Deutsche Bank&nbsp;is creating a new technology division in a strategy shift designed to reduce complexity and lower costs while transforming systems that have held back the bank for years.

The German lender's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congressional-probe-finds-possible-lapses-in-deutsche-bank-controls-report-247969"> legacy IT systems have been blamed in part for the bank's failure</a> to control costs and for its slow progress in keeping up with the wave of financial technology innovation across the industry.

Technology has long been a problem for Deutsche Bank. Former Chief Executive John Cryan complained in 2015 about "lousy systems" and "very slow processes", and former operations chief Kim Hammonds last year described Deutsche as "vastly complex" and the "most dysfunctional" workplace she has known.

The central technology division announced on Monday will be led by Bernd Leukert, overseeing tech security, data and innovation functions among others, the bank said in a note to employees seen by Reuters.

"At its heart, our technology strategy empowers our businesses to control 'what' is produced, while technology has control of the 'how'. In the past, the 'how' offered too much optionality and did not consistently follow group-wide architecture and tooling," it said.

The lender also established a board-level Technology, Data and Innovation Committee in May and has vowed to invest $14.2 billion&nbsp;in technology by 2022.

It will be doing so amid a technology arms race in banking. Research from UBS this year found that JPMorgan&nbsp;has budgeted $11.4 billion for technology in 2019 alone.

In its note to staff, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deutsche-bank-says-to-slash-18000-jobs-by-2022-233897">Deutsche Bank also said that moving systems to the cloud</a> would not happen overnight, meaning it would continue to invest in legacy infrastructure on which it operates today.

However, it pledged to continue to reduce the number of applications and barriers to technology functions.

"We have a bank-wide commitment to strengthen engineering expertise in the bank by increasing the share of expert internal technology staff," it said.

Deutsche Bank is creating a new technology division in a strategy shift designed to reduce complexity and lower costs while transforming systems that have held back the bank for years.

Deutsche Bank is creating a new technology division in a strategy shift designed to reduce complexity and lower costs while transforming systems that have held back the bank for years. The German lender's legacy IT systems have been blamed in part for the bank's failure to control costs and for its slow progress in keeping up with the wave of financial technology innovation across the industry. Technology has long been a problem for Deutsche Bank. Former Chief Executive John Cryan complained in 2015 about "lousy systems" and "very slow processes", and former operations chief Kim Hammonds last year described Deutsche as "vastly complex" and the "most dysfunctional" workplace she has known. The central technology division announced on Monday will be led by Bernd Leukert, overseeing tech security, data and innovation functions among others, the bank said in a note to employees seen by Reuters. "At its heart, our technology strategy empowers our businesses to control 'what' is produced, while technology has control of the 'how'. In the past, the 'how' offered too much optionality and did not consistently follow group-wide architecture and tooling," it said. The lender also established a board-level Technology, Data and Innovation Committee in May and has vowed to invest $14.2 billion in technology by 2022. It will be doing so amid a technology arms race in banking. Research from UBS this year found that JPMorgan has budgeted $11.4 billion for technology in 2019 alone. In its note to staff, Deutsche Bank also said that moving systems to the cloud would not happen overnight, meaning it would continue to invest in legacy infrastructure on which it operates today. However, it pledged to continue to reduce the number of applications and barriers to technology functions. "We have a bank-wide commitment to strengthen engineering expertise in the bank by increasing the share of expert internal technology staff," it said.

Deutsche Bank in strategy shift to address tech woes

Taiwan said on Monday China was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-condemns-chinas-dictatorship-on-70th-anniversary-of-communist-rule-252977">practicing "authoritarian expansionism"</a> in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei.

"We have seen reports that China is interested in reopening this radar station in Kiribati, and building a naval base in Western Province of Solomon Islands," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told a forum on cooperation among countries in the Pacific.

"From the long-term strategic perspective, like-minded friends and partners should really be worried whether the Pacific will remain free and open, and whether the key actors follow the rules-based international order."

The Solomon Islands and Kiribati decided to recognise China last month, dropping self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province with no rights to state-to-state relations.

That reduced the number of its diplomatic allies in the Pacific to just four - Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Nauru. It now has formal diplomatic ties with just 15 nations in all.

Wu urged countries including the United States to "push back strongly" against China's moves to diminish Taiwan's presence in the Pacific.

"I certainly don't want to see the Pacific turned into another South China Sea, with us one day all sighing that it is too late for us to do anything," Wu said, referring to Chinese moves to build military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the disputed water.

China's Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment.

Diplomats attending the forum in Taipei include Sandra Oudkirk, US&nbsp;State Department deputy assistant secretary for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Oudkirk's visit has been seen by some analysts and diplomats in Taiwan as an effort to shore up support for Taipei.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taiwan-conducts-military-exercise-amid-tensions-with-china-142795">Taiwan has come under pressure from Beijing</a>, which includes regular Chinese bomber patrols around the island, since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. China suspects Tsai of pushing for Taiwan's formal independence, a red line for Beijing.

Taiwan has accused China of trying to meddle in its upcoming presidential votes in January as Tsai is seeking re-election - an accusation which China denies.

The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy - officially recognising Beijing and not Taipei - while assisting Taiwan.

Taiwan said on Monday China was practicing "authoritarian expansionism" in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei.

Taiwan said on Monday China was practicing "authoritarian expansionism" in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei. "We have seen reports that China is interested in reopening this radar station in Kiribati, and building a naval base in Western Province of Solomon Islands," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told a forum on cooperation among countries in the Pacific. "From the long-term strategic perspective, like-minded friends and partners should really be worried whether the Pacific will remain free and open, and whether the key actors follow the rules-based international order." The Solomon Islands and Kiribati decided to recognise China last month, dropping self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province with no rights to state-to-state relations. That reduced the number of its diplomatic allies in the Pacific to just four - Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Nauru. It now has formal diplomatic ties with just 15 nations in all. Wu urged countries including the United States to "push back strongly" against China's moves to diminish Taiwan's presence in the Pacific. "I certainly don't want to see the Pacific turned into another South China Sea, with us one day all sighing that it is too late for us to do anything," Wu said, referring to Chinese moves to build military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the disputed water. China's Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment. Diplomats attending the forum in Taipei include Sandra Oudkirk, US State Department deputy assistant secretary for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Oudkirk's visit has been seen by some analysts and diplomats in Taiwan as an effort to shore up support for Taipei. Taiwan has come under pressure from Beijing, which includes regular Chinese bomber patrols around the island, since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. China suspects Tsai of pushing for Taiwan's formal independence, a red line for Beijing. Taiwan has accused China of trying to meddle in its upcoming presidential votes in January as Tsai is seeking re-election - an accusation which China denies. The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy - officially recognising Beijing and not Taipei - while assisting Taiwan.

