Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccine is likely to reach India this week said news agency ANI citing sources on Monday. As per reports, the vaccine may reach India by July 15 for administration.

Mumbai-based Cipla has been recently granted permission to import Moderna vaccine for restricted emergency use.

After Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik, Moderna vaccine will be fourth Covid-19 jab available in India.

Moderna's vaccine is being widely used in several regions including in Europe and the USA. The vaccine requires cold storage.&nbsp;

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Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on June 1 decided to waive off batch testing for foreign manufactured vaccines that have been approved by drug regulators such as UK MHRA, US FDA or the WHO.

India`s cumulative active tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 4,82,071 on Monday with 39,796 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry.The country continues to witness a gradual decline in COVID-19 cases as it has registered less than 40,000 cases again since June 29.

On June 29, India registered 37,566 new COVID-19 cases and 907 deaths.As per the health bulletin issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today, the national recovery rate now stands at 97.11 per cent and this is the ninth consecutive day when the country recorded less than 50,000 daily coronavirus cases.

With 42,352 recoveries in the last 24 hours, daily recoveries continued to outnumber the daily new cases for the 53rd consecutive day, it said.The weekly positivity rate is currently at 2.40 per cent, while the daily positivity rate is at 2.61 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccine is likely to reach India this week said news agency ANI citing sources on Monday. As per reports, the vaccine may reach India by July 15 for administration.

Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccine is likely to reach India this week said news agency ANI citing sources on Monday. As per reports, the vaccine may reach India by July 15 for administration. Mumbai-based Cipla has been recently granted permission to import Moderna vaccine for restricted emergency use. After Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik, Moderna vaccine will be fourth Covid-19 jab available in India. Moderna's vaccine is being widely used in several regions including in Europe and the USA. The vaccine requires cold storage. × Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on June 1 decided to waive off batch testing for foreign manufactured vaccines that have been approved by drug regulators such as UK MHRA, US FDA or the WHO. India`s cumulative active tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 4,82,071 on Monday with 39,796 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry.The country continues to witness a gradual decline in COVID-19 cases as it has registered less than 40,000 cases again since June 29. On June 29, India registered 37,566 new COVID-19 cases and 907 deaths.As per the health bulletin issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today, the national recovery rate now stands at 97.11 per cent and this is the ninth consecutive day when the country recorded less than 50,000 daily coronavirus cases. With 42,352 recoveries in the last 24 hours, daily recoveries continued to outnumber the daily new cases for the 53rd consecutive day, it said.The weekly positivity rate is currently at 2.40 per cent, while the daily positivity rate is at 2.61 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna vaccine may reach India this week: Report

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region.

Abiy Ahmed is 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner. His remarks came just a week after Tigray's capital Mekele fell to Tigray Defence Forces (TDF). Abiy's government almost immediately declared a unilateral ceasefire.

The TDF has described its seizure of Mekele and most of the rest of the northern region of Tigray as a major victory, while Abiy and other officials have countered that federal forces executed a strategic pullback to focus on other threats.&nbsp;

"In one, two or three weeks, 100,000 trained, armed and organised special forces can be mobilised," Abiy told lawmakers.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-urges-ceasefire-in-ethiopias-war-hit-tigray-395739">Sudan urges ceasefire in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray</a>

"If said special force isn't enough, if a militia is needed, in one or two months half a million militiamen can be organised. One million youths can be mobilised and trained."

But Abiy also said officials had "decided there should be a period of silence for everyone to think".

Tigrayan leaders on Sunday issued their first formal response to Abiy's ceasefire call, saying they would only accept it if forces from Eritrea and Ethiopia's Amhara region -- who have been backing the Ethiopian army -- also withdrew from the region.&nbsp;

They also called for "proceedings" to hold Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accountable for "damage" inflicted during the fighting, which has been marked by grisly massacres and widespread sexual violence.&nbsp;

Abiy did not address those conditions on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region. Abiy Ahmed is 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner. His remarks came just a week after Tigray's capital Mekele fell to Tigray Defence Forces (TDF). Abiy's government almost immediately declared a unilateral ceasefire. The TDF has described its seizure of Mekele and most of the rest of the northern region of Tigray as a major victory, while Abiy and other officials have countered that federal forces executed a strategic pullback to focus on other threats. "In one, two or three weeks, 100,000 trained, armed and organised special forces can be mobilised," Abiy told lawmakers. Also Read | Sudan urges ceasefire in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray "If said special force isn't enough, if a militia is needed, in one or two months half a million militiamen can be organised. One million youths can be mobilised and trained." But Abiy also said officials had "decided there should be a period of silence for everyone to think". Tigrayan leaders on Sunday issued their first formal response to Abiy's ceasefire call, saying they would only accept it if forces from Eritrea and Ethiopia's Amhara region -- who have been backing the Ethiopian army -- also withdrew from the region. They also called for "proceedings" to hold Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accountable for "damage" inflicted during the fighting, which has been marked by grisly massacres and widespread sexual violence. Abiy did not address those conditions on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed boasts of military might

Australia&nbsp;will halve the number of arrivals from overseas as its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> hotel quarantine system creaks under pressure from outbreaks of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday.

The new restrictions on travel come as&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;fights outbreaks of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta variant</a> simultaneously in three state capital cities, meaning nearly half of all&nbsp;Australians are currently under strict orders to stay at home. Most recent outbreaks have been traced to leaks in hotel quarantine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-sydney-and-darwin-in-covid-19-lockdowns-394215">Australia's Sydney and Darwin in COVID-19 lockdowns</a>

Australia&nbsp;shut its international borders early last year largely to non-citizens. Permanent residents and returning&nbsp;Australian travellers, except those exiting New Zealand, have to quarantine in hotels for two weeks at their own expense.

