Fixing the blame for air pollution is not easy because multiple generations have contributed to it. So have neighbouring countries.

But in Indonesia, the people are clear about who is responsible: Their government.

A court in Jakarta is hearing a lawsuit against the Indonesian president and his ministers. It accuses them of ignoring air pollution and its health impacts.

Jakarta is an urban jungle. The suffocated capital is almost always below the layer of haze and smoke. There are people everywhere. Run-down apartments at every corner. And traffic. Lots of traffic!

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jakarta-residents-sue-government-over-pollution-386379">Watch |</a>

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For residents here, masks are a pre-pandemic thing. It's a shield against asthma, heart disease and stroke. Children are born into this toxic air. For them, diseases and allergies are never far away.

"I have a daughter who is 10 years old and she is one of the vulnerable children. She has allergies since she was born, and she's developed health issues since she started kindergarten. Everyday, her health condition is threatened by the increasing dirty air quality in Jakarta," says 42-year-old plaintiff and Jakarta resident Khalisah Khalid.

There are hundreds of parents like Khalisah in the city. Two years back, they decided enough was enough.

If the government wasn't hearing their pleas, it was time for a legal nudge. And that's exactly what they did: 32 citizens got together to sue the government.

The lawsuit spares no one, from the president to city council leaders. These citizens are suing their leaders for failing to give them clean air to breathe.

And it's not about striking a deal for compensations. Instead, the lawsuit focusses on fixing accountability.

"Even though we've suffered due to the negligence of the state to protect the rights of the people to live in a healthy and clean environment, we are not demanding compensation through the court. We are not fighting for the hospital costs we'd spent when my child was ill, but we want the government to enact regulations to ensure the people of this country, our children and generations to come, can be well protected from air pollution," says Khalisah Khalid.

Jakarta has been untouched by electric cars and renewable energy. It is very much a city from the 20th century.

There are coal plants for electricity. And diesel for cars.

The court verdict is expected soon. The outcome is anyone's guess. Mainly because such a lawsuit is unprecedented in Indonesia.

But globally, suing the government is common practice. In 2019, the South African government was sued for air pollution. In UK, Downing Street has been sued thrice. In India, a 9-year-old filed a lawsuit at the national green tribunal in 2017.

Most of these cases ended with a public rebuke. Nothing more.

And that's the problem with headline lawsuits. They fix the blame. But without punishment.

Fixing the blame for air pollution is not easy because multiple generations have contributed to it. So have neighbouring countries. But in Indonesia, the people are clear about who is responsible: Their government.

Fixing the blame for air pollution is not easy because multiple generations have contributed to it. So have neighbouring countries. But in Indonesia, the people are clear about who is responsible: Their government. A court in Jakarta is hearing a lawsuit against the Indonesian president and his ministers. It accuses them of ignoring air pollution and its health impacts. Jakarta is an urban jungle. The suffocated capital is almost always below the layer of haze and smoke. There are people everywhere. Run-down apartments at every corner. And traffic. Lots of traffic! Watch | For residents here, masks are a pre-pandemic thing. It's a shield against asthma, heart disease and stroke. Children are born into this toxic air. For them, diseases and allergies are never far away. "I have a daughter who is 10 years old and she is one of the vulnerable children. She has allergies since she was born, and she's developed health issues since she started kindergarten. Everyday, her health condition is threatened by the increasing dirty air quality in Jakarta," says 42-year-old plaintiff and Jakarta resident Khalisah Khalid. There are hundreds of parents like Khalisah in the city. Two years back, they decided enough was enough. If the government wasn't hearing their pleas, it was time for a legal nudge. And that's exactly what they did: 32 citizens got together to sue the government. The lawsuit spares no one, from the president to city council leaders. These citizens are suing their leaders for failing to give them clean air to breathe. And it's not about striking a deal for compensations. Instead, the lawsuit focusses on fixing accountability. "Even though we've suffered due to the negligence of the state to protect the rights of the people to live in a healthy and clean environment, we are not demanding compensation through the court. We are not fighting for the hospital costs we'd spent when my child was ill, but we want the government to enact regulations to ensure the people of this country, our children and generations to come, can be well protected from air pollution," says Khalisah Khalid. Jakarta has been untouched by electric cars and renewable energy. It is very much a city from the 20th century. There are coal plants for electricity. And diesel for cars. The court verdict is expected soon. The outcome is anyone's guess. Mainly because such a lawsuit is unprecedented in Indonesia. But globally, suing the government is common practice. In 2019, the South African government was sued for air pollution. In UK, Downing Street has been sued thrice. In India, a 9-year-old filed a lawsuit at the national green tribunal in 2017. Most of these cases ended with a public rebuke. Nothing more. And that's the problem with headline lawsuits. They fix the blame. But without punishment.

Indonesia: Citizens sue government over air pollution

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops.

Something similar happened in Europe. America waged a war not on a country, but a construction. But two years later, it realised the futility of it.

This is about Nord Stream 2. It's a Russian gas pipeline project. It's a pretty controversial one. The Trump administration slapped sanctions on it in 2019 and early 2021.

America had egg on its face, when construction carried on. If anything, the sanctions only alienated America from one of its key European allies:&nbsp;Germany.

Now, US President Joe Biden is in the White House. And he is being torn by conflicting demands at home and outside.

Sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support in the US.&nbsp;It also carries great geopolitical and strategic importance. But upping the ante against Nord Stream 2 could cost America dearly.

So, his administration has tried to kill three birds with one stone.&nbsp;

The original Nord Stream runs from Vyborg in Russia&nbsp;to Lumbin in Germany.

It was inaugurated in 2011. Nord Stream 2 expands this system. It is designed to carry 110 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to Germany every year. The project is being built at a cost of 11 billion dollars. It runs 764 miles under the Baltic Sea.