Taiwan says China is an 'authoritarian' threat in the Pacific

SoftBank Group Corp-backed&nbsp;Indian hospitality startup Oyo said on Monday it would raise $1.5 billion in a new funding round led by founder Ritesh Agarwal and other existing investors.

Agarwal will pump $700 million into the Gurugram-based company through his company RA Hospitality Holdings, while the remaining $800 million will come from other existing investors, Oyo said in a statement.

The fresh funding comes after 25-year-old Agarwal took out a $2 billion loan in July to buy back shares in Oyo, a deal that took its valuation to $10 billion.

Agarwal's share in this round will come from the money he raised then, the company said.

Meanwhile, as the company pushes for profits, many hotel owners who partnered with it complained of their income being hurt by higher fees Oyo charges them.

SoftBank Group Corp-backed Indian hospitality startup Oyo said on Monday it would raise $1.5 billion in a new funding round led by founder Ritesh Agarwal and other existing investors.

SoftBank Group Corp-backed Indian hospitality startup Oyo said on Monday it would raise $1.5 billion in a new funding round led by founder Ritesh Agarwal and other existing investors. Agarwal will pump $700 million into the Gurugram-based company through his company RA Hospitality Holdings, while the remaining $800 million will come from other existing investors, Oyo said in a statement. The fresh funding comes after 25-year-old Agarwal took out a $2 billion loan in July to buy back shares in Oyo, a deal that took its valuation to $10 billion. Agarwal's share in this round will come from the money he raised then, the company said. Meanwhile, as the company pushes for profits, many hotel owners who partnered with it complained of their income being hurt by higher fees Oyo charges them.

SoftBank-backed Oyo to raise $1.5 billion led by founder, other existing investors

Thousands demonstrated on Sunday in a predominantly Kurdish area on the Syrian border with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-to-launch-military-operation-in-northeast-syria-254000">Turkey against threats of an offensive</a> issued the day before by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Ankara had reiterated on Saturday an oft-repeated threat to launch an "air and ground" operation in Syria against a Kurdish militia it deems a terrorist group.

Erdogan has said that his country's patience was wearing thin after Turkish and American officials agreed in August to establish a buffer zone meant to separate the Turkish border from Kurdish territories in northern Syria.&nbsp;

"Down with Erdogan", "Down with the occupation", chanted protestors amassed on the border near the town of Ras al-Ain, an AFP correspondent said.

Protestors marched several kilometres to reach a base near Tel Arqam, held by the US-led international coalition which is allied with Kurdish-led forces against Islamic State (IS) jihadists, the correspondent added.

"We will not abandon our land and we will stay here but we do not want war," said Ahmed Mohamed Salem, a 52-year-old protestor.&nbsp;

Erdogan had reiterated the threat of an offensive on Saturday.

"We've made our preparations, completed our operation plans, given the necessary instructions," Erdogan said during a televised speech, adding that the offensive could start "as soon as today, tomorrow".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-renews-syria-air-and-ground-operation-threat-253960">Kurdish authorities decried Erdogan's comments</a>, insisting on Saturday that the "international community (must) put pressure on Turkey to stop it from carrying out any aggression".

In the areas of Ras al-Ain, Tal Abyad and Kobane, all bordering Turkey, local forces have dug trenches and tunnels in preparation for a Turkish offensive, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said on Sunday.&nbsp;

In mid-September, the US-led coalition had said that "good progress" was being made in implementing the buffer zone.

The zone was agreed in August between Turkey and the US, and it involves creating a buffer between the Turkish border and Syrian areas controlled by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, considered a "terrorist" offshoot of Kurdish insurgents in Turkey by Ankara.&nbsp;

The US and Turkey have conducted three joint patrols as part of the deal, most recently on October 4.&nbsp;

In parallel, the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria has said its forces had dismantled fortifications and started to withdraw from outposts on the border, including in the Ras al-Ain area.

If it takes place, Turkey's cross-border operation would be the third in Syria in recent years, after it launched offensives against IS in 2016 and the YPG in 2018.&nbsp;

Thousands demonstrated on Sunday in a predominantly Kurdish area on the Syrian border with Turkey against threats of an offensive issued the day before by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Thousands demonstrated on Sunday in a predominantly Kurdish area on the Syrian border with Turkey against threats of an offensive issued the day before by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ankara had reiterated on Saturday an oft-repeated threat to launch an "air and ground" operation in Syria against a Kurdish militia it deems a terrorist group. Erdogan has said that his country's patience was wearing thin after Turkish and American officials agreed in August to establish a buffer zone meant to separate the Turkish border from Kurdish territories in northern Syria. "Down with Erdogan", "Down with the occupation", chanted protestors amassed on the border near the town of Ras al-Ain, an AFP correspondent said. Protestors marched several kilometres to reach a base near Tel Arqam, held by the US-led international coalition which is allied with Kurdish-led forces against Islamic State (IS) jihadists, the correspondent added. "We will not abandon our land and we will stay here but we do not want war," said Ahmed Mohamed Salem, a 52-year-old protestor. Erdogan had reiterated the threat of an offensive on Saturday. "We've made our preparations, completed our operation plans, given the necessary instructions," Erdogan said during a televised speech, adding that the offensive could start "as soon as today, tomorrow". Kurdish authorities decried Erdogan's comments, insisting on Saturday that the "international community (must) put pressure on Turkey to stop it from carrying out any aggression". In the areas of Ras al-Ain, Tal Abyad and Kobane, all bordering Turkey, local forces have dug trenches and tunnels in preparation for a Turkish offensive, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said on Sunday. In mid-September, the US-led coalition had said that "good progress" was being made in implementing the buffer zone. The zone was agreed in August between Turkey and the US, and it involves creating a buffer between the Turkish border and Syrian areas controlled by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, considered a "terrorist" offshoot of Kurdish insurgents in Turkey by Ankara. The US and Turkey have conducted three joint patrols as part of the deal, most recently on October 4. In parallel, the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria has said its forces had dismantled fortifications and started to withdraw from outposts on the border, including in the Ras al-Ain area. If it takes place, Turkey's cross-border operation would be the third in Syria in recent years, after it launched offensives against IS in 2016 and the YPG in 2018.

