Germany is looking to buy Israeli anti-missile shield system that can also offer defence for neighbouring European Union (EU) states, said AFP citing parliamentary sources. Russia's invasion of Ukraine are prompting Berlin to ramp up its defences.

As per German newspaper Bild daily, the decision has not been finalised but Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats are in favour.

"We must better protect ourselves against the Russian threat. To do that, we need quickly an anti-missile shield for Germany," said Andreas Schwarz of the SPD, who sits on the parliamentary budget committee.

"The Israeli Arrow 3 system is a good solution," he told Bild daily, referring to the long-range missile deterrence weapon.&nbsp; 
According to Bild, the system, which costs two billion euros ($2.2 billion), could be operational from 2025.

The corresponding radar system would be installed in three sites in Germany, and their monitoring data then transmitted to a central site where soldiers will be watching for threats 24/7.

If a rocket attack is uncovered, an Arrow 3 would be sent up to intercept the missile in space, destroying it there.

The radar system is so powerful it can provide cover for Poland, Romania and the Baltic nations, said Bild.

"We can put the 'Iron Dome' over our neighbouring countries. We would then play a key role for the security of Europe," said Schwarz.&nbsp;

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who chairs the parliamentary defence committee, confirmed that Berlin was mulling the purchase.

"Given the threat situation and the different weapons systems that Russia has, of course you have to look at that, so in that sense it makes sense," she told Welt newspaper.

After years of under-investment in defence, Germany has announced a dramatic U-turn, shaken by Russia's assault on its neighbour.&nbsp;

Scholz on February 27 in a landmark speech said Germany would earmark a special budget of 100 billion euros to bolster its defence capabilities.

He also said Berlin will spend more than two percent of its output a year on defence, outstripping NATO's target of two percent which Germany has consistently failed to meet.

(With inputs from agencies)

Germany is looking to buy Israeli anti-missile shield system that can also offer defence for neighbouring European Union (EU) states, said AFP citing parliamentary sources.

Germany is looking to buy Israeli anti-missile shield system that can also offer defence for neighbouring European Union (EU) states, said AFP citing parliamentary sources. Russia's invasion of Ukraine are prompting Berlin to ramp up its defences. As per German newspaper Bild daily, the decision has not been finalised but Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats are in favour. "We must better protect ourselves against the Russian threat. To do that, we need quickly an anti-missile shield for Germany," said Andreas Schwarz of the SPD, who sits on the parliamentary budget committee. "The Israeli Arrow 3 system is a good solution," he told Bild daily, referring to the long-range missile deterrence weapon. According to Bild, the system, which costs two billion euros ($2.2 billion), could be operational from 2025. The corresponding radar system would be installed in three sites in Germany, and their monitoring data then transmitted to a central site where soldiers will be watching for threats 24/7. If a rocket attack is uncovered, an Arrow 3 would be sent up to intercept the missile in space, destroying it there. The radar system is so powerful it can provide cover for Poland, Romania and the Baltic nations, said Bild. "We can put the 'Iron Dome' over our neighbouring countries. We would then play a key role for the security of Europe," said Schwarz. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who chairs the parliamentary defence committee, confirmed that Berlin was mulling the purchase. "Given the threat situation and the different weapons systems that Russia has, of course you have to look at that, so in that sense it makes sense," she told Welt newspaper. After years of under-investment in defence, Germany has announced a dramatic U-turn, shaken by Russia's assault on its neighbour. Scholz on February 27 in a landmark speech said Germany would earmark a special budget of 100 billion euros to bolster its defence capabilities. He also said Berlin will spend more than two percent of its output a year on defence, outstripping NATO's target of two percent which Germany has consistently failed to meet. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany thinks of buying Israeli anti-missile system Iron Dome

Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat, said on Saturday that world powers and Iran were very close to agreement to reviving nuclear deal.

The nuclear deal was struck between Iran and world powers including the US in the year 2015. But former US president Donald Trump took US out of the deal in 2018.

Revival of the deal would curb Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for lifting tough sanctions.

The nuclear talks had been close to an agreement until Russia made last-minute demands of the United States, insisting that sanctions imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine should not affect its trade with Iran.

"We are very close but there are still some issues pending," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum in Qatar.&nbsp;

"I cannot tell you when or how, but it is a matter of days."

Borrell made the comments when addressing the Doha Forum international conference on Saturday.

Enrique Mora, the EU coordinator for the nuclear talks said on Friday he will travel to Tehran on Saturday to meet Iran's chief negotiator.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said this week that a nuclear deal can be reached in the short term if the United States is pragmatic.

But US officials have been more cautious in their assessment of efforts to revive the accord.

Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat, said on Saturday that world powers and Iran were very close to agreement to reviving nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was struck between Iran and world powers including the US in the year 2015.

Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat, said on Saturday that world powers and Iran were very close to agreement to reviving nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was struck between Iran and world powers including the US in the year 2015. But former US president Donald Trump took US out of the deal in 2018. Revival of the deal would curb Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for lifting tough sanctions. The nuclear talks had been close to an agreement until Russia made last-minute demands of the United States, insisting that sanctions imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine should not affect its trade with Iran. "We are very close but there are still some issues pending," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum in Qatar. "I cannot tell you when or how, but it is a matter of days." Borrell made the comments when addressing the Doha Forum international conference on Saturday. Enrique Mora, the EU coordinator for the nuclear talks said on Friday he will travel to Tehran on Saturday to meet Iran's chief negotiator. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said this week that a nuclear deal can be reached in the short term if the United States is pragmatic. But US officials have been more cautious in their assessment of efforts to revive the accord.

