“I just want to find 11,780 votes.”

That’s what former President Donald Trump told Georgia’s top elections official long after he had clearly lost re-election. Mr. Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 U.S. election failed. But his tactics, as Anne Applebaum recently observed in The Atlantic, have inspired anti-democratic politicians around the world. Nowhere is that more clear than in Peru.

On June 6, Peru held its most polarized presidential runoff election in 30 years. The election pitted Keiko Fujimori, a daughter of the former dictator Alberto Fujimori, against Pedro Castillo, a leftist provincial teacher and union leader. Ms. Fujimori, who leads her party, Fuerza Popular (Popular Force), has long been implicated in corrupt and authoritarian practices, and Mr. Castillo’s party, Perú Libre (Free Peru), is openly Marxist. Both candidates have dubious democratic credentials.

Ms. Fujimori framed her campaign as a fight against communism, telling voters that Mr. Castillo would convert Peru into another Venezuela — a strategy that won over many middle-class voters in Lima and other coastal cities. Meanwhile, Mr. Castillo appealed to poor voters in rural areas who felt ignored by the Lima-centered political elite and were deeply dissatisfied with the status quo.

With 100 percent of votes counted, Mr. Castillo won by a razor-thin margin of about 44,000 votes out of nearly 19 million. But Ms. Fujimori has refused to accept defeat, baselessly claiming the election was fraudulent. Peru’s electoral authorities have found no evidence of fraud, and there is no reason to doubt their independence. International observers and election experts have also concluded that the election was clean. Nevertheless, the Fujimori camp has begun what amounts to an electoral coup attempt, pushing Peru’s democracy to the brink of collapse.

Rather than find votes for herself, like Mr. Trump sought to do, Ms. Fujimori is trying to make her opponent’s votes disappear. A team of lawyers sent to hunt for irregularities in Mr. Castillo’s rural strongholds uncovered 802 election records each containing 200 to 300 votes, which they sought to have annulled based on minor technical irregularities. In total, Ms. Fujimori seeks to wipe out more than 200,000 of her rival’s votes in his strongholds based on dubious criteria not applied elsewhere in the country.

The claims are preposterous. If there were systemic fraud, it would have been uncovered on Election Day. It would have required organization and coordination, of which no evidence has been found. Peruvian polling places are patrolled by electoral and law enforcement officials, international observers and, crucially, thousands of citizens and partisan representatives who would have circulated evidence of any fraud on social media.

This hasn’t deterred Ms. Fujimori. Baseless claims of fraud have flooded social media and are ceaselessly repeated on television channels, which are overwhelmingly in her favor. Fujimori supporters are even harassing electoral authorities by organizing demonstrations outside their offices. Many are calling for the entire election to be annulled.

The strategy is clear: Ms. Fujimori has initiated a Trump-like disinformation campaign aimed at delegitimizing the election and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. In an increasingly polarized climate, these tactics could lead to violence and even military intervention.

Talk of a coup is not mere speculation. Last Thursday, hundreds of retired military officers sent a letter to leaders of Peru’s armed forces declaring without evidence the election fraudulent and demanding that the military not recognize Mr. Castillo as president.

Overturning the election would be a colossal mistake. If the candidate representing long-marginalized voters is illegitimately denied victory, it could set off widespread social protest, creating a governability crisis like those in neighboring Chile and Colombia. Under such circumstances, the only way Ms. Fujimori — or anyone else — could govern would be through repression.

Why is this happening? Ms. Fujimori’s campaign is backed by nearly the entire Lima establishment, including business leaders and major media outlets, as well as much of the middle class. These groups fear that Mr. Castillo will take Peru down a path toward Venezuela. But they also fear Mr. Castillo because he is not one of them. In a country marked by vast social, racial and regional inequality, Mr. Castillo is an outsider whose ascent, for many privileged Peruvians, feels threatening.

Some of the elite’s fears are understandable. During the 1980s, failed statist economic policies and a brutal Maoist insurgency plunged Peru into hyperinflation and terrible violence. Some of Mr. Castillo’s allies are indeed radical leftists, and his original economic program was improvised and outlandish.

But these fears are also exaggerated. Mr. Castillo is hardly a strongman. He lacks experience or a solid party base, and he is nowhere near as popular as Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez, Bolivia’s Evo Morales or other populists-turned-autocrats. His party holds only 37 of 130 seats in the new Congress, a majority of which are filled by right-of-center politicians. Mr. Castillo has few allies in the judiciary or the military, and he is opposed by a powerful business elite and much of the media. In the face of such opposition, a radical strategy would almost certainly fail.

Fear of Mr. Castillo exceeds the bounds of reason. It has transformed legitimate opponents of Mr. Castillo into dangerous opponents of democracy.

It is time to stop the insanity. Rather than sacrifice democracy on the altar of anti-leftism, Peru’s elites should use democratic politics to moderate or block Mr. Castillo’s more extreme proposals. Given Mr. Castillo’s weakness, it should not be difficult.

For his part, Mr. Castillo must recognize that he was elected not because of his radical ideas but despite them. Peruvians considered him the lesser of two evils. To govern, he must build bridges to center-left and even centrist forces. If he does not, his presidency — and Peru’s democracy — will be imperiled.

The Biden administration knows the danger of efforts to overturn a legitimate election result. For this reason, it recently praised the election as a “model for democracy in the region.” The international community should not remain silent in the face of Peru’s slow-moving coup. The world’s beleaguered democracies need our support.

“I just want to find 11,780 votes.” That’s what former President Donald Trump told Georgia’s top elections official long after he had clearly lost re-election. Mr.

