A Frenchman who is suffering from an incurable condition said Friday he plans to livestream his death on social media as he refuses to take food, drink or medicine after President Emmanuel Macron turned down his request for euthanasia.

Alain Cocq, who suffers from a rare condition where the walls of the arteries stick together, said he believed he had less than a week to live and would livestream his death on Facebook from Saturday morning.

He had written to Macron asking to be given a substance that would allow him to die in peace but the president wrote back to him explaining this was not allowed under French law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-innocent-prime-suspect-of-charlie-hebdo-shooting-declines-all-accusations-325255">Also read|&nbsp;'I am innocent': Prime suspect of Charlie Hebdo shooting declines all accusations</a>

Cocq, 57, has used his plight to draw attention to the situation of terminally-ill patients in France who are unable to be allowed to die in line with their wishes.

"Because I am not above the law, I am not able to comply with your request," Macron said in a letter to Cocq, which the patient published on his Facebook page.

"I cannot ask anyone to go beyond our current legal framework... Your wish is to request active assistance in dying which is not currently permitted in our country," said Macron.

'With profound respect'

In order to show France the "agony" caused by the law in its current state, Cocq told AFP he would broadcast the end of his life on his Facebook page which he believed would come in "four to five days".

He said he hoped his struggle would be remembered and "go down in the long term" as a step forwards in changing the law. He would halt all feeding, drinking and treatment from Friday night.

A Frenchman who is suffering from an incurable condition said Friday he plans to livestream his death on social media as he refuses to take food, drink or medicine after President Emmanuel Macron turned down his request for euthanasia.

A Frenchman who is suffering from an incurable condition said Friday he plans to livestream his death on social media as he refuses to take food, drink or medicine after President Emmanuel Macron turned down his request for euthanasia. Alain Cocq, who suffers from a rare condition where the walls of the arteries stick together, said he believed he had less than a week to live and would livestream his death on Facebook from Saturday morning. He had written to Macron asking to be given a substance that would allow him to die in peace but the president wrote back to him explaining this was not allowed under French law. Also read| 'I am innocent': Prime suspect of Charlie Hebdo shooting declines all accusations Cocq, 57, has used his plight to draw attention to the situation of terminally-ill patients in France who are unable to be allowed to die in line with their wishes. "Because I am not above the law, I am not able to comply with your request," Macron said in a letter to Cocq, which the patient published on his Facebook page. "I cannot ask anyone to go beyond our current legal framework... Your wish is to request active assistance in dying which is not currently permitted in our country," said Macron. 'With profound respect' In order to show France the "agony" caused by the law in its current state, Cocq told AFP he would broadcast the end of his life on his Facebook page which he believed would come in "four to five days". He said he hoped his struggle would be remembered and "go down in the long term" as a step forwards in changing the law. He would halt all feeding, drinking and treatment from Friday night.

Frenchman to livestream own death in right-to-die case

A large industrial explosion rocked households in southeast England early Friday, with fire services saying they were battling to contain the resulting blaze hours later.

"Ten fire engines and a height vehicle are in attendance, and crews are working to tackle the blaze," Kent Fire and Rescue Service said of the incident at an industrial estate in Hoo, near Rochester in Kent.

Local resident Joe Discipline was quoted as saying by the domestic Press Association news agency that the blast "shook the house and windows" at around 3:30 GMT.

"I jumped out of bed to see, the sky was orange," he said. "There was then a second explosion just as big."

Videos posted online showed flames and a plume of black smoke rising high into the night sky, with the fire still raging as dawn broke.

The fire service said no casualties had been reported. The cause of the blast is not yet known.

A large industrial explosion rocked households in southeast England early Friday, with fire services saying they were battling to contain the resulting blaze hours later.

A large industrial explosion rocked households in southeast England early Friday, with fire services saying they were battling to contain the resulting blaze hours later. "Ten fire engines and a height vehicle are in attendance, and crews are working to tackle the blaze," Kent Fire and Rescue Service said of the incident at an industrial estate in Hoo, near Rochester in Kent. Local resident Joe Discipline was quoted as saying by the domestic Press Association news agency that the blast "shook the house and windows" at around 3:30 GMT. "I jumped out of bed to see, the sky was orange," he said. "There was then a second explosion just as big." Videos posted online showed flames and a plume of black smoke rising high into the night sky, with the fire still raging as dawn broke. The fire service said no casualties had been reported. The cause of the blast is not yet known.

Large industrial blast rocks houses in UK

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-carries-out-secretive-launch-of-reusable-experimental-spacecraft-325258">China carries out secretive launch of reusable experimental spacecraft</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/04/158125-china-space.jpg?itok=gQ1wizSS" />

China on Friday successfully launched a reusable experimental spacecraft whose mission details have been kept secret.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-blow-to-china-as-thailand-scraps-kra-canal-project-325142">Big blow to China as Thailand scraps KRA canal project</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/12/149438-china-professor-reuters.jpg?itok=aBp5L9nV" />

Thailand on Thursday announced it will scrap a Chinese led-KRA canal project under which Beijing wanted to build a bypass to the Strait of Malacca.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-defies-west-sanctions-after-natos-emergency-meeting-over-navalny-325249">Russia defies West sanctions after NATO's emergency meeting over Navalny</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/02/157790-untitled-design-8.jpg?itok=qewF5gdk" />

NATO called an emergency meeting on this matter and alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said all countries were united in condemning this 'horrific' attack on the 44-year-old opposition politician.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defence-ministry-calls-viral-video-fake-news-that-claimed-taiwan-bringing-down-chinese-jet-325208">Defence ministry calls viral video 'fake news' that claimed Taiwan bringing down Chinese jet</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/04/158093-untitled-design-2.jpg?itok=8YTtze0s" />

