Three giants of the cruise industry will return to the seas within weeks, with Norwegian Cruise Lines on Monday becoming the latest to announce its US ships will set sail starting in early August.&nbsp;

After a year of crippling losses, Carnival and Royal Caribbean said late last week their first post-pandemic cruises will set sail in July, after the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) earlier this month gave the green light to allow trips with passengers and crew who received Covid-19 vaccinations.&nbsp;

"We have been waiting for a very long time to announce a resumption of cruising from the US. We are so proud to be sailing for the first time in over a year from our special homeport of Seattle to the breathtaking state of Alaska," Harry Sommer, chief of Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement.&nbsp;

Cruise operations were suspended on March 14, 2020 when the CDC issued a "no sail order" to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. Several ships already had deadly outbreaks on board.&nbsp;

Some cruise ships resumed operations in Europe and elsewhere last year, but the ban remained in place in the United States.&nbsp;

All three companies will offer trips from Seattle to Alaska as their inaugural cruises.&nbsp;

Norwegian said "all crew and passengers must be fully vaccinated to embark."&nbsp;

Carnival said its trips will be available to guests who received their final dose at least two weeks prior, and likewise Royal Caribbean will require vaccinations of all passengers over the age of 16, and after August 1 all those over the age of 12.&nbsp;

Norwegian will offer week-long voyages starting August 6, while Royal Caribbean will leave port first with a similar trip July 19 and Carnival's Holland American Line will start July 24.&nbsp;

"It's been a tough year for everyone, but people clearly have pent-up demand to cruise again, and we can't wait to get back to what we do best," Royal Caribbean Chief Executive Richard D Fain said in last week's statement.&nbsp;

Disney Cruise Lines in early May announced all trips were canceled through the end of July, but on Monday declined to provide details to AFP on when sailing would resume.&nbsp;

Three giants of the cruise industry will return to the seas within weeks, with Norwegian Cruise Lines on Monday becoming the latest to announce its US ships will set sail starting in early August.

Three giants of the cruise industry will return to the seas within weeks, with Norwegian Cruise Lines on Monday becoming the latest to announce its US ships will set sail starting in early August. After a year of crippling losses, Carnival and Royal Caribbean said late last week their first post-pandemic cruises will set sail in July, after the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) earlier this month gave the green light to allow trips with passengers and crew who received Covid-19 vaccinations. "We have been waiting for a very long time to announce a resumption of cruising from the US. We are so proud to be sailing for the first time in over a year from our special homeport of Seattle to the breathtaking state of Alaska," Harry Sommer, chief of Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement. Cruise operations were suspended on March 14, 2020 when the CDC issued a "no sail order" to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. Several ships already had deadly outbreaks on board. Some cruise ships resumed operations in Europe and elsewhere last year, but the ban remained in place in the United States. All three companies will offer trips from Seattle to Alaska as their inaugural cruises. Norwegian said "all crew and passengers must be fully vaccinated to embark." Carnival said its trips will be available to guests who received their final dose at least two weeks prior, and likewise Royal Caribbean will require vaccinations of all passengers over the age of 16, and after August 1 all those over the age of 12. Norwegian will offer week-long voyages starting August 6, while Royal Caribbean will leave port first with a similar trip July 19 and Carnival's Holland American Line will start July 24. "It's been a tough year for everyone, but people clearly have pent-up demand to cruise again, and we can't wait to get back to what we do best," Royal Caribbean Chief Executive Richard D Fain said in last week's statement. Disney Cruise Lines in early May announced all trips were canceled through the end of July, but on Monday declined to provide details to AFP on when sailing would resume.

Major cruise lines to restart voyages for vaccinated passengers 

Global aviation faces its biggest political crisis in years after Belarus scrambled a fighter and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to detain a dissident journalist, prompting US and European outrage.&nbsp;

Some European airlines immediately began avoiding Belarus airspace, a key corridor between western Europe and Moscow and route for long-haul flights between western Europe and Asia.&nbsp;

"We, like all the European airlines are looking for guidance today from the European authorities and from NATO," Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary told Ireland's Newstalk radio.&nbsp;

Others, including Chinese and Turkish carriers, continued to fly over Belarus, which charges euro-denominated fees to use its airspace. Each flight brings Minsk revenue equivalent to some $500, adding up to millions each year, a Belarus official said.&nbsp;

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said it had notified its 31 member states about the incident and an airline source said the agency had recommended 'caution' over Belarus.&nbsp;

Aviation experts said a decades-old system of cooperation now faces a crucial test under the glare of East-West tensions.&nbsp;

The UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) said the incident may have contravened a core aviation treaty: part of the international order created after World War Two.&nbsp;

"ICAO is strongly concerned by the apparent forced landing of a Ryanair flight and its passengers, which could be in contravention of the Chicago Convention," it said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Montreal agency called a meeting of its 36-member council, which has power to investigate any situation that may hinder the development of international aviation, for Thursday.&nbsp;

"It looks like a gross abuse of the (Chicago) Convention. It's piracy," Kevin Humphreys, a former Irish aviation regulator, said of the Belarus incident.&nbsp;

But experts cautioned that calls from some Western politicians for the outright closure of Belarus airspace would come up against tough obstacles.&nbsp;

Under global rules, neither ICAO nor any nation can close another's airspace, but some, such as the United States, have the power to tell their own airlines not to fly there.&nbsp;

Global airlines condemned any unlawful interference.&nbsp;

"A full investigation by competent international authorities is needed," said the International Air Transport Association, which represents about 280 airlines. Ryanair is not a member.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear how any probe would be organised.&nbsp;

Although highly regulated at a national level, and supported by harmonised rules to keep skies safe, aviation lacks a global policeman to avoid constant disputes over sovereignty.&nbsp;

While it has no regulatory power, ICAO sits at the centre of a system of safety and security standards that operates across political barriers but requires an often slow-moving consensus.&nbsp;

The rules are managed through the Montreal-based agency by its 193 members, including Belarus. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Global aviation faces its biggest political crisis in years after Belarus scrambled a fighter and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to detain a dissident journalist, prompting US and European outrage.

