Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne announced his resignation on Friday (Oct 20), four days after a Tunisian migrant living illegally in the country killed two Swedes in Brussels. Addressing a press conference, Quickenborne said he sought Abdesalem Lassoued's extradition last year&nbsp;and it had not been followed up. Lassoued, 45, shot dead two Swedish football fans and wounded another on Monday. A day later, he was shot dead by police in a cafe.

"It's an individual, monumental and unacceptable error," Justice Minister Quickenborne told reporters as he announced his resignation.&nbsp;

Authorities said initial indications were that&nbsp;Lassoued was working as a lone wolf, rather than as part of a broad network. In a video claiming responsibility for the attack, the attacker said he was a member of the Islamic State and gave his name as Abdesalem Al Guilani. However, Belgian state broadcaster RTBF named him Abdesalem Lassoued.

On Tuesday, Quicken said that Lassoued was known to police and suspected of offences, including human trafficking and illegal residence. In 2016, a foreign police service passed on an unconfirmed report that the man had a "radicalised profile" and wanted to go to a war zone to wage jihad, he added.

The now-resigned minister also pointed out that authorities received a tip that the attacker was convicted of terrorism in Tunisia but the information proved to be false as the man had only been convicted of common law offences.&nbsp;

After Lassoued's asylum was denied three years back, Belgian authorities said he "disappeared from the radar" before an expulsion order in March 2021 that was not carried out.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister &nbsp;Alexander De Croo said he was not among some 700 people on Belgium's terror watch list and had not stayed at an asylum-seekers centre, making it more difficult to track and expel him.

"The illegal Tunisian man lived here below the water line and yesterday he struck in a cowardly way towards our society from below the water line," Prime Minister De Croo added.

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Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne announced his resignation on Friday (Oct 20), four days after a Tunisian migrant living illegally in the country killed two Swedes in Brussels.

Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne announced his resignation on Friday (Oct 20), four days after a Tunisian migrant living illegally in the country killed two Swedes in Brussels. Addressing a press conference, Quickenborne said he sought Abdesalem Lassoued's extradition last year and it had not been followed up. Lassoued, 45, shot dead two Swedish football fans and wounded another on Monday. A day later, he was shot dead by police in a cafe. "It's an individual, monumental and unacceptable error," Justice Minister Quickenborne told reporters as he announced his resignation. Authorities said initial indications were that Lassoued was working as a lone wolf, rather than as part of a broad network. In a video claiming responsibility for the attack, the attacker said he was a member of the Islamic State and gave his name as Abdesalem Al Guilani. However, Belgian state broadcaster RTBF named him Abdesalem Lassoued. On Tuesday, Quicken said that Lassoued was known to police and suspected of offences, including human trafficking and illegal residence. In 2016, a foreign police service passed on an unconfirmed report that the man had a "radicalised profile" and wanted to go to a war zone to wage jihad, he added. The now-resigned minister also pointed out that authorities received a tip that the attacker was convicted of terrorism in Tunisia but the information proved to be false as the man had only been convicted of common law offences. After Lassoued's asylum was denied three years back, Belgian authorities said he "disappeared from the radar" before an expulsion order in March 2021 that was not carried out. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said he was not among some 700 people on Belgium's terror watch list and had not stayed at an asylum-seekers centre, making it more difficult to track and expel him. "The illegal Tunisian man lived here below the water line and yesterday he struck in a cowardly way towards our society from below the water line," Prime Minister De Croo added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brussels attack: Belgian justice minister resigns, says he sought extradition of killer

Lebanon's national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) said on Friday (Oct 20) that it was cutting over half of its flights as tensions along the border with Israel prompted more Western countries to warn against travel to Lebanon.