And Russian state energy firm Gazprom is leading the venture. The project is now 95 per cent complete. There's only 100 km of the sub-sea pipeline left to lay. Nord Stream 2 is expected to be ready by the end of 2021. This project is strategically important to the US.

Washington is an exporter of natural gas to Europe. But Russian gas is cheaper than American. So, basically, America fears losing business in Europe once Nord Stream 2 is completed.

That's not it. America also fears losing its influence.

Washington believes Russia could use Nord Stream 2 to increase Europe's dependency on Moscow. It's the same cold war-era mentality.

And it's because of this that the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support at home. There's also geopolitics that is closely entangled in the project. This Nord Stream 2 bypasses Ukraine and by doing so, deprives it of lucrative transit fee. This is Moscow hammering Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.

And this is something US cannot be seen openly supporting. It has always sided with Ukraine.

When Biden entered the White House, some critics said he may be able to convince German Chancellor Angela Merkel into dropping the Nord Stream 2 project.

That has clearly has not happened. Instead, Berlin pressed Washington to drop sanctions. To Germany, Nord Stream 2 is a commercial project.

And America's opposition to it is a hurdle for German economy.

Germany also happens to be a country US must court if it wants to get back to enjoying the confidence of its European and NATO allies.

So, the Biden administration caved in and planned its safest exit from the war on Nord Stream 2.

What did it do?

Number one:&nbsp;To appease Americans, the Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on ships working on the project. Also sanctions on Russian entities linked to the Nord Stream 2.

Number two:&nbsp;To reaffirm America's unwavering support to Ukraine, the Biden administration openly criticised the Nord Stream 2.

A release from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the following:

"Nord stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our central and eastern European allies and partners.The department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved."

Here's the real deal.

To appease Germany, the Biden administration waived Trump-era sanctions on the company building Nord Stream 2 and also its CEO.

How is the Biden administration justifying this? It is in national interest, says Blinken.

It is to 'demonstrate the administration's commitment to energy security in Europe'.

The real story lies between the lines.

Moreover, it tells that the Biden administration prioritises winning over European ally over engaging Russia in a futile geopolitical tug of war.

And this is the biggest takeaway from the Nord Stream 2 story.

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops.

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops. Something similar happened in Europe. America waged a war not on a country, but a construction. But two years later, it realised the futility of it. This is about Nord Stream 2. It's a Russian gas pipeline project. It's a pretty controversial one. The Trump administration slapped sanctions on it in 2019 and early 2021. America had egg on its face, when construction carried on. If anything, the sanctions only alienated America from one of its key European allies: Germany. Now, US President Joe Biden is in the White House. And he is being torn by conflicting demands at home and outside. Sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support in the US. It also carries great geopolitical and strategic importance. But upping the ante against Nord Stream 2 could cost America dearly. So, his administration has tried to kill three birds with one stone. The original Nord Stream runs from Vyborg in Russia to Lumbin in Germany. It was inaugurated in 2011. Nord Stream 2 expands this system. It is designed to carry 110 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to Germany every year. The project is being built at a cost of 11 billion dollars. It runs 764 miles under the Baltic Sea. And Russian state energy firm Gazprom is leading the venture. The project is now 95 per cent complete. There's only 100 km of the sub-sea pipeline left to lay. Nord Stream 2 is expected to be ready by the end of 2021. This project is strategically important to the US. Washington is an exporter of natural gas to Europe. But Russian gas is cheaper than American. So, basically, America fears losing business in Europe once Nord Stream 2 is completed. That's not it. America also fears losing its influence. Washington believes Russia could use Nord Stream 2 to increase Europe's dependency on Moscow. It's the same cold war-era mentality. And it's because of this that the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support at home. There's also geopolitics that is closely entangled in the project. This Nord Stream 2 bypasses Ukraine and by doing so, deprives it of lucrative transit fee. This is Moscow hammering Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression. And this is something US cannot be seen openly supporting. It has always sided with Ukraine. When Biden entered the White House, some critics said he may be able to convince German Chancellor Angela Merkel into dropping the Nord Stream 2 project. That has clearly has not happened. Instead, Berlin pressed Washington to drop sanctions. To Germany, Nord Stream 2 is a commercial project. And America's opposition to it is a hurdle for German economy. Germany also happens to be a country US must court if it wants to get back to enjoying the confidence of its European and NATO allies. So, the Biden administration caved in and planned its safest exit from the war on Nord Stream 2. What did it do? Number one: To appease Americans, the Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on ships working on the project. Also sanctions on Russian entities linked to the Nord Stream 2. Number two: To reaffirm America's unwavering support to Ukraine, the Biden administration openly criticised the Nord Stream 2. A release from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the following: "Nord stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our central and eastern European allies and partners.The department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved." Here's the real deal. To appease Germany, the Biden administration waived Trump-era sanctions on the company building Nord Stream 2 and also its CEO. How is the Biden administration justifying this? It is in national interest, says Blinken. It is to 'demonstrate the administration's commitment to energy security in Europe'. The real story lies between the lines. Moreover, it tells that the Biden administration prioritises winning over European ally over engaging Russia in a futile geopolitical tug of war. And this is the biggest takeaway from the Nord Stream 2 story.

What is Nord Stream 2 fuss all about? Read on

Authorities in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka said on Friday that the countries were close to running out of coronavirus vaccines. They expressed hope that China and Russia would bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle the pandemic.

Covid-19 cases and deaths have hit record levels across India and its neighbours in recent weeks and all are counting on vaccine campaigns to head off the next surge.&nbsp;

However, India's decision to ban vaccine exports because of growing domestic shortages has hit other countries in the region

Bangladesh has about one million doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield and Chinese Sinopharm jabs, and was expecting 100,000 Pfizer shots, but all will be gone in "days", government health chief A.B.M. Khorshed Alam said.&nbsp;

The country of 168 million people has reported some 800,000 infections and 12,200 deaths. As in other South Asian nations, experts say the true toll is much higher.