Global aviation faces its biggest political crisis in years after Belarus scrambled a fighter and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to detain a dissident journalist, prompting US and European outrage. Some European airlines immediately began avoiding Belarus airspace, a key corridor between western Europe and Moscow and route for long-haul flights between western Europe and Asia. "We, like all the European airlines are looking for guidance today from the European authorities and from NATO," Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary told Ireland's Newstalk radio. Others, including Chinese and Turkish carriers, continued to fly over Belarus, which charges euro-denominated fees to use its airspace. Each flight brings Minsk revenue equivalent to some $500, adding up to millions each year, a Belarus official said. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said it had notified its 31 member states about the incident and an airline source said the agency had recommended 'caution' over Belarus. Aviation experts said a decades-old system of cooperation now faces a crucial test under the glare of East-West tensions. The UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) said the incident may have contravened a core aviation treaty: part of the international order created after World War Two. "ICAO is strongly concerned by the apparent forced landing of a Ryanair flight and its passengers, which could be in contravention of the Chicago Convention," it said on Sunday. The Montreal agency called a meeting of its 36-member council, which has power to investigate any situation that may hinder the development of international aviation, for Thursday. "It looks like a gross abuse of the (Chicago) Convention. It's piracy," Kevin Humphreys, a former Irish aviation regulator, said of the Belarus incident. But experts cautioned that calls from some Western politicians for the outright closure of Belarus airspace would come up against tough obstacles. Under global rules, neither ICAO nor any nation can close another's airspace, but some, such as the United States, have the power to tell their own airlines not to fly there. Global airlines condemned any unlawful interference. "A full investigation by competent international authorities is needed," said the International Air Transport Association, which represents about 280 airlines. Ryanair is not a member. It was not immediately clear how any probe would be organised. Although highly regulated at a national level, and supported by harmonised rules to keep skies safe, aviation lacks a global policeman to avoid constant disputes over sovereignty. While it has no regulatory power, ICAO sits at the centre of a system of safety and security standards that operates across political barriers but requires an often slow-moving consensus. The rules are managed through the Montreal-based agency by its 193 members, including Belarus. (With inputs from agencies)

Global aviation system tested by Belarus jetliner diversion 

Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said on Monday he would remain in office, despite an order by the country's Supreme Court that lawmakers sit to appoint a new leader.&nbsp;

Samoa's Supreme Court last week overruled an attempt by the head of state Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II to void April's election results, which ended Tuilaepa’s grip on power.&nbsp;

Opposition leader Fiame Naomi Mataafa was set to become Samoa's first female prime minister following the election.&nbsp;

Fiame has pledged to cancel a $100 million Chinese-backed port development, calling it excessive for the small Pacific island that is already heavily indebted to China.&nbsp;

China’s growing reach in the South Pacific is unsettling for the United States and its allies, who have been the dominant powers in the Pacific since World War Two.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on the weekend ordered parliament to sit on Monday to appoint a new prime minister, but head of state Tuimalealiifano cancelled the session and Tuilaepa said he would stay in office.&nbsp;

"We remain in this role and operate business as usual," Tuilaepa told reporters in the capital Apia.&nbsp;

"There is one Head of State, he has the power to Convene Parliament, and only him."&nbsp;

Supporters of the opposition parties gathered outside parliament on Monday singing songs from Samoa's independence movement more than 50 years ago, reported local media.&nbsp;

With no sign that the stand-off would end soon, Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne urged calm.&nbsp;

"It is important that all parties respect the rule of law and democratic processes. We have faith in Samoa’s institutions including the judiciary," Payne tweeted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said on Monday he would remain in office, despite an order by the country's Supreme Court that lawmakers sit to appoint a new leader.

Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said on Monday he would remain in office, despite an order by the country's Supreme Court that lawmakers sit to appoint a new leader. Samoa's Supreme Court last week overruled an attempt by the head of state Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II to void April's election results, which ended Tuilaepa’s grip on power. Opposition leader Fiame Naomi Mataafa was set to become Samoa's first female prime minister following the election. Fiame has pledged to cancel a $100 million Chinese-backed port development, calling it excessive for the small Pacific island that is already heavily indebted to China. China’s growing reach in the South Pacific is unsettling for the United States and its allies, who have been the dominant powers in the Pacific since World War Two. The Supreme Court on the weekend ordered parliament to sit on Monday to appoint a new prime minister, but head of state Tuimalealiifano cancelled the session and Tuilaepa said he would stay in office. "We remain in this role and operate business as usual," Tuilaepa told reporters in the capital Apia. "There is one Head of State, he has the power to Convene Parliament, and only him." Supporters of the opposition parties gathered outside parliament on Monday singing songs from Samoa's independence movement more than 50 years ago, reported local media. With no sign that the stand-off would end soon, Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne urged calm. "It is important that all parties respect the rule of law and democratic processes. We have faith in Samoa’s institutions including the judiciary," Payne tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Ousted Samoa PM refuses to cede power, despite election loss 

We bring to you the biggest stories.&nbsp;From&nbsp;Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting to&nbsp;Jaishankar arrives in US to discuss Covid-related cooperation with officials. Also,&nbsp;Britain's Prime Minister Johnson to wed fiancee Symonds next summer, says The Sun.&nbsp;

We have it all.&nbsp;Please click on the headline to read the full story.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-forces-airliner-to-land-and-arrests-opponent-sparking-us-european-outrage-386985">Belarus forces airliner to land and arrests opponent, sparking outrage</a>