Nuclear agreement with Iran very close, says EU

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east.

"This means a potential or sharp deterioration around Mariupol," an adviser to the head of the President's office, Oleksiy Arestovich, said in a video statement.

He was referring to a surprise Russian statement on Friday that it was time for Moscow to set as its "main goal" controlling Donbas, an eastern region already partly held by Russian proxies.

"This gives us hope in the area of Kyiv, Chernigiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, that we will drive the enemy out of here," Arestovich said, referring to north and eastern regions.

He also said that Ukrainian forces were counterattacking the Russian forces in these areas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24 with the aim of defending pro-Moscow separatists to and "demilitarise and de-nazify" the country.

The Russian announcement on Friday would amount to a sharp change of course with much limited goals that would not include an assault on the capital.

Moscow's month-long invasion on its pro-democracy neighbour has largely stalled with no major recent advances and Ukrainian forces even able to counterattack in places.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east.

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east. "This means a potential or sharp deterioration around Mariupol," an adviser to the head of the President's office, Oleksiy Arestovich, said in a video statement. He was referring to a surprise Russian statement on Friday that it was time for Moscow to set as its "main goal" controlling Donbas, an eastern region already partly held by Russian proxies. "This gives us hope in the area of Kyiv, Chernigiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, that we will drive the enemy out of here," Arestovich said, referring to north and eastern regions. He also said that Ukrainian forces were counterattacking the Russian forces in these areas. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24 with the aim of defending pro-Moscow separatists to and "demilitarise and de-nazify" the country. The Russian announcement on Friday would amount to a sharp change of course with much limited goals that would not include an assault on the capital. Moscow's month-long invasion on its pro-democracy neighbour has largely stalled with no major recent advances and Ukrainian forces even able to counterattack in places. (With inputs from agencies)

Increase in fighting around Mariupol possible, Ukraine warns

The Taliban regime has made a spectacular u-turn on a religious issue in order to ensure cash flows in its coffers in not too distant future. The Taliban who had famously destroyed giant, ancient Buddha statues in Bamiyan deeming them un-Islamic are now keen on preserving remnants of an ancient Buddhist city, while keeping one eye on Chinese investment in the area.

The ruins at Mes Aynak in Afghanistan are believed to be of an ancient city situated on the Silk Route. The site was discovered in 1960 by French geologists.

But the ancient city is not just of historic value. It is sitting on what can perhaps be the biggest copper deposit in the world. The deposits are estimated to be worth USD 1 trillion.

China is keen on setting up copper extraction units and is reportedly lobbying hard with the Taliban regime for it.

The cash-strapped Taliban regime which was adamant about bombing the world's largest Budhha statues a couple decades ago is suddenly eager to preserve them, possibly in light of potential Chinese investment.

The Associated Press quoted Taliban official in charge of the security of the site as saying that preserving the Mes Aynak ruins is key to attracting billions of dollars in Chinese investments.

The Taliban is now reportedly exploring ways to extract copper without damaging the ancient Buddhist ruins.

The Taliban regime has made a spectacular u-turn on a religious issue in order to ensure cash flows in its coffers in not too distant future. The Taliban who had famously destroyed giant, ancient Buddha statues in Bamiyan deeming them un-Islamic are now keen on preserving remnants of an ancient Buddhist city, while keeping one eye on Chinese investment in the area.

The Taliban regime has made a spectacular u-turn on a religious issue in order to ensure cash flows in its coffers in not too distant future. The Taliban who had famously destroyed giant, ancient Buddha statues in Bamiyan deeming them un-Islamic are now keen on preserving remnants of an ancient Buddhist city, while keeping one eye on Chinese investment in the area. The ruins at Mes Aynak in Afghanistan are believed to be of an ancient city situated on the Silk Route. The site was discovered in 1960 by French geologists. But the ancient city is not just of historic value. It is sitting on what can perhaps be the biggest copper deposit in the world. The deposits are estimated to be worth USD 1 trillion. China is keen on setting up copper extraction units and is reportedly lobbying hard with the Taliban regime for it. The cash-strapped Taliban regime which was adamant about bombing the world's largest Budhha statues a couple decades ago is suddenly eager to preserve them, possibly in light of potential Chinese investment. The Associated Press quoted Taliban official in charge of the security of the site as saying that preserving the Mes Aynak ruins is key to attracting billions of dollars in Chinese investments. The Taliban is now reportedly exploring ways to extract copper without damaging the ancient Buddhist ruins.

'Post-Bamiyan' Taliban looks to preserve Buddhist ruins to attract Chinese money

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is due to visit Varanasi next week. During his visit Deuba will pay a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple and Nepali Temple which is also known as Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir.

The Nepali Temple, dedicated to Hindu God Shiva is located on Lalita Ghat in Varanasi. The temple was envisaged by Nepali King Rana Bahadur Shah who was exiled from the city from 1800 to 1804. It was during his exile that he decided to build replica of Kathmandu's famous Pashupatinath temple in the city The construction of the temple was taken forward by his son King of Nepal, Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah.

The temple belongs to Nepal government and is one of the most famous temples of the holy city. Gopal PD Adhikari, general secretary of the committee that takes care of the Nepali temple told WION, "We will welcome (PM Deuba) with great enthusiasm and he will meet Nepali community. We are eager to welcome him".&nbsp;

The temple is also known as Kanthwala Mandir since its made of wood. Kanthwala means wood. It is built in Nepali architectural style and is also known as Mini Khajuraho.

Nepal PM will be visiting the Kashi Vishwanath using the newly inaugurated corridor. The corridor was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in December 2021.&nbsp;

In fact, PM Deuba is the first world leader to visit the corridor. The corridor connects the iconic temple to the ghats along river Ganga. Phase-1 of the corridor has been completed at a cost of around Rs 339 crores.