After a video went viral on social media, which claimed Taiwan shooting down a Chinese aircraft, Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China confirmed on Friday that the information is "false" and "completely untrue".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-innocent-prime-suspect-of-charlie-hebdo-shooting-declines-all-accusations-325255">'I am innocent': Prime suspect of Charlie Hebdo shooting declines all accusations</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/04/158119-paris-court.jpg?itok=ND36lRga" />

He has been accused of providing the weapons used by the three gunmen and is facing trial for the charge of complicity in a terrorist act.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lac-tensions-indian-chinese-defence-ministers-to-meet-in-moscow-in-few-hours-325218">LAC tensions: Indian, Chinese defence ministers to meet in Moscow in few hours</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/10/07/112532-untitled-design-1.jpg?itok=HMnfmBFX" />

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. Both the defence ministers are in Moscow for the SCO defence minister meeting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-twitter-places-notice-on-trumps-tweets-of-double-voting-325197">Twitter places notice on Trump's tweets of double voting</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/04/158073-trumps-tweets.jpg?itok=-jv4jQdk" />

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany, after Twitter's decision, said, the US President 'does not condone unlawful voting'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-vaccine-passes-early-trial-test-325212">Russia vaccine 'passes early trial test'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/11/154147-russiav1.jpg?itok=dWiLV13p" />

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-asks-us-agencies-to-detail-all-china-related-funding-325198">White House asks US agencies to detail all China-related funding</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/30/138685-white-house-afp.jpg?itok=XPCmL_df" />

The White House has asked U.S. government agencies for extensive details of any funding that seeks to counter China`s global influence and business practices, or supports Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maryam-nawaz-300-pml-n-workers-booked-under-terrorism-charges-for-clash-outside-nab-office-325248">Maryam Nawaz, 300 PML-N workers booked under terrorism charges for clash outside NAB office</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/04/158115-maryam-nawaz.jpg?itok=buEfyC7i" />

PML-N has protested inclusion of terrorism charges in the FIR, saying this has been done at the best of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

China carries out secretive launch of reusable experimental spacecraft China on Friday successfully launched a reusable experimental spacecraft whose mission details have been kept secret.

China carries out secretive launch of reusable experimental spacecraft China on Friday successfully launched a reusable experimental spacecraft whose mission details have been kept secret. Big blow to China as Thailand scraps KRA canal project Thailand on Thursday announced it will scrap a Chinese led-KRA canal project under which Beijing wanted to build a bypass to the Strait of Malacca. Russia defies West sanctions after NATO's emergency meeting over Navalny NATO called an emergency meeting on this matter and alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said all countries were united in condemning this 'horrific' attack on the 44-year-old opposition politician. Defence ministry calls viral video 'fake news' that claimed Taiwan bringing down Chinese jet After a video went viral on social media, which claimed Taiwan shooting down a Chinese aircraft, Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China confirmed on Friday that the information is "false" and "completely untrue". 'I am innocent': Prime suspect of Charlie Hebdo shooting declines all accusations He has been accused of providing the weapons used by the three gunmen and is facing trial for the charge of complicity in a terrorist act. LAC tensions: Indian, Chinese defence ministers to meet in Moscow in few hours Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. Both the defence ministers are in Moscow for the SCO defence minister meeting. Twitter places notice on Trump's tweets of double voting White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany, after Twitter's decision, said, the US President 'does not condone unlawful voting'. Russia vaccine 'passes early trial test' Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday. White House asks US agencies to detail all China-related funding The White House has asked U.S. government agencies for extensive details of any funding that seeks to counter China`s global influence and business practices, or supports Beijing. Maryam Nawaz, 300 PML-N workers booked under terrorism charges for clash outside NAB office PML-N has protested inclusion of terrorism charges in the FIR, saying this has been done at the best of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Top 10 world news: Russian vaccine passes early test, Charlie Hebdo trial & more

A primary suspect of the Charlie Hebdo shooting has denied any responsibility of the heinous attack that took place in 2015.

&nbsp;Ali Riza Polat, a 35-year-old Franco-Turkish man, who was jailed a few weeks after the attacks said "I am innocent" when he was put on trial on Friday.

"I'm here because certain people, lying squealers, said all sorts of nonsense... but they're lying," he said.

Polat, who was born in Istanbul, moved to France when he was three-years-old. He admitted to taking part in petty crimes at the age of 13 or 14, and usage of drugs, but he denied any involvement in the attack aimed at the magazine's office and other venues in Paris.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charlie-hebdo-trials-what-the-world-can-learn-from-french-president-emmanuel-macron-324834">Also read|&nbsp;Charlie Hebdo trials: What the world can learn from French President Emmanuel Macron</a>

He has been accused of providing the weapons used by the three gunmen and is facing trial for the charge of complicity in a terrorist act. He is looking at a potential life sentence, if proven guilty. Polat was also accused of trying to flee the country and heading to Syria.

However, labelling himself as "innocent" Polat has denied all claims and has said, "I have nothing to do with them. You cannot kill the innocent... I am not violent."

Polat is&nbsp; being represented by&nbsp;Isabelle Coutant-Peyre&nbsp;who is famous for defending&nbsp;the convicted international terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, and later marrying him in prison.

A primary suspect of the Charlie Hebdo shooting has denied any responsibility of the heinous attack that took place in 2015. Ali Riza Polat, a 35-year-old Franco-Turkish man, who was jailed a few weeks after the attacks said "I am innocent" when he was put on trial on Friday.