Lebanon's national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) said on Friday (Oct 20) that it was cutting over half of its flights as tensions along the border with Israel prompted more Western countries to warn against travel to Lebanon. MEA's Chairperson Mohammad El-Hout said that only eight of the airline's 22 aircraft would operate next week, with the rest of the fleet relocated to other airports. In a televised interview from Beirut's airport, El-Hout said, "More than half of the company's flights will be cancelled." The decision came after changes to the airline's insurance coverage following the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas against Israel on October 7. Insurance companies began to worry two to three days after the Hamas attack, he added. Several countries have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon or not to travel to the country amid fears of a war between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel. At least 22 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, including four civilians, sparking fears of a wider escalation. Israel orders evacuation of Kiryat Shmona following Lebanon clashes On Friday, the Israeli military announced plans to evacuate the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, following days of clashes with Hezbollah militants along the border with Lebanon. In a statement, the military said that Kiryat Shmona's mayor had been informed about the evacuation. "The plan will be managed by the local authority, the ministry of tourism and the ministry of defence," the statement said. The military added that it was continuing to strike Hezbollah targets just across the border in Lebanon. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Lebanon's national carrier halves flights amid rising tensions

Former United States president Donald Trump's lawyer Kenneth Chesebro on Friday (Oct 20) pleaded guilty in the Georgia election subversion case. According to a report by CNN, Chesebro is pleading guilty to one felony – conspiracy to commit filing false documents. This is a major victory for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who had charged Trump and 18 others&nbsp;over trying to overturn the 2020 US presidential election.

As per the CNN report, Fulton County prosecutors are recommending that Chesebro serve five years of probation and pay $5,000 in restitution. Chesebro has agreed to testify at any future trials in the case and write an apology letter later.

The lawyer was originally charged with seven crimes, including a violation of Georgia’s RICO act and conspiracy to commit forgery. Chesebro had helped develop Trump's campaign plot to put forward unauthorised slates of GOP electors in Georgia and six other states.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-former-lawyer-sidney-powell-pleads-guilty-agrees-to-testify-in-georgia-case-648970">Trump's former lawyer Sidney Powell pleads guilty, agrees to testify in Georgia case</a>

A day back, Sidney Powell, another Trump lawyer pleaded guilty in the election subversion case. Powell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanours accusing her of conspiring to intentionally interfere with the performance of election duties, the news agency Associated Press said in a report on Thursday.&nbsp;

As part of the deal, she will serve six years of probation, will be fined $6,000 and will have to write an apology letter to Georgia and its residents. She also recorded a statement for prosecutors and agreed to testify truthfully against her co-defendants at future trials.

Prosecutors said&nbsp;she participated in an unauthorised breach of election equipment in a rural Georgia county elections office.

Ahead of the trial, both Powell and Chesebro lost several bids to get the case thrown out, including earlier this week.&nbsp;

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Former United States president Donald Trump's lawyer Kenneth Chesebro on Friday (Oct 20) pleaded guilty in the Georgia election subversion case. According to a report by CNN, Chesebro is pleading guilty to one felony – conspiracy to commit filing false documents.

Former United States president Donald Trump's lawyer Kenneth Chesebro on Friday (Oct 20) pleaded guilty in the Georgia election subversion case. According to a report by CNN, Chesebro is pleading guilty to one felony – conspiracy to commit filing false documents. This is a major victory for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who had charged Trump and 18 others over trying to overturn the 2020 US presidential election. As per the CNN report, Fulton County prosecutors are recommending that Chesebro serve five years of probation and pay $5,000 in restitution. Chesebro has agreed to testify at any future trials in the case and write an apology letter later. The lawyer was originally charged with seven crimes, including a violation of Georgia’s RICO act and conspiracy to commit forgery. Chesebro had helped develop Trump's campaign plot to put forward unauthorised slates of GOP electors in Georgia and six other states. Also read: Trump's former lawyer Sidney Powell pleads guilty, agrees to testify in Georgia case A day back, Sidney Powell, another Trump lawyer pleaded guilty in the election subversion case. Powell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanours accusing her of conspiring to intentionally interfere with the performance of election duties, the news agency Associated Press said in a report on Thursday. As part of the deal, she will serve six years of probation, will be fined $6,000 and will have to write an apology letter to Georgia and its residents. She also recorded a statement for prosecutors and agreed to testify truthfully against her co-defendants at future trials. Prosecutors said she participated in an unauthorised breach of election equipment in a rural Georgia county elections office. Ahead of the trial, both Powell and Chesebro lost several bids to get the case thrown out, including earlier this week. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Georgia election subversion case: Another Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro pleads guilty

A paediatrics group in the United States said on Friday (Oct 20) that powdered drink mixes which are widely promoted as "toddler milks” for older babies and children up to the age of three are unregulated, unnecessary and “nutritionally incomplete.