Nepal PM is on India visit from 1st to 3rd April. He will hold meetings with PM Modi in Delhi on 2nd April. This is his first bilateral visit outside of the country since assuming office in July 2021. He has been to Glasgow Climate Summit, which was a multilateral event. He had met PM Modi on the sidelines of the summit.

Sources said Nepal PM's visit will, "give an opportunity to both sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations including development and economic partnership, trade, cooperation in health sector, power, connectivity, people to people links and other issues of mutual interest."&nbsp;

PM Deuba has previously been to India in his capacity as PM in 2017.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is due to visit Varanasi next week. During his visit Deuba will pay a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple and Nepali Temple which is also known as Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is due to visit Varanasi next week. During his visit Deuba will pay a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple and Nepali Temple which is also known as Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir. The Nepali Temple, dedicated to Hindu God Shiva is located on Lalita Ghat in Varanasi. The temple was envisaged by Nepali King Rana Bahadur Shah who was exiled from the city from 1800 to 1804. It was during his exile that he decided to build replica of Kathmandu's famous Pashupatinath temple in the city The construction of the temple was taken forward by his son King of Nepal, Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah. The temple belongs to Nepal government and is one of the most famous temples of the holy city. Gopal PD Adhikari, general secretary of the committee that takes care of the Nepali temple told WION, "We will welcome (PM Deuba) with great enthusiasm and he will meet Nepali community. We are eager to welcome him". The temple is also known as Kanthwala Mandir since its made of wood. Kanthwala means wood. It is built in Nepali architectural style and is also known as Mini Khajuraho. Nepal PM will be visiting the Kashi Vishwanath using the newly inaugurated corridor. The corridor was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in December 2021. In fact, PM Deuba is the first world leader to visit the corridor. The corridor connects the iconic temple to the ghats along river Ganga. Phase-1 of the corridor has been completed at a cost of around Rs 339 crores. Nepal PM is on India visit from 1st to 3rd April. He will hold meetings with PM Modi in Delhi on 2nd April. This is his first bilateral visit outside of the country since assuming office in July 2021. He has been to Glasgow Climate Summit, which was a multilateral event. He had met PM Modi on the sidelines of the summit. Sources said Nepal PM's visit will, "give an opportunity to both sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations including development and economic partnership, trade, cooperation in health sector, power, connectivity, people to people links and other issues of mutual interest." PM Deuba has previously been to India in his capacity as PM in 2017.

Nepal PM Deuba to visit Kashi Vishwanath, Nepali Temple while in Varanasi

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday lashed out at the opposition parties, even going to the extent of calling them 'rats'. He was addressing a rally organised at Parade Ground in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. The rally was seen as Imran Khan's show of strength prior to no-confidence vote his government faces in Pakistan's National Assembly.

While referring to the main opposition parties (Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Peoples Party), he said, "These three rats are looting the country for the last 30 years."

"For the last 30 years, they jointly sucked the blood of the country. They have accumulated millions of dollars worth of property outside the country and have offshore accounts. All this drama is happening for the sake of NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance). They want Imran Khan to kneel in front of them, as (former Pakistan army) General Pervez Musharraf did," Imran Khan said during a rally at the Parade Ground in the capital city."From day one, they (opposition) have been trying to blackmail me," he added

Khan thanked his supporters for coming to the rally.

Pakistan government faces no-confidence motion over issues like corruption, unemployment, inflation. Khan has earlier claimed that the motion was tabled so that opposition leaders could get an 'easy escape'

"Three rats are trying to hunt me down but what they don`t know is that they will be hunted down instead... I will defeat them," he had said during a rally in Mansehra.

Earlier, rumours of Imran Khan resigning from his office were rife after the renaming of Pakistan`s Prime Minister`s Office YouTube channel to "Imran Khan" on Saturday.

The no-confidence motion was submitted by the Opposition parties on March 8 after the Pakistan People`s Party`s (PPP) long march in Islamabad. The Opposition has been confident that its motion would be carried as many PTI lawmakers have come out in the open against PM Imran Khan.&nbsp;

The Pakistani National Assembly has a total strength of 342 members, with the majority mark being 172. The PTI led coalition was formed with the support of 179 members, with Imran Khan`s PTI having 155 members, and four major allies Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) having seven, five, five and three members respectively.

Imran Khan`s situation was precarious given that three of the four allies, that is, MQM-P, PML-Q and BAP had stated their support to the Opposition`s no-confidence motion and said that they will vote accordingly.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday lashed out at the opposition parties, even going to the extent of calling them 'rats'. He was addressing a rally organised at Parade Ground in Pakistan's capital Islamabad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday lashed out at the opposition parties, even going to the extent of calling them 'rats'. He was addressing a rally organised at Parade Ground in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. The rally was seen as Imran Khan's show of strength prior to no-confidence vote his government faces in Pakistan's National Assembly. While referring to the main opposition parties (Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Peoples Party), he said, "These three rats are looting the country for the last 30 years." "For the last 30 years, they jointly sucked the blood of the country. They have accumulated millions of dollars worth of property outside the country and have offshore accounts. All this drama is happening for the sake of NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance). They want Imran Khan to kneel in front of them, as (former Pakistan army) General Pervez Musharraf did," Imran Khan said during a rally at the Parade Ground in the capital city."From day one, they (opposition) have been trying to blackmail me," he added Khan thanked his supporters for coming to the rally. Pakistan government faces no-confidence motion over issues like corruption, unemployment, inflation. Khan has earlier claimed that the motion was tabled so that opposition leaders could get an 'easy escape' "Three rats are trying to hunt me down but what they don`t know is that they will be hunted down instead... I will defeat them," he had said during a rally in Mansehra. Earlier, rumours of Imran Khan resigning from his office were rife after the renaming of Pakistan`s Prime Minister`s Office YouTube channel to "Imran Khan" on Saturday. The no-confidence motion was submitted by the Opposition parties on March 8 after the Pakistan People`s Party`s (PPP) long march in Islamabad. The Opposition has been confident that its motion would be carried as many PTI lawmakers have come out in the open against PM Imran Khan. The Pakistani National Assembly has a total strength of 342 members, with the majority mark being 172. The PTI led coalition was formed with the support of 179 members, with Imran Khan`s PTI having 155 members, and four major allies Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) having seven, five, five and three members respectively. Imran Khan`s situation was precarious given that three of the four allies, that is, MQM-P, PML-Q and BAP had stated their support to the Opposition`s no-confidence motion and said that they will vote accordingly. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan targets opposition in show-of-strength rally in Islamabad