Kurds protest in Syria against Turkish offensive threat

Fault lines of Iraq become visible as protests roar

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petrol-bombs-and-tear-gas-rock-hong-kong-as-thousands-defy-mask-ban-254076">Hong Kong protesters</a> on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations.

The stand-off with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) came after rallies attended by tens of thousands of protesters earlier on Sunday ended in violent clashes in several locations. Police fired tear gas and baton-charged the crowds, while some demonstrators threw bricks and petrol bombs at police as night fell.

Protesters concealed their faces in defiance of colonial-era emergency laws invoked by the authorities on Friday, which banned face masks. Protesters face a maximum of one year in jail for breaking the mask ban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrage-in-china-as-hong-kong-democracy-supporter-assaults-mainlander-crowd-chants-go-home-254032">Police made their first arrests under the new rules</a>, detaining scores of people. Officers tied their wrists with cable and unmasked their faces before placing them on buses. Some protesters lay in foetal positions on the ground, their wrists tied behind their backs, after being subdued with pepper spray and batons.

"The anti-mask law just fuels our anger and more will people come on to the street," Lee, a university student wearing a blue mask, said on Sunday, as he marched on Hong Kong island.

"We are not afraid of the new law, we will continue fighting. We will fight for righteousness. I put on the mask to tell the government that I'm not afraid of tyranny."

China's Hong Kong military garrison warned a crowd of a few hundred protesters they could be arrested for targeting its barracks walls in the city with laser lights. It was the first direct interaction between the PLA and protesters.

Chinese military personnel standing on the roof of the building held up a sign in English and Chinese which read: "Warning. You are in breach of the law. You may be prosecuted."

The troops in fatigues also shone spotlights on the crowd and used binoculars and cameras to monitor protesters. The protesters eventually dispersed.

In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in an operation state news agency Xinhua described at the time as a routine “rotation”.

But the PLA has remained in barracks since protests started, leaving Hong Kong’s police force to deal with the massive and often violent protests in the Asian financial hub.

The PLA's top brass has warned violence is "absolutely impermissible".

More violence

Authorities had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-rejects-mask-ban-challenge-as-fresh-protests-break-out-254031">braced for two major protests on Sunday</a>, fearing a recurrence of Friday night's violent protests which saw the Asian financial centre virtually shut down the next day.

Only hours after Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago, mask-wearing protesters took to the streets on Friday, setting subway stations on fire, smashing mainland China banks and clashing with police.

The rallies on Sunday on Hong Kong island and across the harbour in Kowloon had been largely peaceful until police began to try and disperse the crowds, saying they were participating in unlawful assemblies, blocking major roads, and ordered protesters to leave immediately.

Hong Kong's four months of protests have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades and pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power six years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-goes-quiet-as-subway-shops-close-after-night-of-violence-253957">What started as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has swelled into a pro-democracy movement</a> against what is seen as Beijing's increasing grip on the city, undermining its "one country, two systems" status promised when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997.

China dismisses the accusation, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment.

Protesters on Sunday chanted "Hong Kongers, revolt" and "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong", as riot police monitored them from overhead walkways and footbridges, some taking photographs and filming the marchers.

Protesters handed out face masks to encourage people to defy the ban. As the day wore on protesters started to target subway stations and China banks, just as they did on Friday, which forced the unprecedented closure of the city's metro railway.

A branch of China Construction Bank (Asia) near Prince Edward station was vandalised on Sunday with "No China" sprayed on its wall. Wan Chai station, closed with a neon sign saying serious vandalism, had a protester sheet draped over it which read: "this way to HELL".

Protesters set alight a blaze at the Mong Kok MTR station, with a placard nearby reading: "If we burn, you burn with us".

The current <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-gather-in-mall-to-read-out-declaration-forming-provisional-city-government-253912">"precarious situation"</a>, which endangered public safety, left no timely solution but the anti-mask law, Matthew Cheung, Hong Kong's chief secretary, wrote on his blog on Sunday. He urged people to oppose violence ahead of grassroots district council elections set for Nov. 24.

Four months of protests have pushed the Asian financial hub to the brink of its first recession in a decade. Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog on Sunday said despite recent obstacles, the banking system remained sound and the financial market was functioning well.

"Hong Kong will not implement foreign exchange controls. The Hong Kong dollar can be exchanged freely and capital can come in and out freely. This is the solemn guarantee of the Basic Law," said Chan.

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations.