A paediatrics group in the United States said on Friday (Oct 20) that powdered drink mixes which are widely promoted as "toddler milks” for older babies and children up to the age of three are unregulated, unnecessary and “nutritionally incomplete. In its report, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned that these drink mixes often contain added sugar and salt. "The category of formulas directed at older infants and toddlers 6 to 36 months of age has increased in prominence over the last years but is characterised by lack of standardisation in nomenclature and composition as well as questionable marketing practices," the report said. The AAP supports continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for two years or beyond. "If the infant is not breastfed, the AAP and others recommend whole cow milk as suitable for infants beginning at 12 months of age as part of a nutritionally complete, balanced diet," the report added. What are toddler milks? Toddler milks are powdered milk mixes sold in cans and are to be mixed with water. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, these powdered mixes are often produced by makers of top brands of infant formulas, packaged with similar labels and sold in the same store aisles. The products are typically marketed for babies older than 6 to 12 months and preschoolers up to age 3 as nutritious drinks for the next stage of development, the report said. The US currently does not have any federal regulations to govern milk drink mixes for older babies and toddlers. The concerns As per the report, experts have highlighted the lack of common standards for toddler milks, which means the ingredients vary widely among brands. Most of these powdered mixes contain added sugar and are targeted toward children who are at the age when they could develop a lasting taste for sweets, possibly leading to obesity and other diseases. Frances Fleming-Milici from the University of Connecticut that these mixes could be called "the gateway sugary drink." Experts have also said that toddler milks are also more expensive than cow's milk. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Pediatrics group says 'toddler milks' are unregulated, unnecessary

Russia on Friday (Oct 20) advised its citizens against travelling to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestinian territories amid the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas. Russia's foreign ministry said, "The situation in the Middle East is heating up. The number of casualties and injuries is rising. Mass protests are taking place around the world."

"We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from travelling to the region, especially to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinian territories," the ministry added. 
This development in Russia a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that there was a serious possibility that the Israel-Hamas war would become regional.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-gaza-hospital-palestine-death-toll-yemen-netanyahu-latest-news-updates-648997">Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a>

&nbsp;"A real mechanism (of de-escalation in the Middle East) could be a decision by the (UN) Security Council calling on all parties to immediately stop any violent military actions and ensure a solution to humanitarian problems, taking into account the true catastrophe that threatens the Gaza Strip and the millions of people living there," Foreign Minister Lavrov told reporters in North Korea's Pyongyang.&nbsp;

"As for the Gaza Strip, the risk of this crisis escalating into a regional conflict is quite serious. I have already mentioned that the United States vetoed a resolution that called for a stop to any hostilities and to begin to resolve humanitarian issues," he added.

Lavrov also said that the US apparently showed that it was not ready for a truce, a ceasefire. "And if this is so, then they will probably believe the conflict may grow," the foreign minister further said.&nbsp;

Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, scores of foreigners have been killed, wounded or taken hostage. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the Russian embassy in Israel said that Nineteen Russian-Israeli citizens have been confirmed dead.&nbsp;

Two Russian-Israeli citizens are hostages and seven Russian nationals are missing, the embassy added.&nbsp;