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Belarusian authorities scrambled a fighter jet and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to force a Ryanair plane to land on Sunday and then, detained an opposition-minded journalist, who was on board, drawing condemnation from Europe and the United States.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-slams-whos-indifference-after-failing-to-get-into-key-meeting-386979">Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting&nbsp;</a>

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Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-jaishankar-arrives-in-new-york-to-discuss-covid-related-cooperation-with-us-officials-386982">Jaishankar arrives in US to discuss Covid-related cooperation with officials</a>

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External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday landed in New York, as part of his US visit, to meet with senior United States officials, and discuss Covid-related cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-prime-minister-johnson-to-wed-fiancee-symonds-next-summer-the-sun-386987">Britain's Prime Minister Johnson to wed fiancee Symonds next summer, says The Sun&nbsp;</a>

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Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have sent wedding invitations to family and friends for July 30, 2022, the Sun reported on Sunday.&nbsp;

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Watch:&nbsp;Bangladesh appeals for COVID-19 vaccine, appeals to world community to procure doses

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We bring to you the biggest stories. From Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting to Jaishankar arrives in US to discuss Covid-related cooperation with officials.

We bring to you the biggest stories. From Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting to Jaishankar arrives in US to discuss Covid-related cooperation with officials. Also, Britain's Prime Minister Johnson to wed fiancee Symonds next summer, says The Sun. We have it all. Please click on the headline to read the full story. Belarus forces airliner to land and arrests opponent, sparking outrage Belarusian authorities scrambled a fighter jet and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to force a Ryanair plane to land on Sunday and then, detained an opposition-minded journalist, who was on board, drawing condemnation from Europe and the United States. Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body. Jaishankar arrives in US to discuss Covid-related cooperation with officials External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday landed in New York, as part of his US visit, to meet with senior United States officials, and discuss Covid-related cooperation between the two countries. Britain's Prime Minister Johnson to wed fiancee Symonds next summer, says The Sun Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have sent wedding invitations to family and friends for July 30, 2022, the Sun reported on Sunday. Watch: Bangladesh appeals for COVID-19 vaccine, appeals to world community to procure doses ×

Morning news brief: Belarus forces airliner to land and arrests opponent, sparking outrage and more

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday landed in New York, as part of his US visit, to meet with senior United States officials, and discuss Covid-related cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

Ambassador of India to the UN TS Tirumurti received EAM Jaishankar on his first visit to New York after India entered the UN Security Council.&nbsp;

"Privilege to receive External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar on his first visit to New York after #India entered the UN #SecurityCouncil on 1 January 2021," Ambassador Tirumurti tweeted. &nbsp;

Jaishankar's US visit is slated to last till May 28, the External Affairs Ministry said last week. The Foreign Minister is expected to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York and later, he will hold discussions with his counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington DC, the ministry said. He will also be meeting Cabinet members and Senior Officials of the Administration dealing with the bilateral relationship. &nbsp;

"External Affairs Minister will have two interactions with business forums on economic and Covid-related cooperation between India and the US," said the ministry statement.&nbsp;

India is engaged in talks with various US entities involved in Covid vaccines production and is looking forward to procuring and subsequently producing these vaccines. The issue of vaccine procurement is expected to be a key agenda item during Jaishankar's interaction with US leadership and other stakeholders.&nbsp;

The US has already announced that it is going to distribute 80 million vaccines from its stockpile to countries in need. With India hit badly by the second Covid wave, efforts of New Delhi will focus on getting the maximum and also looking for tie-ups with vaccine developers to produce in India.&nbsp;

US has a stockpile of 60 million Astra Zeneca vaccine doses and also Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

US is playing a lead role in assisting India's fight against the COVID-19 virus. It has already provided large oxygen plants, concentrators, critical medicines like Remdesivir and also raw materials for vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India (SII), which is manufacturing Covishield.&nbsp;

US is also backing India sponsored proposal on TRIPS waiver at the WTO. The TRIPS waiver aims to increase global vaccine production in order to take on the challenge of vaccinating the poorest of the poor and save lives.&nbsp;

In October last year, India and South Africa, along with 57 members of WTO proposed a waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS agreement for prevention, containment, and treatment of the coronavirus. EAM Jaishankar met his US counterpart Antony Blinken in early May in London during G7 Foreign Minister's meeting. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday landed in New York, as part of his US visit, to meet with senior United States officials, and discuss Covid-related cooperation between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday landed in New York, as part of his US visit, to meet with senior United States officials, and discuss Covid-related cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador of India to the UN TS Tirumurti received EAM Jaishankar on his first visit to New York after India entered the UN Security Council. "Privilege to receive External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar on his first visit to New York after #India entered the UN #SecurityCouncil on 1 January 2021," Ambassador Tirumurti tweeted. Jaishankar's US visit is slated to last till May 28, the External Affairs Ministry said last week. The Foreign Minister is expected to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York and later, he will hold discussions with his counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington DC, the ministry said. He will also be meeting Cabinet members and Senior Officials of the Administration dealing with the bilateral relationship. "External Affairs Minister will have two interactions with business forums on economic and Covid-related cooperation between India and the US," said the ministry statement. India is engaged in talks with various US entities involved in Covid vaccines production and is looking forward to procuring and subsequently producing these vaccines. The issue of vaccine procurement is expected to be a key agenda item during Jaishankar's interaction with US leadership and other stakeholders. The US has already announced that it is going to distribute 80 million vaccines from its stockpile to countries in need. With India hit badly by the second Covid wave, efforts of New Delhi will focus on getting the maximum and also looking for tie-ups with vaccine developers to produce in India. US has a stockpile of 60 million Astra Zeneca vaccine doses and also Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. US is playing a lead role in assisting India's fight against the COVID-19 virus. It has already provided large oxygen plants, concentrators, critical medicines like Remdesivir and also raw materials for vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India (SII), which is manufacturing Covishield. US is also backing India sponsored proposal on TRIPS waiver at the WTO. The TRIPS waiver aims to increase global vaccine production in order to take on the challenge of vaccinating the poorest of the poor and save lives. In October last year, India and South Africa, along with 57 members of WTO proposed a waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS agreement for prevention, containment, and treatment of the coronavirus. EAM Jaishankar met his US counterpart Antony Blinken in early May in London during G7 Foreign Minister's meeting. (With inputs from agencies)