Morrison said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;will now only accept about 3,000 travellers from overseas per week. Lowering the cap will be finalised by July 14, he said, though some states can move earlier.

Speaking after a meeting of the country's national cabinet, Morrison also said a four-phase plan had been agreed to reopen&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;after lockdowns triggered by the latest outbreaks. He said this would be based on achieving vaccination levels aimed at suppressing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> to a stage where it would be managed like other infectious diseases like the flu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-victoria-detects-two-cases-of-delta-covid-19-variant-for-first-time-in-latest-outbreak-389400">Australia's Victoria detects two cases of Delta Covid-19 variant for first time in latest outbreak</a>

"Our mind-set on managing COVID-19 has to change once you move from pre-vaccination to post-vaccination. That's the deal for&nbsp;Australians," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

The four-phased approach could give fully vaccinated people more freedoms, he said, including a shorter quarantine period after arriving from overseas.

New South Wales (NSW) capital Sydney,&nbsp;Australia's largest city and home to a fifth of the country's 25 million population is halfway through a two-week lockdown imposed in a bid to contain the Delta variant.

On Friday it warned residents to brace for an increase in COVID-19 infections over the next few days as it reported the biggest daily rise in locally acquired cases recorded so far this year.

Thirty-one local cases were reported in NSW on Friday, so far the biggest daily rise in cases during the latest outbreak and for 2021. Total infections have grown to more than 200 since the first case was detected more than two weeks ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-victoria-state-lockdown-end-date-in-doubt-after-new-covid-19-cases-388785">Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases</a>

"We are anticipating there could be an increase in numbers over the next few days, then hopefully early next week we should see the impact of the lockdown really turning and having a positive impact," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters.

Queensland officials said lockdown rules will be eased in parts of Queensland from Friday, although they have been extended in state capital Brisbane and a neighbouring region for another day after three new cases were reported.

Lockdown in Darwin, the Northern Territory capital, will also be lifted on Friday. Restrictions in Perth will be reviewed later in the day.

Lockdowns, swift contact tracing and tough social distancing rules have helped&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;to suppress prior outbreaks, but the fast-moving Delta strain has alarmed authorities amid a sluggish nationwide vaccination drive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-fears-of-blood-clots-australia-further-restricts-astrazeneca-vaccine-392218">Amid fears of blood clots, Australia further restricts AstraZeneca vaccine</a>

The rollout, mired in confusion and frustration due to frequent changes in medical advice for the AstraZeneca vaccine, has become a flashpoint in relations between the federal government and state leaders.

Australia will halve the number of arrivals from overseas as its coronavirus hotel quarantine system creaks under pressure from outbreaks of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday.

Australia will halve the number of arrivals from overseas as its coronavirus hotel quarantine system creaks under pressure from outbreaks of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday. The new restrictions on travel come as Australia fights outbreaks of the Delta variant simultaneously in three state capital cities, meaning nearly half of all Australians are currently under strict orders to stay at home. Most recent outbreaks have been traced to leaks in hotel quarantine. Also read | Australia's Sydney and Darwin in COVID-19 lockdowns Australia shut its international borders early last year largely to non-citizens. Permanent residents and returning Australian travellers, except those exiting New Zealand, have to quarantine in hotels for two weeks at their own expense. Morrison said Australia will now only accept about 3,000 travellers from overseas per week. Lowering the cap will be finalised by July 14, he said, though some states can move earlier. Speaking after a meeting of the country's national cabinet, Morrison also said a four-phase plan had been agreed to reopen Australia after lockdowns triggered by the latest outbreaks. He said this would be based on achieving vaccination levels aimed at suppressing COVID-19 to a stage where it would be managed like other infectious diseases like the flu. Also read | Australia's Victoria detects two cases of Delta Covid-19 variant for first time in latest outbreak "Our mind-set on managing COVID-19 has to change once you move from pre-vaccination to post-vaccination. That's the deal for Australians," Morrison told reporters in Canberra. The four-phased approach could give fully vaccinated people more freedoms, he said, including a shorter quarantine period after arriving from overseas. New South Wales (NSW) capital Sydney, Australia's largest city and home to a fifth of the country's 25 million population is halfway through a two-week lockdown imposed in a bid to contain the Delta variant. On Friday it warned residents to brace for an increase in COVID-19 infections over the next few days as it reported the biggest daily rise in locally acquired cases recorded so far this year. Thirty-one local cases were reported in NSW on Friday, so far the biggest daily rise in cases during the latest outbreak and for 2021. Total infections have grown to more than 200 since the first case was detected more than two weeks ago. Also read | Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases "We are anticipating there could be an increase in numbers over the next few days, then hopefully early next week we should see the impact of the lockdown really turning and having a positive impact," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters. Queensland officials said lockdown rules will be eased in parts of Queensland from Friday, although they have been extended in state capital Brisbane and a neighbouring region for another day after three new cases were reported. Lockdown in Darwin, the Northern Territory capital, will also be lifted on Friday. Restrictions in Perth will be reviewed later in the day. Lockdowns, swift contact tracing and tough social distancing rules have helped Australia to suppress prior outbreaks, but the fast-moving Delta strain has alarmed authorities amid a sluggish nationwide vaccination drive. Also read | Amid fears of blood clots, Australia further restricts AstraZeneca vaccine The rollout, mired in confusion and frustration due to frequent changes in medical advice for the AstraZeneca vaccine, has become a flashpoint in relations between the federal government and state leaders.

