French police on Friday herded migrants on buses and cleared central Paris. The migrants had been protesting lack of accomodation and had even pitched tents in front of the Paris City Hall.

As the police cleared the crowd, there was no incident. Yann Manzi co-founder of the group Utopia 56 which organised the action, said they would come back if no viable solution is found

"All the persons evacuated stay in touch with us and if they are put back in the street, we'll start again with our actions", Manzi said.

Last year, a similar operation was organised on the Paris City Hall forecourt.

"We have way too many requests which means our accommodation network is saturated ... So we had no choice but to organise a "visibilation" action", Kerill Theurillat, a local leader of Utopia 56 told Reuters before the police cleared the protesters.

Around 200 tents, mainly red, had been set up Thursday, sheltering 300 people, including children, from sub-Saharan Africa.

"I'm living in the street, I have no home, my priority is to have a home and then to go to school", said Cisse Mohamed, an underage refugee sitting in of the tents.

Many refugees have moved to Paris since the closure of a huge migrant camp in Calais in 2016.

(With inputs from agencies)

French police on Friday herded migrants on buses and cleared central Paris. The migrants had been protesting lack of accomodation and had even pitched tents in front of the Paris City Hall.

French police on Friday herded migrants on buses and cleared central Paris. The migrants had been protesting lack of accomodation and had even pitched tents in front of the Paris City Hall. As the police cleared the crowd, there was no incident. Yann Manzi co-founder of the group Utopia 56 which organised the action, said they would come back if no viable solution is found "All the persons evacuated stay in touch with us and if they are put back in the street, we'll start again with our actions", Manzi said. Last year, a similar operation was organised on the Paris City Hall forecourt. "We have way too many requests which means our accommodation network is saturated ... So we had no choice but to organise a "visibilation" action", Kerill Theurillat, a local leader of Utopia 56 told Reuters before the police cleared the protesters. Around 200 tents, mainly red, had been set up Thursday, sheltering 300 people, including children, from sub-Saharan Africa. "I'm living in the street, I have no home, my priority is to have a home and then to go to school", said Cisse Mohamed, an underage refugee sitting in of the tents. Many refugees have moved to Paris since the closure of a huge migrant camp in Calais in 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Police clear hundreds of migrants protesting in central Paris

Afghan forces on Friday retook control of six districts from the Taliban, reported Tolo News. As per the report, the districts include Andkhoi and Khan Chahar Bagh in Faryab, Khinjan and Doshi in Baghlan, and Ahmad Aba and Sayed Karam in Paktia.

The news report quoted sources to say that three districts fell to Taliban. These are Khost Firing and Guzargah-e-Noor in Baghlan and Dolina in Ghor

Afghanistan has seen increase in violence unprecedented in recent times. This has come just as the US is pulling all its forces from the war-torn nation.

"The enemy has no longer a line. They suffered massive casualties and were pushed back," said Abdul Basir Salangi, a senior adviser to High Council for National Reconciliation, who has gone to Salang district in Parwan to support security forces.

"All resources are available. The security forces have enough strength. What we need is a high morale and strong determination. Our security forces are ready to fight the enemy," said MP Sadiq Qaderi.

On Friday, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani reached US. He was due to meet US President Joe Biden.

The Taliban have made advances in Afghanistan. There are reports of dozens of districts falling into their hands. Taliban already control Afghanistan's border crossing with Tajikistan.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has said that Washington was assessing to find out whether the Taliban is willing to end the conflict through a diplomatic solution or insists on the military takeover of Afghanistan.

"We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, and we`re also looking very hard at whether the Taliban is at all serious about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We continue to be engaged on diplomacy, but actions that would try to take the country by force are of course totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghan forces on Friday retook control of six districts from the Taliban, reported Tolo News. As per the report, the districts include Andkhoi and Khan Chahar Bagh in Faryab, Khinjan and Doshi in Baghlan, and Ahmad Aba and Sayed Karam in Paktia.