“I just want to find 11,780 votes.” That’s what former President Donald Trump told Georgia’s top elections official long after he had clearly lost re-election. Mr. Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 U.S. election failed. But his tactics, as Anne Applebaum recently observed in The Atlantic, have inspired anti-democratic politicians around the world. Nowhere is that more clear than in Peru. On June 6, Peru held its most polarized presidential runoff election in 30 years. The election pitted Keiko Fujimori, a daughter of the former dictator Alberto Fujimori, against Pedro Castillo, a leftist provincial teacher and union leader. Ms. Fujimori, who leads her party, Fuerza Popular (Popular Force), has long been implicated in corrupt and authoritarian practices, and Mr. Castillo’s party, Perú Libre (Free Peru), is openly Marxist. Both candidates have dubious democratic credentials. Ms. Fujimori framed her campaign as a fight against communism, telling voters that Mr. Castillo would convert Peru into another Venezuela — a strategy that won over many middle-class voters in Lima and other coastal cities. Meanwhile, Mr. Castillo appealed to poor voters in rural areas who felt ignored by the Lima-centered political elite and were deeply dissatisfied with the status quo. With 100 percent of votes counted, Mr. Castillo won by a razor-thin margin of about 44,000 votes out of nearly 19 million. But Ms. Fujimori has refused to accept defeat, baselessly claiming the election was fraudulent. Peru’s electoral authorities have found no evidence of fraud, and there is no reason to doubt their independence. International observers and election experts have also concluded that the election was clean. Nevertheless, the Fujimori camp has begun what amounts to an electoral coup attempt, pushing Peru’s democracy to the brink of collapse. Rather than find votes for herself, like Mr. Trump sought to do, Ms. Fujimori is trying to make her opponent’s votes disappear. A team of lawyers sent to hunt for irregularities in Mr. Castillo’s rural strongholds uncovered 802 election records each containing 200 to 300 votes, which they sought to have annulled based on minor technical irregularities. In total, Ms. Fujimori seeks to wipe out more than 200,000 of her rival’s votes in his strongholds based on dubious criteria not applied elsewhere in the country. The claims are preposterous. If there were systemic fraud, it would have been uncovered on Election Day. It would have required organization and coordination, of which no evidence has been found. Peruvian polling places are patrolled by electoral and law enforcement officials, international observers and, crucially, thousands of citizens and partisan representatives who would have circulated evidence of any fraud on social media. This hasn’t deterred Ms. Fujimori. Baseless claims of fraud have flooded social media and are ceaselessly repeated on television channels, which are overwhelmingly in her favor. Fujimori supporters are even harassing electoral authorities by organizing demonstrations outside their offices. Many are calling for the entire election to be annulled. The strategy is clear: Ms. Fujimori has initiated a Trump-like disinformation campaign aimed at delegitimizing the election and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. In an increasingly polarized climate, these tactics could lead to violence and even military intervention. Talk of a coup is not mere speculation. Last Thursday, hundreds of retired military officers sent a letter to leaders of Peru’s armed forces declaring without evidence the election fraudulent and demanding that the military not recognize Mr. Castillo as president. Overturning the election would be a colossal mistake. If the candidate representing long-marginalized voters is illegitimately denied victory, it could set off widespread social protest, creating a governability crisis like those in neighboring Chile and Colombia. Under such circumstances, the only way Ms. Fujimori — or anyone else — could govern would be through repression. Why is this happening? Ms. Fujimori’s campaign is backed by nearly the entire Lima establishment, including business leaders and major media outlets, as well as much of the middle class. These groups fear that Mr. Castillo will take Peru down a path toward Venezuela. But they also fear Mr. Castillo because he is not one of them. In a country marked by vast social, racial and regional inequality, Mr. Castillo is an outsider whose ascent, for many privileged Peruvians, feels threatening. Some of the elite’s fears are understandable. During the 1980s, failed statist economic policies and a brutal Maoist insurgency plunged Peru into hyperinflation and terrible violence. Some of Mr. Castillo’s allies are indeed radical leftists, and his original economic program was improvised and outlandish. But these fears are also exaggerated. Mr. Castillo is hardly a strongman. He lacks experience or a solid party base, and he is nowhere near as popular as Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez, Bolivia’s Evo Morales or other populists-turned-autocrats. His party holds only 37 of 130 seats in the new Congress, a majority of which are filled by right-of-center politicians. Mr. Castillo has few allies in the judiciary or the military, and he is opposed by a powerful business elite and much of the media. In the face of such opposition, a radical strategy would almost certainly fail. Fear of Mr. Castillo exceeds the bounds of reason. It has transformed legitimate opponents of Mr. Castillo into dangerous opponents of democracy. It is time to stop the insanity. Rather than sacrifice democracy on the altar of anti-leftism, Peru’s elites should use democratic politics to moderate or block Mr. Castillo’s more extreme proposals. Given Mr. Castillo’s weakness, it should not be difficult. For his part, Mr. Castillo must recognize that he was elected not because of his radical ideas but despite them. Peruvians considered him the lesser of two evils. To govern, he must build bridges to center-left and even centrist forces. If he does not, his presidency — and Peru’s democracy — will be imperiled. The Biden administration knows the danger of efforts to overturn a legitimate election result. For this reason, it recently praised the election as a “model for democracy in the region.” The international community should not remain silent in the face of Peru’s slow-moving coup. The world’s beleaguered democracies need our support.