Australia to halve arrivals from overseas, offers COVID-19 exit roadmap

Myanmar&nbsp;authorities imposed stay-at-home-measures on the country's second city Friday as coronavirus cases in the coup-wracked country surge, with many health workers striking to protest against the junta.

Inhabitants of Mandalay, as well as two townships in the southern Bago region,&nbsp;woke up to new restrictions banning more than one person from leaving home for non-medical reasons.

There was no timeframe given for the new rules, announced by the health and sports ministry of the State Administration Council, as the junta calls itself.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-battles-virus-surge-amid-protests-against-military-junta-392984">Myanmar battles virus surge amid protests against military junta</a>

Those travelling to government jobs are exempted.

The affected areas are home to more than two million people, according to a 2014 census, and join towns in western Chin state near the Indian border that have been locked down since May.

Authorities reported more than 1,500 new cases on Thursday, up from around 100 per day in early June.

Myanmar's creaking healthcare system had struggled to respond to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> even before the February coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-extends-suspension-of-international-flights-till-june-end-388469">Myanmar extends suspension of international flights till June end</a>

Swathes of the country were put under partial lockdown last year, although enforcement was often lax in the developing nation where many face a stark choice between following regulations and feeding their families.

Since the coup, thousands of doctors, volunteers and civil servants have joined a mass civil disobedience campaign to protest against the military regime.

Myanmar&nbsp;has reported 3,347 virus-related deaths, although true figures are likely to be higher.

A shipment of 1.5 million vaccines arrived from India earlier this year.

On Thursday state media reported junta leader Min Aung Hlaing had agreed to buy two million vaccines from Russia, without specifying which shot. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A spokeswoman from the health ministry said last week that authorities were also negotiating with China to buy more vaccines.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in turmoil since the February putsch, with more than 880 civilians killed in a crackdown and almost 6,500 arrested, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar authorities imposed stay-at-home-measures on the country's second city Friday as coronavirus cases in the coup-wracked country surge, with many health workers striking to protest against the junta.

Myanmar authorities imposed stay-at-home-measures on the country's second city Friday as coronavirus cases in the coup-wracked country surge, with many health workers striking to protest against the junta. Inhabitants of Mandalay, as well as two townships in the southern Bago region, woke up to new restrictions banning more than one person from leaving home for non-medical reasons. There was no timeframe given for the new rules, announced by the health and sports ministry of the State Administration Council, as the junta calls itself. Also read | Myanmar battles virus surge amid protests against military junta Those travelling to government jobs are exempted. The affected areas are home to more than two million people, according to a 2014 census, and join towns in western Chin state near the Indian border that have been locked down since May. Authorities reported more than 1,500 new cases on Thursday, up from around 100 per day in early June. Myanmar's creaking healthcare system had struggled to respond to COVID-19 even before the February coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi. Also read | Myanmar extends suspension of international flights till June end Swathes of the country were put under partial lockdown last year, although enforcement was often lax in the developing nation where many face a stark choice between following regulations and feeding their families. Since the coup, thousands of doctors, volunteers and civil servants have joined a mass civil disobedience campaign to protest against the military regime. Myanmar has reported 3,347 virus-related deaths, although true figures are likely to be higher. A shipment of 1.5 million vaccines arrived from India earlier this year. On Thursday state media reported junta leader Min Aung Hlaing had agreed to buy two million vaccines from Russia, without specifying which shot. A spokeswoman from the health ministry said last week that authorities were also negotiating with China to buy more vaccines. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the February putsch, with more than 880 civilians killed in a crackdown and almost 6,500 arrested, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar orders 2 million to stay home as COVID-19 cases spike

A Vatican judge on Saturday ordered 10 people, including an Italian cardinal, to stand trial for alleged financial crimes including embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, extortion and abuse of office.

Those indicted include Cardinal Angelo Becciu as well as the former heads of the Vatican's financial intelligence unit and two Italian brokers involved in the Vatican's purchase of a building in a luxury area of London.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-announces-surprise-resignation-of-top-cardinal-330154">Vatican announces surprise resignation of top cardinal</a>

Becciu, who Pope Francis fired last year and who has always maintained his innocence during a two-year investigation, became the highest-ranking Vatican based Church official to be indicted for alleged financial crimes.

As per Church law, the pope personally approved the judge's decision to investigate and indict Becciu. The charges against him include embezzlement and abuse of office. An Italian woman who worked for Becciu was charged with embezzlement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-facilitates-vatican-prosecutions-for-cardinals-bishops-381714">Pope facilitates Vatican prosecutions for cardinals, bishops</a>

Italian brokers Gianluigi Torzi and Raffaele Mincione were indicted on charges of embezzlement, fraud and money laundering. Torzi, for whom Italian magistrates issued an arrest warrant in April, was also charged with extortion.

Both have denied wrongdoing.

Four companies associated with individual defendants, two in Switzerland, one in the United States and one in Slovenia, were also indicted.

The trial is due to start on July 27 in the Vatican, a statement said.

A Vatican judge on Saturday ordered 10 people, including an Italian cardinal, to stand trial for alleged financial crimes including embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, extortion and abuse of office.

A Vatican judge on Saturday ordered 10 people, including an Italian cardinal, to stand trial for alleged financial crimes including embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, extortion and abuse of office. Those indicted include Cardinal Angelo Becciu as well as the former heads of the Vatican's financial intelligence unit and two Italian brokers involved in the Vatican's purchase of a building in a luxury area of London. Also read | Vatican announces surprise resignation of top cardinal Becciu, who Pope Francis fired last year and who has always maintained his innocence during a two-year investigation, became the highest-ranking Vatican based Church official to be indicted for alleged financial crimes. As per Church law, the pope personally approved the judge's decision to investigate and indict Becciu. The charges against him include embezzlement and abuse of office. An Italian woman who worked for Becciu was charged with embezzlement. Also read | Pope facilitates Vatican prosecutions for cardinals, bishops Italian brokers Gianluigi Torzi and Raffaele Mincione were indicted on charges of embezzlement, fraud and money laundering. Torzi, for whom Italian magistrates issued an arrest warrant in April, was also charged with extortion. Both have denied wrongdoing. Four companies associated with individual defendants, two in Switzerland, one in the United States and one in Slovenia, were also indicted. The trial is due to start on July 27 in the Vatican, a statement said.

