EU Council President Donald Tusk on Friday condemned as attempted "blackmail" a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-eu-with-refugee-influx-if-criticises-syria-operation-255000"> threat by the Turkish president</a> to allow millions of refugees to head to Europe if the bloc criticises Ankara's offensive in Syria.

"Turkey must understand that our main concern is that their actions may lead to another humanitarian catastrophe, which would be unacceptable," Tusk said on a visit to EU member Cyprus.

"Nor will we ever accept that refugees are weaponised and used to blackmail us. That is why I consider yesterday's threats made by President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan totally out of place," he added.

Erdogan made his comments on Thursday in the face of mounting condemnation from European governments of Ankara's long-threatened operation to enforce a buffer zone in northeastern Syria to accommodate some of the 3.6 million refugees currently living in Turkey.

"Hey EU, wake up. I say it again: if you try to frame our operation there as an invasion, our task is simple: we will open the doors and send 3.6 million migrants to you," the Turkish leader said.

Under a 2016 agreement with the EU, Turkey agreed to prevent refugees from leaving towards Europe in exchange for six billion euros and visa-free travel for its citizens but has frequently criticised the lack of assistance from Brussels.

Tusk condemned Turkey's offensive, launched Wednesday, saying it was "of grave concern and should stop".

"A military intervention will only make matters worse," he added, saying it would exacerbate instability in the region, cause further civilian suffering and displacement as well as undermine the fight against the Islamic State group.

EU Council President Donald Tusk on Friday condemned as attempted "blackmail" a threat by the Turkish president to allow millions of refugees to head to Europe if the bloc criticises Ankara's offensive in Syria.

EU Council President Donald Tusk on Friday condemned as attempted "blackmail" a threat by the Turkish president to allow millions of refugees to head to Europe if the bloc criticises Ankara's offensive in Syria. "Turkey must understand that our main concern is that their actions may lead to another humanitarian catastrophe, which would be unacceptable," Tusk said on a visit to EU member Cyprus. "Nor will we ever accept that refugees are weaponised and used to blackmail us. That is why I consider yesterday's threats made by President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan totally out of place," he added. Erdogan made his comments on Thursday in the face of mounting condemnation from European governments of Ankara's long-threatened operation to enforce a buffer zone in northeastern Syria to accommodate some of the 3.6 million refugees currently living in Turkey. "Hey EU, wake up. I say it again: if you try to frame our operation there as an invasion, our task is simple: we will open the doors and send 3.6 million migrants to you," the Turkish leader said. Under a 2016 agreement with the EU, Turkey agreed to prevent refugees from leaving towards Europe in exchange for six billion euros and visa-free travel for its citizens but has frequently criticised the lack of assistance from Brussels. Tusk condemned Turkey's offensive, launched Wednesday, saying it was "of grave concern and should stop". "A military intervention will only make matters worse," he added, saying it would exacerbate instability in the region, cause further civilian suffering and displacement as well as undermine the fight against the Islamic State group.

Threats made by Erdogan totally out of place: EU President Donald Tusk

British and EU negotiators held a "constructive" breakfast meeting Friday in a last-ditch bid to restart Brexit talks, as leaders insisted a deal might yet be possible despite time running out fast.

British Brexit minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-to-meet-eu-negotiator-thursday-london-254756">Stephen Barclay and EU negotiator</a> Michel Barnier met for two hours in the Brussels headquarters of the European Union.

"We had a constructive meeting with Steve Barclay and the British team," Barnier told reporters. "I have already said that the Brexit is like climbing a mountain and we need vigilance, determination and patience."

A British spokesman also described the closed-door talks as a "constructive meeting".

Neither side would reveal any detail about what was discussed, but a European diplomat told AFP: "At this stage, the less we hear, the better. If stuff starts leaking out, it means it's not serious."

Another European official close to the discussions suggested the restart was at an early stage, but that the process might suddenly accelerate: "We're completing the qualifiers for the 100-metre dash."

The meeting came one day after talks between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar, and just six days before the EU summit that is seen as the key date in efforts to find a deal before a chaotic divorce on October 31.