Trumpian tactics threaten to undo democracy in Peru

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions.&nbsp;

"Arrived back in Moscow today," Ambassador John Sullivan said in a statement, several days after Russia's envoy to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, resumed his own posting, saying he hoped to build "equal and pragmatic ties".&nbsp;

Sullivan said he was ready to work with Russia "on our goal of a stable and predictable relationship between our countries."

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said that both, Russia and the US had agreed for the respective ambassadors to return to their posts. Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden and Putin held summit talks in Geneva.

In March, Russia had recalled Antonov and recommended the United States bring back Sullivan for consultations after Biden agreed with a description of Putin as a "killer".

Sullivan departed Moscow for Washington the next month, as the US and Russia announced a series of tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats.

Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down after Biden took office and accused the Kremlin of interfering in US elections and launching cyberattacks.

In May, Russia formally designated the United States an "unfriendly" state, barring its embassy from employing Russian nationals. The only other country on that list is the Czech Republic.

(With agency inputs)

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions.

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions. "Arrived back in Moscow today," Ambassador John Sullivan said in a statement, several days after Russia's envoy to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, resumed his own posting, saying he hoped to build "equal and pragmatic ties". Sullivan said he was ready to work with Russia "on our goal of a stable and predictable relationship between our countries." Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said that both, Russia and the US had agreed for the respective ambassadors to return to their posts. Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden and Putin held summit talks in Geneva. In March, Russia had recalled Antonov and recommended the United States bring back Sullivan for consultations after Biden agreed with a description of Putin as a "killer". Sullivan departed Moscow for Washington the next month, as the US and Russia announced a series of tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats. Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down after Biden took office and accused the Kremlin of interfering in US elections and launching cyberattacks. In May, Russia formally designated the United States an "unfriendly" state, barring its embassy from employing Russian nationals. The only other country on that list is the Czech Republic. (With agency inputs)

US envoy to Russia returns to Moscow

There was fear in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz as residents prepared for a siege by Taliban. The insurgents have surrounded Kunduz. Government forces are patrolling the streets.

Taliban have held Kunduz twice in recent years. The occupation was brief both times. This time, Taliban have captured the surrounding districts and main border crossing with Tajikistan.

"The Taliban have besieged our city," said Qudratullah, a fruit seller who has done hardly any business since fighting first erupted in Kunduz province two weeks ago.

"Even today there is sporadic fighting on the outskirts of the city," said Qudratullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name.

"If the government does not launch an operation against the Taliban, their siege will continue for a long time."

Most businesses in Kunduz remained shut and vehicles stayed off the roads, an AFP correspondent who toured the city reported.

New government forces were deployed in the city and dozens of military vehicles patrolled the streets. The population of the city has swelled due to an influx of rural residents fleeing fighting in the districts

Troops were seen firing sporadically at Taliban positions, and the bodies of two insurgents lay on the ground on the eastern edge of Kunduz.

The city's public health director told AFP that since the fighting erupted a week ago, 21 civilians have been killed and 225 wounded.

Residents said they were suffering from water and power cuts, and few shops were open.

Kunduz resident Hasib said he feared the Taliban would soon launch a major offensive on the city.

"We don't feel safe... We have seen the Taliban capture the city twice before, and we do not want the city to fall again to them," he said.

"The government forces should break the Taliban siege, if not the Taliban will continue their offensives... and their siege will continue forever."

Fighting has raged across Kunduz province for days, with the Taliban and Afghan forces engaged in bloody battles.

On Tuesday the insurgents captured Shir Khan Bandar, Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan, in one of their most significant gains in recent months.

(With inputs from agencies)

There was fear in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz as residents prepared for a siege by Taliban. The insurgents have surrounded Kunduz. Government forces are patrolling the streets.

There was fear in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz as residents prepared for a siege by Taliban. The insurgents have surrounded Kunduz. Government forces are patrolling the streets. Taliban have held Kunduz twice in recent years. The occupation was brief both times. This time, Taliban have captured the surrounding districts and main border crossing with Tajikistan. "The Taliban have besieged our city," said Qudratullah, a fruit seller who has done hardly any business since fighting first erupted in Kunduz province two weeks ago. "Even today there is sporadic fighting on the outskirts of the city," said Qudratullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name. "If the government does not launch an operation against the Taliban, their siege will continue for a long time." Most businesses in Kunduz remained shut and vehicles stayed off the roads, an AFP correspondent who toured the city reported. New government forces were deployed in the city and dozens of military vehicles patrolled the streets. The population of the city has swelled due to an influx of rural residents fleeing fighting in the districts Troops were seen firing sporadically at Taliban positions, and the bodies of two insurgents lay on the ground on the eastern edge of Kunduz. The city's public health director told AFP that since the fighting erupted a week ago, 21 civilians have been killed and 225 wounded. Residents said they were suffering from water and power cuts, and few shops were open. Kunduz resident Hasib said he feared the Taliban would soon launch a major offensive on the city. "We don't feel safe... We have seen the Taliban capture the city twice before, and we do not want the city to fall again to them," he said. "The government forces should break the Taliban siege, if not the Taliban will continue their offensives... and their siege will continue forever." Fighting has raged across Kunduz province for days, with the Taliban and Afghan forces engaged in bloody battles. On Tuesday the insurgents captured Shir Khan Bandar, Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan, in one of their most significant gains in recent months. (With inputs from agencies)

Fear in northern Afghan city as Taliban lay siege

Pakistani security agencies on Thursday arrested two suspects believed to have been involved in car bomb blast outside terrorist Hafiz Saeed's house. Hafiz Saeed is the mastermind of 2008 Mumbai terror attack and chief of banned terrorist group Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

Pakistan's Crime Investigation Department has arrested two suspects. On of the arrested is a Christian. The person had a connection with the sale and purchase of the car used for that. PTI stated this quoting a CTD official.