Vatican judge indicts 10, including a cardinal, for alleged financial crimes

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday opened&nbsp;a strategic naval base on the Mediterranean Sea to "secure shipping lines", the presidency said.

"It is the latest Egyptian military base on the Mediterranean, and will be focused on securing the country's northern and western front," the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

The ceremony was attended by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sisi-marks-first-iraq-visit-by-an-egyptian-leader-in-decades-394312">Sisi marks first Iraq visit by an Egyptian leader in decades</a>

The base lies some 255 kilometres (160 miles) west of Alexandria, towards the border with Libya, a country where both Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have played a key military role.

State-run newspaper Akhbar Al-Youm reported that the base includes an airstrip and a 1,000-metre (3,280-foot) long pier.

The opening coincided with the eighth anniversary since Sisi led the military ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday opened a strategic naval base on the Mediterranean Sea to "secure shipping lines", the presidency said. "It is the latest Egyptian military base on the Mediterranean, and will be focused on securing the country's northern and western front," the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday opened a strategic naval base on the Mediterranean Sea to "secure shipping lines", the presidency said. "It is the latest Egyptian military base on the Mediterranean, and will be focused on securing the country's northern and western front," the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. The ceremony was attended by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. Also read | Sisi marks first Iraq visit by an Egyptian leader in decades The base lies some 255 kilometres (160 miles) west of Alexandria, towards the border with Libya, a country where both Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have played a key military role. State-run newspaper Akhbar Al-Youm reported that the base includes an airstrip and a 1,000-metre (3,280-foot) long pier. The opening coincided with the eighth anniversary since Sisi led the military ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

Egypt opens strategic Mediterranean naval base

Hurricane Elsa churned through the Caribbean early Saturday, bringing powerful winds and threatening to pile further misery on violence-wracked Haiti.

The Category 1 storm weakened slightly overnight and was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles (120 kilometres) per hour.

At 8:00 am (1200 GMT), it was just south of Hispaniola, which is made up of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and moving northwest at 31 mph, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

"On the forecast track, Elsa will move near the southern coast of Hispaniola later today and tonight, and move near Jamaica and portions of eastern Cuba on Sunday," the NHC said.

"By Monday, Elsa is expected to move across central and western Cuba and head toward the Florida Straits."

The NHC said Elsa could bring tidal surges of as much as five feet (1.5 meters) above normal on Cuba's southern coast; up to four feet on the southern coast of Hispaniola; and up to three feet on the coast of Jamaica.

In Haiti, authorities raised the alert level to the maximum red on Saturday morning, warning the entire country to remain vigilant.&nbsp;

"Strong gusts of wind ranging from 118 to 130 kilometers (73 to 81 miles) per hour and dangerous sea conditions that could cause severe flooding, flash floods, landslides, mudslides and coastal flooding are possible, especially in the southern part of the country, as this cyclonic system approaches and passes through today," Haitian civil protection authorities announced.&nbsp;

Officials in the impoverished country have voiced fears that they lack emergency supplies such as food and water.

The government recently had to use a good part of its emergency resources in another crisis: the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes in Port-au-Prince because of raging gang violence.

Many of these people are staying in gyms, schools or other public buildings, and some supplies originally earmarked for the hurricane season have been used to support them, said Jerry Chandler, director of the Haitian civil protection agency.

Heavily armed gangs

Authorities want to ship emergency supplies to the southern coast, which is most threatened. But heavily armed gangs control part of the only road leading from the capital to the south and are allowing nothing through.

To reach these threatened areas, Chandler said, "we have to go through red zones," referring to gang-held territory.

In 2016, Hurricane Matthew killed more than 500 people in southern Haiti and caused nearly $2 billion in damage.

Rainfall, storm surges and strong winds from Elsa could affect the Florida Keys and parts of the Florida peninsula early next week, but this depends on how the storm behaves after it hits large Caribbean islands, the NHC said.

The storm system's projected path has it near the Keys by 2:00 am on Tuesday, then moving up Florida's Gulf Coast before turning northeast toward the state's most populous city, Jacksonville.

Hurricane-related weather would be bad news for the Florida town of Surfside, near Miami, where rescuers are trying to dig out a collapsed condo building in search of survivors and bodies.

Elsa is expected to fall below hurricane status on its approach to the Florida peninsula but could regain strength.

The state expects to have 2.6 million drivers on the roads during the July 4 holiday weekend, according to South Florida's Sun-Sentinel newspaper, citing the AAA auto club.&nbsp;

"I would say at this point, with a tropical storm being forecast, it isn't unreasonable for South Floridians to be ready for the potential of a Category 1 hurricane knocking on our door early next week," said Robert Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center, according to the paper.

"It is something that can't be ruled out, and folks should be aware that's something we may have to prepare for here during the holiday weekend."

Hurricane Elsa churned through the Caribbean early Saturday, bringing powerful winds and threatening to pile further misery on violence-wracked Haiti. The Category 1 storm weakened slightly overnight and was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles (120 kilometres) per hour.