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'. Biden also said that Putin should not remain in power.

"I wouldn't use this type of wording because I continue to hold discussions with President Putin," Macron said on France 3 TV channel.

Biden was in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday when the strong words were uttered by him. Biden's words that Putin "cannot remain in power" prompted a quick clarification from the American camp.

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A White House official later said Biden's remarks did not represent a shift in Washington's policy and were meant to prepare the world's democracies for an extended conflict, not back regime change in Russia.

"We want to stop the war that Russia has launched in Ukraine without escalation -- that's the objective," Macron said on France 3 TV, noting the objective was to obtain a cease fire and the withdrawal of troops through diplomatic means.

"If this is what we want to do, we should not escalate things -- neither with words nor actions," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-i-was-the-us-president-id-threaten-to-drop-a-nuclear-bomb-on-russia-trump-465947">If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump</a>

The French president on Friday had said he was seeking to hold more talks with President Putin in the coming days regarding the situation in Ukraine as well as an initiative to help people leave the besieged city of Mariupol.

President Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Ukraine and the West say Putin launched an unprovoked war of aggression.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-energy-analyst-says-russian-gas-sales-to-china-will-not-make-up-for-loss-of-european-markets-465956">Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets'</a>

Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said she backed Macron's approach.

"Obviously, those are words that add oil to the fire," she said, when asked about Biden's comment.

"The fact that the president of the Republic is not entering into this escalation is a good thing," she said, speaking on France 3 in a pre-recorded interview that was broadcast on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'.

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'. Biden also said that Putin should not remain in power. "I wouldn't use this type of wording because I continue to hold discussions with President Putin," Macron said on France 3 TV channel. Biden was in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday when the strong words were uttered by him. Biden's words that Putin "cannot remain in power" prompted a quick clarification from the American camp. × A White House official later said Biden's remarks did not represent a shift in Washington's policy and were meant to prepare the world's democracies for an extended conflict, not back regime change in Russia. "We want to stop the war that Russia has launched in Ukraine without escalation -- that's the objective," Macron said on France 3 TV, noting the objective was to obtain a cease fire and the withdrawal of troops through diplomatic means. "If this is what we want to do, we should not escalate things -- neither with words nor actions," he said. Also Read: If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump The French president on Friday had said he was seeking to hold more talks with President Putin in the coming days regarding the situation in Ukraine as well as an initiative to help people leave the besieged city of Mariupol. President Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Ukraine and the West say Putin launched an unprovoked war of aggression. Also Read: Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets' Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said she backed Macron's approach. "Obviously, those are words that add oil to the fire," she said, when asked about Biden's comment. "The fact that the president of the Republic is not entering into this escalation is a good thing," she said, speaking on France 3 in a pre-recorded interview that was broadcast on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe

Pope Francis on Sunday warned of a global conflict arising from war in Ukraine which, he said, had capacity to wipe out humankind from the face of the Earth.&nbsp;

More than a month has passed since the invasion of Ukraine, since the start of this cruel and senseless war, which, like every war, is a defeat for everyone, for all of us," he said to thousands of people in St. Peter's Square for his Sunday blessing.

"We must repudiate war, a place of death where fathers and mothers bury their children, where men kill their brothers without even seeing them, where the powerful decide and the poor die," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-i-was-the-us-president-id-threaten-to-drop-a-nuclear-bomb-on-russia-trump-465947">If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump</a>

The war in Ukraine was destroying the country's future, he said, citing a statistic that half of the country's children had to flee the country.

"That is the bestiality of war, something that is barbarous and sacrilegious," he said, urging his listeners not to consider war as inevitable or something to get used to.

"If we emerge from this (war) the same as we were before, we will all be in some way guilty. Faced with the danger of self-destruction, humanity must understand that the time has come to abolish war, to cancel it from the history of man before it cancels man from history," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-energy-analyst-says-russian-gas-sales-to-china-will-not-make-up-for-loss-of-european-markets-465956">Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets'</a>

Since Russia invaded its neighbour on Feb. 24, Francis has several times spoken of a possible nuclear conflict.

"I beg every politician involved to reflect on this, to make a commitment, and, looking at martyred Ukraine, to understand that every day of war worsens the situation for everyone," he said.

"Enough! Stop! Let the weapons fall silent. Negotiate seriously for peace," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Sunday warned of a global conflict arising from war in Ukraine which, he said, had capacity to wipe out humankind from the face of the Earth. More than a month has passed since the invasion of Ukraine, since the start of this cruel and senseless war, which, like every war, is a defeat for everyone, for all of us," he said to thousands of people in St.