As the negotiators reviewed their options, the president of the European Council and host of next week's Brussels summit Donald Tusk said that he would have pulled the plug on talks this Friday if Britain had not come forward with evidence of a workable proposal.

"However, yesterday, when the Irish taoiseach and the UK prime minister met they both saw, for the first time, a pathway to a deal. I have received promising signals from the taoiseach that a deal is still possible," Tusk said, during a trip to Cyprus.

"Of course, there is no guarantee of success and the time is practically up. But even the slightest chance must be used," he warned.

The key sticking point in the Brexit negotiations is how to handle trade and customs on the border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland, and on the role of the British province's devolved assembly.

After a meeting in northwest England on Thursday Johnson and Varadkar said they had "agreed that they could see a pathway to a possible deal".

Varadkar later said separately the meeting was "very positive", suggesting it would be a "short pathway, rather than a long one".

The European Council summit starts on October 17 and, in normal circumstances, European diplomats would want draft texts of any agreements to be prepared before close of business on Friday.

Even if, as UK officials hope, Brussels shows flexibility on the timeline, they have yet to enter the "diplomatic tunnel" of final text negotiations.

After his "stock-taking" breakfast with Barclay, Barnier will brief ambassadors from the other EU members on the state of play and then a skeptical Brexit steering group of the European Parliament.

"Barnier will have to say whether we can or can't start negotiating a text," a European source told AFP.

"After that, it's a long road. It's wacky to think we'd have a treaty text before the October 17 and 18 summit."

But Varadkar appears to be looking slightly further forward, implying that he and Johnson are now aiming for a deal in the next three weeks.

"I think it's possible for us to come to an agreement, to have a treaty agreed... by the end of October," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-warns-european-union-he-will-not-delay-brexit-254136">Johnson has vowed</a> Britain will end its five-decade membership of the EU on October 31, with or without agreeing exit terms.

But he could be forced to seek a third delay to Brexit if he fails to agree a deal by October 19, thanks to a law passed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-faces-cabinet-revolt-over-no-deal-brexit-report-254678/amp">rebellious MPs</a>.

Some European sources in Brussels have suggested that EU leaders may offer Britain an extension even if Johnson does not ask for one.

British and EU negotiators held a "constructive" breakfast meeting Friday in a last-ditch bid to restart Brexit talks, as leaders insisted a deal might yet be possible despite time running out fast.

British and EU negotiators held a "constructive" breakfast meeting Friday in a last-ditch bid to restart Brexit talks, as leaders insisted a deal might yet be possible despite time running out fast. British Brexit minister Stephen Barclay and EU negotiator Michel Barnier met for two hours in the Brussels headquarters of the European Union. "We had a constructive meeting with Steve Barclay and the British team," Barnier told reporters. "I have already said that the Brexit is like climbing a mountain and we need vigilance, determination and patience." A British spokesman also described the closed-door talks as a "constructive meeting". Neither side would reveal any detail about what was discussed, but a European diplomat told AFP: "At this stage, the less we hear, the better. If stuff starts leaking out, it means it's not serious." Another European official close to the discussions suggested the restart was at an early stage, but that the process might suddenly accelerate: "We're completing the qualifiers for the 100-metre dash." The meeting came one day after talks between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar, and just six days before the EU summit that is seen as the key date in efforts to find a deal before a chaotic divorce on October 31. As the negotiators reviewed their options, the president of the European Council and host of next week's Brussels summit Donald Tusk said that he would have pulled the plug on talks this Friday if Britain had not come forward with evidence of a workable proposal. "However, yesterday, when the Irish taoiseach and the UK prime minister met they both saw, for the first time, a pathway to a deal. I have received promising signals from the taoiseach that a deal is still possible," Tusk said, during a trip to Cyprus. "Of course, there is no guarantee of success and the time is practically up. But even the slightest chance must be used," he warned. The key sticking point in the Brexit negotiations is how to handle trade and customs on the border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland, and on the role of the British province's devolved assembly. After a meeting in northwest England on Thursday Johnson and Varadkar said they had "agreed that they could see a pathway to a possible deal". Varadkar later said separately the meeting was "very positive", suggesting it would be a "short pathway, rather than a long one". The European Council summit starts on October 17 and, in normal circumstances, European diplomats would want draft texts of any agreements to be prepared before close of business on Friday. Even if, as UK officials hope, Brussels shows flexibility on the timeline, they have yet to enter the "diplomatic tunnel" of final text negotiations. After his "stock-taking" breakfast with Barclay, Barnier will brief ambassadors from the other EU members on the state of play and then a skeptical Brexit steering group of the European Parliament. "Barnier will have to say whether we can or can't start negotiating a text," a European source told AFP. "After that, it's a long road. It's wacky to think we'd have a treaty text before the October 17 and 18 summit." But Varadkar appears to be looking slightly further forward, implying that he and Johnson are now aiming for a deal in the next three weeks. "I think it's possible for us to come to an agreement, to have a treaty agreed... by the end of October," he said. Johnson has vowed Britain will end its five-decade membership of the EU on October 31, with or without agreeing exit terms. But he could be forced to seek a third delay to Brexit if he fails to agree a deal by October 19, thanks to a law passed by rebellious MPs. Some European sources in Brussels have suggested that EU leaders may offer Britain an extension even if Johnson does not ask for one.