EAM Jaishankar arrives in New York to discuss Covid-related cooperation with US officials 

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body.&nbsp;

Taiwan is excluded from most global organisations, such as the WHO because of the objections of China, which considers the island one of its provinces and not a country.&nbsp;

Taiwan, with the strong backing of major Western powers, had been lobbying for access to the WHO's World Health Assembly, which opens on Monday, as an observer.&nbsp;

In a joint statement by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan's government said that they would continue to seek participation.&nbsp;

"As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization (WHO) should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member," Chen said, referring to China.&nbsp;

Wu expressed regret at the "WHO Secretariat's continued indifference to the health rights of Taiwan's 23.5 million people".&nbsp;

China says Taiwan can only take part if it accepts it is part of 'one China', which Taipei's government will not do, and that only Beijing has a right to speak for Taiwan on the international stage and Taiwan has in any case been given the access it needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Taiwan's statement said China was falsely claiming that appropriate arrangements have been made for Taiwan's WHO participation, adding that only the island's democratically elected government can speak for its people.&nbsp;

Taiwan urges the WHO to "maintain a professional and neutral stance, reject China's political interference, and allow Taiwan to join WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities in order to protect the welfare of humanity and jointly combat disease".&nbsp;

While the WHO cooperates with Taiwan's technical experts on COVID-19, it is up to member states whether to invite Taiwan to observe the WHO meeting, the WHO's principal legal officer Steve Solomon said last week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body.

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body. Taiwan is excluded from most global organisations, such as the WHO because of the objections of China, which considers the island one of its provinces and not a country. Taiwan, with the strong backing of major Western powers, had been lobbying for access to the WHO's World Health Assembly, which opens on Monday, as an observer. In a joint statement by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan's government said that they would continue to seek participation. "As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization (WHO) should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member," Chen said, referring to China. Wu expressed regret at the "WHO Secretariat's continued indifference to the health rights of Taiwan's 23.5 million people". China says Taiwan can only take part if it accepts it is part of 'one China', which Taipei's government will not do, and that only Beijing has a right to speak for Taiwan on the international stage and Taiwan has in any case been given the access it needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan's statement said China was falsely claiming that appropriate arrangements have been made for Taiwan's WHO participation, adding that only the island's democratically elected government can speak for its people. Taiwan urges the WHO to "maintain a professional and neutral stance, reject China's political interference, and allow Taiwan to join WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities in order to protect the welfare of humanity and jointly combat disease". While the WHO cooperates with Taiwan's technical experts on COVID-19, it is up to member states whether to invite Taiwan to observe the WHO meeting, the WHO's principal legal officer Steve Solomon said last week. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting 

May 24 in history: 300 die in Lima as rioting erupts at soccer match and more

An Egyptian court on Sunday rejected a complaint by the Japanese owner of a container ship that blocked traffic in the Suez Canal for six days in March against the vessel's continued detention by canal authorities, a lawyer said.&nbsp;

The Ever Given, one of the world's largest container ships, became jammed across the canal in high winds on March 23, halting traffic in both directions and disrupting global trade.&nbsp;

The complaint was attached to a case at the economic court in Ismailia in which the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) sought $916 million in compensation from the Ever Given's owner Shoei Kisen.&nbsp;

Also on Sunday, the head of the SCA suggested in a TV interview that the canal could accept the reduced sum of $550 million, slightly lower than the $600 million he had mentioned earlier this month for a potential out of court settlement.&nbsp;

SCA Chairman Osama Rabie said a $200 million deposit could be enough to secure the ship's release, with the rest payable separately.&nbsp;

The Ismailia court on Sunday referred the case back to a court of first instance, which is due to consider it on May 29, said Ahmed Abu Ali, one of the lawyers representing the owner.&nbsp;

Any ruling made by the lower court could trigger appeals, said another lawyer, Ahmed Abu Shanab, indicating that legal wrangling could drag on.&nbsp;

In a statement following Sunday's ruling the SCA said it bore no responsibility for the Ever Given's grounding, reasserting that responsibility lay with the ship's captain alone, and rebutting arguments made a day before by Shoei Kisen's legal team.&nbsp;

It also broke down its $916 million claim, citing the costs of freeing the ship and a salvage bonus stipulated in maritime law, material and reputational damage, and the diversion of some shipping away from the canal.&nbsp;

One boat sank during the operation to free the ship, resulting in the death of a worker, the SCA said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

An Egyptian court on Sunday rejected a complaint by the Japanese owner of a container ship that blocked traffic in the Suez Canal for six days in March against the vessel's continued detention by canal authorities, a lawyer said.

