A dispute between Moscow and Minsk over the detention of more than 30 men who Belarus accused of being Russian mercenaries deepened on Saturday, as the two sides contradicted each other about the group’s plans.

The arrests this week, shortly before an August 9 presidential election in Belarus, could further strain relations between Minsk and its traditional ally Russia, which soured after the neighbours failed to agree on an oil supply contract for this year.

Russia said on Thursday that the men, who it described as employees of a private security firm, had stayed in Belarus after missing their connecting flight to Istanbul.

President Alexander Lukashenko cast doubt on this version on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-says-russians-plotted-attacks-kremlin-denies-317199">Also read:&nbsp;Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies</a>

“There was no Istanbul... It’s clear that the group has had another goals. It is the task of the investigation to find out about those goals”, he said, according to state news agency, after hearing reports from the heads of state security and investigation committee.

He said there had been no agreement with Russia for the men to be in the country, while adding that Belarus is open to cooperate with Russia on the issue.

Belarusian authorities said earlier this week that the men were arrested after Minsk received information that more than 200 fighters had entered the country to destablise it.

On Friday, Alexander Agafonov, the head of the Belarusian investigative group that is handling the case, said that the men - some of whom were wearing army fatigues - had no plans to fly further to Istanbul and said they had given “contradictory accounts” about the purpose of their stay in Belarus.

He was quoted as saying that 11 of the arrested men had told authorities they planned to fly on to Venezuela, 15 - to Turkey, two - to Cuba and one to Syria. Another said he did not know his destination, while three refused to make a statement.

Links to opposition 
Authorities in Minsk said on Thursday they believe the husband of opposition presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanouskaya may have ties to the group, launching a criminal case against him on suspicion of inciting riots.

Dmitry Mezentsev, Russia’s ambassador to Belarus, rejected any connection between the detained men and domestic affairs in Belarus.

Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Saturday he hoped the incident would be resolved in the interest of “brotherly” relations between the countries.

A dispute between Moscow and Minsk over the detention of more than 30 men who Belarus accused of being Russian mercenaries deepened on Saturday, as the two sides contradicted each other about the group’s plans.

A dispute between Moscow and Minsk over the detention of more than 30 men who Belarus accused of being Russian mercenaries deepened on Saturday, as the two sides contradicted each other about the group’s plans. The arrests this week, shortly before an August 9 presidential election in Belarus, could further strain relations between Minsk and its traditional ally Russia, which soured after the neighbours failed to agree on an oil supply contract for this year. Russia said on Thursday that the men, who it described as employees of a private security firm, had stayed in Belarus after missing their connecting flight to Istanbul. President Alexander Lukashenko cast doubt on this version on Saturday. Also read: Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies “There was no Istanbul... It’s clear that the group has had another goals. It is the task of the investigation to find out about those goals”, he said, according to state news agency, after hearing reports from the heads of state security and investigation committee. He said there had been no agreement with Russia for the men to be in the country, while adding that Belarus is open to cooperate with Russia on the issue. Belarusian authorities said earlier this week that the men were arrested after Minsk received information that more than 200 fighters had entered the country to destablise it. On Friday, Alexander Agafonov, the head of the Belarusian investigative group that is handling the case, said that the men - some of whom were wearing army fatigues - had no plans to fly further to Istanbul and said they had given “contradictory accounts” about the purpose of their stay in Belarus. He was quoted as saying that 11 of the arrested men had told authorities they planned to fly on to Venezuela, 15 - to Turkey, two - to Cuba and one to Syria. Another said he did not know his destination, while three refused to make a statement. Links to opposition Authorities in Minsk said on Thursday they believe the husband of opposition presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanouskaya may have ties to the group, launching a criminal case against him on suspicion of inciting riots. Dmitry Mezentsev, Russia’s ambassador to Belarus, rejected any connection between the detained men and domestic affairs in Belarus. Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Saturday he hoped the incident would be resolved in the interest of “brotherly” relations between the countries.