Afghan forces on Friday retook control of six districts from the Taliban, reported Tolo News. As per the report, the districts include Andkhoi and Khan Chahar Bagh in Faryab, Khinjan and Doshi in Baghlan, and Ahmad Aba and Sayed Karam in Paktia. The news report quoted sources to say that three districts fell to Taliban. These are Khost Firing and Guzargah-e-Noor in Baghlan and Dolina in Ghor Afghanistan has seen increase in violence unprecedented in recent times. This has come just as the US is pulling all its forces from the war-torn nation. "The enemy has no longer a line. They suffered massive casualties and were pushed back," said Abdul Basir Salangi, a senior adviser to High Council for National Reconciliation, who has gone to Salang district in Parwan to support security forces. "All resources are available. The security forces have enough strength. What we need is a high morale and strong determination. Our security forces are ready to fight the enemy," said MP Sadiq Qaderi. On Friday, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani reached US. He was due to meet US President Joe Biden. The Taliban have made advances in Afghanistan. There are reports of dozens of districts falling into their hands. Taliban already control Afghanistan's border crossing with Tajikistan. Meanwhile, the US State Department has said that Washington was assessing to find out whether the Taliban is willing to end the conflict through a diplomatic solution or insists on the military takeover of Afghanistan. "We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, and we`re also looking very hard at whether the Taliban is at all serious about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We continue to be engaged on diplomacy, but actions that would try to take the country by force are of course totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban loses control of 6 districts to Afghan forces: Report

Iran has not responded to International Atomic Energy Agency over extending a monitoring agreement that expired overnight. The international nuclear watchdog said that an "immediate response from Iran was needed. The agreement allows IAEA to collect data on Iran's activities.

The matter has become all the more important after USA said not extending the monitoring agreement would hamper the efforts of reviving Iran nuclear deal struck in 2015.

"An immediate response from Iran is needed in this regard," the IAEA said in a statement summarising a report by its chief Rafael Grossi to its 35-nation Board of Governors that was also seen by Reuters.

Grossi wrote to Iran last week "to understand Iran`s position regarding the possible continued collection, recording and retention of data", the report said. As of Friday, Iran had not replied or indicated whether it intends to maintain the current arrangement, it said.

Iran and the US have been holding indirect talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks are currently adjourned and no date for resumption has been finalised yet.

The United States abandoned the deal under then-President Donald Trump in 2018 and Iran responded by violating many of its restrictions. President Joe Biden`s administration wants to revive the accord, but Tehran and Washington have yet to agree which side should take what steps, and when.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran has not responded to International Atomic Energy Agency over extending a monitoring agreement that expired overnight. The international nuclear watchdog said that an "immediate response from Iran was needed.

Iran has not responded to International Atomic Energy Agency over extending a monitoring agreement that expired overnight. The international nuclear watchdog said that an "immediate response from Iran was needed. The agreement allows IAEA to collect data on Iran's activities. The matter has become all the more important after USA said not extending the monitoring agreement would hamper the efforts of reviving Iran nuclear deal struck in 2015. "An immediate response from Iran is needed in this regard," the IAEA said in a statement summarising a report by its chief Rafael Grossi to its 35-nation Board of Governors that was also seen by Reuters. Grossi wrote to Iran last week "to understand Iran`s position regarding the possible continued collection, recording and retention of data", the report said. As of Friday, Iran had not replied or indicated whether it intends to maintain the current arrangement, it said. Iran and the US have been holding indirect talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks are currently adjourned and no date for resumption has been finalised yet. The United States abandoned the deal under then-President Donald Trump in 2018 and Iran responded by violating many of its restrictions. President Joe Biden`s administration wants to revive the accord, but Tehran and Washington have yet to agree which side should take what steps, and when. (With inputs from agencies)

IAEA demands answer from Iran on monitoring agreement deal

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in USA on Friday. He is accompanied by Abdullah Abdullah who leads the High Council for National Reconciliation. Ghani is slated to meet US President Joe Biden. The meet comes even as the US is in process of withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan. Ghani said that he respects the 'strategic decision' taken by the US and that it was a 'great pleasure' to be in the US

"It's a great pleasure to be here. The decision of President Biden has been a 'Strategic Decision'. We respect that decision. It's dealing with the new chapter of our friendship, our strategic relationship and our people-to-people relationship and government to government relationship that we are focused. Our discussions have been productive and we look very much forward to the culminating decision in meeting with the president today," said Ghani.

Violence in Afghanistan is on the rise ever since the announcement and commencement of US withdrawal. Taliban has been reported to be in control of dozens of districts.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-actions-inconsistent-with-establishing-peace-in-afghanistan-blinken-393956">Taliban's actions 'inconsistent' with establishing peace in Afghanistan: Blinken</a>

Taliban recently captured the border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The northern city of Kunduz is expecting an encirclement and siege by the Taliban.

On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that actions of Taliban were<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-actions-inconsistent-with-establishing-peace-in-afghanistan-blinken-393956"> 'inconsistent' with aim of establishing peace</a> in Afghanistan.

"We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and were also looking very hard whether the Taliban is at all serious about peaceful resolution of the conflict," Blinken told a news conference in Paris.