Pope Francis on Sunday warned of a global conflict arising from war in Ukraine which, he said, had capacity to wipe out humankind from the face of the Earth. More than a month has passed since the invasion of Ukraine, since the start of this cruel and senseless war, which, like every war, is a defeat for everyone, for all of us," he said to thousands of people in St. Peter's Square for his Sunday blessing. "We must repudiate war, a place of death where fathers and mothers bury their children, where men kill their brothers without even seeing them, where the powerful decide and the poor die," he said. Also Read: If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump The war in Ukraine was destroying the country's future, he said, citing a statistic that half of the country's children had to flee the country. "That is the bestiality of war, something that is barbarous and sacrilegious," he said, urging his listeners not to consider war as inevitable or something to get used to. "If we emerge from this (war) the same as we were before, we will all be in some way guilty. Faced with the danger of self-destruction, humanity must understand that the time has come to abolish war, to cancel it from the history of man before it cancels man from history," he said. Also Read: Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets' Since Russia invaded its neighbour on Feb. 24, Francis has several times spoken of a possible nuclear conflict. "I beg every politician involved to reflect on this, to make a commitment, and, looking at martyred Ukraine, to understand that every day of war worsens the situation for everyone," he said. "Enough! Stop! Let the weapons fall silent. Negotiate seriously for peace," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis warns of a global conflict over Ukraine war

In what appeared to be the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rockets struck Lviv, the western Ukrainian city, on Saturday. The development came on the same day of Russian capture of the town where workers from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant live.

There are no signs of let-up in the Ukraine conflict as fighting is raging in several parts of the country.

On Saturday, US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "butcher". He was in Poland.

The Kremlin was cited by Russia's TASS news agency as saying such comments would further damage prospects for mending Russian-US&nbsp;ties.

After more than four weeks of fighting, Russia has failed to seize any major Ukrainian city and the conflict has killed thousands of people, sent nearly 3.8 million abroad and driven more than half of Ukraine's children from their homes, according to the United Nations.

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Moscow signalled on Friday it was scaling back its military ambitions to focus on territory claimed by Russian-backed separatists in the east

But two rockets hit the outskirts of Lviv, some 60 km (40 miles) from the Polish border, a city that so far have escaped the heavy bombardment and fighting that has devastated some Ukrainian cities closer to Russia.

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Regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyy said five people had been wounded and residents were told to head to shelters after three powerful blasts in mid-afternoon. Reuters witnesses saw black smoke rising from the northeast side of the city and Lviv's mayor said an oil storage facility had been hit.

Russian troops seized Slavutych, a town where workers at the nearby Chernobyl plant live, the regional governor said.

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He said Russian forces had fired into the air and thrown stun grenades to disperse residents who unfurled a large Ukrainian flag and shouted "Glory to Ukraine" in protest. Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

Slavutych sits just outside the so-called exclusion zone around Chernobyl, which was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986.

Ukrainian staff have continued to work at Chernobyl after the plant was seized by Russian forces soon after the start of the Feb. 24 invasion, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed alarm about the situation if workers are unable to rotate.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what appeared to be the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rockets struck Lviv, the western Ukrainian city, on Saturday. The development came on the same day of Russian capture of the town where workers from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant live.

In what appeared to be the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rockets struck Lviv, the western Ukrainian city, on Saturday. The development came on the same day of Russian capture of the town where workers from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant live. There are no signs of let-up in the Ukraine conflict as fighting is raging in several parts of the country. On Saturday, US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "butcher". He was in Poland. The Kremlin was cited by Russia's TASS news agency as saying such comments would further damage prospects for mending Russian-US ties. After more than four weeks of fighting, Russia has failed to seize any major Ukrainian city and the conflict has killed thousands of people, sent nearly 3.8 million abroad and driven more than half of Ukraine's children from their homes, according to the United Nations. Moscow signalled on Friday it was scaling back its military ambitions to focus on territory claimed by Russian-backed separatists in the east But two rockets hit the outskirts of Lviv, some 60 km (40 miles) from the Polish border, a city that so far have escaped the heavy bombardment and fighting that has devastated some Ukrainian cities closer to Russia. Also Read | Biden meets Ukrainian ministers in first face-to-face meeting since Russia's invasion Regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyy said five people had been wounded and residents were told to head to shelters after three powerful blasts in mid-afternoon. Reuters witnesses saw black smoke rising from the northeast side of the city and Lviv's mayor said an oil storage facility had been hit. Russian troops seized Slavutych, a town where workers at the nearby Chernobyl plant live, the regional governor said. Also Read | 'Mine-like object' found floating off Black Sea He said Russian forces had fired into the air and thrown stun grenades to disperse residents who unfurled a large Ukrainian flag and shouted "Glory to Ukraine" in protest. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Slavutych sits just outside the so-called exclusion zone around Chernobyl, which was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986. Ukrainian staff have continued to work at Chernobyl after the plant was seized by Russian forces soon after the start of the Feb. 24 invasion, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed alarm about the situation if workers are unable to rotate. (With inputs from agencies)

Rockets strike western Ukrainian city Lviv, Kremlin denounces Biden's 'butcher' comment

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation. This follows his earlier pleas for a no-fly zone imposed by NATO or the United States soon after Russia began bombarding Ukraine. The Biden administration and NATO leadership as a whole have continued to reject proposals to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. They are right to do so.

Mr. Zelensky’s disappointment is, however, understandable. In just over a month of war, Ukrainians have suffered tremendously from horrific attacks by Russian missiles, artillery and aircraft. Russia’s onslaught hasn’t spared civilians. Its forces have destroyed hospitals and schools. Millions of Ukrainians have fled in fear.