Russia and Belarus at odds over arrest of suspected mercenaries

After a plane crashed right after takeoff in&nbsp;Papua New Guinea, five people have been charged with conspiring of import of cocaine across borders.

The five suspects are alleged members of Melbourne-based organised crime ring.

They have been charged for conspiration to import nearly&nbsp;500 kilogrammes of cocaine worth some Aus$80 million (USD$57 million) and other related crimes, the police said in a statement.

The cocaine was discovered on late Friday night and the Australian Federal Police&nbsp;claims it was "the equivalent of about 500,000 street deals".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/war-of-words-between-chinese-and-australian-envoy-317524">Also watch:&nbsp;War of words between China and Australian envoy</a>

Australian Federal Police allege that "greed played a significant part in the syndicate's activities and cannot rule out that the weight of the cocaine had an impact on the plane's ability to take off."

The&nbsp;crash happened on July 26 after the aircraft attempted to take-off from a remote airstrip in Papa Lea Lea, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Papua New Guinea's capital of Port Moresby, en route to Australia.

The five accused were&nbsp;arrested in Queensland and Victoria after the Cessna model light aircraft departed Mareeba Airport in Australia on July 26 for its mission to Papua New Guinea.

If convicted, the five suspects could face a sentence of life-time prison.

(With inputs from AFP)

After a plane crashed right after takeoff in Papua New Guinea, five people have been charged with conspiring of import of cocaine across borders. The five suspects are alleged members of Melbourne-based organised crime ring.

After a plane crashed right after takeoff in Papua New Guinea, five people have been charged with conspiring of import of cocaine across borders. The five suspects are alleged members of Melbourne-based organised crime ring. They have been charged for conspiration to import nearly 500 kilogrammes of cocaine worth some Aus$80 million (USD$57 million) and other related crimes, the police said in a statement. The cocaine was discovered on late Friday night and the Australian Federal Police claims it was "the equivalent of about 500,000 street deals". Also watch: War of words between China and Australian envoy Australian Federal Police allege that "greed played a significant part in the syndicate's activities and cannot rule out that the weight of the cocaine had an impact on the plane's ability to take off." The crash happened on July 26 after the aircraft attempted to take-off from a remote airstrip in Papa Lea Lea, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Papua New Guinea's capital of Port Moresby, en route to Australia. The five accused were arrested in Queensland and Victoria after the Cessna model light aircraft departed Mareeba Airport in Australia on July 26 for its mission to Papua New Guinea. If convicted, the five suspects could face a sentence of life-time prison. (With inputs from AFP)

Australia: Five arrested for cocaine smuggling after carrier plane crashes

Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, the&nbsp;first US astronauts to reach the International Space Station (ISS) in nearly a decade, have successfully undocked from the ISS on Saturday late night.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft is now en route its way back to the Earth.

SpaceX confirmed on Twitter by tweeting, "Separation confirmed. Dragon performing 4 departure burns to move away from the @Space_Station" along with a video.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Separation confirmed. Dragon performing 4 departure burns to move away from the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> <a href="https://t.co/ea14fozdO8">pic.twitter.com/ea14fozdO8</a>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1289706785469677568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The two American astronauts' capsule is set to undock around 2334 GMT (7:30pm). However, the NASA is still observing the&nbsp;Hurricane Isaias — a category one storm that battered the Bahamas on Friday and was churning toward Florida.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-might-delay-spacex-nasa-return-trip-from-iss-317469">Also read:&nbsp;Hurricane might delay SpaceX-NASA return trip from ISS</a>

"Conditions are 'Go' at the primary targeted site, off the coast (of) Pensacola, and alternate site off the coast of Panama City in the Gulf of Mexico for splashdown and recovery on Sunday, Aug 2," NASA said in a blog post.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go… <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LandAmerica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LandAmerica</a> <a href="https://t.co/FvyzeA58sb">pic.twitter.com/FvyzeA58sb</a>
— Bob Behnken (@AstroBehnken) <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroBehnken/status/1289576302333145089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bob Behnken, in an ISS ceremony aboard said that earlier "the hardest part was getting us launched. But the most important part is bringing us home."