"Actions that try to take the country by force, of course, are totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," Blinken added.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in USA on Friday. He is accompanied by Abdullah Abdullah who leads the High Council for National Reconciliation. Ghani is slated to meet US President Joe Biden.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in USA on Friday. He is accompanied by Abdullah Abdullah who leads the High Council for National Reconciliation. Ghani is slated to meet US President Joe Biden. The meet comes even as the US is in process of withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan. Ghani said that he respects the 'strategic decision' taken by the US and that it was a 'great pleasure' to be in the US "It's a great pleasure to be here. The decision of President Biden has been a 'Strategic Decision'. We respect that decision. It's dealing with the new chapter of our friendship, our strategic relationship and our people-to-people relationship and government to government relationship that we are focused. Our discussions have been productive and we look very much forward to the culminating decision in meeting with the president today," said Ghani. Violence in Afghanistan is on the rise ever since the announcement and commencement of US withdrawal. Taliban has been reported to be in control of dozens of districts. Also Read | Taliban's actions 'inconsistent' with establishing peace in Afghanistan: Blinken Taliban recently captured the border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The northern city of Kunduz is expecting an encirclement and siege by the Taliban. On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that actions of Taliban were 'inconsistent' with aim of establishing peace in Afghanistan. "We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and were also looking very hard whether the Taliban is at all serious about peaceful resolution of the conflict," Blinken told a news conference in Paris. "Actions that try to take the country by force, of course, are totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," Blinken added.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reaches US, to meet Biden soon 

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit. The east European nations of the EU opined that such a summit would send a wrong message to Moscow.

The meeting with Putin was proposed by Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both the leaders have chosen to take a less confrontational stance with Russia in recent years.

"There was no consensus for a quick summit. It's no tragedy in my view," Macron said at a news conference in Brussels. "The most important thing is to remain united. Divisions weaken us."

"The aberration today is that we're the toughest power vis-a-vis Russia, despite the fact they're our neighbour," he said, adding that fellow EU leaders had not expressed the same objections when U.S. President Joe Biden met Putin.

EU summits with Russia were discontinued after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014. The West had then imposed sanctions on Russia.

Macron also said tensions with Turkey have eased over the last few weeks but European countries will remain cautious.

He added that leaders also agreed at this week's summit on the need to accelerate work towards a possible European banking union, which would mean setting up a controversial common deposit insurance scheme that would sharply reduce the possibility of a major banking crisis in the 19 countries sharing the euro.

(With inputs from agencies)

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit.

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit. The east European nations of the EU opined that such a summit would send a wrong message to Moscow. The meeting with Putin was proposed by Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both the leaders have chosen to take a less confrontational stance with Russia in recent years. "There was no consensus for a quick summit. It's no tragedy in my view," Macron said at a news conference in Brussels. "The most important thing is to remain united. Divisions weaken us." "The aberration today is that we're the toughest power vis-a-vis Russia, despite the fact they're our neighbour," he said, adding that fellow EU leaders had not expressed the same objections when U.S. President Joe Biden met Putin. EU summits with Russia were discontinued after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014. The West had then imposed sanctions on Russia. Macron also said tensions with Turkey have eased over the last few weeks but European countries will remain cautious. He added that leaders also agreed at this week's summit on the need to accelerate work towards a possible European banking union, which would mean setting up a controversial common deposit insurance scheme that would sharply reduce the possibility of a major banking crisis in the 19 countries sharing the euro. (With inputs from agencies)

Not 'obsessed' to meet Putin, says Macron

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Friday that it would be 'very hard' for US to rejoin Iran nuclear deal if talks dragged on.

The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by world powers in 2015. But the deal faced uncertainties as former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew US from the agreement.

"There will come a point, yes, where it will be very hard to return back to the standards set by the JCPOA," Blinken told reporters in Paris,&nbsp;

Talks were on in Vienna till just a few days ago to revive the deal but they have now been adjourned. Another factor that has been added to the mix is election of hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi as President of Iran. Though he hasn't put out a definitive statement making clear his position on reviving the nuclear deal, he categorically said that he would not be meeting US President Joe Biden.

No date has been decided for resumption of Vienna talks.

Ebrahim Raisi said earlier this week that he would not allow negotiations for negotiation's sake.

"Any negotiations that guarantee national interests will certainly be supported, but... we will not allow negotiations to be for negotiation's sake," he said in his first press conference on Monday (June 25).

