchida to take on the CEO role."

One source close to Renault described the selection as "a victory for the alliance", saying that both Uchida and Gupta knew the business and were ready to help Nissan recover.

'Isn't really Japanese'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-hit-nissan-ceo-set-to-resign-as-board-meets-248599">Before his ouster, Ghosn had been working on a plan for a full merger of Renault and Nissan</a>, but had met resistance in Japan, which is concerned about French influence in the alliance. The French government is a major Renault shareholder.

Relations were further strained this year when Renault held abortive merger talks with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Nissan's former China chief Jun Seki, who was seen as one of the top contenders for the CEO job, will be vice COO, the company said. The three appointees will take up their positions by January&nbsp;1.

"All three are global citizens, attach importance to the alliance, and are motivated to speed decision making" Toyoda said.

The Uchida associate described him as a "Japanese person who isn't really Japanese inside. Very direct in his language, to the point, easy to understand."

He is extremely proficient in English and worked with Renault, which owns 43.4 per cent of Nissan, on alliance procurement.

Although he is steeped in cost control and rose through ranks in purchasing and procurement - two key things for Nissan - there are other traits that mark him as an outsider.

Unlike other top executives, he has not spent his entire career at Nissan, having joined from Nissho Iwai, now part of trading house Sojitz. He also graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto, where he studied theology. Many top executives in Japan come from the University of Tokyo, and often study law.

As such he is seen as a "tozama", a lord who was considered an outsider in feudal Japan, the associate said.

Directors at Nissan, including those from Renault, voted unanimously in favour of the two executives, a source familiar with the matter said.

APE, which handles the French state's holdings in companies, said it was delighted "with a unanimous decision that will allow Nissan and the alliance to move forward."

Nissan Motor Co named the head of its Chinese business as its next CEO on Tuesday, picking an executive known for close ties to top shareholder Renault and for a frank, straight-talking manner that has marked him as an outsider.

Nissan Motor Co named the head of its Chinese business as its next CEO on Tuesday, picking an executive known for close ties to top shareholder Renault and for a frank, straight-talking manner that has marked him as an outsider. By selecting Senior Vice President Makoto Uchida, Nissan's board has gone with someone slightly at odds with its traditional corporate culture. He joined the carmaker mid-career in 2003, a rarity in a country where top executives usually spend their entire working lives at the same company. Known for his unflagging work ethic and relentless focus on cost control, Uchida was described by one long-time associate who spoke on condition of anonymity as a "foreigner with a Japanese face" - direct and to the point in conversations. He will be joined by newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ashwani Gupta, currently COO of junior partner Mitsubishi Motors Corp, in trying to find new ways to revive a business that has been struggling for months with plunging profits, management scandal and tensions with Renault. Japan's second-largest automaker has been shaken in particular by the arrest of former Chairman Carlos Ghosn last year on allegations of financial misconduct, which he denies, and the more recent departure of CEO Hiroto Saikawa after he admitted to being improperly overpaid. Whether the 53-year-old former theology student can deliver a miracle turnaround - particularly at Nissan's business in the United States - and repair ties with Renault will now be a focus for investors. "The biggest business challenge for Nissan is speeding up," the head of Nissan's nominations committee, Masakazu Toyoda, told a news conference. "Speedy decision making is a challenge that Uchida raised, and to this end, he said that he wants to empower people as much as possible, so we decided to ask Uchida to take on the CEO role." One source close to Renault described the selection as "a victory for the alliance", saying that both Uchida and Gupta knew the business and were ready to help Nissan recover. 'Isn't really Japanese' Before his ouster, Ghosn had been working on a plan for a full merger of Renault and Nissan, but had met resistance in Japan, which is concerned about French influence in the alliance. The French government is a major Renault shareholder. Relations were further strained this year when Renault held abortive merger talks with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Nissan's former China chief Jun Seki, who was seen as one of the top contenders for the CEO job, will be vice COO, the company said. The three appointees will take up their positions by January 1. "All three are global citizens, attach importance to the alliance, and are motivated to speed decision making" Toyoda said. The Uchida associate described him as a "Japanese person who isn't really Japanese inside. Very direct in his language, to the point, easy to understand." He is extremely proficient in English and worked with Renault, which owns 43.4 per cent of Nissan, on alliance procurement. Although he is steeped in cost control and rose through ranks in purchasing and procurement - two key things for Nissan - there are other traits that mark him as an outsider. Unlike other top executives, he has not spent his entire career at Nissan, having joined from Nissho Iwai, now part of trading house Sojitz. He also graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto, where he studied theology. Many top executives in Japan come from the University of Tokyo, and often study law. As such he is seen as a "tozama", a lord who was considered an outsider in feudal Japan, the associate said. Directors at Nissan, including those from Renault, voted unanimously in favour of the two executives, a source familiar with the matter said. APE, which handles the French state's holdings in companies, said it was delighted "with a unanimous decision that will allow Nissan and the alliance to move forward."