Hurricane Elsa churned through the Caribbean early Saturday, bringing powerful winds and threatening to pile further misery on violence-wracked Haiti. The Category 1 storm weakened slightly overnight and was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles (120 kilometres) per hour. At 8:00 am (1200 GMT), it was just south of Hispaniola, which is made up of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and moving northwest at 31 mph, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. "On the forecast track, Elsa will move near the southern coast of Hispaniola later today and tonight, and move near Jamaica and portions of eastern Cuba on Sunday," the NHC said. "By Monday, Elsa is expected to move across central and western Cuba and head toward the Florida Straits." The NHC said Elsa could bring tidal surges of as much as five feet (1.5 meters) above normal on Cuba's southern coast; up to four feet on the southern coast of Hispaniola; and up to three feet on the coast of Jamaica. In Haiti, authorities raised the alert level to the maximum red on Saturday morning, warning the entire country to remain vigilant. "Strong gusts of wind ranging from 118 to 130 kilometers (73 to 81 miles) per hour and dangerous sea conditions that could cause severe flooding, flash floods, landslides, mudslides and coastal flooding are possible, especially in the southern part of the country, as this cyclonic system approaches and passes through today," Haitian civil protection authorities announced. Officials in the impoverished country have voiced fears that they lack emergency supplies such as food and water. The government recently had to use a good part of its emergency resources in another crisis: the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes in Port-au-Prince because of raging gang violence. Many of these people are staying in gyms, schools or other public buildings, and some supplies originally earmarked for the hurricane season have been used to support them, said Jerry Chandler, director of the Haitian civil protection agency. Heavily armed gangs Authorities want to ship emergency supplies to the southern coast, which is most threatened. But heavily armed gangs control part of the only road leading from the capital to the south and are allowing nothing through. To reach these threatened areas, Chandler said, "we have to go through red zones," referring to gang-held territory. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew killed more than 500 people in southern Haiti and caused nearly $2 billion in damage. Rainfall, storm surges and strong winds from Elsa could affect the Florida Keys and parts of the Florida peninsula early next week, but this depends on how the storm behaves after it hits large Caribbean islands, the NHC said. The storm system's projected path has it near the Keys by 2:00 am on Tuesday, then moving up Florida's Gulf Coast before turning northeast toward the state's most populous city, Jacksonville. Hurricane-related weather would be bad news for the Florida town of Surfside, near Miami, where rescuers are trying to dig out a collapsed condo building in search of survivors and bodies. Elsa is expected to fall below hurricane status on its approach to the Florida peninsula but could regain strength. The state expects to have 2.6 million drivers on the roads during the July 4 holiday weekend, according to South Florida's Sun-Sentinel newspaper, citing the AAA auto club. "I would say at this point, with a tropical storm being forecast, it isn't unreasonable for South Floridians to be ready for the potential of a Category 1 hurricane knocking on our door early next week," said Robert Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center, according to the paper. "It is something that can't be ruled out, and folks should be aware that's something we may have to prepare for here during the holiday weekend."

Hurricane Elsa barrels toward Haiti

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission on Saturday called for urgent measures to ensure "the safety and security of civilians" is made a priority in Tigray after eight months of conflict that has left millions facing famine.

The region of northern&nbsp;Ethiopia, a country of about 110 million people, has been riven by fighting since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in early November sent the army to topple the dissident leadership of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/400000-people-facing-famine-in-war-torn-tigray-says-un-395470">400,000 people facing famine in war-torn Tigray, says UN</a>

After declaring an early victory, the operation turned into a long-lasting and bloody conflict between pro-TPLF forces,&nbsp;the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF), and the Ethiopian army.&nbsp;

Confusing matters, the Ethiopian military was supported by troops from neighbouring Amhara regional authorities and the army of Eritrea, which borders Tigray.&nbsp;

The conflict has been marked by numerous accounts of abuses against civilians, with reports of massacres, rapes and forced displacement.&nbsp;

More than 400,000 people have "crossed the famine threshold" in the region and another 1.8 million people "are on the verge of starvation", a senior UN official estimated at a public meeting of the Security Council on Friday.

NGOs and the World Food Programme (WFP) raised the alarm on Friday over the destruction this week of two bridges that provide vital road access after the TDF retook the regional capital Mekele.

The Ethiopian government denied any responsibility after it was accused of destroying the bridges to prevent humanitarian aid arriving.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turning-point-in-8-month-old-civil-war-in-tigray-region-394931/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission expresses its deep concern about the situation of civilians in the Tigray region" and "urges that urgent measures be taken to ensure their safety and security," the independent but federal government-affiliated body said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"The safety and security of civilians must remain a priority," it said.&nbsp;

With electricity and telecommunications cut off and many roads impassable, it stressed the importance of "transparency and clarity on the current security and humanitarian situation".&nbsp;

The commission called on all parties to respect the ceasefire, unilaterally declared on Monday night by the federal government and described by the TDF as a "joke".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-alarmed-at-soldiers-detaining-displaced-from-tigray-camps-388006">UN alarmed at soldiers detaining displaced from Tigray camps</a>

The pre-war TPLF government in Tigray on Friday pledged its support for the UN and organisations "working to provide vital assistance" to Tigrayans, saying it was "committed to facilitating humanitarian access".&nbsp;

At the Security Council meeting, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo also urged the TDF on Thursday to "immediately and fully endorse the ceasefire".&nbsp;

In Addis Ababa, the commission also said it was monitoring reports of "arrests of media personnel and residents of Tigray ethnic origin suspected of connection with the ongoing situation in the region", pointing to a "risk of ethnic profiling".