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Friday that it would be 'very hard' for US to rejoin Iran nuclear deal if talks dragged on. The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by world powers in 2015.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Friday that it would be 'very hard' for US to rejoin Iran nuclear deal if talks dragged on. The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by world powers in 2015. But the deal faced uncertainties as former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew US from the agreement. "There will come a point, yes, where it will be very hard to return back to the standards set by the JCPOA," Blinken told reporters in Paris, Talks were on in Vienna till just a few days ago to revive the deal but they have now been adjourned. Another factor that has been added to the mix is election of hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi as President of Iran. Though he hasn't put out a definitive statement making clear his position on reviving the nuclear deal, he categorically said that he would not be meeting US President Joe Biden. No date has been decided for resumption of Vienna talks. Ebrahim Raisi said earlier this week that he would not allow negotiations for negotiation's sake. "Any negotiations that guarantee national interests will certainly be supported, but... we will not allow negotiations to be for negotiation's sake," he said in his first press conference on Monday (June 25). (With inputs from agencies)

'Very hard' to rejoin Iran nuclear deal if talks drag on: Blinken

China lashed out at "bandit-like" US government on Friday after the US banned import of solar panel materials from a Chinese company and placed trade restrictions on four others for alleged use of forced labour in Xinjiang.

On Thursday, the White House said that the use of forced labour was part of Chinese efforts to repress millions of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang.

Washington said that Hoshine Silicon Industry would not be able to sell its products in the United States due to "reasonable indications" of forced labour in its manufacturing process.

The Commerce Department also announced that Hoshine and four other Xinjiang firms would be subject to tight restrictions on their ability to acquire US commodities, software and technology.

"The United States believes that state-sponsored forced labour in Xinjiang is both an affront to human dignity and an example of the PRC's unfair economic practices," the White House said.

China lashed out at the order, calling it a "bandit-like act no different from pillaging other people's property" that creates "forced poverty and forced unemployment" among Xinjiang's people.

"The US uses human rights as a pretence... to unscrupulously oppress the industrial development of Xinjiang," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a routine briefing Friday.

Zhao said that the US "politicises normal economic and trade cooperation" and "wantonly oppresses Chinese companies... to hold back China's development".

Xinjiang region supplies close to half of the world's polysilicon. It is used in solar panels.

The four other companies include two producers of polysilicon materials -- Daqo New Energy and Xinjiang GCL New Energy Material Technology -- plus aluminium processor Xinjiang East Hope Nonferrous Metals and state-owned Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, already sanctioned for alleged forced labour in cotton processing.

An official from US Customs and Border Protection, which issued the block on Hoshine imports, estimated that the United States imported goods from the company worth $150 million over the past 30 months.

Asked if the US trade actions could conflict with promoting solar energy, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said stopping forced labour comes first.

"Our environmental goals will not be achieved on the backs of human beings in a forced labour environment," Mayorkas told reporters.

The import ban on Hoshine follows similar action against producers and users of cotton and tomato products from the region as well as hair products such as weaves.

The United States also recently placed a ban on imports from a leading Chinese fishing company, Dalian Ocean, for its alleged use of forced labour, unrelated to Xinjiang.

(With inputs from agencies)

China lashed out at "bandit-like" US government on Friday after the US banned import of solar panel materials from a Chinese company and placed trade restrictions on four others for alleged use of forced labour in Xinjiang.

China lashed out at "bandit-like" US government on Friday after the US banned import of solar panel materials from a Chinese company and placed trade restrictions on four others for alleged use of forced labour in Xinjiang. On Thursday, the White House said that the use of forced labour was part of Chinese efforts to repress millions of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. Washington said that Hoshine Silicon Industry would not be able to sell its products in the United States due to "reasonable indications" of forced labour in its manufacturing process. The Commerce Department also announced that Hoshine and four other Xinjiang firms would be subject to tight restrictions on their ability to acquire US commodities, software and technology. "The United States believes that state-sponsored forced labour in Xinjiang is both an affront to human dignity and an example of the PRC's unfair economic practices," the White House said. China lashed out at the order, calling it a "bandit-like act no different from pillaging other people's property" that creates "forced poverty and forced unemployment" among Xinjiang's people. "The US uses human rights as a pretence... to unscrupulously oppress the industrial development of Xinjiang," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a routine briefing Friday. Zhao said that the US "politicises normal economic and trade cooperation" and "wantonly oppresses Chinese companies... to hold back China's development". Xinjiang region supplies close to half of the world's polysilicon. It is used in solar panels. The four other companies include two producers of polysilicon materials -- Daqo New Energy and Xinjiang GCL New Energy Material Technology -- plus aluminium processor Xinjiang East Hope Nonferrous Metals and state-owned Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, already sanctioned for alleged forced labour in cotton processing. An official from US Customs and Border Protection, which issued the block on Hoshine imports, estimated that the United States imported goods from the company worth $150 million over the past 30 months. Asked if the US trade actions could conflict with promoting solar energy, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said stopping forced labour comes first. "Our environmental goals will not be achieved on the backs of human beings in a forced labour environment," Mayorkas told reporters. The import ban on Hoshine follows similar action against producers and users of cotton and tomato products from the region as well as hair products such as weaves. The United States also recently placed a ban on imports from a leading Chinese fishing company, Dalian Ocean, for its alleged use of forced labour, unrelated to Xinjiang. (With inputs from agencies)