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Russia on Friday (Oct 20) advised its citizens against travelling to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestinian territories amid the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Russia on Friday (Oct 20) advised its citizens against travelling to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestinian territories amid the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas. Russia's foreign ministry said, "The situation in the Middle East is heating up. The number of casualties and injuries is rising. Mass protests are taking place around the world." "We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from travelling to the region, especially to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinian territories," the ministry added. This development in Russia a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that there was a serious possibility that the Israel-Hamas war would become regional. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war "A real mechanism (of de-escalation in the Middle East) could be a decision by the (UN) Security Council calling on all parties to immediately stop any violent military actions and ensure a solution to humanitarian problems, taking into account the true catastrophe that threatens the Gaza Strip and the millions of people living there," Foreign Minister Lavrov told reporters in North Korea's Pyongyang. "As for the Gaza Strip, the risk of this crisis escalating into a regional conflict is quite serious. I have already mentioned that the United States vetoed a resolution that called for a stop to any hostilities and to begin to resolve humanitarian issues," he added. Lavrov also said that the US apparently showed that it was not ready for a truce, a ceasefire. "And if this is so, then they will probably believe the conflict may grow," the foreign minister further said. Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, scores of foreigners have been killed, wounded or taken hostage. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the Russian embassy in Israel said that Nineteen Russian-Israeli citizens have been confirmed dead. Two Russian-Israeli citizens are hostages and seven Russian nationals are missing, the embassy added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Russia advises citizens against travelling to Israel, 2 other countries

The Philippine military has been ordered to refrain from using digital applications that harness artificial intelligence (AI) to generate personal portraits. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Friday (Oct 20), Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

The Philippine military has been ordered to refrain from using digital applications that harness artificial intelligence (AI) to generate personal portraits. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Friday (Oct 20), Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued an order in an October 14 memorandum. On Friday, the defence department confirmed the authenticity of the memorandum but did not provide any other details, including what prompted Defence Secretary Teodoro Jr. to issue the order. Teodoro specifically warned against the use of a digital app that requires users to submit at least 10 pictures of themselves and then harness AI to create a digital person that mimics how a real individual speaks and moves. "Such apps pose significant privacy and security risks,” he added. Military ordered to be vigilant in sharing information online The defence secretary ordered all defence and military personnel to refrain from using AI photo generator applications and practice vigilance in sharing information online. “This seemingly harmless and amusing AI-powered application can be maliciously used to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social engineering, phishing attacks and other malicious activities,” he added. Military creating 'cyber command' for online defence On Thursday, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said that the military was creating a cyber command to improve defences against almost daily cyber attacks, and would relax recruitment rules to ensure it can attract online experts. "Instead of recruiting soldiers for infantry battalions, this time we will recruit cyber warriors," General Brawner told reporters. "There is this general realisation that this new breed of warriors does not have to be muscle strong," he added. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, several government agencies, including the lower house of Congress, have recently reported cyber attacks and the chief of the armed forces said some of the almost daily attacks on the military came from abroad. However, Brawner said that none of these attacks had been successful. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Philippine military ordered to stop using AI apps due to security risks

France on Tuesday (Oct 17) joined several Western countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Germany in warning its citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon as the security situation remains tense amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. In a statement, the French foreign ministry said, "Given security tensions in the region and particularly on Lebanon's southern border, French travellers planning a trip to Lebanon are not advised to go there."

The warning comes a day after France warned Lebanese officials to avert war with Israel.&nbsp;

Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, the Lebanese-Israel border has seen near-daily tit-for-tat incidents involving Lebanon's Hezbollah or Palestinian groups.&nbsp;

Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has so far limited its cross-border attacks but analysts say the Iran-backed group with a powerful arsenal could open a front with Israel if it invades the Gaza Strip, the news agency AFP reported.

The US has urged Hezbollah to stay out of the Israel-Hamas war. On October 9, the US issued a broad "regional security alert" warning citizens to "take caution".

On Monday, Britain issued a travel advisory that said, "Events in Lebanon are fast-moving. The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and with no warning."

Britain also added that the British Embassy in Lebanon had temporarily withdrawn family members of staff. It advised "against all travel to some parts of Lebanon", including border areas and "against all but essential travel to the rest of Lebanon".