SpaceX is also running a live webcast of Crew Dragon's return to Earth.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Webcast of Crew Dragon’s return to Earth from the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@space_station</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroBehnken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AstroBehnken</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Doug?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astro_Doug</a> → <a href="https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK">https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK</a> <a href="https://t.co/xZmI41Zw5S">https://t.co/xZmI41Zw5S</a>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1289671305835327488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, the first US astronauts to reach the International Space Station (ISS) in nearly a decade, have successfully undocked from the ISS on Saturday late night.

Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, the first US astronauts to reach the International Space Station (ISS) in nearly a decade, have successfully undocked from the ISS on Saturday late night. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft is now en route its way back to the Earth. SpaceX confirmed on Twitter by tweeting, "Separation confirmed. Dragon performing 4 departure burns to move away from the @Space_Station" along with a video. Separation confirmed. Dragon performing 4 departure burns to move away from the @Space_Station pic.twitter.com/ea14fozdO8 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 1, 2020 × The two American astronauts' capsule is set to undock around 2334 GMT (7:30pm). However, the NASA is still observing the Hurricane Isaias — a category one storm that battered the Bahamas on Friday and was churning toward Florida. Also read: Hurricane might delay SpaceX-NASA return trip from ISS "Conditions are 'Go' at the primary targeted site, off the coast (of) Pensacola, and alternate site off the coast of Panama City in the Gulf of Mexico for splashdown and recovery on Sunday, Aug 2," NASA said in a blog post. All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go… #LandAmerica pic.twitter.com/FvyzeA58sb — Bob Behnken (@AstroBehnken) August 1, 2020 × Bob Behnken, in an ISS ceremony aboard said that earlier "the hardest part was getting us launched. But the most important part is bringing us home." SpaceX is also running a live webcast of Crew Dragon's return to Earth. Webcast of Crew Dragon’s return to Earth from the @space_station with @AstroBehnken and @Astro_Doug → https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK https://t.co/xZmI41Zw5S — SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 1, 2020 ×

'I am ready to come home': SpaceX Crew Dragon undocks from ISS to return to Earth

The top Democrats in Congress are not close to a deal with the White House to pump more money into the U.S. economy to ease the coronavirus’ heavy toll, both sides said on Saturday, after an essential lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans expired.

“This was the longest meeting we had and it was more productive than the other meetings,” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. “There are many issues that are still very much outstanding.”

Schumer made the remarks after he and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi concluded a three-hour meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows at the Capitol on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nancy-pelosi-declines-deal-on-coronavirus-unemployment-aid-talks-to-continue-on-saturday-317378">Also read:&nbsp;Nancy Pelosi declines deal on coronavirus unemployment aid; talks to continue on Saturday</a>

Mnuchin told reporters the talks were constructive but had reached an “impasse” over whether to come to a short-term agreement or a more comprehensive deal.

The officials will meet again on Monday, after their staff meet on Sunday, Schumer said.

Congress for the past several months has been unable to reach an accord for a next round of economic relief from a pandemic that has killed more than 150,000 Americans and triggered the sharpest economic collapse since the Great Depression.

In a meeting late Thursday between top White House officials and congressional Democratic leaders, negotiations focused on an extension of the $600 per week in federal unemployment benefits that Americans who lost jobs due to the pandemic have been receiving in addition to state jobless payments.

Pelosi said on Friday that she rejected an offer by Republican President Donald Trump’s administration to continue the $600 payments for one more week.

Congressional Democrats want to see the weekly payments extended into next year as part of a broader package.