Bangladesh had a deal to buy 30 million Covishield doses from the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine maker. Only seven million had been delivered when India halted exports last month.

It has since contacted China and Russia to get their vaccines and Western countries that may have surplus AstraZeneca shots.&nbsp;

One deal with China for an unspecified number of Sinopharm shots was approved on Wednesday, officials said. 
But China's Ambassador Li Jiming said Bangladesh should not expect commercial supplies before December. He told the bdnews24.com portal that "the queue is too long".

'Vaccines must be available'

Nepal has an estimated 1.5 million people waiting for a second shot of Covishield, with supplies also held up by the Indian export ban. It is now getting through dwindling numbers of Sinopharm jabs given by China.

Sri Lanka, with a population of 21 million, has about 115,000 vaccine doses left and has slowed its inoculations to 15,000 a day as it also negotiates with other countries, officials said.

The new pandemic wave saw the daily death toll hit a record 38 on Thursday.&nbsp;

India's export ban froze Sri Lanka's deal to buy 13.5 million Covishield doses from Serum International, authorities said.

Sri Lanka is now going through 600,000 gifted Sinopharm doses and is hoping to receive 26 million shots from Russia and China.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said governments and pharmaceutical companies had to help struggling Asian nations where hospitals are overflowing with sufferers.

"Tens of thousands of lives are being lost each week and vaccines must be available so that we can prevent further terrible tolls in the weeks and months ahead," said Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific head of the IFRC.

Even India, one of the world's major pharmaceutical and vaccine producers, is looking for foreign supplies. 
India has already started importing Sputnik V from Russia as its ambitious target of inoculating 300 million people by the end of July is slowed by shortages.

About 150 million people have had a first dose and 40 million the second jab. But daily injections have fallen from 3.6 million a day in April to 1.4 million on Thursday.

Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is to visit the United States next week and media reports said he would meet executives from US vaccine makers.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Authorities in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka said on Friday that the countries were close to running out of coronavirus vaccines. They expressed hope that China and Russia would bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle the pandemic.

Authorities in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka said on Friday that the countries were close to running out of coronavirus vaccines. They expressed hope that China and Russia would bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle the pandemic. Covid-19 cases and deaths have hit record levels across India and its neighbours in recent weeks and all are counting on vaccine campaigns to head off the next surge. However, India's decision to ban vaccine exports because of growing domestic shortages has hit other countries in the region Bangladesh has about one million doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield and Chinese Sinopharm jabs, and was expecting 100,000 Pfizer shots, but all will be gone in "days", government health chief A.B.M. Khorshed Alam said. The country of 168 million people has reported some 800,000 infections and 12,200 deaths. As in other South Asian nations, experts say the true toll is much higher. Bangladesh had a deal to buy 30 million Covishield doses from the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine maker. Only seven million had been delivered when India halted exports last month. It has since contacted China and Russia to get their vaccines and Western countries that may have surplus AstraZeneca shots. One deal with China for an unspecified number of Sinopharm shots was approved on Wednesday, officials said. But China's Ambassador Li Jiming said Bangladesh should not expect commercial supplies before December. He told the bdnews24.com portal that "the queue is too long". 'Vaccines must be available' Nepal has an estimated 1.5 million people waiting for a second shot of Covishield, with supplies also held up by the Indian export ban. It is now getting through dwindling numbers of Sinopharm jabs given by China. Sri Lanka, with a population of 21 million, has about 115,000 vaccine doses left and has slowed its inoculations to 15,000 a day as it also negotiates with other countries, officials said. The new pandemic wave saw the daily death toll hit a record 38 on Thursday. India's export ban froze Sri Lanka's deal to buy 13.5 million Covishield doses from Serum International, authorities said. Sri Lanka is now going through 600,000 gifted Sinopharm doses and is hoping to receive 26 million shots from Russia and China. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said governments and pharmaceutical companies had to help struggling Asian nations where hospitals are overflowing with sufferers. "Tens of thousands of lives are being lost each week and vaccines must be available so that we can prevent further terrible tolls in the weeks and months ahead," said Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific head of the IFRC. Even India, one of the world's major pharmaceutical and vaccine producers, is looking for foreign supplies. India has already started importing Sputnik V from Russia as its ambitious target of inoculating 300 million people by the end of July is slowed by shortages. About 150 million people have had a first dose and 40 million the second jab. But daily injections have fallen from 3.6 million a day in April to 1.4 million on Thursday. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is to visit the United States next week and media reports said he would meet executives from US vaccine makers. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka nearly out of Covid vaccines, say officials

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Russians will 'knock out teeth' of the country's adversaries. Speaking at a government meeting, Putin said that enemies of Russia were trying to clip its wings. every time the nation grew strong.

"Everyone wants to bite us somewhere or to bite off something from us," Putin said.

"But they -- those who are going to do it -- should know that we will knock out their teeth so that they cannot bite."

Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia, the world's largest country by landmass, is "too big for some", Putin said.

Putin didn't take names of adversaries he spoke about but stressed the need for modernisation of Russian forces.

Putin is known not to mince words during public meetings. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
In 1999, he famously promised to strike at separatists even in the "outhouse" which heralded the adoption of tougher tactics by the authorities against Chechen militants.

Tensions between Moscow and the West are high over a litany of issues, including Russia's troop buildup on Ukraine's border, interference in US elections and other perceived hostile activities.