Canada has warned its citizens to "avoid non-essential travel to Lebanon", citing "an unpredictable security situation" and the "armed conflict with Israel".

Germany, meanwhile, urged its nationals not to travel to Lebanon because of "an escalation of violence" following the Hamas attacks on Israel. The travel warning is at the highest level given by the German government.&nbsp;

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France on Tuesday (Oct 17) joined several Western countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Germany in warning its citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon as the security situation remains tense amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

France on Tuesday (Oct 17) joined several Western countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Germany in warning its citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon as the security situation remains tense amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. In a statement, the French foreign ministry said, "Given security tensions in the region and particularly on Lebanon's southern border, French travellers planning a trip to Lebanon are not advised to go there." The warning comes a day after France warned Lebanese officials to avert war with Israel. Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, the Lebanese-Israel border has seen near-daily tit-for-tat incidents involving Lebanon's Hezbollah or Palestinian groups. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has so far limited its cross-border attacks but analysts say the Iran-backed group with a powerful arsenal could open a front with Israel if it invades the Gaza Strip, the news agency AFP reported. The US has urged Hezbollah to stay out of the Israel-Hamas war. On October 9, the US issued a broad "regional security alert" warning citizens to "take caution". On Monday, Britain issued a travel advisory that said, "Events in Lebanon are fast-moving. The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and with no warning." Britain also added that the British Embassy in Lebanon had temporarily withdrawn family members of staff. It advised "against all travel to some parts of Lebanon", including border areas and "against all but essential travel to the rest of Lebanon". Canada has warned its citizens to "avoid non-essential travel to Lebanon", citing "an unpredictable security situation" and the "armed conflict with Israel". Germany, meanwhile, urged its nationals not to travel to Lebanon because of "an escalation of violence" following the Hamas attacks on Israel. The travel warning is at the highest level given by the German government. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: France warns citizens against Lebanon travel, becomes latest Western nation to do so

India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi has been appointed as the next Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, New Delhi announced on Monday (Oct 16). "Arindam Bagchi (IFS:1995), presently Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador/Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva," a ministry statement said.

"He is expected to take up the assignment shortly," the statement added. In Geneva, Bagchi would succeed Indra Mani Pandey who is set to return to New Delhi.

Bagchi took over as the foreign ministry spokesperson in March 2020 and handled a critical number of issues including the eastern Ladakh border row, India's COVID-19 response and New Delhi's G20 presidency.

Earlier, Bagchi served as ambassador to Croatia and deputy high commissioner to Sri Lanka. He also had a stint in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) as well as India's permanent mission at the UN in New York.

According to a report by the news agency PTI on Monday, four senior diplomats, including joint secretary (G20) Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur and high commissioner to Mauritius K Nandini Singla are being considered for the post of the foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;

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India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi has been appointed as the next Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, New Delhi announced on Monday (Oct 16).

India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi has been appointed as the next Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, New Delhi announced on Monday (Oct 16). "Arindam Bagchi (IFS:1995), presently Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador/Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva," a ministry statement said. "He is expected to take up the assignment shortly," the statement added. In Geneva, Bagchi would succeed Indra Mani Pandey who is set to return to New Delhi. Bagchi took over as the foreign ministry spokesperson in March 2020 and handled a critical number of issues including the eastern Ladakh border row, India's COVID-19 response and New Delhi's G20 presidency. Earlier, Bagchi served as ambassador to Croatia and deputy high commissioner to Sri Lanka. He also had a stint in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) as well as India's permanent mission at the UN in New York. According to a report by the news agency PTI on Monday, four senior diplomats, including joint secretary (G20) Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur and high commissioner to Mauritius K Nandini Singla are being considered for the post of the foreign ministry spokesperson. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi appointed as country's next envoy to UN in Geneva

Georgia's constitutional court on Monday ruled that pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili had breached the constitution by making unauthorised foreign trips, paving the way for her removal.

In September, MPs from the ruling Georgian Dream party moved to oust the 71-year-old figurehead president, saying she had&nbsp;met foreign leaders to lobby for&nbsp;Georgia's membership of the European Union without government permission.