Despite the egregiousness of such violence, a U.S.- or NATO-imposed no-fly zone over Ukraine is not the way to stop Russia’s aggression. It would have unclear humanitarian benefits while increasing, rather than lowering, the risk of war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia.

Mr. Putin, through words and exercises, has repeatedly raised the specter of mutually assured destruction since the start of this crisis. If a U.S.-Russian direct confrontation were to occur and Russia were to use nuclear weapons, even the detonation of a so-called lower-yield nuclear weapon would wreak enormous consequences and most likely provoke a NATO response. The conflict could escalate with terrifying speed. A 2019 simulation created at Princeton University suggests that what is intended as a warning shot from Moscow could, within hours, trigger a full-scale nuclear war with more than 90 million casualties.

Rather than run that risk for potentially little real effect, Western nations have chosen the more prudent path of supporting Ukraine in its fight as effectively as possible without getting directly involved.

The purpose of a no-fly zone would be to keep Russia’s planes from bombing civilians. To accomplish that objective would require threatening to shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the designated zone and shooting down the planes if they fly in anyway. Enforcing a no-fly zone could also mean destroying Russian aircraft by attacking them on the ground, as well as attacking airfields and other support infrastructure.

In addition, NATO planes would most likely have to suppress Russian air defenses to protect their aircrews. This would involve additional NATO airstrikes on Russian forces on the ground, such as surface-to-air missiles and radar facilities. Given the range of some of Russia’s surface-to-air missiles, such as the S-400, some of the defenses covering Ukraine could even be located in Russia. Suppressing them could therefore require NATO to attack Russian forces on Russian territory. This is all true even for a so-called “limited” no-fly zone, one that covers only parts of Ukraine, an idea endorsed by a number of former U.S. officials. Mr. Putin has, unsurprisingly, said that he would regard any U.S. attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as bringing the United States and its NATO allies into the conflict.

A war between Russia and NATO will be difficult to keep limited. Given Western conventional superiority and talk of regime change in Russia from a U.S. senator, war could easily be perceived as an existential threat for Moscow. In that case, and in line with Russian doctrine, it is not impossible that the Kremlin could green-light nuclear weapon use, including against air bases supporting any such no-fly zone. Even if officials deem this nightmare scenario not the likeliest outcome of more direct Western action, it poses cataclysmic dangers that cannot be ignored.

Setting the escalation risks aside, no-fly zones by themselves counter only threats from the air. They do nothing to protect civilians from ground-based threats like missiles and artillery. Bombs dropped from warplanes have accounted for some of the death and destruction Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine (Russia has in recent days ramped up its sortie rate to hundreds a day). But according to data collected by Action on Armed Violence, an advocacy group that focuses on the impact of armed violence, more civilian casualties have been caused by ground-launched artillery, rockets, and missiles than air-launched weapons.

Even the strikes that come from aircraft may come from planes far away, rather than overhead: the cruise missile barrage against the Ukrainian military base at Yavoriv was launched from aircraft that never left Russian airspace. A no-fly zone would not stop such threats. And when it becomes clear that such a zone is not enough, as happened in Bosnia in 1995, the United States may soon feel pressure to expand its military operation to strike additional targets on the ground, further drawing it into the conflict.

Indeed, past experiences reinforce the need for caution. Since the 1990s, the United States and its allies have imposed no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq, Bosnia, and Libya. In none of those cases was the United States trying to impose a no-fly zone against a military with Russia’s capabilities, or one with the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons. Moreover, all had mixed results when it came to protecting civilians.

In 1995, even with a NATO-imposed no-fly zone in effect, Serb forces perpetrated a genocide against Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica and killed dozens of civilians in a mortar attack on Sarajevo’s Markale Market. After the no-fly zone’s failure to prevent such horror, NATO then expanded its intervention in Bosnia, carrying out additional strikes on ground-based threats to civilians such as Bosnian Serb artillery and arms depots. A similar situation could play out in Ukraine — only with the added risk of escalation.

This isn’t to say that the United States and its NATO allies should not be helping Ukraine to “close the sky” by other means. From the start of the war, Ukrainian air defenses have done serious damage to Russian aircraft. Although difficult to verify, according to Ukraine, its forces have destroyed 101 Russian planes and 124 helicopters as of March 23. They’re poised to get even more lethal: After Mr. Zelensky’s address to the U.S. Congress, the White House announced an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine — adding to the anti-tank and antiaircraft weapons already provided — including some 800 Stinger shoulder-fired antiaircraft systems and switchblade drones, capable of both observation and attacks on targets such as Russian artillery. It is also reportedly exploring whether European allies could transfer Soviet-made S-300 long-range surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine.

It is important to recognize the significance of the measures the United States and others have taken to assist in the defense of Ukraine. The overt transfers of weapons to Ukraine — weapons intended to kill Russian forces — are themselves a remarkable and potentially escalatory step. So far, that does not appear to have crossed Moscow’s redlines for military retaliation against the United States.

Seeking to deprive Russia of airpower in the conflict would be an extraordinarily dangerous gamble with uncertain payoff. The Biden administration should remain resolute in rejecting such proposals, which, although presented as half measures to avoid direct war between the United States and Russia, are in fact tantamount to exactly that war. The United States and its NATO allies must continue to help Ukraine. But they must also do their part to avoid escalating that conflict, as the costs of doing so could well be unfathomable.

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation.