Nissan pins revival hopes on 'foreigner with a Japanese face'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-tourist-arrivals-in-september-fall-for-6th-month-254232">Sri Lanka's</a> police on Tuesday suspended two senior officers for falsely warning of a suicide attack similar to the Easter Sunday bombings that killed at least 258 people in April.

Several luxury hotels received a message from police last week cautioning them to step up security.

Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said the two officers responsible were being disciplined for causing panic.

"Investigations showed that the Chief Inspector and his deputy had circulated false, unverified reports," Gunasekera said.

Several unfounded warnings of new violence have been issued by the Catholic church since the April 21 attacks.

Sri Lanka's police chief and the head of the defence ministry are currently facing criminal prosecutions for ignoring intelligence warnings ahead of the suicide bombings that targeted three churches and three luxury hotels.

Last month President Maithripala Sirisena ordered a fresh investigation, bowing to pressure from the head of the Catholic church in Sri Lanka.

The church has said a parliamentary probe and police investigation previously launched into the attacks are not sufficiently independent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-faces-costliest-election-longest-ballot-paper-254467">Sri Lanka</a> imposed a state of emergency soon after the bombings but relaxed the laws three months later.

Armed police have been deployed at churches since the attacks, while hotels have adopted airport-style security measures.

The government has blamed a local jihadi group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) while the Islamic State group also claimed responsibility.

It has said all those involved in the attacks are either dead or have been arrested. By the end of last month, 293 people had been taken into custody according to police.

Sri Lanka's police on Tuesday suspended two senior officers for falsely warning of a suicide attack similar to the Easter Sunday bombings that killed at least 258 people in April.

Sri Lanka's police on Tuesday suspended two senior officers for falsely warning of a suicide attack similar to the Easter Sunday bombings that killed at least 258 people in April. Several luxury hotels received a message from police last week cautioning them to step up security. Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said the two officers responsible were being disciplined for causing panic. "Investigations showed that the Chief Inspector and his deputy had circulated false, unverified reports," Gunasekera said. Several unfounded warnings of new violence have been issued by the Catholic church since the April 21 attacks. Sri Lanka's police chief and the head of the defence ministry are currently facing criminal prosecutions for ignoring intelligence warnings ahead of the suicide bombings that targeted three churches and three luxury hotels. Last month President Maithripala Sirisena ordered a fresh investigation, bowing to pressure from the head of the Catholic church in Sri Lanka. The church has said a parliamentary probe and police investigation previously launched into the attacks are not sufficiently independent. Sri Lanka imposed a state of emergency soon after the bombings but relaxed the laws three months later. Armed police have been deployed at churches since the attacks, while hotels have adopted airport-style security measures. The government has blamed a local jihadi group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) while the Islamic State group also claimed responsibility. It has said all those involved in the attacks are either dead or have been arrested. By the end of last month, 293 people had been taken into custody according to police.

Sri Lanka suspends senior officers for false attack warning

On the occasion of Dussehra, a Ravana effigy measuring 221 feet was set ablaze here on Tuesday. 
 
Organisers claimed that it is India's tallest Ravana effigy. 
 
Thousands of people, including elders, women and children thronged to the Gadda ground EWS Colony, Dhanas to participate in the 'Vijaydashami' celebration.

The effigy was built within a span of 6 months with the help of 40 workers. 
 
The day is celebrated with enthusiasm and vigour throughout the country in different ways but burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad along with fireworks remains the most prominent form of celebration in the northern part of the country. 
 
In South India, Mysore's Dussehra is known for its grandeur, where thousands throng the city palace to witness the procession and take part in festivities.