A primary suspect of the Charlie Hebdo shooting has denied any responsibility of the heinous attack that took place in 2015. Ali Riza Polat, a 35-year-old Franco-Turkish man, who was jailed a few weeks after the attacks said "I am innocent" when he was put on trial on Friday. "I'm here because certain people, lying squealers, said all sorts of nonsense... but they're lying," he said. Polat, who was born in Istanbul, moved to France when he was three-years-old. He admitted to taking part in petty crimes at the age of 13 or 14, and usage of drugs, but he denied any involvement in the attack aimed at the magazine's office and other venues in Paris. Also read| Charlie Hebdo trials: What the world can learn from French President Emmanuel Macron He has been accused of providing the weapons used by the three gunmen and is facing trial for the charge of complicity in a terrorist act. He is looking at a potential life sentence, if proven guilty. Polat was also accused of trying to flee the country and heading to Syria. However, labelling himself as "innocent" Polat has denied all claims and has said, "I have nothing to do with them. You cannot kill the innocent... I am not violent." Polat is being represented by Isabelle Coutant-Peyre who is famous for defending the convicted international terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, and later marrying him in prison.

'I am innocent': Prime suspect of Charlie Hebdo shooting declines all accusations

Russia has defied all threats of Western sanctions on Friday regarding the ongoing controversy over the&nbsp;poisoning of the Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny.

After Germany declared that it has&nbsp;"unequivocal evidence" that Navalny was poisoned, western leaders expressed shock and asked for Kremlin to come clean upon the matter.

Vladimir Putin-led Russia, however, has denied all accusations. So much so, a Russian toxicologist said Navalny's health could have deteriorated due to dieting or stress.&nbsp;

"The patient used diets to lose weight," chief regional toxicologist Alexander Sabayev told local media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-urges-russia-to-cooperate-in-navalny-probe-threatens-restrictive-measures-325084">Also read:&nbsp;EU urges Russia to cooperate in Navalny probe; threatens 'restrictive measures'</a>

"This situation could have been provoked not only by diets, it could have also been provoked by possible instances of drinking to excess which we don't know about. It could have been provoked by stress and fatigue," he added.

"Any external factors could have triggered a sudden deterioration. Even a simple lack of breakfast."

However, NATO is now pressing for an urgent international probe into this matter, and has asked Kremlin&nbsp;to reveal its Novichok nerve agent programme to the global chemical weapons watchdog.

NATO called an emergency meeting on this matter and&nbsp;alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said all countries were united in&nbsp;condemning this "horrific" attack on the&nbsp;44-year-old opposition politician.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/head-of-world-chemical-arms-watchdog-expresses-concern-over-navalnys-poisoning-case-325029">Also Read:&nbsp;Head of world chemical arms watchdog expresses 'concern' over Navalny's poisoning case</a>

"The Russian government must fully cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on an impartial international investigation," Stoltenberg said.

"We also call on Russia to provide complete disclosure of the Novichok programme to the OPCW."

Russia has further declined all accusations saying,&nbsp;"A whole number of theories including poisoning were considered from the very first days," Dmitry Peskov,&nbsp;Kremlin Press Secretary said. "According to our doctors, this theory has not been proved."

Russia has defied all threats of Western sanctions on Friday regarding the ongoing controversy over the poisoning of the Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny. After Germany declared that it has "unequivocal evidence" that Navalny was poisoned, western leaders expressed shock and asked for Kremlin to come clean upon the matter.

Russia has defied all threats of Western sanctions on Friday regarding the ongoing controversy over the poisoning of the Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny. After Germany declared that it has "unequivocal evidence" that Navalny was poisoned, western leaders expressed shock and asked for Kremlin to come clean upon the matter. Vladimir Putin-led Russia, however, has denied all accusations. So much so, a Russian toxicologist said Navalny's health could have deteriorated due to dieting or stress. "The patient used diets to lose weight," chief regional toxicologist Alexander Sabayev told local media. Also read: EU urges Russia to cooperate in Navalny probe; threatens 'restrictive measures' "This situation could have been provoked not only by diets, it could have also been provoked by possible instances of drinking to excess which we don't know about. It could have been provoked by stress and fatigue," he added. "Any external factors could have triggered a sudden deterioration. Even a simple lack of breakfast." However, NATO is now pressing for an urgent international probe into this matter, and has asked Kremlin to reveal its Novichok nerve agent programme to the global chemical weapons watchdog. NATO called an emergency meeting on this matter and alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said all countries were united in condemning this "horrific" attack on the 44-year-old opposition politician. Also Read: Head of world chemical arms watchdog expresses 'concern' over Navalny's poisoning case "The Russian government must fully cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on an impartial international investigation," Stoltenberg said. "We also call on Russia to provide complete disclosure of the Novichok programme to the OPCW." Russia has further declined all accusations saying, "A whole number of theories including poisoning were considered from the very first days," Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Press Secretary said. "According to our doctors, this theory has not been proved."

Russia defies West sanctions after NATO's emergency meeting over Navalny

The popular cab service Uber has decided to take employment safety a notch higher. Since the pandemic began, uber has been making sure that all drivers wear face mask, avoid any close contact and follow all other safety and health precautions to keep the passengers safe and comfortable.

However, Uber is now worried about its partner drivers. It has come to Uber's notice that a lot of passengers have not been wearing face masks. So, Uber has now decided to roll out a new verification system for passengers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/california-uber-to-continue-food-delivery-services-despite-rides-business-forced-shut-321396">Also watch|&nbsp;California: Uber to continue food delivery services despite rides business forced shut</a>

Specific passengers, when requesting the next ride,&nbsp;will be asked to compulsorily send a selfie wearing masks. These passengers will be the ones who have been previously reported by the partner drivers for not wearing face masks.