Senate Republicans have said the $600 payments are an incentive to stay home rather than return to work. Their proposal would provide a much-reduced weekly payment of $200 until states create a system to provide a 70% wage replacement for laid-off workers.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Saturday slammed Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for letting the Senate go home for the weekend without a deal to extend the unemployment benefits or protect renters facing eviction.

“Because Donald Trump is abdicating his responsibility to lead us out of the pandemic crisis and the economic crisis, we now face a potential housing crisis across the country,” Biden said in a statement.

Pelosi told House Democrats in a letter late on Saturday that “all parties must understand the gravity of the situation in order to reach an agreement that protects Americans’ lives, livelihoods and the life of our democracy.”

The top Democrats in Congress are not close to a deal with the White House to pump more money into the U.S. economy to ease the coronavirus’ heavy toll, both sides said on Saturday, after an essential lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans expired.

The top Democrats in Congress are not close to a deal with the White House to pump more money into the U.S. economy to ease the coronavirus’ heavy toll, both sides said on Saturday, after an essential lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans expired. “This was the longest meeting we had and it was more productive than the other meetings,” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. “There are many issues that are still very much outstanding.” Schumer made the remarks after he and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi concluded a three-hour meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows at the Capitol on Saturday. Also read: Nancy Pelosi declines deal on coronavirus unemployment aid; talks to continue on Saturday Mnuchin told reporters the talks were constructive but had reached an “impasse” over whether to come to a short-term agreement or a more comprehensive deal. The officials will meet again on Monday, after their staff meet on Sunday, Schumer said. Congress for the past several months has been unable to reach an accord for a next round of economic relief from a pandemic that has killed more than 150,000 Americans and triggered the sharpest economic collapse since the Great Depression. In a meeting late Thursday between top White House officials and congressional Democratic leaders, negotiations focused on an extension of the $600 per week in federal unemployment benefits that Americans who lost jobs due to the pandemic have been receiving in addition to state jobless payments. Pelosi said on Friday that she rejected an offer by Republican President Donald Trump’s administration to continue the $600 payments for one more week. Congressional Democrats want to see the weekly payments extended into next year as part of a broader package. Senate Republicans have said the $600 payments are an incentive to stay home rather than return to work. Their proposal would provide a much-reduced weekly payment of $200 until states create a system to provide a 70% wage replacement for laid-off workers. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Saturday slammed Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for letting the Senate go home for the weekend without a deal to extend the unemployment benefits or protect renters facing eviction. “Because Donald Trump is abdicating his responsibility to lead us out of the pandemic crisis and the economic crisis, we now face a potential housing crisis across the country,” Biden said in a statement. Pelosi told House Democrats in a letter late on Saturday that “all parties must understand the gravity of the situation in order to reach an agreement that protects Americans’ lives, livelihoods and the life of our democracy.”

Congressional Democrats, White House still at impasse over coronavirus bill

Barack Obama's half-brother calls him 'snob' and asks people to vote for Trump

As a school in US state of&nbsp;Indiana&nbsp;welcomed students to the 2020-21 academic year, one of their students tested positive for coronavirus&nbsp;on the first day of class, forcing many children into quarantine.

This comes days after US President Donald Trump asked public schools to reopen, claiming it was&nbsp;safe enough.

It so happened that hours after the school started, a student got back his coronavirus report, for which he had tested positive. The incident happened at&nbsp;the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation, 20 miles east of Indianapolis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-should-go-back-to-school-even-if-studies-show-they-spread-coronavirus-white-house-315870">Also read|&nbsp;Children should go back to school even if studies show they spread coronavirus: White House</a>

Administrators almost immediately started emergency protocol of isolating students and informing all the parents and other people who had come in contact with the students.

Superintendent Harold Olin then sent out an email to the parents of all the students informing them about the situation, and urged everyone to self-isolate themselves for the next 14 days.