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations. The stand-off with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) came after rallies attended by tens of thousands of protesters earlier on Sunday ended in violent clashes in several locations. Police fired tear gas and baton-charged the crowds, while some demonstrators threw bricks and petrol bombs at police as night fell. Protesters concealed their faces in defiance of colonial-era emergency laws invoked by the authorities on Friday, which banned face masks. Protesters face a maximum of one year in jail for breaking the mask ban. Police made their first arrests under the new rules, detaining scores of people. Officers tied their wrists with cable and unmasked their faces before placing them on buses. Some protesters lay in foetal positions on the ground, their wrists tied behind their backs, after being subdued with pepper spray and batons. "The anti-mask law just fuels our anger and more will people come on to the street," Lee, a university student wearing a blue mask, said on Sunday, as he marched on Hong Kong island. "We are not afraid of the new law, we will continue fighting. We will fight for righteousness. I put on the mask to tell the government that I'm not afraid of tyranny." China's Hong Kong military garrison warned a crowd of a few hundred protesters they could be arrested for targeting its barracks walls in the city with laser lights. It was the first direct interaction between the PLA and protesters. Chinese military personnel standing on the roof of the building held up a sign in English and Chinese which read: "Warning. You are in breach of the law. You may be prosecuted." The troops in fatigues also shone spotlights on the crowd and used binoculars and cameras to monitor protesters. The protesters eventually dispersed. In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in an operation state news agency Xinhua described at the time as a routine “rotation”. But the PLA has remained in barracks since protests started, leaving Hong Kong’s police force to deal with the massive and often violent protests in the Asian financial hub. The PLA's top brass has warned violence is "absolutely impermissible". More violence Authorities had braced for two major protests on Sunday, fearing a recurrence of Friday night's violent protests which saw the Asian financial centre virtually shut down the next day. Only hours after Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago, mask-wearing protesters took to the streets on Friday, setting subway stations on fire, smashing mainland China banks and clashing with police. The rallies on Sunday on Hong Kong island and across the harbour in Kowloon had been largely peaceful until police began to try and disperse the crowds, saying they were participating in unlawful assemblies, blocking major roads, and ordered protesters to leave immediately. Hong Kong's four months of protests have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades and pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power six years ago. What started as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has swelled into a pro-democracy movement against what is seen as Beijing's increasing grip on the city, undermining its "one country, two systems" status promised when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997. China dismisses the accusation, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment. Protesters on Sunday chanted "Hong Kongers, revolt" and "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong", as riot police monitored them from overhead walkways and footbridges, some taking photographs and filming the marchers. Protesters handed out face masks to encourage people to defy the ban. As the day wore on protesters started to target subway stations and China banks, just as they did on Friday, which forced the unprecedented closure of the city's metro railway. A branch of China Construction Bank (Asia) near Prince Edward station was vandalised on Sunday with "No China" sprayed on its wall. Wan Chai station, closed with a neon sign saying serious vandalism, had a protester sheet draped over it which read: "this way to HELL". Protesters set alight a blaze at the Mong Kok MTR station, with a placard nearby reading: "If we burn, you burn with us". The current "precarious situation", which endangered public safety, left no timely solution but the anti-mask law, Matthew Cheung, Hong Kong's chief secretary, wrote on his blog on Sunday. He urged people to oppose violence ahead of grassroots district council elections set for Nov. 24. Four months of protests have pushed the Asian financial hub to the brink of its first recession in a decade. Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog on Sunday said despite recent obstacles, the banking system remained sound and the financial market was functioning well. "Hong Kong will not implement foreign exchange controls. The Hong Kong dollar can be exchanged freely and capital can come in and out freely. This is the solemn guarantee of the Basic Law," said Chan.

Chinese soldiers in Hong Kong warn protesters as emergency rules fail to quell unrest

At least 18 people were killed in clashes between anti-government protesters and police in Baghdad overnight, according to police and medical sources, as the cabinet tried to appease public anger over corruption and unemployment with a new reform plan.

The scale of the protests, in which<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/anti-govt-protests-in-iraq-death-toll-rises-to-100-254028"> nearly 100 people have died</a> since Tuesday, has taken the authorities by surprise. Two years after the defeat of the Islamic State, security is better than it has been in years, but corruption is rampant, wrecked infrastructure has not been rebuilt and jobs remain scarce.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's 17-point plan was the result of an emergency cabinet meeting on Saturday night and comes after days of offering only vague reform promises.

It includes increased subsidized housing for the poor, stipends for the unemployed as well as training programs and small loans initiatives for unemployed youth.

The families of those killed during demonstrations this week will also get payouts and care usually granted to members of the security forces killed during the war.

"Amid all of this, I swear to God that my only concern is for the casualties," Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said during the cabinet meeting, according to state TV.

The streets of the capital were quiet so far on Sunday. Protests have tended to gather steam later in the day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-prime-minister-pledges-reforms-to-calm-angry-protests-254067">The clashes shattered a day of relative calm</a> on Saturday after authorities lifted a curfew and traffic moved normally in the centre of Baghdad. Hundreds of security personnel were deployed in the streets.

The demonstrations began in Baghdad on Tuesday but have spread quickly spread to other cities mainly in the south.

In the city of Nasiriya, where at least 18 people were killed during the week, police fired live rounds at demonstrators on Saturday. Twenty-four people were wounded in the clashes overnight, including seven policemen, according to security, hospital and morgue sources.

Protesters also torched the headquarters of several political parties in Nasiriya, police said. These included the headquarters of the powerful Dawa party that dominated Iraq's government from 2003 until 2018 elections.

Violence also broke out again in Diwaniya, another city south of Baghdad killing at least one person, police said.

Fears ahead of pilgrimage

The cabinet's new plan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/innovative-iraqis-dodge-net-blackout-to-illuminate-protest-violence-253984">may not be enough to placate protesters</a> and the politicians who've sided with them.

Opposition to the government among parliamentary blocs who have begun boycotting legislative meetings is already brewing, adding pressure on Abdul Mahdi and his cabinet to step down.

Influential Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has a mass popular following and controls a large chunk of parliament, demanded on Friday that the government resign and snap elections be held. At least one other major parliamentary grouping allied itself with Sadr against the government.

But powerful political parties which have dominated Iraqi politics since the 2003 US-led invasion and toppling of dictator Saddam Hussein have not indicated they are willing to relinquish the institutions they control.

In eastern Baghdad on Friday and Saturday, police snipers shot at demonstrators and several people were wounded, Reuters reporters said.

Security services said the violence killed eight members of the security forces and wounded more than 1,000, state television reported.

At least 95 demonstrators have died across Iraq, according to a Reuters tally based on police and medical sources. Iraq's semi-official High Commission for Human Rights had put the toll at 99 dead since protests broke out on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-shiite-cleric-urges-iraq-govt-to-heed-protesters-253747">The unrest is the deadliest Iraq has seen since the declared defeat of Islamic State in 2017</a> and has shaken Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's year-old government. Iraqis fear the violence will continue to escalate.

The violence continued as people began journeying across southern Iraq for the Shi'ite pilgrimage of Arbaeen, which is expected to attract 20 million worshippers.

At least 18 people were killed in clashes between anti-government protesters and police in Baghdad overnight, according to police and medical sources, as the cabinet tried to appease public anger over corruption and unemployment with a new reform plan.