Since May, the Uber drivers have been sending masked selfies before picking up their passenger. Before starting to drive passengers or deliver food, they are asked to take a selfie showing their mouth and nose are covered. Now, the same technology will be extended to the passengers too. "If a driver reports to us that a rider wasn’t wearing a mask, the rider will be required to take a selfie with their face covered before they’re able to take another trip with Uber. With the addition of this new feature, one driver’s feedback can help ensure the safety of Uber for the next driver," the company said in a statement on its blog.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-former-uber-security-chief-with-covering-up-massive-2016-hacking-322032">Also read|&nbsp;US charges former Uber security chief with covering up massive 2016 hacking</a>

The feature will be first launched in the&nbsp;US and Canada by the end of September, and across Latin America and other countries later.

In addition to this, Uber is also urging the passengers to follow "Wash, wear, air" policy to ensure that the passengers and the drivers stay safe from the virus. As per the "Wash, wear, air" policy, the riders are urged to wash and/or sanitise their hands properly before boarding the car, wear face masks during the journey and&nbsp;sit in the back seat and roll down the window for airflow.

The popular cab service Uber has decided to take employment safety a notch higher. Since the pandemic began, uber has been making sure that all drivers wear face mask, avoid any close contact and follow all other safety and health precautions to keep the passengers safe and comfortable.

The popular cab service Uber has decided to take employment safety a notch higher. Since the pandemic began, uber has been making sure that all drivers wear face mask, avoid any close contact and follow all other safety and health precautions to keep the passengers safe and comfortable. However, Uber is now worried about its partner drivers. It has come to Uber's notice that a lot of passengers have not been wearing face masks. So, Uber has now decided to roll out a new verification system for passengers. Also watch| California: Uber to continue food delivery services despite rides business forced shut Specific passengers, when requesting the next ride, will be asked to compulsorily send a selfie wearing masks. These passengers will be the ones who have been previously reported by the partner drivers for not wearing face masks. Since May, the Uber drivers have been sending masked selfies before picking up their passenger. Before starting to drive passengers or deliver food, they are asked to take a selfie showing their mouth and nose are covered. Now, the same technology will be extended to the passengers too. "If a driver reports to us that a rider wasn’t wearing a mask, the rider will be required to take a selfie with their face covered before they’re able to take another trip with Uber. With the addition of this new feature, one driver’s feedback can help ensure the safety of Uber for the next driver," the company said in a statement on its blog. Also read| US charges former Uber security chief with covering up massive 2016 hacking The feature will be first launched in the US and Canada by the end of September, and across Latin America and other countries later. In addition to this, Uber is also urging the passengers to follow "Wash, wear, air" policy to ensure that the passengers and the drivers stay safe from the virus. As per the "Wash, wear, air" policy, the riders are urged to wash and/or sanitise their hands properly before boarding the car, wear face masks during the journey and sit in the back seat and roll down the window for airflow.

'It's a two-way street': Uber asks passengers to send masked selfie before booking rides

Donald Trump urged the locals to go ahead and vote twice in the upcoming US Presidential elections, due in November.&nbsp;

A critic of the mail-in voting, Trump urged people to make sure that their vote has been cast by voting twice. "Based on the massive number of Unsolicited &amp; Solicited Ballots that will be sent to potential Voters for the upcoming 2020 Election, &amp; in order for you to MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS &amp; IS COUNTED, SIGN &amp; MAIL IN your Ballot as EARLY as possible. On Election Day, or Early Voting," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-the-way-biden-wears-his-mask-encourages-supporters-to-try-to-vote-twice-325086">Also read:&nbsp;Trump mocks the way Biden wears his mask; encourages supporters to try to vote twice</a>

The 'suggestion' was made in a series of three tweets, and following its new-formed policy of labelling misinformation, Twitter quickly placed a notice on the last two tweets that read, "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about civic and election integrity. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible."

The tweets read, "go to your Polling Place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been Tabulated (Counted). If it has you will not be able to Vote &amp; the Mail In System worked properly. If it has not been Counted, VOTE (which is a citizen’s right to do). If your Mail In Ballot arrives"

"after you Vote, which it should not, that Ballot will not be used or counted in that your vote has already been cast &amp; tabulated. YOU ARE NOW ASSURED THAT YOUR PRECIOUS VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED, it hasn’t been “lost, thrown out, or in any way destroyed”. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!," he continued in his third tweet.

<a href="wionews.com/world/joe-biden-meets-family-of-jacob-blake-at-milwaukee-airport-325076">Also read:&nbsp;Joe Biden meets family of Jacob Blake at Milwaukee airport</a>

After placing a notice on the tweets, Twitter issued a statement defending its actions that read, "We placed a public interest notice on two Tweets in this thread for violating our Civic Integrity Policy, specifically for encouraging people to potentially vote twice."

However,&nbsp;White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany was quick to dismiss the fact that Trump had just asked his supporters to take part in an illegal activity. McEnany said that Trump&nbsp;"does not condone unlawful voting."

Trump's critics believe that this was yet another try by Trump to decrease the rising popularity of the mail-in voting system that majority of the US states are planning to opt for the upcoming elections, due to the pandemic.

While Joe Biden says he has full confidence in USPS' services, Trump and his supporters feel this is yet another way of Biden undermining Trump by rigging the election results.

Donald Trump urged the locals to go ahead and vote twice in the upcoming US Presidential elections, due in November. A critic of the mail-in voting, Trump urged people to make sure that their vote has been cast by voting twice.