By making foreign visits without government consent, "the president of&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;Salome Zurabishvili has breached the constitution," the head of&nbsp;Georgia's constitutional court, Merab Turava said on Monday.

Zurabishvili's lawyer, Maia Kopaleishvili, told journalists the court "had no legal or factual basis to confirm the violation of the constitution by the president".

It was the court's first-ever case dealing with a president's impeachment in&nbsp;Georgia's history.

Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili said the impeachment vote will be held over the coming days.

But&nbsp;Georgia's ruling party has admitted to having little chance of ousting Zurabishvili as it only controls 84 seats in parliament, while the backing of at least 100 lawmakers is needed.

Party chairman Irakli Kobakhidze admitted "there are practically no chances of garnering 100 votes," adding: "Should Salome Zurabishvili have elementary dignity, she would resign".&nbsp;

"She will only be seen nominally as&nbsp;Georgia's president... and completely deprived of political and moral legitimacy."

Opposition parties have said they would not support Zurabishvili's removal.

<h2>'Political battle'</h2>

EU chief Charles Michel met Zurabishvili in Brussels last month to reaffirm the bloc's commitment to&nbsp;Georgia's European path and highlight reforms it needed to enter the bloc.

Georgia&nbsp;applied for EU membership together with Ukraine and Moldova&nbsp;after Russia invaded its pro-Western neighbour in February 2022.

EU leaders have granted formal candidate status to Kyiv and Chisinau but urged Tbilisi to implement &nbsp;judicial and electoral reforms, improve press freedom and curtail the power of oligarchs.

Zurabishvili has harshly criticised the Georgian Dream government over what she said was its failure to deliver on the reform demands from the EU.

While relations between Moscow and Tbilisi have remained openly hostile for years, the Georgian government led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has in the past year made moves towards rapprochement.

In March,&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;was rocked by protests after the government introduced a Russian-style law on "foreign agents", and in May the government reopened direct flights with Russia, drawing condemnation from the EU.

Georgia's first female president, Zurabishvili, was elected for a six-year term in 2018 with the support of Georgian Dream but quickly made enemies in the ranks of the parliamentary majority.

She was born in France to a Georgian family which fled the Bolshevik regime to Paris in 1921.

Her 30-year career in French diplomacy culminated in a posting as ambassador to Tbilisi, where she was then appointed foreign minister in 2004.

In her book "A Woman for Two Countries," published in France, she wrote: "Now, I have to engage in a political battle, which has never attracted me, which I never practised, which is being imposed on me."

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Georgia's constitutional court on Monday ruled that pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili had breached the constitution by making unauthorised foreign trips, paving the way for her removal.