The official did not disclose the identity of the suspects. However, the Associated Press named one of the arrested as David Peter.

Pakistan's Geo TV has reported intelligence agencies have arrested the second man from Lahore airport. The news report quoted police officials to say that the man was asked to get off a Karachi-bound plane just a few minutes before take-off.

He was taken to an undisclosed location for further investigation, the report said.

"We are getting a lead from the arrested persons to the main culprits," the CTD official said, adding that different teams have been formed to probe the matter.

The arrests came after the security agencies conducted raids across different cities of Punjab in connection with the blast.

An FIR has been registered against 'unknown terrorists' under terrorism and other charges, said police.

Three persons were killed and 21 others injured when the powerful car bomb exploded outside Saeed's residence at the Board of Revenue (BOR) Housing Society in Johar Town on Wednesday morning, resulting in serious injuries to some police officers guarding his house. The windows and walls of Saeed's house were damaged from the impact of the blast.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Pakistani security agencies on Thursday arrested two suspects believed to have been involved in car bomb blast outside terrorist Hafiz Saeed's house. Hafiz Saeed is the mastermind of 2008 Mumbai terror attack and chief of banned terrorist group Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

Pakistani security agencies on Thursday arrested two suspects believed to have been involved in car bomb blast outside terrorist Hafiz Saeed's house. Hafiz Saeed is the mastermind of 2008 Mumbai terror attack and chief of banned terrorist group Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD). Pakistan's Crime Investigation Department has arrested two suspects. On of the arrested is a Christian. The person had a connection with the sale and purchase of the car used for that. PTI stated this quoting a CTD official. The official did not disclose the identity of the suspects. However, the Associated Press named one of the arrested as David Peter. Pakistan's Geo TV has reported intelligence agencies have arrested the second man from Lahore airport. The news report quoted police officials to say that the man was asked to get off a Karachi-bound plane just a few minutes before take-off. He was taken to an undisclosed location for further investigation, the report said. "We are getting a lead from the arrested persons to the main culprits," the CTD official said, adding that different teams have been formed to probe the matter. The arrests came after the security agencies conducted raids across different cities of Punjab in connection with the blast. An FIR has been registered against 'unknown terrorists' under terrorism and other charges, said police. Three persons were killed and 21 others injured when the powerful car bomb exploded outside Saeed's residence at the Board of Revenue (BOR) Housing Society in Johar Town on Wednesday morning, resulting in serious injuries to some police officers guarding his house. The windows and walls of Saeed's house were damaged from the impact of the blast. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Pakistan: 2 suspects arrested over blast outside terrorist Hafiz Saeed's house

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has proposed an "action plan" against Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) NSAs meet on Wednesday.

The action to be taken on these terror groups has been proposed under SCO framework.

LeT and JeM has been responsible for many terror attacks in India, especially in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. JeM, created with the support of Pakistan spy agency, was responsible for the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Indian soldiers died.

During the meet, which was also attended by Pakistan NSA Moeed Yusuf, Indian side also called for full implementation of UN resolutions and targetted sanctions against UN-designated terrorist individuals and entities.

Pakistan hosts one of the largest number of UN listed international terrorists. It has been seen to have been lax on efforts to bring them to book, so much so that Islamabad even applied for 'pensions' for listed terrorist like Hafiz Saeed. Saeed is the founder of LeT.

During the in-person meet in Tajik Capital Dushanbe, Indian NSA "strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations", sources said, pointing out that "perpetrators of terrorism including cross-border terror attacks should be expeditiously brought to justice."

More than a decade after the 26/11 terror attacks, Pakistan still has to act the perpetrators who are inside the country.

Interestingly, India also emphasised on adoption of international standards to counter terror financing including an MOU between SCO and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It is an anti-terror-financing body.&nbsp;

The NSA underlined that in order to effectively combat terrorism, we need to monitor new technologies used by terrorists. This included use of drones and misuse of dark web, artificial intelligence, blockchain and social media.

During the meet, he highlighted connectivity projects like Chahbahar, INSTC, regional air corridors which are leading to "economic gains and building trust" but pointed out that "connectivity must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity".&nbsp;

China's mega infrastructure programme China Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. This has been a cause of concern for New Delhi, which has consistently raised matter with Beijing.

On Afghanistan, Doval called the need to preserve gains made in last two decades in Afghanistan and give top priority to welfare of its people &amp; extended full support to SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, "which should be more active."