Donald Trump urged the locals to go ahead and vote twice in the upcoming US Presidential elections, due in November. A critic of the mail-in voting, Trump urged people to make sure that their vote has been cast by voting twice. "Based on the massive number of Unsolicited & Solicited Ballots that will be sent to potential Voters for the upcoming 2020 Election, & in order for you to MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS & IS COUNTED, SIGN & MAIL IN your Ballot as EARLY as possible. On Election Day, or Early Voting," he said. Also read: Trump mocks the way Biden wears his mask; encourages supporters to try to vote twice The 'suggestion' was made in a series of three tweets, and following its new-formed policy of labelling misinformation, Twitter quickly placed a notice on the last two tweets that read, "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about civic and election integrity. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible." The tweets read, "go to your Polling Place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been Tabulated (Counted). If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly. If it has not been Counted, VOTE (which is a citizen’s right to do). If your Mail In Ballot arrives" "after you Vote, which it should not, that Ballot will not be used or counted in that your vote has already been cast & tabulated. YOU ARE NOW ASSURED THAT YOUR PRECIOUS VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED, it hasn’t been “lost, thrown out, or in any way destroyed”. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!," he continued in his third tweet. Also read: Joe Biden meets family of Jacob Blake at Milwaukee airport After placing a notice on the tweets, Twitter issued a statement defending its actions that read, "We placed a public interest notice on two Tweets in this thread for violating our Civic Integrity Policy, specifically for encouraging people to potentially vote twice." However, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany was quick to dismiss the fact that Trump had just asked his supporters to take part in an illegal activity. McEnany said that Trump "does not condone unlawful voting." Trump's critics believe that this was yet another try by Trump to decrease the rising popularity of the mail-in voting system that majority of the US states are planning to opt for the upcoming elections, due to the pandemic. While Joe Biden says he has full confidence in USPS' services, Trump and his supporters feel this is yet another way of Biden undermining Trump by rigging the election results.

Twitter places notice on Trump's tweets of double voting

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness.

Russia announced last month that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval.&nbsp;

This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous.&nbsp;

Russia denounced criticism as an attempt to undermine Moscow's research.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epivaccorona-now-russia-readies-approval-for-second-covid-19-vaccine-323361">Also read|&nbsp;'EpiVacCorona': Now, Russia readies approval for second COVID-19 vaccine</a>

In the Lancet study, Russian researchers reported on two small trials, each involving 38 healthy adults aged between 18 and 60, who were given a two-part immunisation. &nbsp;

Each participant was given a dose of the first part of the vaccine and then given a booster with the second part 21 days later.&nbsp;

They were monitored over 42 days and all developed antibodies within the first three weeks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report said the data showed that the vaccine was "safe, well tolerated, and does not cause serious adverse events in healthy adult volunteers".&nbsp;

The trials were open label and not randomised, meaning there was no placebo and the participants knew they were receiving the vaccine and were not randomly assigned to different treatment groups. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Researchers underlined that larger and longer trials -- including a placebo comparison -- would be needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing Covid-19 infection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-may-mount-stronger-covid-19-immune-response-323294">Also read|&nbsp;Women may mount stronger COVID-19 immune response</a>

The report said the 76 participants of these trials would be monitored up to 180 days, adding that a more rigorous phase 3 clinical trial was planned with the involvement of 40,000 volunteers "from different age and risk groups".&nbsp;

'Safety is paramount'

Naor Bar-Zeev of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study, said the research was "encouraging but small", adding that it did not give any data on effectiveness among older age groups, who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19.&nbsp;

"Showing safety will be crucial with Covid-19 vaccines, not only for vaccine acceptance but also for trust in vaccination broadly," he said in a commentary in the Lancet. &nbsp;

"Since vaccines are given to healthy people and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially to everyone after approval following phase 3 trials, safety is paramount."

The pandemic has seen an unprecedented mobilisation of funding and research to rush through a vaccine that can protect billions of people worldwide.

This week the US urged states to get ready for a potential Covid-19 vaccine rollout two days before the presidential election in November, sparking concerns President Donald Trump's administration is accelerating research to fit a political timetable.&nbsp;

Russia has said that industrial production of its version is expected from September.

President Vladimir Putin said in early August that the vaccine gave "sustainable immunity" and that one of his own daughters had been inoculated, even though Russia's health ministry said clinical trials were not yet complete.

The World Health Organization has urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go "through all the stages" necessary to develop a safe vaccine.&nbsp;

Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya research institute for epidemiology and microbiology in Moscow in coordination with the Russian defence ministry.&nbsp;

It uses a cold-causing adenovirus, which is then modified and combined with a part of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

The report's lead author, Denis Logunov of Gamaleya, said the adenovirus vaccine enters people's cells and delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein genetic code, helping the immune system "recognise and attack" the virus. &nbsp;

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness.