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission on Saturday called for urgent measures to ensure "the safety and security of civilians" is made a priority in Tigray after eight months of conflict that has left millions facing famine.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission on Saturday called for urgent measures to ensure "the safety and security of civilians" is made a priority in Tigray after eight months of conflict that has left millions facing famine. The region of northern Ethiopia, a country of about 110 million people, has been riven by fighting since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in early November sent the army to topple the dissident leadership of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Also read | 400,000 people facing famine in war-torn Tigray, says UN After declaring an early victory, the operation turned into a long-lasting and bloody conflict between pro-TPLF forces, the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF), and the Ethiopian army. Confusing matters, the Ethiopian military was supported by troops from neighbouring Amhara regional authorities and the army of Eritrea, which borders Tigray. The conflict has been marked by numerous accounts of abuses against civilians, with reports of massacres, rapes and forced displacement. More than 400,000 people have "crossed the famine threshold" in the region and another 1.8 million people "are on the verge of starvation", a senior UN official estimated at a public meeting of the Security Council on Friday. NGOs and the World Food Programme (WFP) raised the alarm on Friday over the destruction this week of two bridges that provide vital road access after the TDF retook the regional capital Mekele. The Ethiopian government denied any responsibility after it was accused of destroying the bridges to prevent humanitarian aid arriving. "The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission expresses its deep concern about the situation of civilians in the Tigray region" and "urges that urgent measures be taken to ensure their safety and security," the independent but federal government-affiliated body said on Saturday. "The safety and security of civilians must remain a priority," it said. With electricity and telecommunications cut off and many roads impassable, it stressed the importance of "transparency and clarity on the current security and humanitarian situation". The commission called on all parties to respect the ceasefire, unilaterally declared on Monday night by the federal government and described by the TDF as a "joke". Also read | UN alarmed at soldiers detaining displaced from Tigray camps The pre-war TPLF government in Tigray on Friday pledged its support for the UN and organisations "working to provide vital assistance" to Tigrayans, saying it was "committed to facilitating humanitarian access". At the Security Council meeting, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo also urged the TDF on Thursday to "immediately and fully endorse the ceasefire". In Addis Ababa, the commission also said it was monitoring reports of "arrests of media personnel and residents of Tigray ethnic origin suspected of connection with the ongoing situation in the region", pointing to a "risk of ethnic profiling".

Ethiopian rights body demands security of civilians 'a priority'

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's central bank on Sunday further tightened controls on the outflow of foreign currency to combat a growing cash crunch triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign exchange reserves have almost halved since late 2019 to $4 billion after the rupee sank to a record low last year.

The economy has been badly hit by the spread of the virus and lockdowns in its worst downturn since independence from Britain in 1948.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-country-facing-worst-economic-downturn-in-73-years-says-central-bank-381752">Sri Lanka: Country facing worst economic downturn in 73 years, says central bank</a>

The Central Bank of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;said overseas investments by local firms would be suspended for six months.

The amount of capital that companies and citizens can take out of the island nation would also be restricted, it added.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;has already banned imports of luxury goods and cars since last year to combat the foreign currency outflows.

The government is planning to extend the import ban to mobile phones, computers and electronic consumer goods, local media reported recently.

The central bank said in a statement that the restrictions were to "assist and maintain the financial system stability".

International rating agencies have expressed concern over&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's ability to service its huge foreign debt.

But central bank governor W.D. Lakshman has said the country will meet its debt obligations, which amount to $3.6 billion in the next six months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-sinks-deeper-into-chinas-grasp-seeks-22-billion-from-beijing-as-reserves-shrink-366221">Sri Lanka sinks deeper into China's grasp, seeks $2.2 billion from Beijing as reserves shrink</a>

Colombo has also borrowed from several Asian countries, including Bangladesh, China and South Korea, and expects to receive $800 million from the International Monetary Fund in August.

The country's debt has ballooned over the past two decades after the financing of several infrastructure projects that critics say have become white elephants.

Sri Lanka's central bank on Sunday further tightened controls on the outflow of foreign currency to combat a growing cash crunch triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Sri Lanka's central bank on Sunday further tightened controls on the outflow of foreign currency to combat a growing cash crunch triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Foreign exchange reserves have almost halved since late 2019 to $4 billion after the rupee sank to a record low last year. The economy has been badly hit by the spread of the virus and lockdowns in its worst downturn since independence from Britain in 1948. Also read | Sri Lanka: Country facing worst economic downturn in 73 years, says central bank The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said overseas investments by local firms would be suspended for six months. The amount of capital that companies and citizens can take out of the island nation would also be restricted, it added. Sri Lanka has already banned imports of luxury goods and cars since last year to combat the foreign currency outflows. The government is planning to extend the import ban to mobile phones, computers and electronic consumer goods, local media reported recently. The central bank said in a statement that the restrictions were to "assist and maintain the financial system stability". International rating agencies have expressed concern over Sri Lanka's ability to service its huge foreign debt. But central bank governor W.D. Lakshman has said the country will meet its debt obligations, which amount to $3.6 billion in the next six months. Also read | Sri Lanka sinks deeper into China's grasp, seeks $2.2 billion from Beijing as reserves shrink Colombo has also borrowed from several Asian countries, including Bangladesh, China and South Korea, and expects to receive $800 million from the International Monetary Fund in August. The country's debt has ballooned over the past two decades after the financing of several infrastructure projects that critics say have become white elephants.

To combat a growing cash crunch, Sri Lanka tightens foreign currency outflows

Twenty-five anti-junta fighters and civilians were killed during clashes with the military in central&nbsp;Myanmar, villagers said Sunday, as locals increasingly take up arms against the regime in the coup-wracked country.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in turmoil since a February coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government, with 890 people killed in a junta crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group.