At the SCO meet, Doval had over 2 hours long meeting with Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev during which issues of mutual interest were discussed.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has proposed an "action plan" against Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) NSAs meet on Wednesday.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has proposed an "action plan" against Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) NSAs meet on Wednesday. The action to be taken on these terror groups has been proposed under SCO framework. LeT and JeM has been responsible for many terror attacks in India, especially in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. JeM, created with the support of Pakistan spy agency, was responsible for the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Indian soldiers died. During the meet, which was also attended by Pakistan NSA Moeed Yusuf, Indian side also called for full implementation of UN resolutions and targetted sanctions against UN-designated terrorist individuals and entities. Pakistan hosts one of the largest number of UN listed international terrorists. It has been seen to have been lax on efforts to bring them to book, so much so that Islamabad even applied for 'pensions' for listed terrorist like Hafiz Saeed. Saeed is the founder of LeT. During the in-person meet in Tajik Capital Dushanbe, Indian NSA "strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations", sources said, pointing out that "perpetrators of terrorism including cross-border terror attacks should be expeditiously brought to justice." More than a decade after the 26/11 terror attacks, Pakistan still has to act the perpetrators who are inside the country. Interestingly, India also emphasised on adoption of international standards to counter terror financing including an MOU between SCO and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It is an anti-terror-financing body. The NSA underlined that in order to effectively combat terrorism, we need to monitor new technologies used by terrorists. This included use of drones and misuse of dark web, artificial intelligence, blockchain and social media. During the meet, he highlighted connectivity projects like Chahbahar, INSTC, regional air corridors which are leading to "economic gains and building trust" but pointed out that "connectivity must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity". China's mega infrastructure programme China Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. This has been a cause of concern for New Delhi, which has consistently raised matter with Beijing. On Afghanistan, Doval called the need to preserve gains made in last two decades in Afghanistan and give top priority to welfare of its people & extended full support to SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, "which should be more active." At the SCO meet, Doval had over 2 hours long meeting with Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev during which issues of mutual interest were discussed.

NSA Ajit Doval proposes action against Pakistan terror groups at SCO meet

As part of its drive to tackle obesity Britain will ban junk food advertisements on TV during the day and on the internet. The new rules will come into force at the end of next year.&nbsp;

The rules have been designed to change current trend where one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese. However, some media groups have given angry reactions against the new rules.&nbsp;

As per the plan adverts for foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar will be banned from appearing on television or UK on-demand programming before 2100 hours. The advertisements will also be banned from paid-for slots online

The restrictions will apply to all businesses with 250 or more employees. This is aimed at protecting smaller companies that can only afford to advertise online

"The content youngsters see can have an impact on the choices they make and habits they form," Public Health Minister Jo Churchill said on Thursday.

"With children spending more time online it is vital we act to protect them from unhealthy advertising."

The government cited an analysis that showed that about half of all TV food ads shown in a month in 2019 were for unhealthy food A sugar tax introduced in 2018 prompted some drink manufacturers to cut their sugar levels.

The News and Media Association said it was very disappointed with the decision because it was not clear a link had been found between advertising exposure and childhood obesity.

"Instead of tackling the problem of childhood obesity, this draconian measure will harm news media publishers who rely on advertising revenue to fund the journalism which keeps us all informed," the NMA's Sayra Tekin said.

Shares in Britain's biggest commercial broadcaster ITV (ITV.L) were down less than 1% while newspaper group Reach fell 1.5% and Daily Mail &amp; General Trust (DMGOa.L) fell 2%

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

As part of its drive to tackle obesity Britain will ban junk food advertisements on TV during the day and on the internet. The new rules will come into force at the end of next year.

As part of its drive to tackle obesity Britain will ban junk food advertisements on TV during the day and on the internet. The new rules will come into force at the end of next year. The rules have been designed to change current trend where one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese. However, some media groups have given angry reactions against the new rules. As per the plan adverts for foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar will be banned from appearing on television or UK on-demand programming before 2100 hours. The advertisements will also be banned from paid-for slots online The restrictions will apply to all businesses with 250 or more employees. This is aimed at protecting smaller companies that can only afford to advertise online "The content youngsters see can have an impact on the choices they make and habits they form," Public Health Minister Jo Churchill said on Thursday. "With children spending more time online it is vital we act to protect them from unhealthy advertising." The government cited an analysis that showed that about half of all TV food ads shown in a month in 2019 were for unhealthy food A sugar tax introduced in 2018 prompted some drink manufacturers to cut their sugar levels. The News and Media Association said it was very disappointed with the decision because it was not clear a link had been found between advertising exposure and childhood obesity. "Instead of tackling the problem of childhood obesity, this draconian measure will harm news media publishers who rely on advertising revenue to fund the journalism which keeps us all informed," the NMA's Sayra Tekin said. Shares in Britain's biggest commercial broadcaster ITV (ITV.L) were down less than 1% while newspaper group Reach fell 1.5% and Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGOa.L) fell 2% (With inputs from agencies)

UK to ban junk food ads on TV during the day

Several Western countries voiced alarm at UN over human rights violations in Eritrea focussing on alleged abuses by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia's Tigray region.

The new UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Eritrea, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, painted a bleak picture in his first report to the council, and his concerns were echoed by a long line of national representatives.

He said that there was no sign of improvement to the country's rights situation. He pointed at arbitrary and incommunicado detention, inhumane prison conditions, lack of basic freedoms, and indefinite military service, where conscripts are subjected to forced labour and sexual violence.

And with Eritrea's incursion into neighbouring Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, it had extended its long-criticised abuses "extra-territorially", Babikar said.

Eritrea, an impoverished country in the Horn of Africa, is one of the world's most repressive states, according to rights groups, despite a surprise 2018 peace deal with longtime foe Ethiopia.

The rapprochement ended a two-decade war, but also paved the way for the Eritrean military to join in when the&nbsp; 
Ethiopian government last November sent troops into Tigray to detain and disarm leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's former ruling party and bitter enemy of Eritrea.

Eritrean troops stand accused of massacring civilians and forcing &nbsp;Eritrean refugees back across the border, according to rights groups.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several Western countries voiced alarm at UN over human rights violations in Eritrea focussing on alleged abuses by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The new UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Eritrea, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, painted a bleak picture in his first report to the council, and his concerns were echoed by a long line of national representatives.