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness. Russia announced last month that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval. This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous. Russia denounced criticism as an attempt to undermine Moscow's research. Also read| 'EpiVacCorona': Now, Russia readies approval for second COVID-19 vaccine In the Lancet study, Russian researchers reported on two small trials, each involving 38 healthy adults aged between 18 and 60, who were given a two-part immunisation. Each participant was given a dose of the first part of the vaccine and then given a booster with the second part 21 days later. They were monitored over 42 days and all developed antibodies within the first three weeks. The report said the data showed that the vaccine was "safe, well tolerated, and does not cause serious adverse events in healthy adult volunteers". The trials were open label and not randomised, meaning there was no placebo and the participants knew they were receiving the vaccine and were not randomly assigned to different treatment groups. Researchers underlined that larger and longer trials -- including a placebo comparison -- would be needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing Covid-19 infection. Also read| Women may mount stronger COVID-19 immune response The report said the 76 participants of these trials would be monitored up to 180 days, adding that a more rigorous phase 3 clinical trial was planned with the involvement of 40,000 volunteers "from different age and risk groups". 'Safety is paramount' Naor Bar-Zeev of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study, said the research was "encouraging but small", adding that it did not give any data on effectiveness among older age groups, who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. "Showing safety will be crucial with Covid-19 vaccines, not only for vaccine acceptance but also for trust in vaccination broadly," he said in a commentary in the Lancet. "Since vaccines are given to healthy people and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially to everyone after approval following phase 3 trials, safety is paramount." The pandemic has seen an unprecedented mobilisation of funding and research to rush through a vaccine that can protect billions of people worldwide. This week the US urged states to get ready for a potential Covid-19 vaccine rollout two days before the presidential election in November, sparking concerns President Donald Trump's administration is accelerating research to fit a political timetable. Russia has said that industrial production of its version is expected from September. President Vladimir Putin said in early August that the vaccine gave "sustainable immunity" and that one of his own daughters had been inoculated, even though Russia's health ministry said clinical trials were not yet complete. The World Health Organization has urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go "through all the stages" necessary to develop a safe vaccine. Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya research institute for epidemiology and microbiology in Moscow in coordination with the Russian defence ministry. It uses a cold-causing adenovirus, which is then modified and combined with a part of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The report's lead author, Denis Logunov of Gamaleya, said the adenovirus vaccine enters people's cells and delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein genetic code, helping the immune system "recognise and attack" the virus.

Russia vaccine 'passes early trial test'

One of the first dollar coins that was made&nbsp;by the US Mint almost 200 years ago is now being auctioned as the owner feels it is "time to move on".

The silver dollar coin was stuck by the US Mint back in 1794. The coin is known as "Flowing Hair" dollar. It features a portrait of Lady Liberty with long open hair on one side and an eagle on the other.

Bruce Morelan, who owns the rare 1794 silver dollar, feels it is time to let go of this precious collection and move on to next adventures.&nbsp;"This is a dream coin -- a priceless artifact that I have been proud to own, and I'm very sorry to see it go," he told a local media house.

Morelean got this coin in 2013 for nearly $10 million. However, he now feels that it is&nbsp;"time to move on to other challenges and I hope that the new owner of the coin treasures it just as much as I have."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/customs-to-destroy-alligator-skin-bag-worth-19000-over-51-missing-permit-325182">Also read:&nbsp;Customs to destroy alligator skin bag worth $19,000 over $51 missing permit</a>

Over 200 years ago when the United States&nbsp;Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1792 and established country's first national mint&nbsp;in Philadelphia, this was one of the first dollar coins that was produced.

"The Constitution had specified that the dollar was going to be the cornerstone of the US monetary system," Douglas Mudd, the curator and director of the American Numismatic Association's Money Museum told local media house.

The mint started producing silver coins in 1794, but these silver coins were not for public use but were to be distributed as&nbsp;souvenirs to specific 'important' people of the society as a PR policy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adolf-hitlers-rumoured-alligator-dies-in-moscow-300749">Also read:&nbsp;Adolf Hitler's 'rumoured' alligator dies in Moscow</a>

The "Flowing Hair" figure of Liberty was inspired from Roman coins where female figures were used to represent freedom.

A total of 1,758 coins were produced, out of which 130-140 coins are still out in the world.

The auction, which can have a low turnout due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, will be held at&nbsp;Legend Auctions on October 8 at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.

One of the first dollar coins that was made by the US Mint almost 200 years ago is now being auctioned as the owner feels it is "time to move on". The silver dollar coin was stuck by the US Mint back in 1794.

One of the first dollar coins that was made by the US Mint almost 200 years ago is now being auctioned as the owner feels it is "time to move on". The silver dollar coin was stuck by the US Mint back in 1794. The coin is known as "Flowing Hair" dollar. It features a portrait of Lady Liberty with long open hair on one side and an eagle on the other. Bruce Morelan, who owns the rare 1794 silver dollar, feels it is time to let go of this precious collection and move on to next adventures. "This is a dream coin -- a priceless artifact that I have been proud to own, and I'm very sorry to see it go," he told a local media house. Morelean got this coin in 2013 for nearly $10 million. However, he now feels that it is "time to move on to other challenges and I hope that the new owner of the coin treasures it just as much as I have." Also read: Customs to destroy alligator skin bag worth $19,000 over $51 missing permit Over 200 years ago when the United States Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1792 and established country's first national mint in Philadelphia, this was one of the first dollar coins that was produced. "The Constitution had specified that the dollar was going to be the cornerstone of the US monetary system," Douglas Mudd, the curator and director of the American Numismatic Association's Money Museum told local media house. The mint started producing silver coins in 1794, but these silver coins were not for public use but were to be distributed as souvenirs to specific 'important' people of the society as a PR policy. Also read: Adolf Hitler's 'rumoured' alligator dies in Moscow The "Flowing Hair" figure of Liberty was inspired from Roman coins where female figures were used to represent freedom. A total of 1,758 coins were produced, out of which 130-140 coins are still out in the world. The auction, which can have a low turnout due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, will be held at Legend Auctions on October 8 at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.

Flowing hair: A rare 1794 silver dollar coin up for auction

Two days after the US President Donald Trump visited Kenosha in Wisconsin, his opponent in the upcoming US Presidential elections Joe Biden has also visited the city.