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation. This follows his earlier pleas for a no-fly zone imposed by NATO or the United States soon after Russia began bombarding Ukraine. The Biden administration and NATO leadership as a whole have continued to reject proposals to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. They are right to do so. Mr. Zelensky’s disappointment is, however, understandable. In just over a month of war, Ukrainians have suffered tremendously from horrific attacks by Russian missiles, artillery and aircraft. Russia’s onslaught hasn’t spared civilians. Its forces have destroyed hospitals and schools. Millions of Ukrainians have fled in fear. Despite the egregiousness of such violence, a U.S.- or NATO-imposed no-fly zone over Ukraine is not the way to stop Russia’s aggression. It would have unclear humanitarian benefits while increasing, rather than lowering, the risk of war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia. Mr. Putin, through words and exercises, has repeatedly raised the specter of mutually assured destruction since the start of this crisis. If a U.S.-Russian direct confrontation were to occur and Russia were to use nuclear weapons, even the detonation of a so-called lower-yield nuclear weapon would wreak enormous consequences and most likely provoke a NATO response. The conflict could escalate with terrifying speed. A 2019 simulation created at Princeton University suggests that what is intended as a warning shot from Moscow could, within hours, trigger a full-scale nuclear war with more than 90 million casualties. Rather than run that risk for potentially little real effect, Western nations have chosen the more prudent path of supporting Ukraine in its fight as effectively as possible without getting directly involved. The purpose of a no-fly zone would be to keep Russia’s planes from bombing civilians. To accomplish that objective would require threatening to shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the designated zone and shooting down the planes if they fly in anyway. Enforcing a no-fly zone could also mean destroying Russian aircraft by attacking them on the ground, as well as attacking airfields and other support infrastructure. In addition, NATO planes would most likely have to suppress Russian air defenses to protect their aircrews. This would involve additional NATO airstrikes on Russian forces on the ground, such as surface-to-air missiles and radar facilities. Given the range of some of Russia’s surface-to-air missiles, such as the S-400, some of the defenses covering Ukraine could even be located in Russia. Suppressing them could therefore require NATO to attack Russian forces on Russian territory. This is all true even for a so-called “limited” no-fly zone, one that covers only parts of Ukraine, an idea endorsed by a number of former U.S. officials. Mr. Putin has, unsurprisingly, said that he would regard any U.S. attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as bringing the United States and its NATO allies into the conflict. A war between Russia and NATO will be difficult to keep limited. Given Western conventional superiority and talk of regime change in Russia from a U.S. senator, war could easily be perceived as an existential threat for Moscow. In that case, and in line with Russian doctrine, it is not impossible that the Kremlin could green-light nuclear weapon use, including against air bases supporting any such no-fly zone. Even if officials deem this nightmare scenario not the likeliest outcome of more direct Western action, it poses cataclysmic dangers that cannot be ignored. Setting the escalation risks aside, no-fly zones by themselves counter only threats from the air. They do nothing to protect civilians from ground-based threats like missiles and artillery. Bombs dropped from warplanes have accounted for some of the death and destruction Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine (Russia has in recent days ramped up its sortie rate to hundreds a day). But according to data collected by Action on Armed Violence, an advocacy group that focuses on the impact of armed violence, more civilian casualties have been caused by ground-launched artillery, rockets, and missiles than air-launched weapons. Even the strikes that come from aircraft may come from planes far away, rather than overhead: the cruise missile barrage against the Ukrainian military base at Yavoriv was launched from aircraft that never left Russian airspace. A no-fly zone would not stop such threats. And when it becomes clear that such a zone is not enough, as happened in Bosnia in 1995, the United States may soon feel pressure to expand its military operation to strike additional targets on the ground, further drawing it into the conflict. Indeed, past experiences reinforce the need for caution. Since the 1990s, the United States and its allies have imposed no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq, Bosnia, and Libya. In none of those cases was the United States trying to impose a no-fly zone against a military with Russia’s capabilities, or one with the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons. Moreover, all had mixed results when it came to protecting civilians. In 1995, even with a NATO-imposed no-fly zone in effect, Serb forces perpetrated a genocide against Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica and killed dozens of civilians in a mortar attack on Sarajevo’s Markale Market. After the no-fly zone’s failure to prevent such horror, NATO then expanded its intervention in Bosnia, carrying out additional strikes on ground-based threats to civilians such as Bosnian Serb artillery and arms depots. A similar situation could play out in Ukraine — only with the added risk of escalation. This isn’t to say that the United States and its NATO allies should not be helping Ukraine to “close the sky” by other means. From the start of the war, Ukrainian air defenses have done serious damage to Russian aircraft. Although difficult to verify, according to Ukraine, its forces have destroyed 101 Russian planes and 124 helicopters as of March 23. They’re poised to get even more lethal: After Mr. Zelensky’s address to the U.S. Congress, the White House announced an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine — adding to the anti-tank and antiaircraft weapons already provided — including some 800 Stinger shoulder-fired antiaircraft systems and switchblade drones, capable of both observation and attacks on targets such as Russian artillery. It is also reportedly exploring whether European allies could transfer Soviet-made S-300 long-range surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. It is important to recognize the significance of the measures the United States and others have taken to assist in the defense of Ukraine. The overt transfers of weapons to Ukraine — weapons intended to kill Russian forces — are themselves a remarkable and potentially escalatory step. So far, that does not appear to have crossed Moscow’s redlines for military retaliation against the United States. Seeking to deprive Russia of airpower in the conflict would be an extraordinarily dangerous gamble with uncertain payoff. The Biden administration should remain resolute in rejecting such proposals, which, although presented as half measures to avoid direct war between the United States and Russia, are in fact tantamount to exactly that war. The United States and its NATO allies must continue to help Ukraine. But they must also do their part to avoid escalating that conflict, as the costs of doing so could well be unfathomable.