The kid who tested positive was isolated in the nurse's ward, and all the halls and classrooms were sanitised on emergency basis. The people who came in contact with the infected student can only re-join the school after 14 days of quarantine. However, all the students and faculty members who were not in close contact with the infected student were able to continue in-person classes from next day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-be-comfortable-sending-my-son-to-school-trump-backs-reopening-schools-315428">Also read|&nbsp;I will be comfortable sending my son to school: Trump backs reopening schools</a>

The school authorities reported that the school did&nbsp;offer students the option for online classes&nbsp;at the start of the new academic year, but only about 600 students&nbsp;chose to stay home for remote learning.&nbsp;

As a school in US state of Indiana welcomed students to the 2020-21 academic year, one of their students tested positive for coronavirus on the first day of class, forcing many children into quarantine.

As a school in US state of Indiana welcomed students to the 2020-21 academic year, one of their students tested positive for coronavirus on the first day of class, forcing many children into quarantine. This comes days after US President Donald Trump asked public schools to reopen, claiming it was safe enough. It so happened that hours after the school started, a student got back his coronavirus report, for which he had tested positive. The incident happened at the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation, 20 miles east of Indianapolis. Also read| Children should go back to school even if studies show they spread coronavirus: White House Administrators almost immediately started emergency protocol of isolating students and informing all the parents and other people who had come in contact with the students. Superintendent Harold Olin then sent out an email to the parents of all the students informing them about the situation, and urged everyone to self-isolate themselves for the next 14 days. The kid who tested positive was isolated in the nurse's ward, and all the halls and classrooms were sanitised on emergency basis. The people who came in contact with the infected student can only re-join the school after 14 days of quarantine. However, all the students and faculty members who were not in close contact with the infected student were able to continue in-person classes from next day. Also read| I will be comfortable sending my son to school: Trump backs reopening schools The school authorities reported that the school did offer students the option for online classes at the start of the new academic year, but only about 600 students chose to stay home for remote learning.

On the first day of school, a student in US' Indiana tests positive for coronavirus

A registry of hospitalised COVID-19 patients across the country is being mooted to collect real time data which will help improve treatment outcomes, analyse trends in the progression of the pandemic and calibrate response, officials said.

The ICMR in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the AIIMS is planning to set up the National Clinical Registry which will help researchers and policy makers understand effectiveness of investigational therapies, adverse effects taking place and generate evidence for improving the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

"The aim is to collect data of the hospitalised COVID-19 patients like clinical and laboratory features, their demographics, comorbidities, treatment outcomes, complications in all age groups among others," officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-adds-54735-fresh-covid-cases-in-one-day-tally-crosses-17-lakh-mark-317589">Also read:&nbsp;India adds 54,735 fresh COVID cases in one day, tally crosses 17-lakh mark</a>

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 and the illness it is causing has so many unknown parameters that are a barrier to the proper understanding and management of the disease, they said.

"A systematically collected, comprehensive database covering different regions of the country will enable both researchers and policy makers to generate pertinent hypotheses, to inform crucial understanding of COVID 19, to detect trends in the progression of the pandemic and to accordingly calibrate response to the pandemic," an official said.

Fifteen institutions of national repute including the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education &amp; Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Jodhpur, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru and Armed Force Medical College in Pune will connect with the hospitals and medical colleges to get them?on board.

These 15 institutions would be the registry sites and would be mentoring around 100 COVID-19 hospitals which would be called satellite centres from where the data would be collected?as part of the exercise.

The proposal has been sent for approval to the Central Ethics Committee on Human Research (CECHR) of the ICMR.

"The data will help improve the clinical management protocols as the repository would help us know which drug is working better in which age group, effectiveness of investigational therapies and adverse effects taking place. The idea is to generate evidence for improving the treatment of COVID-19 patients," another official said.

A registry of hospitalised COVID-19 patients across the country is being mooted to collect real time data which will help improve treatment outcomes, analyse trends in the progression of the pandemic and calibrate response, officials said.