However, unlike Trump, Biden met the family of&nbsp;Jacob Blake, the black father shot multiple times by a white police officer in Wisconsin in an incident that sparked days of violent unrest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-did-an-incredible-job-trump-cuts-off-black-pastors-when-asked-about-police-violence-324735">Also read|&nbsp;'Police did an incredible job': Trump cuts off Black pastors when asked about police violence</a>

Joe Biden is visiting Kenosha with his wife Jill Biden. The announcement was made yesterday by Biden's team.&nbsp;"Vice President Biden will hold a community meeting in Kenosha to bring together Americans to heal and address the challenges we face," a statement from his team read.

The Democratic nominee met the relatives of Jacob Blake at a private meeting&nbsp;at the Milwaukee airport. The gathering included Jacob Blake's father and his three siblings.

This is Biden's first visit to the city in his 2020 presidential campaign.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-visits-kenosha-no-plans-to-meet-jacob-blakes-family-324403">Also read|&nbsp;Donald Trump visits Kenosha; no plans to meet Jacob Blake's family</a>

Two days ago when Trump visited the city, he did not meet Blake's family as reportedly the family wanted their lawyer to be present at the meeting, but Trump found the request to be very&nbsp;"inappropriate".

"I thought it would be better not to do anything where there are lawyers involved. They wanted to have lawyers involved and I thought that was inappropriate so I didn't do that, but I did speak with the pastor -- was a fine man, wonderful man -- and I think we had a great talk, and I may at some point do that, but they did have a lawyer that wanted to be on the phone and I said no, that's inappropriate but I gave my best regards," Trump had said during his briefing.

Two days after the US President Donald Trump visited Kenosha in Wisconsin, his opponent in the upcoming US Presidential elections Joe Biden has also visited the city.

Two days after the US President Donald Trump visited Kenosha in Wisconsin, his opponent in the upcoming US Presidential elections Joe Biden has also visited the city. However, unlike Trump, Biden met the family of Jacob Blake, the black father shot multiple times by a white police officer in Wisconsin in an incident that sparked days of violent unrest. Also read| 'Police did an incredible job': Trump cuts off Black pastors when asked about police violence Joe Biden is visiting Kenosha with his wife Jill Biden. The announcement was made yesterday by Biden's team. "Vice President Biden will hold a community meeting in Kenosha to bring together Americans to heal and address the challenges we face," a statement from his team read. The Democratic nominee met the relatives of Jacob Blake at a private meeting at the Milwaukee airport. The gathering included Jacob Blake's father and his three siblings. This is Biden's first visit to the city in his 2020 presidential campaign. Also read| Donald Trump visits Kenosha; no plans to meet Jacob Blake's family Two days ago when Trump visited the city, he did not meet Blake's family as reportedly the family wanted their lawyer to be present at the meeting, but Trump found the request to be very "inappropriate". "I thought it would be better not to do anything where there are lawyers involved. They wanted to have lawyers involved and I thought that was inappropriate so I didn't do that, but I did speak with the pastor -- was a fine man, wonderful man -- and I think we had a great talk, and I may at some point do that, but they did have a lawyer that wanted to be on the phone and I said no, that's inappropriate but I gave my best regards," Trump had said during his briefing.

Joe Biden meets family of Jacob Blake at Milwaukee airport

A donation of $100 million does not&nbsp;sounds&nbsp;like a big amount for Saudi Arabia. Afterall, the kingdom has been linked to the 9/11 attacks and members of the royal family were being blamed.

So 100 million dollars is Saudi Arabia's PR and marketing budget, or as we can say, a small price to fix its image.

This is just one instance. The Saudis have mastered chequebook diplomacy into a fine art by buying heft with petrodollars.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammad-bin-salmans-favourite-weapon-corruption-charges-324573">Also read:&nbsp;Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's favourite weapon - corruption charges!</a>

In march last year, Saudi Arabia gave $334 million in assistance to Jordan after giving more than three billion dollars in 2018.&nbsp;In Egypt, Saudi Arabia agreed to provide a financial aid package worth $22 billion dollars in 2016.&nbsp;From the year 2000 to 2018,&nbsp;Ssaudi arabia gave Palestine six billion dollars in financial support.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-oil-money-helps-saudi-arabia-buy-influence-324837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There are more of such examples.

Saudi Arabia has used money to whitewash its crimes and exert influence the world over. Riyadh spends extensively on lobbying efforts in the United States.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia allegedly paid a little more than $18 million to an American lobbying firm. This was after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. As a result, despite all the outrage and a clear link to the royal palace in Riyadh, the death of Khashoggi did not hurt the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-king-sacks-two-royals-under-defence-corruption-probe-324420">Also read:&nbsp;Saudi king sacks two royals under defence corruption probe</a>

The US President Donald Trump defied the US congress by swiping&nbsp;aside objections from lawmaker and allowing&nbsp;a sale of weapons worth eight billion dollars to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia also won a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2019, despite its pathetic human rights record.

Oil trump human rights

However, now the oil revenue is drying up and the influence may soon begin to wane.

In July,&nbsp;Saudi Arabia posted a budget deficit of close to $30 billion. Now, oil revenues have dropped by 45 per cent and the&nbsp;kingdom has a deficit of nine billion dollars.

As a result, Riyadh has imposed unprecedented austerity measures. The value added tax in Saudi Arabia had to be tripled from 5 per cent to 15 per cent. This is reflecting in Saudi Arabia's dealings with the world.

Paksitan is the first to feel the heat, though the reasons for hauling Pakistan over the coals are not just economic. Saudi Arabia is asking Pakistan to repay billion-dollar loans, and turning off the oil tap — an oil credit facility that has not been renewed.