An Egyptian court on Sunday rejected a complaint by the Japanese owner of a container ship that blocked traffic in the Suez Canal for six days in March against the vessel's continued detention by canal authorities, a lawyer said. The Ever Given, one of the world's largest container ships, became jammed across the canal in high winds on March 23, halting traffic in both directions and disrupting global trade. The complaint was attached to a case at the economic court in Ismailia in which the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) sought $916 million in compensation from the Ever Given's owner Shoei Kisen. Also on Sunday, the head of the SCA suggested in a TV interview that the canal could accept the reduced sum of $550 million, slightly lower than the $600 million he had mentioned earlier this month for a potential out of court settlement. SCA Chairman Osama Rabie said a $200 million deposit could be enough to secure the ship's release, with the rest payable separately. The Ismailia court on Sunday referred the case back to a court of first instance, which is due to consider it on May 29, said Ahmed Abu Ali, one of the lawyers representing the owner. Any ruling made by the lower court could trigger appeals, said another lawyer, Ahmed Abu Shanab, indicating that legal wrangling could drag on. In a statement following Sunday's ruling the SCA said it bore no responsibility for the Ever Given's grounding, reasserting that responsibility lay with the ship's captain alone, and rebutting arguments made a day before by Shoei Kisen's legal team. It also broke down its $916 million claim, citing the costs of freeing the ship and a salvage bonus stipulated in maritime law, material and reputational damage, and the diversion of some shipping away from the canal. One boat sank during the operation to free the ship, resulting in the death of a worker, the SCA said. (With inputs from agencies)

Court allows Suez Canal to keep holding cargo ship Ever Given: Lawyers 

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court in person on Monday for the first time since the military arrested her when it seized power on February 1, Myanmar media reported.&nbsp;

One of her lawyers, Min Min Soe, told The Associated Press by phone that Suu Kyi was able to meet with her defence team before her hearing began at a special court set up inside the city council building in Naypyitaw, the capital. The hearing's purpose was procedural.&nbsp;

The lawyers also met with Win Myint, who was president in the government that Suu Kyi led as state counsellor, and a defendant on some of the same charges she faces.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi had been charged with several criminal offenses, but her only previous court appearances had been by video link, and she had not been allowed to meet in person with any of her lawyers.&nbsp;

Min Min Soe said Suu Kyi had a message for Myanmar's people to the effect that her National League for Democracy party would stand by them.&nbsp;

"The main thing (she said) is that she always wishes good health and well-being for all the people, and she also said that since the NLD was founded for the people, the NLD will exist as long as the people exist," said Min Min Soe said after the hearing.&nbsp;

"She looks fresh, healthy and full of confidence," she added.&nbsp;

Monday's hearing concerned several of the six charges Suu Kyi faces.&nbsp;

These are two counts of violating the Natural Disaster Management Law for violating COVID-19 pandemic restrictions during the 2020 election campaign; illegally importing walkie-talkies that were for her bodyguards' use; unlicensed use of the radios; and spreading information that could cause public alarm or unrest.&nbsp;

The most serious charge that Suu Kyi faces is breaching the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, which carries a penalty of up to 14 years' imprisonment, but that is being handled by a separate court.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi's supporters say the proceedings against her are politically motivated and meant to try to legitimise the military's seizure of power and discredit her. If convicted of any of the offences, she could be banned from running in the election that the junta has said it will hold within one or two years of its takeover.&nbsp;

The military ousted Suu Kyi's government less than three months after her National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory in a general election that would have given it a second five-year term in office. Before the start of democratic reforms a decade ago, Myanmar was ruled by the military for 50 years.&nbsp;

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court in person on Monday for the first time since the military arrested her when it seized power on February 1, Myanmar media reported.

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court in person on Monday for the first time since the military arrested her when it seized power on February 1, Myanmar media reported. One of her lawyers, Min Min Soe, told The Associated Press by phone that Suu Kyi was able to meet with her defence team before her hearing began at a special court set up inside the city council building in Naypyitaw, the capital. The hearing's purpose was procedural. The lawyers also met with Win Myint, who was president in the government that Suu Kyi led as state counsellor, and a defendant on some of the same charges she faces. Suu Kyi had been charged with several criminal offenses, but her only previous court appearances had been by video link, and she had not been allowed to meet in person with any of her lawyers. Min Min Soe said Suu Kyi had a message for Myanmar's people to the effect that her National League for Democracy party would stand by them. "The main thing (she said) is that she always wishes good health and well-being for all the people, and she also said that since the NLD was founded for the people, the NLD will exist as long as the people exist," said Min Min Soe said after the hearing. "She looks fresh, healthy and full of confidence," she added. Monday's hearing concerned several of the six charges Suu Kyi faces. These are two counts of violating the Natural Disaster Management Law for violating COVID-19 pandemic restrictions during the 2020 election campaign; illegally importing walkie-talkies that were for her bodyguards' use; unlicensed use of the radios; and spreading information that could cause public alarm or unrest. The most serious charge that Suu Kyi faces is breaching the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, which carries a penalty of up to 14 years' imprisonment, but that is being handled by a separate court. Suu Kyi's supporters say the proceedings against her are politically motivated and meant to try to legitimise the military's seizure of power and discredit her. If convicted of any of the offences, she could be banned from running in the election that the junta has said it will hold within one or two years of its takeover. The military ousted Suu Kyi's government less than three months after her National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory in a general election that would have given it a second five-year term in office. Before the start of democratic reforms a decade ago, Myanmar was ruled by the military for 50 years.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi makes first in-person court appearance, says party will exist as long as people exist 

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.94 per cent in the current fiscal ending on June 30.&nbsp;

"Nearly four per cent growth figure has given hope that now we can achieve five per cent growth in next fiscal year (2021-22) and over 6 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23," he said, while playing down the criticism about the projected growth this year.&nbsp;

The National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Friday estimated 3.94 per cent GDP growth rate for the year 2020-21 beating all domestic and international predictions that the growth would be below three per cent.&nbsp;

It seems too good to be true as Pakistan registered negative growth in the last fiscal year. It prompted various opposition parties and their leaders to accuse that the official data was not realistic but Tarin rejected all such concerns.&nbsp;