China lashes out at US over trade restrictions on Xinjiang firm

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unequivocally said on Friday that Taliban's actions are not helping establish peace in war-torn Afghanistan. While speaking at a news conference in Paris, he said that actions of taking the country by force were "inconsistent" with the goal of establishing peace in the country.

"We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and were also looking very hard whether the Taliban is at all serious about peaceful resolution of the conflict," Blinken told a joint news conference with his French counterpart.

"Actions that try to take the country by force, of course, are totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," Blinken added.

The US is currently in the process of withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan bringing an end to the war that spanned two decades. However, fears of Taliban takeover have risen because of increased violence in the country.

Earlier this week, Talliban captured Afghanistan border-crossing with Tajikistan. The terrorist group has also surrounded Kunduz, a city in northern Afghanistan. The residents fear a siege by Taliban. Afghan government forces are present in the city and reinforcements have come as well. The situation remains grim.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unequivocally said on Friday that Taliban's actions are not helping establish peace in war-torn Afghanistan. While speaking at a news conference in Paris, he said that actions of taking the country by force were "inconsistent" with the goal of establishing peace in the country.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unequivocally said on Friday that Taliban's actions are not helping establish peace in war-torn Afghanistan. While speaking at a news conference in Paris, he said that actions of taking the country by force were "inconsistent" with the goal of establishing peace in the country. "We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and were also looking very hard whether the Taliban is at all serious about peaceful resolution of the conflict," Blinken told a joint news conference with his French counterpart. "Actions that try to take the country by force, of course, are totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," Blinken added. The US is currently in the process of withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan bringing an end to the war that spanned two decades. However, fears of Taliban takeover have risen because of increased violence in the country. Earlier this week, Talliban captured Afghanistan border-crossing with Tajikistan. The terrorist group has also surrounded Kunduz, a city in northern Afghanistan. The residents fear a siege by Taliban. Afghan government forces are present in the city and reinforcements have come as well. The situation remains grim. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban's actions 'inconsistent' with establishing peace in Afghanistan: Blinken

The US has ordered ban on imports of solar panel material from China based &nbsp;Hoshine Silicon Industry because of forced labour allegations.

US Commerce Department separately restricted exports to Hoshine, three other Chinese companies and the paramilitary Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), saying they were involved with the forced labor of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China will take "all necessary measures" to protect Chinese companies' rights and interests. China has dismissed accusations of genocide and forced labour in Xinjiang as lies.

Three other companies in the US blacklist include Xinjiang Daqo New Energy Co, a unit of Daqo New Energy Corp; Xinjiang East Hope Nonferrous Metals Co, a subsidiary of Shanghai-based manufacturing giant East Hope Group; and Xinjiang GCL New Energy Material Co, part of GCL New Energy Holdings Ltd.

US Commerce Department said the companies and a paramilitary force, XPCC, "have been implicated in human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of China’s campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, forced labor and high-technology surveillance against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups in" Xinjiang.

At least some of the companies listed by the Commerce Department are major manufacturers of monocrystalline silicon and polysilicon that are used in solar panel production.

Hoshine Silicon Industry said on an interactive investor platform that it backed the Chinese foreign ministry's reaction, adding that the firm does not export industrial silicon to the United States directly and the impact on its business would be limited.

Xinjiang Daqo New Energy Co responded Reuters' request for comment with an email saying the company has "zero tolerance" towards forced labour, and that it does not sell directly to U.S. companies, or purchase from the United States and there would not be "a significant impact on the company’s business."

The other companies or their parent firms did not immediately respond to requests for comment, or could not immediately be reached. XPCC could not immediately be reached for comment.

The "Withhold Release Order" by U.S. Customs and Border Protection only blocks imports of the material from Hoshine. A source familiar with the order said it does not impact the majority of U.S. imports of polysilicon and other silica-based products.

Dennis Ip, Regional Head of Power, Utilities, Renewables &amp; Environment (PURE) Research at Daiwa said in a note to clients the immediate effect of the restrictions would be limited as the companies named do not have "vast contracts" with U.S. based wafer companies, but foresaw more action to come.