A no-fly zone won't stop the killing in Ukraine

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard.

“We feel betrayed because he said that he gives sovereignty over the Saharawi territory to the Moroccans and we do not feel equal to them," said protester Fatu Abahai, who came from Basque Country to Madrid to demonstrate.

Morocco considers Western Sahara its own but an Algeria-backed independence movement demands a sovereign state. For years most countries, including Spain, had advocated for an independence referendum to determine its fate.

Madrid told Rabat last Friday (March 18) that it regarded its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as "serious, credible and realistic," in a move expected to help patch up sour relations between the two countries.

Waving Saharan flags, protesters claimed “Sanchez, traitor” and “free Sahara” while holding a banner reading "Sahara is not for sale."

The change of position - led by Sanchez's Socialist Party - came as a surprise to the coalition government's junior partner, the far left Podemos party, which criticised the move. They were joined by dissenting voices from experts, media and non-governmental organisations.

In recent years the prospect of an independence referendum has waned and even the United Nations has ceased referring to a vote, speaking instead of seeking a realistic, mutually acceptable solution based on compromise.

Relations cooled between Spain and Morocco last year after Rabat accused Madrid of not telling it about admitting a Western Sahara independence leader for medical treatment using Algerian documents.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard.

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard. “We feel betrayed because he said that he gives sovereignty over the Saharawi territory to the Moroccans and we do not feel equal to them," said protester Fatu Abahai, who came from Basque Country to Madrid to demonstrate. Morocco considers Western Sahara its own but an Algeria-backed independence movement demands a sovereign state. For years most countries, including Spain, had advocated for an independence referendum to determine its fate. Madrid told Rabat last Friday (March 18) that it regarded its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as "serious, credible and realistic," in a move expected to help patch up sour relations between the two countries. Waving Saharan flags, protesters claimed “Sanchez, traitor” and “free Sahara” while holding a banner reading "Sahara is not for sale." The change of position - led by Sanchez's Socialist Party - came as a surprise to the coalition government's junior partner, the far left Podemos party, which criticised the move. They were joined by dissenting voices from experts, media and non-governmental organisations. In recent years the prospect of an independence referendum has waned and even the United Nations has ceased referring to a vote, speaking instead of seeking a realistic, mutually acceptable solution based on compromise. Relations cooled between Spain and Morocco last year after Rabat accused Madrid of not telling it about admitting a Western Sahara independence leader for medical treatment using Algerian documents. (With inputs from agencies)

Large protest in Madrid against Spain's position on Western Sahara

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai said on Saturday that the Taliban's ban on girls' education won't last forever. She emphasized that Afghan women now knew what it was to be "empowered".

Hardline Taliban regime in Afghanistan closed girls' secondary schools just hours after reopening them this week, prompting a small protest by women and girls in the capital Kabul.

"I think it was much easier for the Taliban (to enforce) a ban on girls' education back in 1996," Yousafzai, who won the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight for all children's right to education, told the Doha Forum.

"It is much harder this time -- that is because women have seen what it means to be educated, what it means to be empowered. This time is going to be much harder for the Taliban to maintain the ban on girls' education.&nbsp;

"This ban will not last forever."

The fundamentalist Taliban stopped girls from attending school during its rule of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, when it was ousted by the US-led invasion.

It quickly returned to power as US forces withdrew last year.

The United States cancelled planned talks in Doha with the Taliban after the schools were shut this week.

Yousafzai, who survived a Pakistani Taliban assassination attempt when she was 15, said girls' schooling should be a condition of diplomatic recognition for the Taliban.

"They shouldn't be recognised if they didn't recognise the human rights of women and girls," she said.

Fawzia Koofi, former chairperson of Afghanistan's Women, Civil Society and Human Rights Commission, told the forum: "It's basically a genocide of a generation."

"How could anyone in this world in the 21st century... ban girls from education? I don't think the rest of the world, especially the Muslim world, should accept," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai said on Saturday that the Taliban's ban on girls' education won't last forever. She emphasized that Afghan women now knew what it was to be "empowered".

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai said on Saturday that the Taliban's ban on girls' education won't last forever. She emphasized that Afghan women now knew what it was to be "empowered". Hardline Taliban regime in Afghanistan closed girls' secondary schools just hours after reopening them this week, prompting a small protest by women and girls in the capital Kabul. "I think it was much easier for the Taliban (to enforce) a ban on girls' education back in 1996," Yousafzai, who won the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight for all children's right to education, told the Doha Forum. "It is much harder this time -- that is because women have seen what it means to be educated, what it means to be empowered. This time is going to be much harder for the Taliban to maintain the ban on girls' education. "This ban will not last forever." The fundamentalist Taliban stopped girls from attending school during its rule of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, when it was ousted by the US-led invasion. It quickly returned to power as US forces withdrew last year. The United States cancelled planned talks in Doha with the Taliban after the schools were shut this week. Yousafzai, who survived a Pakistani Taliban assassination attempt when she was 15, said girls' schooling should be a condition of diplomatic recognition for the Taliban. "They shouldn't be recognised if they didn't recognise the human rights of women and girls," she said. Fawzia Koofi, former chairperson of Afghanistan's Women, Civil Society and Human Rights Commission, told the forum: "It's basically a genocide of a generation." "How could anyone in this world in the 21st century... ban girls from education? I don't think the rest of the world, especially the Muslim world, should accept," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ban on girls' education won't last in Afghanistan, says Malala 

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