At least 18 people were killed in clashes between anti-government protesters and police in Baghdad overnight, according to police and medical sources, as the cabinet tried to appease public anger over corruption and unemployment with a new reform plan. The scale of the protests, in which nearly 100 people have died since Tuesday, has taken the authorities by surprise. Two years after the defeat of the Islamic State, security is better than it has been in years, but corruption is rampant, wrecked infrastructure has not been rebuilt and jobs remain scarce. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's 17-point plan was the result of an emergency cabinet meeting on Saturday night and comes after days of offering only vague reform promises. It includes increased subsidized housing for the poor, stipends for the unemployed as well as training programs and small loans initiatives for unemployed youth. The families of those killed during demonstrations this week will also get payouts and care usually granted to members of the security forces killed during the war. "Amid all of this, I swear to God that my only concern is for the casualties," Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said during the cabinet meeting, according to state TV. The streets of the capital were quiet so far on Sunday. Protests have tended to gather steam later in the day. The clashes shattered a day of relative calm on Saturday after authorities lifted a curfew and traffic moved normally in the centre of Baghdad. Hundreds of security personnel were deployed in the streets. The demonstrations began in Baghdad on Tuesday but have spread quickly spread to other cities mainly in the south. In the city of Nasiriya, where at least 18 people were killed during the week, police fired live rounds at demonstrators on Saturday. Twenty-four people were wounded in the clashes overnight, including seven policemen, according to security, hospital and morgue sources. Protesters also torched the headquarters of several political parties in Nasiriya, police said. These included the headquarters of the powerful Dawa party that dominated Iraq's government from 2003 until 2018 elections. Violence also broke out again in Diwaniya, another city south of Baghdad killing at least one person, police said. Fears ahead of pilgrimage The cabinet's new plan may not be enough to placate protesters and the politicians who've sided with them. Opposition to the government among parliamentary blocs who have begun boycotting legislative meetings is already brewing, adding pressure on Abdul Mahdi and his cabinet to step down. Influential Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has a mass popular following and controls a large chunk of parliament, demanded on Friday that the government resign and snap elections be held. At least one other major parliamentary grouping allied itself with Sadr against the government. But powerful political parties which have dominated Iraqi politics since the 2003 US-led invasion and toppling of dictator Saddam Hussein have not indicated they are willing to relinquish the institutions they control. In eastern Baghdad on Friday and Saturday, police snipers shot at demonstrators and several people were wounded, Reuters reporters said. Security services said the violence killed eight members of the security forces and wounded more than 1,000, state television reported. At least 95 demonstrators have died across Iraq, according to a Reuters tally based on police and medical sources. Iraq's semi-official High Commission for Human Rights had put the toll at 99 dead since protests broke out on Tuesday. The unrest is the deadliest Iraq has seen since the declared defeat of Islamic State in 2017 and has shaken Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's year-old government. Iraqis fear the violence will continue to escalate. The violence continued as people began journeying across southern Iraq for the Shi'ite pilgrimage of Arbaeen, which is expected to attract 20 million worshippers.

At least 18 killed in Iraq protests overnight, government issues new promises

Thousands gathered in Paris on Sunday to protest the government's plan to let single women and lesbians become pregnant with fertility treatments, the country's first major social reform since France legalised gay marriage in 2013.

Waving red and green flags, a crowd marched from the French Senate toward the monolithic Tour Montparnasse skyscraper, chanting "Liberty, Equality, Paternity" -&nbsp;a play on the French motto which ends with "Fraternity."

Many wore the distinctive cone-shaped red Phrygian hats that are a symbol of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-cant-escape-copyright-laws-frances-emmanuel-macron-253863">French republic</a>.

Organisers said they hoped 100,000 will turn out against the law, which was approved by the lower house of parliament last month, but officials said they were expecting 10,000 to 20,000 people.

"For two years now our attempts at dialogue have gone nowhere... the street is the only place left for us to be heard," Ludovine de la Rochere, president of the Protest for Everyone association, told journalists Sunday.

President Emmanuel Macron pledged during his 2017 election campaign to push the law despite deep resistance among&nbsp;rightwing opponents as well as conservative Roman Catholics and other religious groups.

They had mobilised massively in 2012 and 2013 against a move by Macron's Socialist predecessor Francois Hollande to legalise marriage for homosexual couples, with one Paris protest attracting 340,000 people according to police.

But that law did not allow lesbian couples or single women to have children via in-vitro fertilisation or other medically assisted means, long a taboo in France.

Many women have instead been forced to go abroad for such treatments, and French courts often refuse to recognise the second mother's maternity rights in the case of same-sex couples.

Under the proposed law, France's healthcare system would cover the cost of the procedure for all women under 43.

It would also allow children conceived with donated sperm to find out the donor's identity when they turn 18, a change from the country's strict donor anonymity protections.

If approved, the law would bring French legislation in line with other European nations including Britain, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium and Scandinavian countries, which authorise medically assisted procreation for all women.

'Much less divided'

Opponents say the law deprives children of a necessary paternal figure and threatens a traditional family structure, and would open the door to legalising surrogacy, including for gay men.

Protest organisers chartered two high-speed TGV trains and around 100 buses to bring people to Paris on Sunday and said they had distributed some three million flyers against the law in recent weeks.

"The family, with a mother and a father, is an ecosystem that needs protecting," said Christian Kersabiec, 68, who came to the march Sunday from Vannes in Brittany, denouncing "this new society where they play the sorcerer's apprentice."

But analysts say <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-political-class-unites-to-honour-jacques-chirac-at-funeral-service-252898">French society</a> has become more accepting of non-traditional families since the gay marriage law was passed in 2013.

Last week, National Assembly lawmakers voted to make it easier for parents who have children via a surrogate mother abroad, in countries where it is legal, to have them officially recognised in France -- though Macron's government has said it opposes the move.

And an Ifop poll in September found that 68 per cent approved IVF and other medically assisted procreation (MAP) for single women, and 65 per cent for lesbian couples.

"It's hard to predict what will happen Sunday but public opinion is much less divided on MAP than on gay marriage," Frederic Dabi, an Ifop director, told AFP.

Gerard Larcher, the rightwing president of the Senate who protested against the gay marriage law six years ago, is not expected to attend the rally Sunday.