Several Western countries voiced alarm at UN over human rights violations in Eritrea focussing on alleged abuses by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The new UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Eritrea, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, painted a bleak picture in his first report to the council, and his concerns were echoed by a long line of national representatives. He said that there was no sign of improvement to the country's rights situation. He pointed at arbitrary and incommunicado detention, inhumane prison conditions, lack of basic freedoms, and indefinite military service, where conscripts are subjected to forced labour and sexual violence. And with Eritrea's incursion into neighbouring Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, it had extended its long-criticised abuses "extra-territorially", Babikar said. Eritrea, an impoverished country in the Horn of Africa, is one of the world's most repressive states, according to rights groups, despite a surprise 2018 peace deal with longtime foe Ethiopia. The rapprochement ended a two-decade war, but also paved the way for the Eritrean military to join in when the Ethiopian government last November sent troops into Tigray to detain and disarm leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's former ruling party and bitter enemy of Eritrea. Eritrean troops stand accused of massacring civilians and forcing Eritrean refugees back across the border, according to rights groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Eritrea condemned at UN over Tigray abuses

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Mondat registered decisive victory in parliamentary elections. He secured a victory in spite of the anger over Armenia's defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh region with Azerbaijan.

His Civil Contract party bagged nearly 54 per cent votes overcoming anger at his handling of the devastating fight for control of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region to secure a strong majority.&nbsp;

"The people of Armenia gave our Civil Contract party a mandate to lead the country and personally to me to lead the country as prime minister," Pashinyan, 46, said in the early hours of Monday after preliminary results were announced.

He urged supporters to flood the main square in the capital Yerevan for an evening rally to celebrate the victory.

When Pashinyan announced snap polls earlier this year, it was viewed by many as a gamble. Protests against his rule were coming to a head

Those rallies and calls from the opposition for Pashinyan's resignation began last November when he signed an unpopular peace deal mediated by Moscow to end fighting with Armenia's long-standing enemy Azerbaijan.

Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a six-week war last year which claimed 6,500 lives. Armenia had to hand over swathes of territory to Azerbaijan.

On Monday morning, the prime minister visited a military cemetery and laid flowers at the graves of soldiers. 
Sunday's vote was seen as a two-horse race between Pashinyan and his main rival Robert Kocharyan, who led Armenia between 1998 and 2008 and is seen as close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

'An honest leader'

Analysts said many Armenians had cast their ballots for the prime minister because they dreaded the return of old elites, a sentiment echoed on the streets of Yerevan.

"People want to have an honest leader who does not steal and is not an oligarch," said Ruben Kazaryan, a 60-year-old IT worker.&nbsp;

In the wake of the polls, Kocharyan, whose alliance received 21 percent of the vote, alleged foul play. 
"Hundreds of signals from polling stations testifying to organised and planned falsifications serve as a serious reason for lack of trust" in the results, Kocharyan's Armenia Alliance said in a statement.

The alliance said it would not recognise results until "violations" were studied.

However election observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe praised the polls as "competitive and well-run" and said that vote counting was "highly transparent."

"The fundamental freedoms key to democratic elections were generally respected," OSCE monitors said in a statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Mondat registered decisive victory in parliamentary elections. He secured a victory in spite of the anger over Armenia's defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh region with Azerbaijan.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Mondat registered decisive victory in parliamentary elections. He secured a victory in spite of the anger over Armenia's defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh region with Azerbaijan. His Civil Contract party bagged nearly 54 per cent votes overcoming anger at his handling of the devastating fight for control of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region to secure a strong majority. "The people of Armenia gave our Civil Contract party a mandate to lead the country and personally to me to lead the country as prime minister," Pashinyan, 46, said in the early hours of Monday after preliminary results were announced. He urged supporters to flood the main square in the capital Yerevan for an evening rally to celebrate the victory. When Pashinyan announced snap polls earlier this year, it was viewed by many as a gamble. Protests against his rule were coming to a head Those rallies and calls from the opposition for Pashinyan's resignation began last November when he signed an unpopular peace deal mediated by Moscow to end fighting with Armenia's long-standing enemy Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a six-week war last year which claimed 6,500 lives. Armenia had to hand over swathes of territory to Azerbaijan. On Monday morning, the prime minister visited a military cemetery and laid flowers at the graves of soldiers. Sunday's vote was seen as a two-horse race between Pashinyan and his main rival Robert Kocharyan, who led Armenia between 1998 and 2008 and is seen as close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'An honest leader' Analysts said many Armenians had cast their ballots for the prime minister because they dreaded the return of old elites, a sentiment echoed on the streets of Yerevan. "People want to have an honest leader who does not steal and is not an oligarch," said Ruben Kazaryan, a 60-year-old IT worker. In the wake of the polls, Kocharyan, whose alliance received 21 percent of the vote, alleged foul play. "Hundreds of signals from polling stations testifying to organised and planned falsifications serve as a serious reason for lack of trust" in the results, Kocharyan's Armenia Alliance said in a statement. The alliance said it would not recognise results until "violations" were studied. However election observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe praised the polls as "competitive and well-run" and said that vote counting was "highly transparent." "The fundamental freedoms key to democratic elections were generally respected," OSCE monitors said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Armenia PM wins snap election despite Nagorno-Karabakh defeat anger

Claiming that yoga originated in Nepal and not in India, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday said that much before the existence of India as a nation, yoga was and has been practiced in the Himalayan nation.