Georgia's constitutional court on Monday ruled that pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili had breached the constitution by making unauthorised foreign trips, paving the way for her removal. In September, MPs from the ruling Georgian Dream party moved to oust the 71-year-old figurehead president, saying she had met foreign leaders to lobby for Georgia's membership of the European Union without government permission. By making foreign visits without government consent, "the president of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili has breached the constitution," the head of Georgia's constitutional court, Merab Turava said on Monday. Zurabishvili's lawyer, Maia Kopaleishvili, told journalists the court "had no legal or factual basis to confirm the violation of the constitution by the president". It was the court's first-ever case dealing with a president's impeachment in Georgia's history. Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili said the impeachment vote will be held over the coming days. But Georgia's ruling party has admitted to having little chance of ousting Zurabishvili as it only controls 84 seats in parliament, while the backing of at least 100 lawmakers is needed. Party chairman Irakli Kobakhidze admitted "there are practically no chances of garnering 100 votes," adding: "Should Salome Zurabishvili have elementary dignity, she would resign". "She will only be seen nominally as Georgia's president... and completely deprived of political and moral legitimacy." Opposition parties have said they would not support Zurabishvili's removal. 'Political battle' EU chief Charles Michel met Zurabishvili in Brussels last month to reaffirm the bloc's commitment to Georgia's European path and highlight reforms it needed to enter the bloc. Georgia applied for EU membership together with Ukraine and Moldova after Russia invaded its pro-Western neighbour in February 2022. EU leaders have granted formal candidate status to Kyiv and Chisinau but urged Tbilisi to implement judicial and electoral reforms, improve press freedom and curtail the power of oligarchs. Zurabishvili has harshly criticised the Georgian Dream government over what she said was its failure to deliver on the reform demands from the EU. While relations between Moscow and Tbilisi have remained openly hostile for years, the Georgian government led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has in the past year made moves towards rapprochement. In March, Georgia was rocked by protests after the government introduced a Russian-style law on "foreign agents", and in May the government reopened direct flights with Russia, drawing condemnation from the EU. Georgia's first female president, Zurabishvili, was elected for a six-year term in 2018 with the support of Georgian Dream but quickly made enemies in the ranks of the parliamentary majority. She was born in France to a Georgian family which fled the Bolshevik regime to Paris in 1921. Her 30-year career in French diplomacy culminated in a posting as ambassador to Tbilisi, where she was then appointed foreign minister in 2004. In her book "A Woman for Two Countries," published in France, she wrote: "Now, I have to engage in a political battle, which has never attracted me, which I never practised, which is being imposed on me." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Georgia's top court clears move to remove president

Militant group Hamas said on Tuesday (Oct 17) that one of its senior commanders of the armed wing was killed in an Israel air strike in the Gaza Strip. "Ayman Nofal, 'Abu Ahmad', a member of the general military council and commander of the central command in Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed" in an Israeli strike on the central Gaza Strip, Hamas said in a statement, referring to its military wing.

Militant group Hamas said on Tuesday (Oct 17) that one of its senior commanders of the armed wing was killed in an Israel air strike in the Gaza Strip. "Ayman Nofal, 'Abu Ahmad', a member of the general military council and commander of the central command in Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed" in an Israeli strike on the central Gaza Strip, Hamas said in a statement, referring to its military wing. The Israeli military confirmed Nofal's killing and said that he was one of the most dominant figures in Hamas. An army statement described Nofal as the group's former head of military intelligence, who has been involved in manufacturing weapons and directing rockets fired at Israel. Nofal among many Hamas commanders killed in war The army also said that Nofal was "involved in planning the abduction of Gilad Shalit", a soldier released in 2011 after being held for more than five years. Nofal is among the many Hamas commanders killed by Israeli forces since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7. A funeral was held for the now-deceased Hamas commander in the Bureji camp for Palestinian refugees in central Gaza. Earlier in the day, the Israeli military also said that it killed another top Hamas militant -- Osama Mazini. However, Hamas has not commented on this yet. More than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel and around 3,000 in Gaza since the conflict erupted on October 7, according to tolls by officials on both sides. In the latest news from the intensifying conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday called for broad international support in his country's war against Hamas. "The world must stand united behind Israel to defeat Hamas," Prime Minister Netanyahu said alongside visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "The savagery that we witnessed perpetrated by the Hamas murderers coming out of Gaza were the worst crimes committed against Jews since the Holocaust," Netanyahu added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Senior Hamas commander Ayman Nofal killed in Gaza air strike

A well-known singer from Palestine was arrested by Israeli forces on Monday night (Oct 16) amid allegations of promoting hate speech and public incitement through social media, the Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday citing the Israeli Police.