"However, we see possibility for the ban to gradually extend to include restrictions on all solar modules which contain Xinjiang-produced polysilicon," he said.

Chinese module producers could still use polysilicon from Inner Mongolia and Yunnan for their U.S.-bound module shipments, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US has ordered ban on imports of solar panel material from China based Hoshine Silicon Industry because of forced labour allegations. US Commerce Department separately restricted exports to Hoshine, three other Chinese companies and the paramilitary Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), saying they were involved with the forced labor of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.

The US has ordered ban on imports of solar panel material from China based Hoshine Silicon Industry because of forced labour allegations. US Commerce Department separately restricted exports to Hoshine, three other Chinese companies and the paramilitary Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), saying they were involved with the forced labor of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China will take "all necessary measures" to protect Chinese companies' rights and interests. China has dismissed accusations of genocide and forced labour in Xinjiang as lies. Three other companies in the US blacklist include Xinjiang Daqo New Energy Co, a unit of Daqo New Energy Corp; Xinjiang East Hope Nonferrous Metals Co, a subsidiary of Shanghai-based manufacturing giant East Hope Group; and Xinjiang GCL New Energy Material Co, part of GCL New Energy Holdings Ltd. US Commerce Department said the companies and a paramilitary force, XPCC, "have been implicated in human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of China’s campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, forced labor and high-technology surveillance against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups in" Xinjiang. At least some of the companies listed by the Commerce Department are major manufacturers of monocrystalline silicon and polysilicon that are used in solar panel production. Hoshine Silicon Industry said on an interactive investor platform that it backed the Chinese foreign ministry's reaction, adding that the firm does not export industrial silicon to the United States directly and the impact on its business would be limited. Xinjiang Daqo New Energy Co responded Reuters' request for comment with an email saying the company has "zero tolerance" towards forced labour, and that it does not sell directly to U.S. companies, or purchase from the United States and there would not be "a significant impact on the company’s business." The other companies or their parent firms did not immediately respond to requests for comment, or could not immediately be reached. XPCC could not immediately be reached for comment. The "Withhold Release Order" by U.S. Customs and Border Protection only blocks imports of the material from Hoshine. A source familiar with the order said it does not impact the majority of U.S. imports of polysilicon and other silica-based products. Dennis Ip, Regional Head of Power, Utilities, Renewables & Environment (PURE) Research at Daiwa said in a note to clients the immediate effect of the restrictions would be limited as the companies named do not have "vast contracts" with U.S. based wafer companies, but foresaw more action to come. "However, we see possibility for the ban to gradually extend to include restrictions on all solar modules which contain Xinjiang-produced polysilicon," he said. Chinese module producers could still use polysilicon from Inner Mongolia and Yunnan for their U.S.-bound module shipments, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Forced labour: US bans imports of solar panel material from Chinese company

An appeals court in New York has suspended Trump ally Rudy Giuliani's law license. Giuliani will not be able to practice as a lawyer in New York. The suspension has been slapped because there was "uncontroverted evidence" that he made false statements in courts as he helped Donald Trump in his attempts to overturn US Presidential election 2020.

An Attorney Disciplinary Committee said that false statement like Giuliani's "damage the proper functioning of a free society"

The five-justice Appellate Division in Manhattan found "uncontroverted" evidence that Giuliani made "demonstrably false and misleading statements to courts, lawmakers and the public" in trying to overturn the election, which Democrat Joe Biden won.

"These false statements were made to improperly bolster (Giuliani's) narrative that due to widespread voter fraud, victory in the 2020 United States presidential election was stolen from his client," the court said. "We conclude that respondent's conduct immediately threatens the public interest and warrants interim suspension from the practice of law."

Rudy Giuliani was in former US President Donald Trump's inner circle as he challenged the legitimacy of election results without presenting evidence. In the aftermath of 2020 election results, Trump made continuous allegations that the elections were rigged. In spite of courts across the US rejecting the claims, Trump continued his conspiracy theories. The claim was eventually thrown out by Supreme Court as well.

In all this period, Rudy Giuliani continued to be important part of Trump's legal team and strategy.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

An appeals court in New York has suspended Trump ally Rudy Giuliani's law license. Giuliani will not be able to practice as a lawyer in New York. The suspension has been slapped because there was "uncontroverted evidence" that he made false statements in courts as he helped Donald Trump in his attempts to overturn US Presidential election 2020.