But signs of a possible détente have recently been growing, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging dialogue during a face-to-face meeting in Reykjavik on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Russians will 'knock out teeth' of the country's adversaries. Speaking at a government meeting, Putin said that enemies of Russia were trying to clip its wings.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Russians will 'knock out teeth' of the country's adversaries. Speaking at a government meeting, Putin said that enemies of Russia were trying to clip its wings. every time the nation grew strong. "Everyone wants to bite us somewhere or to bite off something from us," Putin said. "But they -- those who are going to do it -- should know that we will knock out their teeth so that they cannot bite." Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia, the world's largest country by landmass, is "too big for some", Putin said. Putin didn't take names of adversaries he spoke about but stressed the need for modernisation of Russian forces. Putin is known not to mince words during public meetings. In 1999, he famously promised to strike at separatists even in the "outhouse" which heralded the adoption of tougher tactics by the authorities against Chechen militants. Tensions between Moscow and the West are high over a litany of issues, including Russia's troop buildup on Ukraine's border, interference in US elections and other perceived hostile activities. But signs of a possible détente have recently been growing, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging dialogue during a face-to-face meeting in Reykjavik on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says Russians will 'knock out teeth' of country's adversaries

Google on Thursday announced plans of opening its first-ever physical retail store. The store is set to open in New York this year. The store will open in Chelsea neighbourhood this summer. Google has a large regional office here with many of its 11,000 New York employees.

"At the Google Store, customers will be able to browse and buy an extensive selection of products made by Google, ranging from Pixel phones to Nest products, Fitbit devices to Pixelbooks and more," said Google vice president Jason Rosenthal.

"Or they can shop online at GoogleStore.com and pick up their orders in store. Throughout the store, visitors will be able to experience how our products and services work together in a variety of immersive ways, which we're excited to share more about when the doors open."

The move has come amid Google's efforts to take on Apple with hardware product ranging from smartphones to thermostats and follows its acquisition of wearables maker Fitbit.

"The new Google Store is an important next step in our hardware journey of providing the most helpful experience of Google, wherever and whenever people need it," Rosenthal said in a blog post.

While Apple has integrated its physical stores into its marketing strategy, Microsoft last year announced it was permanently closing its retail locations except for a handful that would be used as "experience centers."

(With inputs from agencies)

Google on Thursday announced plans of opening its first-ever physical retail store. The store is set to open in New York this year. The store will open in Chelsea neighbourhood this summer.

Google on Thursday announced plans of opening its first-ever physical retail store. The store is set to open in New York this year. The store will open in Chelsea neighbourhood this summer. Google has a large regional office here with many of its 11,000 New York employees. "At the Google Store, customers will be able to browse and buy an extensive selection of products made by Google, ranging from Pixel phones to Nest products, Fitbit devices to Pixelbooks and more," said Google vice president Jason Rosenthal. "Or they can shop online at GoogleStore.com and pick up their orders in store. Throughout the store, visitors will be able to experience how our products and services work together in a variety of immersive ways, which we're excited to share more about when the doors open." The move has come amid Google's efforts to take on Apple with hardware product ranging from smartphones to thermostats and follows its acquisition of wearables maker Fitbit. "The new Google Store is an important next step in our hardware journey of providing the most helpful experience of Google, wherever and whenever people need it," Rosenthal said in a blog post. While Apple has integrated its physical stores into its marketing strategy, Microsoft last year announced it was permanently closing its retail locations except for a handful that would be used as "experience centers." (With inputs from agencies)

Google set to open its first physical store in New York

After Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's appeal to the international community, help has been coming from different corners of the world to Nepal to help it fight the Covid pandemic.

Nepal started its vaccination drive in January with 2.35 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot provided by India and Covax. Nepal has indicated that no vaccines are left and 1.55 million people are waiting for their second dose.

With a population of 30 million people, Nepal has been facing a severe COVID-19 resurgence. The government has finally started procurement process of COVID-19 vaccines from India and Russia. &nbsp;There is a shortage of hospital beds, oxygen and other medical equipment and the virus has taken a toll over the country’s health care infrastructure.&nbsp;

Besides India, several countries in the world have offered a helping hand to Nepal.

China

China had committed help of more than USD 700 thousand worth of medical help to Nepal.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian had committed to help Nepal and said, “China will continue to do its best to offer support to Nepal in its fight against COVID-19. We believe the Nepalese people will defeat the virus at an early date.”

In first batch, 400 oxygen cylinders, 10 ventilators and 170 concentrators were donated to Nepal by China.

Ambassador Hou Yanqi confirmed that China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) provided Nepal with 30,000 litres of liquid oxygen, 800 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators, 5 ventilators, 200 ICU beds and 15,000 antigen kits. &nbsp;

United States

The United States has provided a total of USD 45.1 million worth of assistance to Nepal through USAID in response to the pandemic.&nbsp;

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, USAID’s COVID-19 assistance has reached over 55 percent of the population across Nepal by working with partners at the community, municipal, and federal levels to provide life-saving treatments, equipment, and services,” according to the American Embassy in Nepal.&nbsp;

Nepal has received 100 ventilators, 10,000 PPE kits from the US so far. On May 13, Department of Defence (DoD) announced an additional USD 2.75 million in emergency funding that will provide oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen storage tanks.

The Embassy said that the United States was the largest donor to COVAX, and had committed USD 2 billion to the program, with another USD 2 billion to come. Nepal was among the first in Asia to receive COVAX donations.

USAID had earlier said that 8,500 pieces of critically needed commodities have been provided to hospitals across Nepal.&nbsp;

UK

On Thursday (May 20), British Ambassador to Nepal Nicola Pollit met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.&nbsp;

Surya Thapa, press advisor to PM Oli said that the PM thanked UK for its support and requested AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal.&nbsp;

“Pleased UK is providing oxygen plant already sustaining over 150 lives a day, funding for temporary Covid treatment centres in Pokhara and Bhaktapur, and medical equipment to hotspots across the country,” Pollit said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the country had installed duplex oxygen plant at Nepal Police Headquarters Hospital in Maharajgunj with the capacity to generate 160 large cylinders of oxygen in a day.

Nepal Foreign Affairs Minister Pradeep Gyawali and UK State Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad exchanged views on the challenges in a virtual interaction that took place on May 19.