The prime minister was speaking at an event held at his residence Baluwatar on the occasion of International Yoga Day.&nbsp;

“Yoga originated in Nepal and not in India. There was no existence of India when Yoga started. There was no country like India because there were several fringe states when yoga came into practice in Nepal,” Oli said in his address.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Oli said Nepal could not take the practice of yoga across the globe due to which there was no international recognition.&nbsp;

“Many famous sages and Maharishis such as Patanjali, Kapilmuni, and Charaka were born in Nepal. They studied and practice here itself,” he added.&nbsp;

Oli said yoga got international recognition after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed to the UN to celebrate International Yoga Day.&nbsp;

International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on June 21 since 2015, following its inception by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.

Prime Minister Modi, in his UN address, had suggested the date of 21 June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.

Meanwhile, Embassy of India in Kathmandu had earlier organised virtual seventh International Day of Yoga, as part of its ongoing celebration of India@75 'Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. 
&nbsp;

Claiming that yoga originated in Nepal and not in India, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday said that much before the existence of India as a nation, yoga was and has been practiced in the Himalayan nation.

Claiming that yoga originated in Nepal and not in India, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday said that much before the existence of India as a nation, yoga was and has been practiced in the Himalayan nation. The prime minister was speaking at an event held at his residence Baluwatar on the occasion of International Yoga Day. “Yoga originated in Nepal and not in India. There was no existence of India when Yoga started. There was no country like India because there were several fringe states when yoga came into practice in Nepal,” Oli said in his address. Prime Minister Oli said Nepal could not take the practice of yoga across the globe due to which there was no international recognition. “Many famous sages and Maharishis such as Patanjali, Kapilmuni, and Charaka were born in Nepal. They studied and practice here itself,” he added. Oli said yoga got international recognition after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed to the UN to celebrate International Yoga Day. International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on June 21 since 2015, following its inception by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Prime Minister Modi, in his UN address, had suggested the date of 21 June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world. Meanwhile, Embassy of India in Kathmandu had earlier organised virtual seventh International Day of Yoga, as part of its ongoing celebration of India@75 'Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Nepal PM Oli claims yoga did not originate in India

Iran's President-elect Ebrahim Raisi on Monday ruled out meeting US President Joe Biden over revival of 2015 Iran nuclear deal.&nbsp;He was speaking at his first press conference after getting elected as President of Iran.

"No," said Raisi to a question from American media on whether he would meet Biden in the event that these talks lead to the US lifting sanctions on Iran, and in order to "fix" the problems between the arch-enemies.

Duiring the press conference, Raisi said on Monday that his government will not allow negotiations for the sake of negotiations aimed at reviving 2015 nuclear deal.

"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, adding that his election on Friday followed a "massive" voter turnout.

The talks in Vienna to revive the nuclear deal have been adjourned. They were adjourned on June 20. Chief of Iran's delegation said on Sunday that the talks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-nuclear-talks-to-be-adjourned-for-consultations-in-capital-392761">have been adjourned</a> for respective delegations to have consultations in respective capitals.

No date has been decided to resume the talks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disagreements-remain-in-iran-nuclear-talks-says-us-392784">Disagreements remain in Iran nuclear talks, says US</a>

Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by P5+1 powers in 2015. But former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took USA out of the agreement and reimposed sanctions that crippled Iran economy.

Have 'always' defended human rights

Raisi said that he had always defended human rights.

"All that I have done through my years of service has always been towards defending human rights," said Raisi, who is Iran's outgoing judiciary chief, while accusing the west of violating human rights.

Raisi faces allegations of executions, torture and other abuses from the US and western organisations.

'No obstacles' to restoring ties with Saudi Arabia

"There are no obstacles from Iran's side to re-opening embassies... there are no obstacles to ties with Saudi Arabia," he said, as talks are underway to discuss a thaw in relations between the two countries who have had no diplomatic ties since 2016.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's President-elect Ebrahim Raisi on Monday ruled out meeting US President Joe Biden over revival of 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He was speaking at his first press conference after getting elected as President of Iran.

Iran's President-elect Ebrahim Raisi on Monday ruled out meeting US President Joe Biden over revival of 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He was speaking at his first press conference after getting elected as President of Iran. "No," said Raisi to a question from American media on whether he would meet Biden in the event that these talks lead to the US lifting sanctions on Iran, and in order to "fix" the problems between the arch-enemies. Duiring the press conference, Raisi said on Monday that his government will not allow negotiations for the sake of negotiations aimed at reviving 2015 nuclear deal. "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, adding that his election on Friday followed a "massive" voter turnout. The talks in Vienna to revive the nuclear deal have been adjourned. They were adjourned on June 20. Chief of Iran's delegation said on Sunday that the talks have been adjourned for respective delegations to have consultations in respective capitals. No date has been decided to resume the talks. Also Read | Disagreements remain in Iran nuclear talks, says US Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by P5+1 powers in 2015. But former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took USA out of the agreement and reimposed sanctions that crippled Iran economy. Have 'always' defended human rights Raisi said that he had always defended human rights. "All that I have done through my years of service has always been towards defending human rights," said Raisi, who is Iran's outgoing judiciary chief, while accusing the west of violating human rights. Raisi faces allegations of executions, torture and other abuses from the US and western organisations. 'No obstacles' to restoring ties with Saudi Arabia "There are no obstacles from Iran's side to re-opening embassies... there are no obstacles to ties with Saudi Arabia," he said, as talks are underway to discuss a thaw in relations between the two countries who have had no diplomatic ties since 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran President-elect Raisi says 'no' to meeting Joe Biden

Britain on Monday added three Myamar entities to its sanctions list. Pearl and timber firms and `State Administration Council` are the two entities. The former is state-owned while that latter runs functions of the state. Notice about the sanctions has been posted on British givernemnt website.