"The people demonstrating will be doing it more out of moral conviction, a sense of duty, rather than to try to make the government back down," said Yann Raison de Cleuziou, a sociologist who has studied the conservative Catholic movement against the family reforms.

Thousands gathered in Paris on Sunday to protest the government's plan to let single women and lesbians become pregnant with fertility treatments, the country's first major social reform since France legalised gay marriage in 2013.

Thousands gathered in Paris on Sunday to protest the government's plan to let single women and lesbians become pregnant with fertility treatments, the country's first major social reform since France legalised gay marriage in 2013. Waving red and green flags, a crowd marched from the French Senate toward the monolithic Tour Montparnasse skyscraper, chanting "Liberty, Equality, Paternity" - a play on the French motto which ends with "Fraternity." Many wore the distinctive cone-shaped red Phrygian hats that are a symbol of the French republic. Organisers said they hoped 100,000 will turn out against the law, which was approved by the lower house of parliament last month, but officials said they were expecting 10,000 to 20,000 people. "For two years now our attempts at dialogue have gone nowhere... the street is the only place left for us to be heard," Ludovine de la Rochere, president of the Protest for Everyone association, told journalists Sunday. President Emmanuel Macron pledged during his 2017 election campaign to push the law despite deep resistance among rightwing opponents as well as conservative Roman Catholics and other religious groups. They had mobilised massively in 2012 and 2013 against a move by Macron's Socialist predecessor Francois Hollande to legalise marriage for homosexual couples, with one Paris protest attracting 340,000 people according to police. But that law did not allow lesbian couples or single women to have children via in-vitro fertilisation or other medically assisted means, long a taboo in France. Many women have instead been forced to go abroad for such treatments, and French courts often refuse to recognise the second mother's maternity rights in the case of same-sex couples. Under the proposed law, France's healthcare system would cover the cost of the procedure for all women under 43. It would also allow children conceived with donated sperm to find out the donor's identity when they turn 18, a change from the country's strict donor anonymity protections. If approved, the law would bring French legislation in line with other European nations including Britain, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium and Scandinavian countries, which authorise medically assisted procreation for all women. 'Much less divided' Opponents say the law deprives children of a necessary paternal figure and threatens a traditional family structure, and would open the door to legalising surrogacy, including for gay men. Protest organisers chartered two high-speed TGV trains and around 100 buses to bring people to Paris on Sunday and said they had distributed some three million flyers against the law in recent weeks. "The family, with a mother and a father, is an ecosystem that needs protecting," said Christian Kersabiec, 68, who came to the march Sunday from Vannes in Brittany, denouncing "this new society where they play the sorcerer's apprentice." But analysts say French society has become more accepting of non-traditional families since the gay marriage law was passed in 2013. Last week, National Assembly lawmakers voted to make it easier for parents who have children via a surrogate mother abroad, in countries where it is legal, to have them officially recognised in France -- though Macron's government has said it opposes the move. And an Ifop poll in September found that 68 per cent approved IVF and other medically assisted procreation (MAP) for single women, and 65 per cent for lesbian couples. "It's hard to predict what will happen Sunday but public opinion is much less divided on MAP than on gay marriage," Frederic Dabi, an Ifop director, told AFP. Gerard Larcher, the rightwing president of the Senate who protested against the gay marriage law six years ago, is not expected to attend the rally Sunday. "The people demonstrating will be doing it more out of moral conviction, a sense of duty, rather than to try to make the government back down," said Yann Raison de Cleuziou, a sociologist who has studied the conservative Catholic movement against the family reforms.

Thousands protest French IVF law for lesbians, single women

Malian President&nbsp;Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Sunday rejected as speculation talk of a military coup after recent jihadist attacks left dozens of soldiers dead.

Keita said lessons would be learned after 38 soldiers were killed in two attacks last week near the border with Burkina Faso, a death toll that observers say is probably an underestimate.

"No military coup will prevail in Mali, let it be said," the president said in remarks recorded Saturday and released on Sunday. "And I don't think this is on the agenda at all and cannot worry us," he added.

"We are at war," the president said after the attacks last Monday and Tuesday in the towns of Boulkessy and Mondoro, which evoked memories of a 2012 army coup in the former French colony.

"What happened at Boulkessy could unfortunately happen again," Keita said.

The assailants used heavily armed vehicles in the raids on the two military camps, during which the government said troops killed 15 jihadists.

The jihadists made off with a large quantity of arms, ammunition and equipment -- local media said about 20 vehicles were captured, including some mounted with machine guns.

Sources said Malian special forces and foreign allies, including French warplanes and helicopters, helped to quash the attacks.

Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Sunday rejected as speculation talk of a military coup after recent jihadist attacks left dozens of soldiers dead. Keita said lessons would be learned after 38 soldiers were killed in two attacks last week near the border with Burkina Faso, a death toll that observers say is probably an underestimate.

Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Sunday rejected as speculation talk of a military coup after recent jihadist attacks left dozens of soldiers dead. Keita said lessons would be learned after 38 soldiers were killed in two attacks last week near the border with Burkina Faso, a death toll that observers say is probably an underestimate. "No military coup will prevail in Mali, let it be said," the president said in remarks recorded Saturday and released on Sunday. "And I don't think this is on the agenda at all and cannot worry us," he added. "We are at war," the president said after the attacks last Monday and Tuesday in the towns of Boulkessy and Mondoro, which evoked memories of a 2012 army coup in the former French colony. "What happened at Boulkessy could unfortunately happen again," Keita said. The assailants used heavily armed vehicles in the raids on the two military camps, during which the government said troops killed 15 jihadists. The jihadists made off with a large quantity of arms, ammunition and equipment -- local media said about 20 vehicles were captured, including some mounted with machine guns. Sources said Malian special forces and foreign allies, including French warplanes and helicopters, helped to quash the attacks.

Mali president dismisses coup speculation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday, exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties.

In his congratulatory message, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, he extends warm congratulations to Kim, and via Kim to the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the DPRK government and the DPRK people.

The establishment of China-DPRK diplomatic ties 70 years ago bore epoch-making significance in the history of the two parties' and the two countries' relations, Xi said.