The European Union

The EU has provided key COVID-19 equipment and supplies including oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, home care kits, diagnostics including antigen test kits, personal protection equipment.&nbsp;

According to an official statement, Nepal has also activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Finland is the first member state to offer more than 2 million surgical facemasks, 350,000 FFP2 masks, 52500 pairs of vinyl gloves and 30,000 isolation gowns.

On May 12, the EU announced that it would provide 2 million Euros in emergency humanitarian aid to Nepal.&nbsp;

Spain

Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has sent a humanitarian cargo to Nepal to help halt the spread of the disease.

The shipment, with more than 5 tonnes of health material, includes 15 respirators, 10 oxygen concentrators, together with consumables and spare parts necessary for their use, 144000 FFP2 face masks and some 125000 antigen tests.

After Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's appeal to the international community, help has been coming from different corners of the world to Nepal to help it fight the Covid pandemic.

After Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's appeal to the international community, help has been coming from different corners of the world to Nepal to help it fight the Covid pandemic. Nepal started its vaccination drive in January with 2.35 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot provided by India and Covax. Nepal has indicated that no vaccines are left and 1.55 million people are waiting for their second dose. With a population of 30 million people, Nepal has been facing a severe COVID-19 resurgence. The government has finally started procurement process of COVID-19 vaccines from India and Russia. There is a shortage of hospital beds, oxygen and other medical equipment and the virus has taken a toll over the country’s health care infrastructure. Besides India, several countries in the world have offered a helping hand to Nepal. China China had committed help of more than USD 700 thousand worth of medical help to Nepal. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian had committed to help Nepal and said, “China will continue to do its best to offer support to Nepal in its fight against COVID-19. We believe the Nepalese people will defeat the virus at an early date.” In first batch, 400 oxygen cylinders, 10 ventilators and 170 concentrators were donated to Nepal by China. Ambassador Hou Yanqi confirmed that China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) provided Nepal with 30,000 litres of liquid oxygen, 800 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators, 5 ventilators, 200 ICU beds and 15,000 antigen kits. United States The United States has provided a total of USD 45.1 million worth of assistance to Nepal through USAID in response to the pandemic. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, USAID’s COVID-19 assistance has reached over 55 percent of the population across Nepal by working with partners at the community, municipal, and federal levels to provide life-saving treatments, equipment, and services,” according to the American Embassy in Nepal. Nepal has received 100 ventilators, 10,000 PPE kits from the US so far. On May 13, Department of Defence (DoD) announced an additional USD 2.75 million in emergency funding that will provide oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen storage tanks. The Embassy said that the United States was the largest donor to COVAX, and had committed USD 2 billion to the program, with another USD 2 billion to come. Nepal was among the first in Asia to receive COVAX donations. USAID had earlier said that 8,500 pieces of critically needed commodities have been provided to hospitals across Nepal. UK On Thursday (May 20), British Ambassador to Nepal Nicola Pollit met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Surya Thapa, press advisor to PM Oli said that the PM thanked UK for its support and requested AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal. “Pleased UK is providing oxygen plant already sustaining over 150 lives a day, funding for temporary Covid treatment centres in Pokhara and Bhaktapur, and medical equipment to hotspots across the country,” Pollit said in a tweet. Earlier this month, the country had installed duplex oxygen plant at Nepal Police Headquarters Hospital in Maharajgunj with the capacity to generate 160 large cylinders of oxygen in a day. Nepal Foreign Affairs Minister Pradeep Gyawali and UK State Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad exchanged views on the challenges in a virtual interaction that took place on May 19. The European Union The EU has provided key COVID-19 equipment and supplies including oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, home care kits, diagnostics including antigen test kits, personal protection equipment. According to an official statement, Nepal has also activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Finland is the first member state to offer more than 2 million surgical facemasks, 350,000 FFP2 masks, 52500 pairs of vinyl gloves and 30,000 isolation gowns. On May 12, the EU announced that it would provide 2 million Euros in emergency humanitarian aid to Nepal. Spain Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has sent a humanitarian cargo to Nepal to help halt the spread of the disease. The shipment, with more than 5 tonnes of health material, includes 15 respirators, 10 oxygen concentrators, together with consumables and spare parts necessary for their use, 144000 FFP2 face masks and some 125000 antigen tests.

Help pours in for Nepal to fight the Covid pandemic

Nigerian Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously injured as he tried to kill himself to avoid getting caught, said AP quoting two intelligence sources. Shekau was avoiding capture during clashes with rival Islamic State jihadists in northern parts of Nigeria.

Shekau's Boko Haram faction and fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province had been battling in northeastern Borno state, where ISWAP militants have become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than decade-long jihadist insurgency.

Shekau made international headlines in 2014 when his men abducted 300 schoolgirls in Chibok. He has been previously been reported dead several times.

After a series of clashes, Shekau and some of his fighters were surrounded on Wednesday by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrender, one intelligence source said.

"To avoid capture, Shekau shot himself in the chest and the bullet pierced his shoulder," the source said, adding: "He was badly injured."

Some of his men managed to escape with him to an unknown destination, the source added.

A second intelligence source said Shekau was critically wounded after detonating explosives in the house where he was holed up with his men.

"We are investigating," Nigeria's army spokesman Mohammed Yerima told AFP by text, asked about those reports.&nbsp;

Shekau's critical injury or death would be a blow to his Boko Haram faction which has already been weakened by military air strikes on its bases and defections among his men.

More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes by the conflict in northeast Nigeria, and fighting has spread to parts of neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Boko Haram and ISWAP have fought battles for control of territory in the past.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nigerian Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously injured as he tried to kill himself to avoid getting caught, said AP quoting two intelligence sources.