On the occasion of Dussehra, a Ravana effigy measuring 221 feet was set ablaze here on Tuesday. Organisers claimed that it is India's tallest Ravana effigy. Thousands of people, including elders, women and children thronged to the Gadda ground EWS Colony, Dhanas to participate in the 'Vijaydashami' celebration.

On the occasion of Dussehra, a Ravana effigy measuring 221 feet was set ablaze here on Tuesday. Organisers claimed that it is India's tallest Ravana effigy. Thousands of people, including elders, women and children thronged to the Gadda ground EWS Colony, Dhanas to participate in the 'Vijaydashami' celebration. The effigy was built within a span of 6 months with the help of 40 workers. The day is celebrated with enthusiasm and vigour throughout the country in different ways but burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad along with fireworks remains the most prominent form of celebration in the northern part of the country. In South India, Mysore's Dussehra is known for its grandeur, where thousands throng the city palace to witness the procession and take part in festivities.

At 221 feet, India's tallest Ravana effigy burnt in Chandigarh

The Republican chairman of the United States&nbsp;Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday opened the door to a Senate investigation into unproven allegations regarding Ukraine raised by President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, inviting the attorney to testify.

"It is time for the Senate to inquire about corruption and other improprieties involving Ukraine," Senator Lindsey Graham said in a series of tweets, mentioning specifically the firing of Ukraine's former prosecutor Viktor Shokin.

Graham did not give any specific dates for a potential Giuliani appearance or any other public hearings on the matter.

A federal judge on Monday dismissed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-trump-to-produce-tax-returns-president-appeals-254340">US President Donald Trump's</a> bid to block access to years of his personal and corporate tax returns, saying sitting presidents are not immune from criminal investigations.

In a 75-page ruling, US District Judge Victor Marrero rejected Trump's argument, saying such vast immunity would "operate to frustrate the administration of justice" by putting the president's personal and professional affairs off-limits.

The Republican chairman of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday opened the door to a Senate investigation into unproven allegations regarding Ukraine raised by President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, inviting the attorney to testify.

The Republican chairman of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday opened the door to a Senate investigation into unproven allegations regarding Ukraine raised by President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, inviting the attorney to testify. "It is time for the Senate to inquire about corruption and other improprieties involving Ukraine," Senator Lindsey Graham said in a series of tweets, mentioning specifically the firing of Ukraine's former prosecutor Viktor Shokin. Graham did not give any specific dates for a potential Giuliani appearance or any other public hearings on the matter. A federal judge on Monday dismissed US President Donald Trump's bid to block access to years of his personal and corporate tax returns, saying sitting presidents are not immune from criminal investigations. In a 75-page ruling, US District Judge Victor Marrero rejected Trump's argument, saying such vast immunity would "operate to frustrate the administration of justice" by putting the president's personal and professional affairs off-limits.

US Senate panel chairman says will probe Ukraine, invites Giuliani

If the British government's approach is that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-is-essentially-impossible-ever-downing-street-source-254498">fresh Brexit proposals</a> it made last week were presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, it must know that will not result in a deal, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday.

"What you saw today from Donald Tusk was a frustration that the proposals seem to be, from a British perspective, on a take-it-or-leave-it basis," Coveney told a news conference, referring to the European Council President's accusation that Britain was playing a "stupid blame game" over Brexit.

"I agree that if the approach from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-starts-to-shows-cracks-under-brexit-and-global-strains-254409">the British government</a> is take-it-or-leave-it on the basis of the proposal coming from the British prime minister last week, then the British government must know that there is not going to be a deal."

If the British government's approach is that the fresh Brexit proposals it made last week were presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, it must know that will not result in a deal, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday.

If the British government's approach is that the fresh Brexit proposals it made last week were presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, it must know that will not result in a deal, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday. "What you saw today from Donald Tusk was a frustration that the proposals seem to be, from a British perspective, on a take-it-or-leave-it basis," Coveney told a news conference, referring to the European Council President's accusation that Britain was playing a "stupid blame game" over Brexit. "I agree that if the approach from the British government is take-it-or-leave-it on the basis of the proposal coming from the British prime minister last week, then the British government must know that there is not going to be a deal."

Ireland: British 'take it or leave it' approach amounts to no deal

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