A registry of hospitalised COVID-19 patients across the country is being mooted to collect real time data which will help improve treatment outcomes, analyse trends in the progression of the pandemic and calibrate response, officials said. The ICMR in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the AIIMS is planning to set up the National Clinical Registry which will help researchers and policy makers understand effectiveness of investigational therapies, adverse effects taking place and generate evidence for improving the treatment of COVID-19 patients. "The aim is to collect data of the hospitalised COVID-19 patients like clinical and laboratory features, their demographics, comorbidities, treatment outcomes, complications in all age groups among others," officials said. Also read: India adds 54,735 fresh COVID cases in one day, tally crosses 17-lakh mark The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 and the illness it is causing has so many unknown parameters that are a barrier to the proper understanding and management of the disease, they said. "A systematically collected, comprehensive database covering different regions of the country will enable both researchers and policy makers to generate pertinent hypotheses, to inform crucial understanding of COVID 19, to detect trends in the progression of the pandemic and to accordingly calibrate response to the pandemic," an official said. Fifteen institutions of national repute including the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Jodhpur, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru and Armed Force Medical College in Pune will connect with the hospitals and medical colleges to get them?on board. These 15 institutions would be the registry sites and would be mentoring around 100 COVID-19 hospitals which would be called satellite centres from where the data would be collected?as part of the exercise. The proposal has been sent for approval to the Central Ethics Committee on Human Research (CECHR) of the ICMR. "The data will help improve the clinical management protocols as the repository would help us know which drug is working better in which age group, effectiveness of investigational therapies and adverse effects taking place. The idea is to generate evidence for improving the treatment of COVID-19 patients," another official said.

ICMR plans to set up registry of hospitalised COVID-19 patients

Warships to whipped cream: Most popular sculptures of Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth

Pure Skies: Air travelling in post-pandemic days in 'new normal' ways

Chinese state television said on Friday that Hong Kong authorities had issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists who fled the city and are suspected of violating a national security law that came into effect on June 30.

CCTV said the six were wanted on suspicion of secession or colluding with foreign forces, crimes that the new law punishes with up to life in prison.

It named the six as Nathan Law, Wayne Chan Ka-kui, Honcques Laus, Samuel Chu, Simon Cheng and Ray Wong Toi-yeung.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-says-resistance-will-continue-317181">Also read:&nbsp;Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong says 'resistance will continue'</a>

Hong Kong police declined to comment.

Wong said he believed the move showed that the Chinese government was afraid of the advocacy work of Hong Kong activists internationally, and wanted to pressure them.

“I think they want to cut off our connection with people in Hong Kong ... it will make people fear that they may violate the national security law by contacting us,” Wong told Reuters by phone from Britain.

Nathan Law, who is currently also in Britain, remained defiant. He said on Facebook the “wanted bulletins”, recent arrests, and mass disqualifications of pro-democracy activists from a now-delayed election are “indications of our need to remain active on the global stage.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-postpones-elections-over-virus-as-china-crackdown-deepens-317298">Also read:&nbsp;Hong Kong postpones elections over virus as China crackdown deepens</a>

“That Hong Kong has no place for even such moderate views like ours underscores the absurdity of Chinese Communist rule.”

China imposed the contentious law on its freest city around one month ago, circumventing the local legislature, a move condemned by some Western governments, rights groups and activists in the territory.

Several countries have since suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong, including Britain, Australia, and most recently Germany, as a possible safeguard against attempts to use the national security laws to round up activists abroad.

“We have repeatedly made our expectation clear that China lives up to its legal responsibilities under international law,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Friday just after Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam postponed an election by a year.

Several have also offered Hong Kongers an expedited path to full citizenship.

Critics of the law fear it will crush freedoms in a city that is a world financial hub, prompting some to flee overseas.