Nigerian Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously injured as he tried to kill himself to avoid getting caught, said AP quoting two intelligence sources. Shekau was avoiding capture during clashes with rival Islamic State jihadists in northern parts of Nigeria. Shekau's Boko Haram faction and fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province had been battling in northeastern Borno state, where ISWAP militants have become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than decade-long jihadist insurgency. Shekau made international headlines in 2014 when his men abducted 300 schoolgirls in Chibok. He has been previously been reported dead several times. After a series of clashes, Shekau and some of his fighters were surrounded on Wednesday by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrender, one intelligence source said. "To avoid capture, Shekau shot himself in the chest and the bullet pierced his shoulder," the source said, adding: "He was badly injured." Some of his men managed to escape with him to an unknown destination, the source added. A second intelligence source said Shekau was critically wounded after detonating explosives in the house where he was holed up with his men. "We are investigating," Nigeria's army spokesman Mohammed Yerima told AFP by text, asked about those reports. Shekau's critical injury or death would be a blow to his Boko Haram faction which has already been weakened by military air strikes on its bases and defections among his men. More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes by the conflict in northeast Nigeria, and fighting has spread to parts of neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger. Boko Haram and ISWAP have fought battles for control of territory in the past. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigerian Boko Haram leader seriously wounded in clash with Islamic State: Report

China on Thursday said that a US warship illegally entered its territorial waters in South China Sea

"U.S. (vessel) did not get approval from the Chinese government and made an unauthorised entry into the sea around China's Paracel Islands, which violated China's sovereignty and security," said Zhao Lijian Chinese foreign ministry spokesman.

Chinese military's Southern Theater Command said in statement that Curtis Wilbur entered the waters without permission, adding that its ships and planes followed the U.S. vessel and "expelled" it.

The US Seventh Fleet described it as a "routine" transit.

The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters.

China has been aggressive in its claims in South China Sea. It claims&nbsp;almost entire South China Sea. As a result,&nbsp; Chinese assertions about its territorial waters in the South China Sea are almost always met with with counter claims and protests from nations in the region.&nbsp;

China stakes claim over&nbsp;waters demarcated by the so-called 'neine dash line'

The US has often carried out freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea. This has been a cause of friction between the two countries.

The South China Sea and its various islands are claimed by multiple countries including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Thursday said that a US warship illegally entered its territorial waters in South China Sea "U.S. (vessel) did not get approval from the Chinese government and made an unauthorised entry into the sea around China's Paracel Islands, which violated China's sovereignty and security," said Zhao Lijian Chinese foreign ministry spokesman.

China on Thursday said that a US warship illegally entered its territorial waters in South China Sea "U.S. (vessel) did not get approval from the Chinese government and made an unauthorised entry into the sea around China's Paracel Islands, which violated China's sovereignty and security," said Zhao Lijian Chinese foreign ministry spokesman. Chinese military's Southern Theater Command said in statement that Curtis Wilbur entered the waters without permission, adding that its ships and planes followed the U.S. vessel and "expelled" it. The US Seventh Fleet described it as a "routine" transit. The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. China has been aggressive in its claims in South China Sea. It claims almost entire South China Sea. As a result, Chinese assertions about its territorial waters in the South China Sea are almost always met with with counter claims and protests from nations in the region. China stakes claim over waters demarcated by the so-called 'neine dash line' The US has often carried out freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea. This has been a cause of friction between the two countries. The South China Sea and its various islands are claimed by multiple countries including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines. (With inputs from agencies)

China says US warship entered its waters in South China Sea

Bitcoin regained some lost ground to trade near $40,000 on Thursday, a day after a brutal selloff on concerns over tighter regulation in China and unease over the extent of leveraged positions in the cryptocurrency world.

The biggest and most popular cryptocurrency rose 9% to a touch below $40,000, after plunging 14% on Wednesday to its lowest since late January. Smaller rival ether was up 11% at $2,700 at 0829 GMT, after its 28% tumble.

Its bounce came after prominent crypto backers such Ark Invest's Cathie Wood and carmaker Tesla's Elon Musk indicated their support on Wednesday. Wood said in an interview with Bloomberg that she was still sticking to her $500,000 forecast.

Musk reiterated that Tesla was holding on to its bitcoin investments.

"People consider this as a 'buy the dip' moment, and many consider this as 'the last chance to buy bitcoin cheap'," said Ruud Feltkamp, chief executive at crypto trading bot Cryptohopper. "The next few months will show if the bull market will continue or if it's the start of the end of its run."

Wednesday's declines in both digital assets were one of their biggest daily percentage moves in more than a year as investors rushed to exit trades that until recently were outperforming traditional markets such as stocks and bonds.

The latest catalyst was a statement by Chinese financial industry bodies banning the use of cryptocurrencies in payment and settlement, and prohibiting institutions from providing crypto-related products or exchange services between cryptocurrencies and the yuan or foreign currencies.

But bitcoin had already been under pressure for almost a week after a series of tweets from Musk, a major cryptocurrency backer, chiefly his reversal on Tesla accepting bitcoin as payment.

Analysts said the upheaval was far from over.

"It's too early to say if the rebound we’ve seen off the lows in crypto has legs," said Chris Weston, head of research at brokerage Pepperstone in Melbourne.

"I question if we will get a chance to catch our breath or is there more volatility in store?" he said.

Weston pointed to how $9.13 billion of cryptocurrency positions had been liquidated across exchanges over 24 hours, and $532 billion in total volume transacted.

The slide forced some investors to close out leveraged positions in cryptocurrency derivatives, which caused prices to fall further and knocked digital assets down into a lower trading range, traders said.

Coming off a six-fold jump on the back of rising usage in non-fungible tokens on digital art platforms, ether's selloff was far more damaging with the digital currency trading 39% below record highs.

James Quinn, managing director at Q9 Capital, a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency private wealth manager, said the selling reflected huge crowded positions in ether.

"Sometimes a market event is looking for a cause. I think this is about positioning. Over the long term, maybe it’s positive because a very crowded trade from a lot of new entrants means there are a lot of new entrants," Quinn added.