Noting that the DPRK is among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, Xi said that over the past 70 years, under the care and joint efforts of successive leaders of the two parties and two countries, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK has stood the test of time and changes in the international landscape, grown stronger with the lapse of time, and taken roots in the hearts of the two peoples.

The two countries, added Xi, have reaped plentiful fruits in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, which has not only greatly promoted the prosperity and progress of their respective socialist causes, but also played a significant and positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

Xi pointed out that the traditional bilateral friendship is a priceless treasure shared by the two parties, two countries and two peoples, and that to maintain, cement and develop bilateral relations is an unshakable policy of the CPC and the Chinese government.

Reaffirming that he highly values the development of China-DPRK relations as well as the mutual trust and friendship with Kim, Xi noted that since last year he and Kim have met five times and reached a series of consensuses, jointly ushering bilateral ties into a new era.

China, he added, stands ready to work with the DPRK to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity and promote a long-term, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, so as to create more benefits for both countries and both peoples.

In his message, Kim said that on behalf of the WPK, the DPRK government and the DPRK people, he extends the warmest congratulations and the sincerest wishes to Xi, and via Xi to the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

Hailing the establishment of DPRK-China diplomatic ties as an epoch-making event, Kim said that over the past 70 years, the two parties and two peoples have joined hands in weal and woe and weathered all tempests in the course of defending and promoting the cause of socialism, and have written a history of a great friendship.

The DPRK-China relationship has now entered an important and critical period of inheriting the past and forging ahead into the future, Kim said, adding that it is the unwavering position of himself, the WPK and the DPRK to resolutely carry forward the traditional friendship with China and realize an all-round revitalization of the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries.

Kim said he is willing to work hand in hand with Xi to satisfy the two peoples' shared aspiration of cementing and developing the DPRK-China friendship, which is admired by the world, and by dint of friendship and unity, to firmly uphold the socialist cause and safeguard peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the world.

China and the DPRK's relationship has a long history. The DPRK was one of the first countries to establish a diplomatic relationship with the People's Republic of China just five days after the PRC was founded on October 1, 1949.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday, exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday, exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties. In his congratulatory message, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, he extends warm congratulations to Kim, and via Kim to the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the DPRK government and the DPRK people. The establishment of China-DPRK diplomatic ties 70 years ago bore epoch-making significance in the history of the two parties' and the two countries' relations, Xi said. Noting that the DPRK is among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, Xi said that over the past 70 years, under the care and joint efforts of successive leaders of the two parties and two countries, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK has stood the test of time and changes in the international landscape, grown stronger with the lapse of time, and taken roots in the hearts of the two peoples. The two countries, added Xi, have reaped plentiful fruits in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, which has not only greatly promoted the prosperity and progress of their respective socialist causes, but also played a significant and positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Xi pointed out that the traditional bilateral friendship is a priceless treasure shared by the two parties, two countries and two peoples, and that to maintain, cement and develop bilateral relations is an unshakable policy of the CPC and the Chinese government. Reaffirming that he highly values the development of China-DPRK relations as well as the mutual trust and friendship with Kim, Xi noted that since last year he and Kim have met five times and reached a series of consensuses, jointly ushering bilateral ties into a new era. China, he added, stands ready to work with the DPRK to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity and promote a long-term, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, so as to create more benefits for both countries and both peoples. In his message, Kim said that on behalf of the WPK, the DPRK government and the DPRK people, he extends the warmest congratulations and the sincerest wishes to Xi, and via Xi to the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people. Hailing the establishment of DPRK-China diplomatic ties as an epoch-making event, Kim said that over the past 70 years, the two parties and two peoples have joined hands in weal and woe and weathered all tempests in the course of defending and promoting the cause of socialism, and have written a history of a great friendship. The DPRK-China relationship has now entered an important and critical period of inheriting the past and forging ahead into the future, Kim said, adding that it is the unwavering position of himself, the WPK and the DPRK to resolutely carry forward the traditional friendship with China and realize an all-round revitalization of the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries. Kim said he is willing to work hand in hand with Xi to satisfy the two peoples' shared aspiration of cementing and developing the DPRK-China friendship, which is admired by the world, and by dint of friendship and unity, to firmly uphold the socialist cause and safeguard peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the world. China and the DPRK's relationship has a long history. The DPRK was one of the first countries to establish a diplomatic relationship with the People's Republic of China just five days after the PRC was founded on October 1, 1949.

Xi, Kim exchange pleasantries on 70 years of diplomatic ties

A second whistleblower, with first-hand knowledge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/et-tu-mitt-trump-blasts-republican-senator-as-impeachment-battle-heats-up-254009">President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine</a>, has spoken with the intelligence community's internal watchdog, the lawyer representing the official said on Sunday.

Mark Zaid confirmed in an interview with ABC's "This Week" that the second official, also from the United States&nbsp;intelligence community, has been interviewed by the inspector general. Zaid represents the first whistleblower who filed a complaint involving a July 25 phone call Trump held with Ukraine's president in which he asked him to investigate a Democratic rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the Ukraine inquiry a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/house-democrats-subpoena-white-house-for-documents-in-trump-impeachment-probe-253826">'silly gotcha game'</a> on Saturday&nbsp;during a visit to Athens.

"This is what's wrong, when the world doesn't focus on the things that are right, the things that matter, the things that impact real people's lives, and instead you get caught up in some silly 'gotcha' game. You see, that's not healthy, that doesn't help democracies flourish," Pompeo said during a question and answer session following a speech in the Greek capital.

His comment was in response to whether there were any 'red flags' which required further investigation in a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in July.

But in a new tactic, the White House plans to argue that U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi must have the full House vote to formally approve an&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;inquiry, a source familiar with the effort said.

Without a vote, White House lawyers believe Trump can ignore lawmakers' requests, the source said, meaning the federal courts would presumably have to render a decision and potentially slow the march toward&nbsp;impeachment.

A White House letter arguing Pelosi must hold a House vote could be sent to Capitol Hill as early as Friday, the source said. It comes as the Democratic-led House Intelligence Committee plans to issue more subpoenas in the coming days as it pushes ahead with the investigation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-he-wont-tie-biden-concerns-to-trade-deal-with-china-253812">Trump's gambit</a> is emerging at the end of a storm-tossed week for him as the president lashed out at Democrats, reporters and anyone else standing in his way to air complaints that he was being unfairly accused and had done nothing wrong.