A well-known singer from Palestine was arrested by Israeli forces on Monday night (Oct 16) amid allegations of promoting hate speech and public incitement through social media, the Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday citing the Israeli Police. According to officials, singer Dalal Abu Amneh leveraged her influence through her social media platforms where she frequently published posts and engaged in activities perceived as hostile to Israeli interests. The singer, who was born in Nazareth, is also a trained neuroscientist and is known for her patriotic songs about Palestine, including Ehne Flestinia. The report said that following her arrest, Amneh underwent intensive interrogation at the police station. Her case will be presented to the Nazareth Magistrate court later on Tuesday. Her arrest comes as Israeli security forces intensify their security campaign against Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank and parts of Israel after Hamas launched a surprise attack into southern Israel. Dozens of Palestinians in Israel have either been arrested or are under investigation for social media posts and activism in support of the residents of Gaza. More than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel and around 3,000 in Gaza since the conflict erupted on October 7, according to tolls by officials on both sides. Hamas top commander killed in Israeli air strike On Tuesday, Hamas said that one of its senior commanders of the armed wing was killed in an Israel air strike in the Gaza Strip. "Ayman Nofal, 'Abu Ahmad', a member of the general military council and commander of the central command in Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed" in an Israeli strike on the central Gaza Strip, Hamas said in a statement, referring to its military wing. The Israeli military confirmed Nofal's killing and said that he was one of the most dominant figures in Hamas. An army statement described Nofal as the group's former head of military intelligence, who has been involved in manufacturing weapons and directing rockets fired at Israel. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Palestinian singer Dalal Amneh arrested over allegations of promoting hate speech

Twenty-year-old Mohammed Moguchkov, who killed a school teacher in France last Friday, said that he was acting for the Islamic State (IS), the news agency AFP reported on Tuesday (Oct 17) citing a source. The source said that Moguchkov also made a "very marginal" reference to the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel in the video before stabbing 57-year-old Dominique Bernard of the Lycee Gambetta High School in Arras.&nbsp;

Moguchkov, a former student of the school, made these claims in a video recorded before the attack. He was due to appear before an investigating magistrate later in the day to be charged.

He was already on a French national register as a potential security threat and under surveillance by France's domestic intelligence agency, the DGSI. His father, who was also on the list, was deported in 2018.

<h2>France again raises security following attack</h2>

Moguchkov is from the northern Caucasus region. As per the AFP report, French President Emmanuel Macron told Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to focus especially on young men between the ages of 16 and 25 from the Caucasus. Macron will attend the funeral of Bernard on Thursday.

France again raised its security level after Friday's attack, deploying 7,000 troops. A day back, the Lycee Gambetta High School was evacuated over a bomb threat which proved to be a false alarm.

While there were no classes scheduled on Monday the school's doors were open for students and staff to pay tribute to the teacher.&nbsp;

Also on Tuesday, the Palace of Versailles -- one of the country's most recognisable historic landmarks -- was also evacuated after a bomb threat, according to a post from its account on X.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Twenty-year-old Mohammed Moguchkov, who killed a school teacher in France last Friday, said that he was acting for the Islamic State (IS), the news agency AFP reported on Tuesday (Oct 17) citing a source.

Twenty-year-old Mohammed Moguchkov, who killed a school teacher in France last Friday, said that he was acting for the Islamic State (IS), the news agency AFP reported on Tuesday (Oct 17) citing a source. The source said that Moguchkov also made a "very marginal" reference to the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel in the video before stabbing 57-year-old Dominique Bernard of the Lycee Gambetta High School in Arras. Moguchkov, a former student of the school, made these claims in a video recorded before the attack. He was due to appear before an investigating magistrate later in the day to be charged. He was already on a French national register as a potential security threat and under surveillance by France's domestic intelligence agency, the DGSI. His father, who was also on the list, was deported in 2018. France again raises security following attack Moguchkov is from the northern Caucasus region. As per the AFP report, French President Emmanuel Macron told Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to focus especially on young men between the ages of 16 and 25 from the Caucasus. Macron will attend the funeral of Bernard on Thursday. France again raised its security level after Friday's attack, deploying 7,000 troops. A day back, the Lycee Gambetta High School was evacuated over a bomb threat which proved to be a false alarm. While there were no classes scheduled on Monday the school's doors were open for students and staff to pay tribute to the teacher. Also on Tuesday, the Palace of Versailles -- one of the country's most recognisable historic landmarks -- was also evacuated after a bomb threat, according to a post from its account on X. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French teacher stabbing: Killer claims attack for Islamic State

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