Still, ether is up more than 270% so far this year and bitcoin's year-to-date gains stand at 37%.

While some retail traders saw missed opportunities in the slide, others saw the rout as a chance to pick up digital assets on the cheap.

Milko Markov, an independent London-based trader, said he had been buying ether.

"Those with a bit more experience in the crypto market know two cardinal rules: don't leverage and dollar cost average," he said. (Graphic: Bitcoin slumped 14% on May 19 - worst selloff since March 2020.

Bitcoin regained some lost ground to trade near $40,000 on Thursday, a day after a brutal selloff on concerns over tighter regulation in China and unease over the extent of leveraged positions in the cryptocurrency world.

Bitcoin regained some lost ground to trade near $40,000 on Thursday, a day after a brutal selloff on concerns over tighter regulation in China and unease over the extent of leveraged positions in the cryptocurrency world. The biggest and most popular cryptocurrency rose 9% to a touch below $40,000, after plunging 14% on Wednesday to its lowest since late January. Smaller rival ether was up 11% at $2,700 at 0829 GMT, after its 28% tumble. Its bounce came after prominent crypto backers such Ark Invest's Cathie Wood and carmaker Tesla's Elon Musk indicated their support on Wednesday. Wood said in an interview with Bloomberg that she was still sticking to her $500,000 forecast. Musk reiterated that Tesla was holding on to its bitcoin investments. "People consider this as a 'buy the dip' moment, and many consider this as 'the last chance to buy bitcoin cheap'," said Ruud Feltkamp, chief executive at crypto trading bot Cryptohopper. "The next few months will show if the bull market will continue or if it's the start of the end of its run." Wednesday's declines in both digital assets were one of their biggest daily percentage moves in more than a year as investors rushed to exit trades that until recently were outperforming traditional markets such as stocks and bonds. The latest catalyst was a statement by Chinese financial industry bodies banning the use of cryptocurrencies in payment and settlement, and prohibiting institutions from providing crypto-related products or exchange services between cryptocurrencies and the yuan or foreign currencies. But bitcoin had already been under pressure for almost a week after a series of tweets from Musk, a major cryptocurrency backer, chiefly his reversal on Tesla accepting bitcoin as payment. Analysts said the upheaval was far from over. "It's too early to say if the rebound we’ve seen off the lows in crypto has legs," said Chris Weston, head of research at brokerage Pepperstone in Melbourne. "I question if we will get a chance to catch our breath or is there more volatility in store?" he said. Weston pointed to how $9.13 billion of cryptocurrency positions had been liquidated across exchanges over 24 hours, and $532 billion in total volume transacted. The slide forced some investors to close out leveraged positions in cryptocurrency derivatives, which caused prices to fall further and knocked digital assets down into a lower trading range, traders said. Coming off a six-fold jump on the back of rising usage in non-fungible tokens on digital art platforms, ether's selloff was far more damaging with the digital currency trading 39% below record highs. James Quinn, managing director at Q9 Capital, a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency private wealth manager, said the selling reflected huge crowded positions in ether. "Sometimes a market event is looking for a cause. I think this is about positioning. Over the long term, maybe it’s positive because a very crowded trade from a lot of new entrants means there are a lot of new entrants," Quinn added. Still, ether is up more than 270% so far this year and bitcoin's year-to-date gains stand at 37%. While some retail traders saw missed opportunities in the slide, others saw the rout as a chance to pick up digital assets on the cheap. Milko Markov, an independent London-based trader, said he had been buying ether. "Those with a bit more experience in the crypto market know two cardinal rules: don't leverage and dollar cost average," he said. (Graphic: Bitcoin slumped 14% on May 19 - worst selloff since March 2020.

Bitcoin's star backers, dip buyers help cryptos recover

First Hong Konger to be charged under China's controversial national security law may be tried without a jury, a senior judge said on Thursday. Tong Ying-kit, a 24-year-old is accused of two crimes that involve him allegedly driving his motorbike into a group of police officers during a protest.

The possibility of his trial without a jury is cementing Hong Kong's changing legal traditions.

Hong Kong's justice secretary opted against using a jury for his upcoming trial, a decision AFP first revealed in February.

Tong challenged that decision at the High Court but lost on Thursday.

In his ruling, High Court judge Alex Lee said before the security law, a jury "was the only mode of trial then available" for such serious crimes.

"However, the same is no longer true after the enactment of the NSL (National Security Law)," he wrote.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ageing-china-boosts-private-sector-role-as-pensions-time-bomb-ticks-386213">Ageing China boosts private sector role as pensions time bomb ticks</a>

Trial by jury for serious criminal cases has been used by Hong Kong's common law system for 176 years. The city's own judiciary on its website describes the jury system as one of its "most important features"

But the national security law, which was penned in Beijing and imposed on Hong Kong last year, allows for cases to be tried by three specially selected judges.

"Any previous right to jury trial in the Court of First Instance, if existed, shall be abrogated in 'criminal proceedings concerning offences endangering national security'," Lee wrote.

Lower courts in Hong Kong that try less serious crimes also do not have juries, something Lee said showed there was no constitutional right for a jury in all prosecutions.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Hong Konger to be charged under China's controversial national security law may be tried without a jury, a senior judge said on Thursday. Tong Ying-kit, a 24-year-old is accused of two crimes that involve him allegedly driving his motorbike into a group of police officers during a protest.