“For me, the situation faced by Hong Kongers is even more dangerous than what I face. I can’t think too much about my personal safety,” Wayne Chan, a pro-independence activist, told Reuters by phone from an undisclosed country.

Supporters say the security legislation is needed to restore stability and order to the former British colony after a year of sometimes violent anti-government protests.

Chinese state television said on Friday that Hong Kong authorities had issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists who fled the city and are suspected of violating a national security law that came into effect on June 30.

Chinese state television said on Friday that Hong Kong authorities had issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists who fled the city and are suspected of violating a national security law that came into effect on June 30. CCTV said the six were wanted on suspicion of secession or colluding with foreign forces, crimes that the new law punishes with up to life in prison. It named the six as Nathan Law, Wayne Chan Ka-kui, Honcques Laus, Samuel Chu, Simon Cheng and Ray Wong Toi-yeung. Also read: Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong says 'resistance will continue' Hong Kong police declined to comment. Wong said he believed the move showed that the Chinese government was afraid of the advocacy work of Hong Kong activists internationally, and wanted to pressure them. “I think they want to cut off our connection with people in Hong Kong ... it will make people fear that they may violate the national security law by contacting us,” Wong told Reuters by phone from Britain. Nathan Law, who is currently also in Britain, remained defiant. He said on Facebook the “wanted bulletins”, recent arrests, and mass disqualifications of pro-democracy activists from a now-delayed election are “indications of our need to remain active on the global stage.” Also read: Hong Kong postpones elections over virus as China crackdown deepens “That Hong Kong has no place for even such moderate views like ours underscores the absurdity of Chinese Communist rule.” China imposed the contentious law on its freest city around one month ago, circumventing the local legislature, a move condemned by some Western governments, rights groups and activists in the territory. Several countries have since suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong, including Britain, Australia, and most recently Germany, as a possible safeguard against attempts to use the national security laws to round up activists abroad. “We have repeatedly made our expectation clear that China lives up to its legal responsibilities under international law,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Friday just after Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam postponed an election by a year. Several have also offered Hong Kongers an expedited path to full citizenship. Critics of the law fear it will crush freedoms in a city that is a world financial hub, prompting some to flee overseas. “For me, the situation faced by Hong Kongers is even more dangerous than what I face. I can’t think too much about my personal safety,” Wayne Chan, a pro-independence activist, told Reuters by phone from an undisclosed country. Supporters say the security legislation is needed to restore stability and order to the former British colony after a year of sometimes violent anti-government protests.

Arrest warrants issued for six Hong Kong democracy activists: Reports

Portland observes peaceful protests as feds take a step back

US President Donald Trump has said TikTok would be banned in the country, and that he would he would sign an executive order as soon as Saturday.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said: "As far as TikTok is concerned, we're banning them from the United States."

Additionally, some local media reports&nbsp;have claimed that Trump was trying for TikTok to be divested from its Chinese parent firm on national security grounds. Two of the top-selling newspapers have claimed that Donald Trump wanted to&nbsp;order the sale of TikTok's US operations by China-based ByteDance, citing sharing of data with Chinese intelligence as the reason.

Reports have also claimed that Microsoft is in talks to acquire the famous video-sharing app.

However, no confirmation has been provided by Microsoft or TikTok.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-owner-bytedance-ditches-us-considers-listing-china-business-in-hong-kong-317211">Also read:&nbsp;TikTok owner ByteDance ditches US, considers listing China business in Hong Kong</a>

Trump's announcement followed frantic negotiations on Friday between the White House, ByteDance and potential buyers of TikTok, including Microsoft Corp. They failed to produce a deal that would result in the Chinese company shedding the app's US&nbsp;operations, according to people familiar with the matter. The talks are expected to continue in the coming days.

Meanwhile, TikTok has refused to comment on the reports being circulated.&nbsp;"We are confident in the long-term success of TikTok. Hundreds of millions of people come to TikTok for entertainment and connection, including our community of creators and artists who are building livelihoods from the platform," TikTok told AFP.