An appeals court in New York has suspended Trump ally Rudy Giuliani's law license. Giuliani will not be able to practice as a lawyer in New York. The suspension has been slapped because there was "uncontroverted evidence" that he made false statements in courts as he helped Donald Trump in his attempts to overturn US Presidential election 2020. An Attorney Disciplinary Committee said that false statement like Giuliani's "damage the proper functioning of a free society" The five-justice Appellate Division in Manhattan found "uncontroverted" evidence that Giuliani made "demonstrably false and misleading statements to courts, lawmakers and the public" in trying to overturn the election, which Democrat Joe Biden won. "These false statements were made to improperly bolster (Giuliani's) narrative that due to widespread voter fraud, victory in the 2020 United States presidential election was stolen from his client," the court said. "We conclude that respondent's conduct immediately threatens the public interest and warrants interim suspension from the practice of law." Rudy Giuliani was in former US President Donald Trump's inner circle as he challenged the legitimacy of election results without presenting evidence. In the aftermath of 2020 election results, Trump made continuous allegations that the elections were rigged. In spite of courts across the US rejecting the claims, Trump continued his conspiracy theories. The claim was eventually thrown out by Supreme Court as well. In all this period, Rudy Giuliani continued to be important part of Trump's legal team and strategy. (With inputs from agencies)

Staunch Trump ally Rudy Giuliani's law license suspended

Afghanistan's envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has said that India can send the "right message" to the Taliban to cut ties with international and regional terror groups. The comments come in the backdrop of unconfirmed reports of India and the Taliban engaging in parleys.&nbsp;Neither side has acknowledged this.

Speaking to &nbsp;WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay said, "should those messages be communicated to the Taliban...it would have a very positive impact on our security. "

Earlier this week, a Qatari official confirmed that Indian delegation met the Taliban in Doha. The development comes as US forces leave the country after 2 decades that many see changed the regional security situation. The Afghan envoy also dismissed reports of the Taliban toppling the Afghan government as reported in western media.&nbsp;

Wion: Reports suggest Kabul will fall, also increased violence level with Taliban gaining control in the north. Your reaction.

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: The reports which have been published don't fully describe the strength of Afghan national defense and security forces. Our forces are in full control of the country. Yes, the situation is intense in the number of districts and number of provinces but our soldiers, our police officers, our intelligence officers are doing everything they can to secure and keep our people safe. I disagree with the fact that the Taliban would be in a position to take over Afghanistan or topple our government in 6 months' time. The resilience of the Afghan security forces and the determination of the Afghan public, in general, is there to combat terrorist groups in whatever way and form they may be to keep Afghanistan free and safe.

Wion: How do you see the reports of India-Taliban talks. This is what Qatar is also confirming.

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: We can't verify that, we don't certify that there has been an engagement between the Taliban and the Indian government. Within the Taliban, the nationalist elements, who could be integrated back to Afghan society, forces and people that could be engaged, with whom we believe that talks would be fruitful. The right message, from strategic partners like India, could very helpful. The right message is to cut ties with international and regional terrorist groups. The right message could be to integrate back to Afghan society and become part of mainstream life and politics in the country and let violence go. A recent United Nations Security Council report suggests the Taliban still keeps ties with international terrorist organizations, which is something of concern to us. We would not want foreign fighters on our soil and should those messages be communicated to the Taliban, should they get those messages it would have a very positive impact on our security.&nbsp;

Wion: How do you see India-Afghanistan engagement, at a time when American troops are leaving?&nbsp;

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: New Delhi has always been a very important partner and we would want this partnership to flourish, to grow more in the years to come. The UN and NATO were here for a specific purpose, that was to combat the international terrorist groups but we are going to remain in this region forever. India's contribution has been phenomenal in every area in Afghanistan. There is a special place in the heart of every Afghan and we would want India to remain, being a key contributor to the development of Afghanistan in every area.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has said that India can send the "right message" to the Taliban to cut ties with international and regional terror groups.