EU and UK bid to save Brexit talks before key summit

Meet the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Abiy Ahmed Ali

Office-sharing startup&nbsp;WeWork&nbsp;will&nbsp;open&nbsp;new&nbsp;locations in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;and the Philippines this year, it said, even as it seeks a $1 billion lifeline from its biggest-backer Softbank Group&nbsp;Corp&nbsp;for a major restructuring.

The&nbsp;New&nbsp;York-based startup, which abandoned an initial public offering last week over investor&nbsp;concerns about its valuation and business model, will&nbsp;open&nbsp;two&nbsp;new&nbsp;offices for&nbsp;co-working&nbsp;in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;and two in&nbsp;Manila.

It made the announcements on Wednesday and Thursday.

The plan to boost its footprint in the two Southeast Asian cities follows a reports that its parent, The We&nbsp;Company, was&nbsp;considering curbing expansion plans in China to&nbsp;control&nbsp;costs.

The loss-making start-up is looking to trim its workforce and slow expansion to preserve cash as it seeks alternative sources of funding, sources have told Reuters.

A&nbsp;WeWork&nbsp;spokeswoman said in an email on Thursday that the&nbsp;company was "strengthening&nbsp;WeWork's presence in the region".

WeWork&nbsp;now has 25 locations across Southeast Asia, 12 of them in&nbsp;Singapore.

Office-sharing startup WeWork will open new locations in Singapore and the Philippines this year, it said, even as it seeks a $1 billion lifeline from its biggest-backer Softbank Group Corp for a major restructuring.

Office-sharing startup WeWork will open new locations in Singapore and the Philippines this year, it said, even as it seeks a $1 billion lifeline from its biggest-backer Softbank Group Corp for a major restructuring. The New York-based startup, which abandoned an initial public offering last week over investor concerns about its valuation and business model, will open two new offices for co-working in Singapore and two in Manila. It made the announcements on Wednesday and Thursday. The plan to boost its footprint in the two Southeast Asian cities follows a reports that its parent, The We Company, was considering curbing expansion plans in China to control costs. The loss-making start-up is looking to trim its workforce and slow expansion to preserve cash as it seeks alternative sources of funding, sources have told Reuters. A WeWork spokeswoman said in an email on Thursday that the company was "strengthening WeWork's presence in the region". WeWork now has 25 locations across Southeast Asia, 12 of them in Singapore.

WeWork to open new co-working sites in Singapore and Manila

Pakistani authorities on Thursday arrested four aides of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-pakistans-heart-bleeds-for-hafiz-saeed-252370">terrorist Hafiz Saeed</a>, the suspected mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai in 2008.

The aides have been arrested on the charges of terrorism financing, counter-terrorism police said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-must-account-for-basic-expenses-being-given-to-hafiz-saeed-us-252624">Saeed</a>, arrested on the same charges, has been on judicial remand since July, a move welcomed by US President Donald Trump who wants Pakistan to do more to crack down on militancy.