This week, TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer took to social media to express TikTok's commitment to transparency.&nbsp;"We are not political, we do not accept political advertising and have no agenda -- our only objective is to remain a vibrant, dynamic platform for everyone to enjoy," he said.

"TikTok has become the latest target, but we are not the enemy."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bytedance-investors-value-tiktok-at-50-billion-in-takeover-bid-316980">Also read:&nbsp;ByteDance investors value TikTok at $50 billion in takeover bid</a>

As relations between the United States and China deteriorate over trade, Hong Kong’s autonomy, cyber security and the spread of the novel coronavirus, TikTok has emerged as a flashpoint in the dispute between the world’s two largest economies.

The United States has been increasingly scrutinizing app developers over the personal data they handle, especially if some of it involves U.S. military or intelligence personnel. Ordering the divestment of TikTok would not be the first time the White House has taken action over such concerns.

Earlier this year, Chinese gaming company Beijing Kunlun Tech Co Ltd sold Grindr LLC, a popular gay dating app it bought in 2016, for $620 million after being ordered by CFIUS to divest.

In 2018, CFIUS forced China`s Ant Financial to scrap plans to buy MoneyGram International Inc over concerns about the safety of data that could identify U.S. citizens.

(with inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump has said TikTok would be banned in the country, and that he would he would sign an executive order as soon as Saturday. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said: "As far as TikTok is concerned, we're banning them from the United States.

US President Donald Trump has said TikTok would be banned in the country, and that he would he would sign an executive order as soon as Saturday. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said: "As far as TikTok is concerned, we're banning them from the United States." Additionally, some local media reports have claimed that Trump was trying for TikTok to be divested from its Chinese parent firm on national security grounds. Two of the top-selling newspapers have claimed that Donald Trump wanted to order the sale of TikTok's US operations by China-based ByteDance, citing sharing of data with Chinese intelligence as the reason. Reports have also claimed that Microsoft is in talks to acquire the famous video-sharing app. However, no confirmation has been provided by Microsoft or TikTok. Also read: TikTok owner ByteDance ditches US, considers listing China business in Hong Kong Trump's announcement followed frantic negotiations on Friday between the White House, ByteDance and potential buyers of TikTok, including Microsoft Corp. They failed to produce a deal that would result in the Chinese company shedding the app's US operations, according to people familiar with the matter. The talks are expected to continue in the coming days. Meanwhile, TikTok has refused to comment on the reports being circulated. "We are confident in the long-term success of TikTok. Hundreds of millions of people come to TikTok for entertainment and connection, including our community of creators and artists who are building livelihoods from the platform," TikTok told AFP. This week, TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer took to social media to express TikTok's commitment to transparency. "We are not political, we do not accept political advertising and have no agenda -- our only objective is to remain a vibrant, dynamic platform for everyone to enjoy," he said. "TikTok has become the latest target, but we are not the enemy." Also read: ByteDance investors value TikTok at $50 billion in takeover bid As relations between the United States and China deteriorate over trade, Hong Kong’s autonomy, cyber security and the spread of the novel coronavirus, TikTok has emerged as a flashpoint in the dispute between the world’s two largest economies. The United States has been increasingly scrutinizing app developers over the personal data they handle, especially if some of it involves U.S. military or intelligence personnel. Ordering the divestment of TikTok would not be the first time the White House has taken action over such concerns. Earlier this year, Chinese gaming company Beijing Kunlun Tech Co Ltd sold Grindr LLC, a popular gay dating app it bought in 2016, for $620 million after being ordered by CFIUS to divest. In 2018, CFIUS forced China`s Ant Financial to scrap plans to buy MoneyGram International Inc over concerns about the safety of data that could identify U.S. citizens. (with inputs from agencies)

Trump plans to ban TikTok, may force Chinese owner to sell it

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