"The 3.94 per cent economic growth figure should not be controversial because it has been worked out in a very transparent manner by the Ministry of Planning and the Finance Ministry has nothing to do with it," said Tarin.&nbsp;

Tarin is the fourth finance minister of the government of Imran Khan, who came to power in August 2018. He was appointed in April with the task to tackle inflation and expedite growth.&nbsp;

He said that the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan about COVID-19 pandemic saved the economy because he opposed a complete lockdown in the country. He also appreciated the targeted approach to uplift housing, agriculture and export industries sectors. &nbsp;

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday. Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday. Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.94 per cent in the current fiscal ending on June 30. "Nearly four per cent growth figure has given hope that now we can achieve five per cent growth in next fiscal year (2021-22) and over 6 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23," he said, while playing down the criticism about the projected growth this year. The National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Friday estimated 3.94 per cent GDP growth rate for the year 2020-21 beating all domestic and international predictions that the growth would be below three per cent. It seems too good to be true as Pakistan registered negative growth in the last fiscal year. It prompted various opposition parties and their leaders to accuse that the official data was not realistic but Tarin rejected all such concerns. "The 3.94 per cent economic growth figure should not be controversial because it has been worked out in a very transparent manner by the Ministry of Planning and the Finance Ministry has nothing to do with it," said Tarin. Tarin is the fourth finance minister of the government of Imran Khan, who came to power in August 2018. He was appointed in April with the task to tackle inflation and expedite growth. He said that the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan about COVID-19 pandemic saved the economy because he opposed a complete lockdown in the country. He also appreciated the targeted approach to uplift housing, agriculture and export industries sectors.

Pakistan will achieve 5 per cent GDP growth in next fiscal: Finance minister 

A volcanic eruption in eastern Congo left a smoking trail of destruction half a mile wide on Sunday that buried hundreds of houses and left residents searching for missing loved ones, before halting just short of the city of Goma.&nbsp;

Goma was thrown into panic on Saturday evening as Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world's most active and dangerous volcanoes, erupted, turning the night sky an eerie red and sending a wall of orange lava downhill towards the lakeside city of about two million people.&nbsp;

Fifteen were killed, including nine in a traffic accident as residents fled, four, who tried to escape Munzenze prison in Goma and two, who were burned to death, government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said in a statement.&nbsp;

That figure will likely rise considerably. A reporter saw two people getting killed by the initial eruption in a village north of Goma, and witnesses spoke of dead and missing relatives.&nbsp;

Haunted by memories of an eruption in 2002 that killed 250 people and left 120,000 homeless, residents fled on foot with their belongings, some towards the nearby border with Rwanda.&nbsp;

The International Federation of Red Cross said that between 3,000 and 5,000 fled into Rwanda on Saturday, many of them peasants and farmers with livestock. Some began returning on Sunday.&nbsp;

The eruption was caused when fractures opened in the volcano's side, causing lava flows in various directions.&nbsp;

As the sun rose on Sunday a smouldering black gash about half a mile wide could be seen on the outskirts of Goma, where the lava had cooled to rubble.&nbsp;

At some points it was three-storey high, engulfing even large buildings and sending smoke into the grey morning sky.&nbsp;

Residents in the Buhene district sorted through the mangled white remains of tin roofs or lifted rocks - tiny individual efforts in what will likely be a months-long campaign to restore the zone.&nbsp;

Elsewhere, groups of people posed for photos on the steaming lava.&nbsp;

In all, seventeen villages were hit, Muyaya said, and three health centres, a primary school and a water pipeline were destroyed.&nbsp;

Lava crossed a main road running north from Goma, severing a key aid and supply route, and the city's principle supply of electricity, delivered along a line run by the Congolese Water and Electricity Distribution Company, was cut.&nbsp;

A government delegation has been dispatched to Goma to help in the response, he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A volcanic eruption in eastern Congo left a smoking trail of destruction half a mile wide on Sunday that buried hundreds of houses and left residents searching for missing loved ones, before halting just short of the city of Goma.

A volcanic eruption in eastern Congo left a smoking trail of destruction half a mile wide on Sunday that buried hundreds of houses and left residents searching for missing loved ones, before halting just short of the city of Goma. Goma was thrown into panic on Saturday evening as Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world's most active and dangerous volcanoes, erupted, turning the night sky an eerie red and sending a wall of orange lava downhill towards the lakeside city of about two million people. Fifteen were killed, including nine in a traffic accident as residents fled, four, who tried to escape Munzenze prison in Goma and two, who were burned to death, government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said in a statement. That figure will likely rise considerably. A reporter saw two people getting killed by the initial eruption in a village north of Goma, and witnesses spoke of dead and missing relatives. Haunted by memories of an eruption in 2002 that killed 250 people and left 120,000 homeless, residents fled on foot with their belongings, some towards the nearby border with Rwanda. The International Federation of Red Cross said that between 3,000 and 5,000 fled into Rwanda on Saturday, many of them peasants and farmers with livestock. Some began returning on Sunday. The eruption was caused when fractures opened in the volcano's side, causing lava flows in various directions. As the sun rose on Sunday a smouldering black gash about half a mile wide could be seen on the outskirts of Goma, where the lava had cooled to rubble. At some points it was three-storey high, engulfing even large buildings and sending smoke into the grey morning sky. Residents in the Buhene district sorted through the mangled white remains of tin roofs or lifted rocks - tiny individual efforts in what will likely be a months-long campaign to restore the zone. Elsewhere, groups of people posed for photos on the steaming lava. In all, seventeen villages were hit, Muyaya said, and three health centres, a primary school and a water pipeline were destroyed. Lava crossed a main road running north from Goma, severing a key aid and supply route, and the city's principle supply of electricity, delivered along a line run by the Congolese Water and Electricity Distribution Company, was cut. A government delegation has been dispatched to Goma to help in the response, he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Congo volcano leaves death and smoking wreckage, but major city spared 