In some areas civilians have formed "defence forces" to combat the State Administration Council, as the junta dubs itself, often using hunting rifles or makeshift weapons cobbled together from household items.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-protesters-burn-junta-leaders-images-on-his-birthday-395520">Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday</a>

The central Sagaing region has been the site of multiple skirmishes between defence forces and the military, and on Friday fighting broke out in Depayin township.

Residents told AFP that military trucks entered their area and opened fire on a village near the jungle hoping to flush out members of the local defence force.

"We heard the shooting of artillery 26 times," said a villager, who added that anti-junta fighters tried to retaliate but could not fend off the attack.

"They shot everyone who they saw on the road and in the village. They did not just have one target," he said.&nbsp;

Civilians were among the dead, he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-coup-us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-on-22-persons-395448">Myanmar coup: US imposes fresh sanctions on 22 persons</a>

Villagers waited until Saturday to venture out of their homes to assess the casualties, said a member of the local defence force who helped to organise the collection of bodies.&nbsp;

"We firstly got nine dead bodies and buried them," he told AFP, adding that eight more were found by a different team and also buried the same day.

On Sunday, they found eight more bodies.&nbsp;

"I noticed from their bodies that most of them were shot in the head," he said -- an observation that another man who helped move the dead confirmed to AFP.&nbsp;

The anti-junta fighter said the security presence around Depayin was increasing, displacing thousands of residents who had fled in fear of further military action.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/freed-us-editor-tells-horror-stories-of-torture-in-myanmar-394317">Freed US editor tells horror stories of torture in Myanmar</a>

"The army has been hunting us in the jungle since this morning," he said.

BBC News Burmese, the BBC's&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;language service, reported a similar death toll.

'Stabilising the area'

State-run media offered a different account of the skirmish, saying the military was patrolling the area when they were ambushed.

Soldiers fended off "armed terrorists" and later found "four mortars and six percussion lock firearms", reported the Global New Light of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;newspaper, which did not give a death toll in the village.

In another attack in a different part of Sagaing one member of the security forces was killed and authorities were "working to stabilise the area", the paper added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/confident-in-its-impunity-the-myanmar-junta-ignores-diplomacy-393894">Confident in its impunity, the Myanmar junta ignores diplomacy</a>

Despite the threat of crackdowns, protesters in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;are still taking to the streets daily in defiance of the military regime.

On Sunday residents across Sagaing held short demonstrations, flashing a three-finger salute of defiance during rapid marches through the streets.

Twenty-five anti-junta fighters and civilians were killed during clashes with the military in central Myanmar, villagers said Sunday, as locals increasingly take up arms against the regime in the coup-wracked country.

Twenty-five anti-junta fighters and civilians were killed during clashes with the military in central Myanmar, villagers said Sunday, as locals increasingly take up arms against the regime in the coup-wracked country. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government, with 890 people killed in a junta crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group. In some areas civilians have formed "defence forces" to combat the State Administration Council, as the junta dubs itself, often using hunting rifles or makeshift weapons cobbled together from household items. Also read | Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday The central Sagaing region has been the site of multiple skirmishes between defence forces and the military, and on Friday fighting broke out in Depayin township. Residents told AFP that military trucks entered their area and opened fire on a village near the jungle hoping to flush out members of the local defence force. "We heard the shooting of artillery 26 times," said a villager, who added that anti-junta fighters tried to retaliate but could not fend off the attack. "They shot everyone who they saw on the road and in the village. They did not just have one target," he said. Civilians were among the dead, he added. Also read | Myanmar coup: US imposes fresh sanctions on 22 persons Villagers waited until Saturday to venture out of their homes to assess the casualties, said a member of the local defence force who helped to organise the collection of bodies. "We firstly got nine dead bodies and buried them," he told AFP, adding that eight more were found by a different team and also buried the same day. On Sunday, they found eight more bodies. "I noticed from their bodies that most of them were shot in the head," he said -- an observation that another man who helped move the dead confirmed to AFP. The anti-junta fighter said the security presence around Depayin was increasing, displacing thousands of residents who had fled in fear of further military action. Also read | Freed US editor tells horror stories of torture in Myanmar "The army has been hunting us in the jungle since this morning," he said. BBC News Burmese, the BBC's Myanmar language service, reported a similar death toll. 'Stabilising the area' State-run media offered a different account of the skirmish, saying the military was patrolling the area when they were ambushed. Soldiers fended off "armed terrorists" and later found "four mortars and six percussion lock firearms", reported the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, which did not give a death toll in the village. In another attack in a different part of Sagaing one member of the security forces was killed and authorities were "working to stabilise the area", the paper added. Also read | Confident in its impunity, the Myanmar junta ignores diplomacy Despite the threat of crackdowns, protesters in Myanmar are still taking to the streets daily in defiance of the military regime. On Sunday residents across Sagaing held short demonstrations, flashing a three-finger salute of defiance during rapid marches through the streets.

25 killed in Myanmar clashes between army and anti-junta fighters

Amid Chinese manoeuvres to take control of Sri Lankan infrastructure and Hambantota port, True Ceylon reported on several Chinese men who were spotted engaged in dredging in Hambantota District. As per the report, the military uniforms were similar to Chinese military wear.

According to Sir Lankan law, wearing or even being in possession of a military uniform when not serving in the military is a punishable offense.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, a war veteran and former Army Commander and MP has openly alleged that the Chinese military personnel were operating at the site.&nbsp;

"Many in the present government have links with wealthy businessmen in China, therefore, it is clear how decisions are made," he said. He was quoted by ANI.