Afghanistan's envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has said that India can send the "right message" to the Taliban to cut ties with international and regional terror groups. The comments come in the backdrop of unconfirmed reports of India and the Taliban engaging in parleys. Neither side has acknowledged this. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay said, "should those messages be communicated to the Taliban...it would have a very positive impact on our security. " Earlier this week, a Qatari official confirmed that Indian delegation met the Taliban in Doha. The development comes as US forces leave the country after 2 decades that many see changed the regional security situation. The Afghan envoy also dismissed reports of the Taliban toppling the Afghan government as reported in western media. Wion: Reports suggest Kabul will fall, also increased violence level with Taliban gaining control in the north. Your reaction. Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: The reports which have been published don't fully describe the strength of Afghan national defense and security forces. Our forces are in full control of the country. Yes, the situation is intense in the number of districts and number of provinces but our soldiers, our police officers, our intelligence officers are doing everything they can to secure and keep our people safe. I disagree with the fact that the Taliban would be in a position to take over Afghanistan or topple our government in 6 months' time. The resilience of the Afghan security forces and the determination of the Afghan public, in general, is there to combat terrorist groups in whatever way and form they may be to keep Afghanistan free and safe. Wion: How do you see the reports of India-Taliban talks. This is what Qatar is also confirming. Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: We can't verify that, we don't certify that there has been an engagement between the Taliban and the Indian government. Within the Taliban, the nationalist elements, who could be integrated back to Afghan society, forces and people that could be engaged, with whom we believe that talks would be fruitful. The right message, from strategic partners like India, could very helpful. The right message is to cut ties with international and regional terrorist groups. The right message could be to integrate back to Afghan society and become part of mainstream life and politics in the country and let violence go. A recent United Nations Security Council report suggests the Taliban still keeps ties with international terrorist organizations, which is something of concern to us. We would not want foreign fighters on our soil and should those messages be communicated to the Taliban, should they get those messages it would have a very positive impact on our security. Wion: How do you see India-Afghanistan engagement, at a time when American troops are leaving? Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: New Delhi has always been a very important partner and we would want this partnership to flourish, to grow more in the years to come. The UN and NATO were here for a specific purpose, that was to combat the international terrorist groups but we are going to remain in this region forever. India's contribution has been phenomenal in every area in Afghanistan. There is a special place in the heart of every Afghan and we would want India to remain, being a key contributor to the development of Afghanistan in every area.

India can send 'right message' to Taliban to cut ties with international terror groups: Afghan envoy Mamundzay

US President Joe Biden on Thursday said that closure of Hong Kong tabloid Apple Daily was a "sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong and around the world". The financial hub's pro-democracy tabloid was forced to close under Hong Kong's new national security law.

The newspaper published a defiant final edition on Thursday. In the final edition, it said it had been a "victim of tyranny" after 26 years of facing up to China's authoritarian leaders.

"It is a sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong and around the world," Biden said in a statement released by the White House.

"Intensifying repression by Beijing has reached such a level that Apple Daily, a much-needed bastion of independent journalism in Hong Kong, has now ceased publishing," he continued.

"Through arrests, threats, and forcing through a National Security Law that penalizes free speech, Beijing has insisted on wielding its power to suppress independent media and silence dissenting views."

The prosecution of Apple Daily was sparked by articles and columns that allegedly supported international sanctions against China, a view now deemed illegal under the new security law imposed on Hong Kong last year.

The sudden death of the popular newspaper is the latest blow to Hong Kong's freedoms, deepening unease over whether the international finance centre can remain a media hub as China seeks to stamp out dissent.

Praising the "invaluable role" that independent media plays in "resilient and prosperous societies," Biden called on Beijing to halt its crackdown on the media.

"Beijing must stop targeting the independent press and release the journalists and media executives that have been detained," he said.

"The act of journalism is not a crime."

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Thursday said that closure of Hong Kong tabloid Apple Daily was a "sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong and around the world". The financial hub's pro-democracy tabloid was forced to close under Hong Kong's new national security law.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday said that closure of Hong Kong tabloid Apple Daily was a "sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong and around the world". The financial hub's pro-democracy tabloid was forced to close under Hong Kong's new national security law. The newspaper published a defiant final edition on Thursday. In the final edition, it said it had been a "victim of tyranny" after 26 years of facing up to China's authoritarian leaders. "It is a sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong and around the world," Biden said in a statement released by the White House. "Intensifying repression by Beijing has reached such a level that Apple Daily, a much-needed bastion of independent journalism in Hong Kong, has now ceased publishing," he continued. "Through arrests, threats, and forcing through a National Security Law that penalizes free speech, Beijing has insisted on wielding its power to suppress independent media and silence dissenting views." The prosecution of Apple Daily was sparked by articles and columns that allegedly supported international sanctions against China, a view now deemed illegal under the new security law imposed on Hong Kong last year. The sudden death of the popular newspaper is the latest blow to Hong Kong's freedoms, deepening unease over whether the international finance centre can remain a media hub as China seeks to stamp out dissent. Praising the "invaluable role" that independent media plays in "resilient and prosperous societies," Biden called on Beijing to halt its crackdown on the media. "Beijing must stop targeting the independent press and release the journalists and media executives that have been detained," he said. "The act of journalism is not a crime." (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong tabloid Apple Daily's closure a 'sad day' for media, says Biden

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