A donation of $100 million does not sounds like a big amount for Saudi Arabia. Afterall, the kingdom has been linked to the 9/11 attacks and members of the royal family were being blamed.

A donation of $100 million does not sounds like a big amount for Saudi Arabia. Afterall, the kingdom has been linked to the 9/11 attacks and members of the royal family were being blamed. So 100 million dollars is Saudi Arabia's PR and marketing budget, or as we can say, a small price to fix its image. This is just one instance. The Saudis have mastered chequebook diplomacy into a fine art by buying heft with petrodollars. Also read: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's favourite weapon - corruption charges! In march last year, Saudi Arabia gave $334 million in assistance to Jordan after giving more than three billion dollars in 2018. In Egypt, Saudi Arabia agreed to provide a financial aid package worth $22 billion dollars in 2016. From the year 2000 to 2018, Ssaudi arabia gave Palestine six billion dollars in financial support. There are more of such examples. Saudi Arabia has used money to whitewash its crimes and exert influence the world over. Riyadh spends extensively on lobbying efforts in the United States. In 2018, Saudi Arabia allegedly paid a little more than $18 million to an American lobbying firm. This was after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. As a result, despite all the outrage and a clear link to the royal palace in Riyadh, the death of Khashoggi did not hurt the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Also read: Saudi king sacks two royals under defence corruption probe The US President Donald Trump defied the US congress by swiping aside objections from lawmaker and allowing a sale of weapons worth eight billion dollars to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia also won a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2019, despite its pathetic human rights record. Oil trump human rights However, now the oil revenue is drying up and the influence may soon begin to wane. In July, Saudi Arabia posted a budget deficit of close to $30 billion. Now, oil revenues have dropped by 45 per cent and the kingdom has a deficit of nine billion dollars. As a result, Riyadh has imposed unprecedented austerity measures. The value added tax in Saudi Arabia had to be tripled from 5 per cent to 15 per cent. This is reflecting in Saudi Arabia's dealings with the world. Paksitan is the first to feel the heat, though the reasons for hauling Pakistan over the coals are not just economic. Saudi Arabia is asking Pakistan to repay billion-dollar loans, and turning off the oil tap — an oil credit facility that has not been renewed.

Saudi Arabia's petrodollar diplomacy: Pakistan asked to return billion dollar loans

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer.

Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee.

The reshuffle was announced during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who became the most senior Moscow official to make a public visit to Belarus since the political crisis broke out over disputed polls on August 9.

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets for weeks in unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-considers-imposing-sanctions-on-seven-belarusian-officials-324869">Also watch|&nbsp;US considers imposing sanctions on seven Belarusian officials</a>

The moustachioed leader has refused to quit and has instead sought support from the Kremlin.

In recent years the Kremlin has pushed for closer economic and political integration between the two ex-Soviet countries but Lukashenko has so far resisted outright unification.&nbsp;

On Thursday, he indicated he might be open to bringing the nations closer.

"We agreed" on issues on which Russia and Belarus "could not agree earlier," Lukashenko told Mishustin, adding that opposition protests were a "lesson" for the two countries.

"This lesson prompted us to make relevant conclusions," he said.

Lukashenko added he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states" when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the next few weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lukashenko-warns-of-bloodbath-in-belarus-if-opposition-assumes-power-324763">Also read|&nbsp;Lukashenko warns of bloodbath in Belarus if opposition assumes power</a>

Mishustin, who arrived with a large delegation in tow, hailed plans to tighten up ties.

"We see progress on many issues," he told Lukashenko, adding their future "union state" will help remove "unnecessary" trade barriers.

Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans.&nbsp;

The two have formed a nominal "union" with close trade and military cooperation but the Kremlin has sought deeper integration.

London-based analyst Mark Galeotti suggested that the reshuffle indicated that the replacement of KGB chief Valery Vakulchik with Ivan Tertel, who until now headed the state control committee, had been done under pressure from Moscow.

"Ex-KGB chief Vakulchik had been a fierce guardian against Moscow penetration," he tweeted, adding Tertel had a better relationship with Russia's FSB security service.

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer. Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee.

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer. Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee. The reshuffle was announced during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who became the most senior Moscow official to make a public visit to Belarus since the political crisis broke out over disputed polls on August 9. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets for weeks in unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule. Also watch| US considers imposing sanctions on seven Belarusian officials The moustachioed leader has refused to quit and has instead sought support from the Kremlin. In recent years the Kremlin has pushed for closer economic and political integration between the two ex-Soviet countries but Lukashenko has so far resisted outright unification. On Thursday, he indicated he might be open to bringing the nations closer. "We agreed" on issues on which Russia and Belarus "could not agree earlier," Lukashenko told Mishustin, adding that opposition protests were a "lesson" for the two countries. "This lesson prompted us to make relevant conclusions," he said. Lukashenko added he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states" when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the next few weeks. Also read| Lukashenko warns of bloodbath in Belarus if opposition assumes power Mishustin, who arrived with a large delegation in tow, hailed plans to tighten up ties. "We see progress on many issues," he told Lukashenko, adding their future "union state" will help remove "unnecessary" trade barriers. Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans. The two have formed a nominal "union" with close trade and military cooperation but the Kremlin has sought deeper integration. London-based analyst Mark Galeotti suggested that the reshuffle indicated that the replacement of KGB chief Valery Vakulchik with Ivan Tertel, who until now headed the state control committee, had been done under pressure from Moscow. "Ex-KGB chief Vakulchik had been a fierce guardian against Moscow penetration," he tweeted, adding Tertel had a better relationship with Russia's FSB security service.

Belarus leader replaces security chiefs as Russia PM visits

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