Democrats want to prove Trump sought personal political gain by appealing to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July 25 phone call to investigate Biden and his son Hunter, who earned money from a Ukrainian gas company.

Joe Biden, the former vice president, leads in most opinion polls among the 19 Democrats seeking their party's nomination to take on Trump in the November 2020 election.

A second whistleblower, with first-hand knowledge of President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine, has spoken with the intelligence community's internal watchdog, the lawyer representing the official said on Sunday.

A second whistleblower, with first-hand knowledge of President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine, has spoken with the intelligence community's internal watchdog, the lawyer representing the official said on Sunday. Mark Zaid confirmed in an interview with ABC's "This Week" that the second official, also from the United States intelligence community, has been interviewed by the inspector general. Zaid represents the first whistleblower who filed a complaint involving a July 25 phone call Trump held with Ukraine's president in which he asked him to investigate a Democratic rival, former Vice President Joe Biden. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the Ukraine inquiry a 'silly gotcha game' on Saturday during a visit to Athens. "This is what's wrong, when the world doesn't focus on the things that are right, the things that matter, the things that impact real people's lives, and instead you get caught up in some silly 'gotcha' game. You see, that's not healthy, that doesn't help democracies flourish," Pompeo said during a question and answer session following a speech in the Greek capital. His comment was in response to whether there were any 'red flags' which required further investigation in a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in July. But in a new tactic, the White House plans to argue that U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi must have the full House vote to formally approve an impeachment inquiry, a source familiar with the effort said. Without a vote, White House lawyers believe Trump can ignore lawmakers' requests, the source said, meaning the federal courts would presumably have to render a decision and potentially slow the march toward impeachment. A White House letter arguing Pelosi must hold a House vote could be sent to Capitol Hill as early as Friday, the source said. It comes as the Democratic-led House Intelligence Committee plans to issue more subpoenas in the coming days as it pushes ahead with the investigation. Trump's gambit is emerging at the end of a storm-tossed week for him as the president lashed out at Democrats, reporters and anyone else standing in his way to air complaints that he was being unfairly accused and had done nothing wrong. Democrats want to prove Trump sought personal political gain by appealing to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July 25 phone call to investigate Biden and his son Hunter, who earned money from a Ukrainian gas company. Joe Biden, the former vice president, leads in most opinion polls among the 19 Democrats seeking their party's nomination to take on Trump in the November 2020 election.

Second whistleblower in Trump-Ukraine scandal comes forward: Report

Britain is open to some flexibility on the mechanism that would allow lawmakers in Northern Ireland to decide whether the British province remains in regulatory alignment with the European Union, as set out in London's latest Brexit proposals, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said on Sunday.

The 500 km&nbsp;border between Northern Ireland and European Union member Ireland, which will be the United Kingdom's only land frontier with the bloc after it leaves, has become the biggest sticking point of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-minister-hints-united-kingdom-could-soften-stances-in-european-union-talks-254066">Brexit negotiations</a>.

The problem is how to prevent Northern Ireland becoming a "back door" into the EU's single market and customs union without erecting border controls that could undermine the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of political and sectarian violence in Northern Ireland in which more than 3,600 people were killed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-to-unveil-final-brexit-offer-to-european-union-253189">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he cannot accept the so-called backstop arrangement</a> included in the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated with the EU by his predecessor Theresa May, which British lawmakers rejected three times.

He made what he called a final Brexit offer to the European Union on Wednesday which centres on replacing the backstop with a proposal for an all-island regulatory zone to cover all goods.

The proposal also says the legislative assembly in Northern Ireland, which has been suspended since 2017, would have the right to decide every four years whether it wants to continue to abide by EU rules on traded goods.

The European Union and Ireland, however, said the proposals were unlikely to result in a deal without more concessions.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he did not fully understand how the British proposals might work and that Dublin could not sign up to a treaty that did not safeguard an open Irish-British border.

The government acknowledged for the first time on Friday&nbsp;that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-johnson-to-submit-brexit-grand-bargain-but-ireland-sceptical-253001">Johnson will send a letter to the EU</a> asking for a Brexit delay if no divorce deal has been reached.

Speaking to BBC's Andrew Marr, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said he didn't think there would be "massive resistance" within the EU against the delay because "all minds are interested on finding a deal."

Britain is open to some flexibility on the mechanism that would allow lawmakers in Northern Ireland to decide whether the British province remains in regulatory alignment with the European Union, as set out in London's latest Brexit proposals, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said on Sunday.

Britain is open to some flexibility on the mechanism that would allow lawmakers in Northern Ireland to decide whether the British province remains in regulatory alignment with the European Union, as set out in London's latest Brexit proposals, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said on Sunday. The 500 km border between Northern Ireland and European Union member Ireland, which will be the United Kingdom's only land frontier with the bloc after it leaves, has become the biggest sticking point of Brexit negotiations. The problem is how to prevent Northern Ireland becoming a "back door" into the EU's single market and customs union without erecting border controls that could undermine the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of political and sectarian violence in Northern Ireland in which more than 3,600 people were killed. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he cannot accept the so-called backstop arrangement included in the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated with the EU by his predecessor Theresa May, which British lawmakers rejected three times. He made what he called a final Brexit offer to the European Union on Wednesday which centres on replacing the backstop with a proposal for an all-island regulatory zone to cover all goods. The proposal also says the legislative assembly in Northern Ireland, which has been suspended since 2017, would have the right to decide every four years whether it wants to continue to abide by EU rules on traded goods. The European Union and Ireland, however, said the proposals were unlikely to result in a deal without more concessions. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he did not fully understand how the British proposals might work and that Dublin could not sign up to a treaty that did not safeguard an open Irish-British border. The government acknowledged for the first time on Friday that Johnson will send a letter to the EU asking for a Brexit delay if no divorce deal has been reached. Speaking to BBC's Andrew Marr, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said he didn't think there would be "massive resistance" within the EU against the delay because "all minds are interested on finding a deal."

Flexibility to Northern Ireland leaders on regulatory alignment with European Union possible

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Bharat Sharma

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.