Britain said there were reasonable grounds to believe the two state-owned enterprises provided funds to the military junta, and said the State Administration Council was responsible for, or had supported, the undermining of democracy in Myanmar.

Britain, the US and other Western states have imposed several sanctions in waves. This has been done in an effort to increase pressure on the military junta.

The military junta toppled the civilian government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1.

“Alongside our allies, we are placing sanctions on companies linked to Myanmar’s military junta, targeting the finances of this illegitimate regime," foreign minister Dominic Raab said.

“The military has continued its subversion of democracy and brutal killing of civilians. We will continue to hold the Junta to account and sanction those responsible, until democracy is restored.”

The junta`s allegations of irregularities in a November election were rejected by the electoral commission. 
Britain also strengthened its advice to businesses, stressing that they must "undertake enhanced supply chain due diligence and should not enter into trading relationships that benefit the Myanmar military."

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain on Monday added three Myamar entities to its sanctions list. Pearl and timber firms and `State Administration Council` are the two entities. The former is state-owned while that latter runs functions of the state.

Britain on Monday added three Myamar entities to its sanctions list. Pearl and timber firms and `State Administration Council` are the two entities. The former is state-owned while that latter runs functions of the state. Notice about the sanctions has been posted on British givernemnt website. Britain said there were reasonable grounds to believe the two state-owned enterprises provided funds to the military junta, and said the State Administration Council was responsible for, or had supported, the undermining of democracy in Myanmar. Britain, the US and other Western states have imposed several sanctions in waves. This has been done in an effort to increase pressure on the military junta. The military junta toppled the civilian government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1. “Alongside our allies, we are placing sanctions on companies linked to Myanmar’s military junta, targeting the finances of this illegitimate regime," foreign minister Dominic Raab said. “The military has continued its subversion of democracy and brutal killing of civilians. We will continue to hold the Junta to account and sanction those responsible, until democracy is restored.” The junta`s allegations of irregularities in a November election were rejected by the electoral commission. Britain also strengthened its advice to businesses, stressing that they must "undertake enhanced supply chain due diligence and should not enter into trading relationships that benefit the Myanmar military." (With inputs from agencies)

Britain tightens sanctions on Myanmar military junta

Taiwan on Monday criticised Hong Kong over escalating row over Chines claims on Taiwan, prompting it to pull out officials from representative office in the city.

Taiwanese staff working at the island's representative office in Hong Kong started leaving the former British colony on Sunday, after Hong Kong's government demanded that the Taiwan officials sign a document supporting Beijing's "one China" claim to Taiwan.

"Their purpose obviously was to diminish our national dignity and to force our staff to bow to the Beijing authorities," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council head Chiu Tai-san told reporters.

He said following the "unreasonable" request from Hong Kong's government, Taiwan could no longer send officials to the financial hub and had to withdraw staff whose work visas were about to expire.

"Our government stands firm in guarding national dignity and lodges stern condemnation and a warning to the Chinese Communist Party and Hong Kong government," he said.

In a statement to Reuters, Hong Kong government said that Taiwan was "confusing right and wrong".

"The Special Administrative Region's government must emphasise that Hong Kong and Taiwan belong to one China," it added.

Reuters mentioned a senior Taiwan official to say that Hong Kong government had demanded Taiwan officials who refused to sign the document leave the city by June 21.

Hong Kong, formerly a British colony was handed back to China in 1997 under "One country, two systems" formula. It was believed that such a formula would preserve city's freedoms and its role as international financial hub.

China considers Taiwan its own territory and has offered the island the same "one country two systems" model, under Chinese sovereignty.

No major Taiwanese political parties support the idea.

Hong Kong has become another source of tension between Taipei and Beijing, especially after Taiwan lambasted a new security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong and began welcoming Hong Kong people to settle on the democratic island.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan on Monday criticised Hong Kong over escalating row over Chines claims on Taiwan, prompting it to pull out officials from representative office in the city.

Taiwan on Monday criticised Hong Kong over escalating row over Chines claims on Taiwan, prompting it to pull out officials from representative office in the city. Taiwanese staff working at the island's representative office in Hong Kong started leaving the former British colony on Sunday, after Hong Kong's government demanded that the Taiwan officials sign a document supporting Beijing's "one China" claim to Taiwan. "Their purpose obviously was to diminish our national dignity and to force our staff to bow to the Beijing authorities," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council head Chiu Tai-san told reporters. He said following the "unreasonable" request from Hong Kong's government, Taiwan could no longer send officials to the financial hub and had to withdraw staff whose work visas were about to expire. "Our government stands firm in guarding national dignity and lodges stern condemnation and a warning to the Chinese Communist Party and Hong Kong government," he said. In a statement to Reuters, Hong Kong government said that Taiwan was "confusing right and wrong". "The Special Administrative Region's government must emphasise that Hong Kong and Taiwan belong to one China," it added. Reuters mentioned a senior Taiwan official to say that Hong Kong government had demanded Taiwan officials who refused to sign the document leave the city by June 21. Hong Kong, formerly a British colony was handed back to China in 1997 under "One country, two systems" formula. It was believed that such a formula would preserve city's freedoms and its role as international financial hub. China considers Taiwan its own territory and has offered the island the same "one country two systems" model, under Chinese sovereignty. No major Taiwanese political parties support the idea. Hong Kong has become another source of tension between Taipei and Beijing, especially after Taiwan lambasted a new security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong and began welcoming Hong Kong people to settle on the democratic island. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan lashes out at Hong Kong after officials expelled over 'One China'

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