Belarusian authorities scrambled a fighter jet and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to force a Ryanair plane to land on Sunday and then, detained an opposition-minded journalist, who was on board, drawing condemnation from Europe and the United States.&nbsp;

In what was described by some EU leaders as a hijacking, the passenger plane flying from Athens to Lithuania was suddenly diverted to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, escorted there by a Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jet. On its landing, authorities took journalist Roman Protasevich into custody.&nbsp;

Protasevich had his head in his hands and was shaking when he realised the flight was headed for Minsk, Lithuania's Delfi news outlet said, quoting a passenger. Later, as he was led away, according to the report, he remarked: "I'll get the death penalty here." The report could not be verified.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old journalist worked for Poland-based online news service NEXTA, which broadcast footage of mass protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko last year via the Telegram messenger app at a time when it was hard for foreign media to do so.&nbsp;

Protasevich, who now works for a different Telegram channel called Belamova, is wanted in Belarus on extremism charges and stands accused of organising mass riots and of inciting social hatred, allegations he denies.&nbsp;

Data from the flightradar24.com website showed the plane was diverted just two minutes before it was due to cross into Lithuanian airspace. After seven hours on the ground, the plane took off and finally landed in Vilnius where Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte was waiting to meet the passengers.&nbsp;

As European officials threatened new sanctions on Belarus, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the forced landing and arrest a 'shocking act’, demanded Protasevich's immediate release and said President Joe Biden's administration was 'coordinating with our partners on next steps’.&nbsp;

EU member state Lithuania, where Protasevich is based, urged the European Union and NATO to respond.&nbsp;

Ursula von der Leyen, head of the EU's executive European Commission, said Protasevich must be released immediately and that those responsible for 'the Ryanair hijacking must be sanctioned’, adding EU leaders meeting in Brussels on Monday would discuss what action to take.&nbsp;

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a tweet that the incident was serious and dangerous and required an international investigation.&nbsp;

Simon Coveney, foreign minister of Ireland, where Ryanair is based, said on Twitter: "EU inaction or indecision will be taken as weakness by Belarus."&nbsp;

Lithuania's foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, said he discussed the Ryanair plane diversion with US Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker, urging a strong response from the West.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lithuanian prosecutors also launched a criminal investigation into the forced landing of a Ryanair flight to Vilnius in Minsk, the General Prosecutors office said in a statement on Sunday.&nbsp;

The charges under investigation include hijacking of a plane for terrorism purposes and treatment of humans in violation of international treaties, it said in the statement.&nbsp;

The United States along with the EU, Britain and Canada have already imposed asset freezes and travel bans on almost 90 Belarusian officials, including Lukashenko, following an August election that opponents and the West say was a sham.&nbsp;

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez issued a statement with the heads of seven European parliamentary foreign affairs panels denouncing the forced landing as 'an act of piracy’. They called for a ban on all overflights of Belarus, including to and from the country, and for NATO and EU states to impose sanctions and suspend Belarus' 'ability to use Interpol’.&nbsp;

Blinken demanded a 'full investigation' of an action he said endangered the lives of the passengers, including US citizens.&nbsp;

"Given indications the forced landing was based on false pretenses, we support the earliest possible meeting of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization to review these events," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who like Protasevich now operates from Lithuania, called on the UN aviation agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to kick Belarus out.&nbsp;

ICAO said it was 'strongly concerned' over the incident, which might have breached the Chicago Convention underpinning civil aviation. Global airline industry body IATA also called for a full investigation.&nbsp;

The incident is certain to worsen already dire relations between the West and Belarus, which has been tightly controlled since 1994 by Lukashenko.&nbsp;

Opponents accuse him of rigging a presidential election in his own favour last year and of then cracking down violently on the opposition. He denies electoral fraud.&nbsp;

Ryanair said in a statement that the plane`s crew was notified by Belarus of a potential security threat on board and was instructed to divert to the nearest airport, Minsk.&nbsp;

The plane landed safely, passengers were offloaded, security checks were made by local authorities and the aircraft later resumed its journey to Vilnius, Ryanair said.&nbsp;

One of the passengers, speaking to Reuters after arriving at Vilnius airport, said neither the pilot nor the crew gave a full explanation for the sudden diversion to Minsk, but Protasevich reacted quickly to the news, standing up from his seat.&nbsp;

The Lithuanian passenger, who gave his name only as Mantas, said Protasevich opened an overhead locker, pulled out a laptop computer and a phone and gave them to a female companion. On landing, Protasevich was immediately separated, Mantas said.&nbsp;

Belarusian officials with sniffer dogs searched the luggage of each passenger, including Protasevich, but appeared to find nothing. "It looked fake," Mantas said of the bomb-detection operation.&nbsp;

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told a news conference late on Sunday that Protasevich`s female companion had also not re-embarked on the flight from Minsk to Vilnius.&nbsp;

Belarusian news agency BelTA reported that Lukashenko had personally ordered the warplane to escort the Ryanair plane to Minsk. No explosives were found, it said.&nbsp;

Ben Hodges, former commander of US Army forces in Europe, said the air defenses of Belarus were closely integrated with those of Russia. "If you had anything happening in the Belarus airspace, it would be impossible for the Kremlin - or at least Russian military forces - not to know about it," he said.&nbsp;

Nauseda urged "NATO and EU allies to immediately react to the threat posed to international civil aviation by the Belarus regime."&nbsp;

Lithuanian presidential adviser Asta Skaisgiryte said the operation to force the plane carrying around 170 people from 12 countries to land seemed to be pre-planned.&nbsp;

The Belarusian department for organised crime control reported that Protasevich had been detained, before deleting the statement from its Telegram channel.&nbsp;

About 35,000 people have been detained in Belarus since August, human rights groups say. Dozens have received jail terms.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Belarusian authorities scrambled a fighter jet and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to force a Ryanair plane to land on Sunday and then, detained an opposition-minded journalist, who was on board, drawing condemnation from Europe and the United States.