In regard to the Chinese personnel seen dredging a tank, they were clad in Chinese military uniforms, which is against the law. The Chinese embassy dismissed the allegations and cited it was common to wear such clothing. Even in Pakistan, China has deployed many `companies` to safeguard China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The opposition party had questioned the presence of foreigners in clothing similar to the Chinese military uniform.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the dredging had commenced without the permit obtained from Sri Lanka`s Department of Archeology.&nbsp; 
The practice was called out to halt as soon as the footage aired, as the country is sensitive in preserving ancient ruins.

Cabinet spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella dismissed concerns of possible Chinese military presence in Sri Lanka, claiming on June 29 that the outfits worn by the Chinese workers were similar to overalls worn by Sri Lankan workers at local automobile workshops.

At the weekly cabinet press briefing on Tuesday, Minister Rambukwella further said that if the archaeology act has been violated, there are laws that Sri Lanka can resort to.&nbsp;

"We strongly reject that we were silent and cowardly about the incident," he told reporters. He was quoted by ANI.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid Chinese manoeuvres to take control of Sri Lankan infrastructure and Hambantota port, True Ceylon reported on several Chinese men who were spotted engaged in dredging in Hambantota District.

Amid Chinese manoeuvres to take control of Sri Lankan infrastructure and Hambantota port, True Ceylon reported on several Chinese men who were spotted engaged in dredging in Hambantota District. As per the report, the military uniforms were similar to Chinese military wear. According to Sir Lankan law, wearing or even being in possession of a military uniform when not serving in the military is a punishable offense. Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, a war veteran and former Army Commander and MP has openly alleged that the Chinese military personnel were operating at the site. "Many in the present government have links with wealthy businessmen in China, therefore, it is clear how decisions are made," he said. He was quoted by ANI. In regard to the Chinese personnel seen dredging a tank, they were clad in Chinese military uniforms, which is against the law. The Chinese embassy dismissed the allegations and cited it was common to wear such clothing. Even in Pakistan, China has deployed many `companies` to safeguard China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The opposition party had questioned the presence of foreigners in clothing similar to the Chinese military uniform. Furthermore, the dredging had commenced without the permit obtained from Sri Lanka`s Department of Archeology. The practice was called out to halt as soon as the footage aired, as the country is sensitive in preserving ancient ruins. Cabinet spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella dismissed concerns of possible Chinese military presence in Sri Lanka, claiming on June 29 that the outfits worn by the Chinese workers were similar to overalls worn by Sri Lankan workers at local automobile workshops. At the weekly cabinet press briefing on Tuesday, Minister Rambukwella further said that if the archaeology act has been violated, there are laws that Sri Lanka can resort to. "We strongly reject that we were silent and cowardly about the incident," he told reporters. He was quoted by ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese men seen in military uniform in Sri Lanka: Report

Owners and insurers of Ever Given, the container ship that blocked Suez Canal in March said on Sunday that a formal settlement was agreed in a compensation dispute. Suez Canal authorities said that the vessel would be allowed to sail on July 7.

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has held the giant ship and its crew in a lake between two stretches of the waterway since it was dislodged on March 29, amid a dispute over a demand for compensation by the SCA.

In March, the Japanese owned Ever Given was stuck in high winds and remained wedged across the Suez Canal for six days. This had disrupted the global trade.

"Preparations for the release of the vessel will be made and an event marking the agreement will be held at the Authority's headquarters in Ismailia in due course," Faz Peermohamed of Stann Marine, which represents owner Shoei Kisen and its insurers, said in a statement.

Suez Canal Authority said that the contract will be signed on Wednesday. There will be a ceremony and participants would be able to watch the ship leaving.

Neither the SCA nor Stann Marine gave details of the settlement.

Shoei Kisen and its insurers said last month they had reached an agreement in principle with the SCA.

The SCA had demanded $916 million in compensation to cover salvage efforts, reputational damage and lost revenue before publicly lowering the request to $550 million.

Shoei Kisen and the ship's insurers had disputed the claim and the ship's detention under an Egyptian court order.

Earlier on Sunday, an Egyptian court adjourned hearings in the compensation dispute to July 11 to allow the canal and the ship's owner to finalise a settlement, court sources and a lawyer said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Owners and insurers of Ever Given, the container ship that blocked Suez Canal in March said on Sunday that a formal settlement was agreed in a compensation dispute.

Owners and insurers of Ever Given, the container ship that blocked Suez Canal in March said on Sunday that a formal settlement was agreed in a compensation dispute. Suez Canal authorities said that the vessel would be allowed to sail on July 7. The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has held the giant ship and its crew in a lake between two stretches of the waterway since it was dislodged on March 29, amid a dispute over a demand for compensation by the SCA. In March, the Japanese owned Ever Given was stuck in high winds and remained wedged across the Suez Canal for six days. This had disrupted the global trade. "Preparations for the release of the vessel will be made and an event marking the agreement will be held at the Authority's headquarters in Ismailia in due course," Faz Peermohamed of Stann Marine, which represents owner Shoei Kisen and its insurers, said in a statement. Suez Canal Authority said that the contract will be signed on Wednesday. There will be a ceremony and participants would be able to watch the ship leaving. Neither the SCA nor Stann Marine gave details of the settlement. Shoei Kisen and its insurers said last month they had reached an agreement in principle with the SCA. The SCA had demanded $916 million in compensation to cover salvage efforts, reputational damage and lost revenue before publicly lowering the request to $550 million. Shoei Kisen and the ship's insurers had disputed the claim and the ship's detention under an Egyptian court order. Earlier on Sunday, an Egyptian court adjourned hearings in the compensation dispute to July 11 to allow the canal and the ship's owner to finalise a settlement, court sources and a lawyer said. (With inputs from agencies)

Parties agree on settlement for release of Ever Given

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