First Hong Konger to be charged under China's controversial national security law may be tried without a jury, a senior judge said on Thursday. Tong Ying-kit, a 24-year-old is accused of two crimes that involve him allegedly driving his motorbike into a group of police officers during a protest. The possibility of his trial without a jury is cementing Hong Kong's changing legal traditions. Hong Kong's justice secretary opted against using a jury for his upcoming trial, a decision AFP first revealed in February. Tong challenged that decision at the High Court but lost on Thursday. In his ruling, High Court judge Alex Lee said before the security law, a jury "was the only mode of trial then available" for such serious crimes. "However, the same is no longer true after the enactment of the NSL (National Security Law)," he wrote. Also Read | Ageing China boosts private sector role as pensions time bomb ticks Trial by jury for serious criminal cases has been used by Hong Kong's common law system for 176 years. The city's own judiciary on its website describes the jury system as one of its "most important features" But the national security law, which was penned in Beijing and imposed on Hong Kong last year, allows for cases to be tried by three specially selected judges. "Any previous right to jury trial in the Court of First Instance, if existed, shall be abrogated in 'criminal proceedings concerning offences endangering national security'," Lee wrote. Lower courts in Hong Kong that try less serious crimes also do not have juries, something Lee said showed there was no constitutional right for a jury in all prosecutions. (With inputs from agencies)

Trial of first Hong Konger under national security law may not have a jury

Colonial Pipeline, the major US pipeline network hit by cyber attack recently said on Tuesday that one of its servers was disrupted. But the company maintained that delivery of petroleum products was not affected.

Colonial announced last Thursday that it had restarted its entire network and resumed fuel deliveries to all markets.

"Our internal server that runs our nomination system experienced intermittent disruptions this morning due to some of the hardening efforts that are ongoing and part of our restoration process," a Colonial spokesperson said on Tuesday.

"These issues were not related to the ransomware or any type of reinfection," the spokesperson said, adding,&nbsp; 
"The Colonial Pipeline system continues to deliver refined products as nominated by our shippers."&nbsp;

The pipeline's shutdown caused panic buying in the eastern United States and a spike in gasoline prices as Washington waived clean air regulations and rules on shipping and trucking to alleviate shortages.

Unknown actors last Friday shut down the servers of Darkside, which was behind the ransomware scam, amid reports Colonial paid the Russia-based cyber-extortionist millions of dollars in bitcoin.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Colonial Pipeline, the major US pipeline network hit by cyber attack recently said on Tuesday that one of its servers was disrupted. But the company maintained that delivery of petroleum products was not affected.

Colonial Pipeline, the major US pipeline network hit by cyber attack recently said on Tuesday that one of its servers was disrupted. But the company maintained that delivery of petroleum products was not affected. Colonial announced last Thursday that it had restarted its entire network and resumed fuel deliveries to all markets. "Our internal server that runs our nomination system experienced intermittent disruptions this morning due to some of the hardening efforts that are ongoing and part of our restoration process," a Colonial spokesperson said on Tuesday. "These issues were not related to the ransomware or any type of reinfection," the spokesperson said, adding, "The Colonial Pipeline system continues to deliver refined products as nominated by our shippers." The pipeline's shutdown caused panic buying in the eastern United States and a spike in gasoline prices as Washington waived clean air regulations and rules on shipping and trucking to alleviate shortages. Unknown actors last Friday shut down the servers of Darkside, which was behind the ransomware scam, amid reports Colonial paid the Russia-based cyber-extortionist millions of dollars in bitcoin. (With inputs from agencies)

Colonial Pipeline affected by server issue

Hungary Foreign Minister &nbsp;Peter Szijjarto slammed what he called the European Union's 'one-sided' statement on Israel. His comments camem even as his European counterparts called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians

"I have a general problem with these European statements on Israel... These are usually very much one-sided, and these statements do not help, especially not under current circumstances, when the tension is so high," Szijjarto told AFP in an interview.

On Tuesday, EU foreign police chief Josep Borrell appealed for implementation of a ceasefire.

"The priority is the immediate cessation of all violence and the implementation of a ceasefire," Borrell said after a video conference of EU foreign ministers, adding the statement was backed by all the bloc's member states except Hungary.&nbsp;

Szijjarto himself did not attend the meeting. Hungary has recently used its veto power to block EU statements on China.

In the interview with AFP, Szijjarto insisted that blocking decisions "is a right of every country in the European Union".

"EU diplomacy should not consist only of judgements, negative statements and sanctions," he said.

"So I think less judgement, less lecturing, less criticism, less interference and more pragmatic cooperation could give back a lot of strength to the European Union."

Israel's intense bombing campaign has killed 213 Palestinians, including 61 children, and wounded more than 1,400 people in Gaza in more than a week of fighting against Islamist group Hamas, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

The death toll on the Israeli side rose to 12 on Tuesday when a volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory and wounded several others.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto slammed what he called the European Union's 'one-sided' statement on Israel. His comments camem even as his European counterparts called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians "I have a general problem with these European statements on Israel.

Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto slammed what he called the European Union's 'one-sided' statement on Israel. His comments camem even as his European counterparts called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians "I have a general problem with these European statements on Israel... These are usually very much one-sided, and these statements do not help, especially not under current circumstances, when the tension is so high," Szijjarto told AFP in an interview. On Tuesday, EU foreign police chief Josep Borrell appealed for implementation of a ceasefire. "The priority is the immediate cessation of all violence and the implementation of a ceasefire," Borrell said after a video conference of EU foreign ministers, adding the statement was backed by all the bloc's member states except Hungary. Szijjarto himself did not attend the meeting. Hungary has recently used its veto power to block EU statements on China. In the interview with AFP, Szijjarto insisted that blocking decisions "is a right of every country in the European Union". "EU diplomacy should not consist only of judgements, negative statements and sanctions," he said. "So I think less judgement, less lecturing, less criticism, less interference and more pragmatic cooperation could give back a lot of strength to the European Union." Israel's intense bombing campaign has killed 213 Palestinians, including 61 children, and wounded more than 1,400 people in Gaza in more than a week of fighting against Islamist group Hamas, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The death toll on the Israeli side rose to 12 on Tuesday when a volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory and wounded several others. (With inputs from agencies)

Hungary foreign minister slams EU for 'one-sided' statements on Israel

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