Belarusian authorities scrambled a fighter jet and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to force a Ryanair plane to land on Sunday and then, detained an opposition-minded journalist, who was on board, drawing condemnation from Europe and the United States. In what was described by some EU leaders as a hijacking, the passenger plane flying from Athens to Lithuania was suddenly diverted to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, escorted there by a Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jet. On its landing, authorities took journalist Roman Protasevich into custody. Protasevich had his head in his hands and was shaking when he realised the flight was headed for Minsk, Lithuania's Delfi news outlet said, quoting a passenger. Later, as he was led away, according to the report, he remarked: "I'll get the death penalty here." The report could not be verified. The 26-year-old journalist worked for Poland-based online news service NEXTA, which broadcast footage of mass protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko last year via the Telegram messenger app at a time when it was hard for foreign media to do so. Protasevich, who now works for a different Telegram channel called Belamova, is wanted in Belarus on extremism charges and stands accused of organising mass riots and of inciting social hatred, allegations he denies. Data from the flightradar24.com website showed the plane was diverted just two minutes before it was due to cross into Lithuanian airspace. After seven hours on the ground, the plane took off and finally landed in Vilnius where Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte was waiting to meet the passengers. As European officials threatened new sanctions on Belarus, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the forced landing and arrest a 'shocking act’, demanded Protasevich's immediate release and said President Joe Biden's administration was 'coordinating with our partners on next steps’. EU member state Lithuania, where Protasevich is based, urged the European Union and NATO to respond. Ursula von der Leyen, head of the EU's executive European Commission, said Protasevich must be released immediately and that those responsible for 'the Ryanair hijacking must be sanctioned’, adding EU leaders meeting in Brussels on Monday would discuss what action to take. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a tweet that the incident was serious and dangerous and required an international investigation. Simon Coveney, foreign minister of Ireland, where Ryanair is based, said on Twitter: "EU inaction or indecision will be taken as weakness by Belarus." Lithuania's foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, said he discussed the Ryanair plane diversion with US Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker, urging a strong response from the West. Meanwhile, Lithuanian prosecutors also launched a criminal investigation into the forced landing of a Ryanair flight to Vilnius in Minsk, the General Prosecutors office said in a statement on Sunday. The charges under investigation include hijacking of a plane for terrorism purposes and treatment of humans in violation of international treaties, it said in the statement. The United States along with the EU, Britain and Canada have already imposed asset freezes and travel bans on almost 90 Belarusian officials, including Lukashenko, following an August election that opponents and the West say was a sham. US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez issued a statement with the heads of seven European parliamentary foreign affairs panels denouncing the forced landing as 'an act of piracy’. They called for a ban on all overflights of Belarus, including to and from the country, and for NATO and EU states to impose sanctions and suspend Belarus' 'ability to use Interpol’. Blinken demanded a 'full investigation' of an action he said endangered the lives of the passengers, including US citizens. "Given indications the forced landing was based on false pretenses, we support the earliest possible meeting of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization to review these events," he said in a statement. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who like Protasevich now operates from Lithuania, called on the UN aviation agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to kick Belarus out. ICAO said it was 'strongly concerned' over the incident, which might have breached the Chicago Convention underpinning civil aviation. Global airline industry body IATA also called for a full investigation. The incident is certain to worsen already dire relations between the West and Belarus, which has been tightly controlled since 1994 by Lukashenko. Opponents accuse him of rigging a presidential election in his own favour last year and of then cracking down violently on the opposition. He denies electoral fraud. Ryanair said in a statement that the plane`s crew was notified by Belarus of a potential security threat on board and was instructed to divert to the nearest airport, Minsk. The plane landed safely, passengers were offloaded, security checks were made by local authorities and the aircraft later resumed its journey to Vilnius, Ryanair said. One of the passengers, speaking to Reuters after arriving at Vilnius airport, said neither the pilot nor the crew gave a full explanation for the sudden diversion to Minsk, but Protasevich reacted quickly to the news, standing up from his seat. The Lithuanian passenger, who gave his name only as Mantas, said Protasevich opened an overhead locker, pulled out a laptop computer and a phone and gave them to a female companion. On landing, Protasevich was immediately separated, Mantas said. Belarusian officials with sniffer dogs searched the luggage of each passenger, including Protasevich, but appeared to find nothing. "It looked fake," Mantas said of the bomb-detection operation. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told a news conference late on Sunday that Protasevich`s female companion had also not re-embarked on the flight from Minsk to Vilnius. Belarusian news agency BelTA reported that Lukashenko had personally ordered the warplane to escort the Ryanair plane to Minsk. No explosives were found, it said. Ben Hodges, former commander of US Army forces in Europe, said the air defenses of Belarus were closely integrated with those of Russia. "If you had anything happening in the Belarus airspace, it would be impossible for the Kremlin - or at least Russian military forces - not to know about it," he said. Nauseda urged "NATO and EU allies to immediately react to the threat posed to international civil aviation by the Belarus regime." Lithuanian presidential adviser Asta Skaisgiryte said the operation to force the plane carrying around 170 people from 12 countries to land seemed to be pre-planned. The Belarusian department for organised crime control reported that Protasevich had been detained, before deleting the statement from its Telegram channel. About 35,000 people have been detained in Belarus since August, human rights groups say. Dozens have received jail terms. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus forces airliner to land and arrests blogger opposed to president, sparking US, European outrage 

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