But Saeed`s arrest came just ahead of a visit to Washington by Prime Minister Imran Khan and was seen by India as a ploy to smooth the way before a meeting with Trump.

Thursday`s arrests come ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-prepares-compliance-report-as-fatf-meeting-approaches-254992">Financial Action Task Force meeting</a> which is scheduled for next week.

The global watchdog FATF will review progress made by Pakistan in controlling terror financing and money laundering.

Pakistan, included on a so-called grey list compiled by the FATF, has been under increasing pressure to stop the financing of terror groups.

The four aides will appear before a trial court on Friday, police said in a statement.

Saeed, designated a terrorist by the United States and the United Nations, is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, or Army of the Pure, the militant group blamed by the United States and India for the Mumbai attacks, which killed more than 160 people.

The United States has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to Saeed`s conviction. 
&nbsp;

Pakistani authorities on Thursday arrested four aides of terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the suspected mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai in 2008. The aides have been arrested on the charges of terrorism financing, counter-terrorism police said.

Pakistani authorities on Thursday arrested four aides of terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the suspected mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai in 2008. The aides have been arrested on the charges of terrorism financing, counter-terrorism police said. Saeed, arrested on the same charges, has been on judicial remand since July, a move welcomed by US President Donald Trump who wants Pakistan to do more to crack down on militancy. But Saeed`s arrest came just ahead of a visit to Washington by Prime Minister Imran Khan and was seen by India as a ploy to smooth the way before a meeting with Trump. Thursday`s arrests come ahead of Financial Action Task Force meeting which is scheduled for next week. The global watchdog FATF will review progress made by Pakistan in controlling terror financing and money laundering. Pakistan, included on a so-called grey list compiled by the FATF, has been under increasing pressure to stop the financing of terror groups. The four aides will appear before a trial court on Friday, police said in a statement. Saeed, designated a terrorist by the United States and the United Nations, is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, or Army of the Pure, the militant group blamed by the United States and India for the Mumbai attacks, which killed more than 160 people. The United States has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to Saeed`s conviction.

Pakistan arrests four aides of Hafiz Saeed ahead of FATF meet

Two foreign-born Florida businessmen who have been helping President Donald Trump's personal lawyer investigate political rival Joe Biden have been arrested on charges of funnelling foreign money to US political candidates and a pro-Trump election committee, authorities said on Thursday.

The arrests were the latest dramatic development in a political saga that threatens Trump's presidency. They come as the Democratic-led US House of Representatives conducts an impeachment inquiry into Trump centered on the Republican president's request in a July telephone call for Ukraine's president to investigate Biden.

The businessmen, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, were arrested in connection with a New York federal case involving campaign finance laws, the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan said. The two men were donors to a pro-Trump fundraising committee and the president's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, has said they helped him as he sought to investigate former Vice President Biden, a leading Democratic contender in the 2020 presidential election.

Parnas is a Ukrainian businessman. Fruman is a real estate investor who was born in Belarus. Both, according to various media accounts, helped introduce Giuliani into top Ukrainian political circles.

The two men had been planning to fly to Vienna on Wednesday night, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Parnas and Fruman conspired to "funnel foreign money to candidates for federal and state office," according to a federal court filing in New York. The two men made illegal contributions using straw donors, according to the indictment.

John Dowd, the lawyer for Parnas and Fruman, declined to comment on the charges. Giuliani did not immediately return a request for comment.

Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for the president, told Reuters that "neither the president nor the campaign was aware of their scheme," referring to the defendants.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and has described the impeachment probe as a partisan smear.

In May 2018, the indictment said, Parnas and Fruman contributed $325,000 to a pro-Trump political action committee called America First Action. The $325,000 donation was falsely reported as coming from a purported natural gas company, the indictment said.

The two men falsely claimed that the company, GEP, was "a real business enterprise" and that "its major purpose is energy trading, not political activity," the indictment said. In fact, it said, the company had no real business.

According to the indictment, Parnas sought the help of a US congressman - identified by a person familiar with the matter as Republican Pete Sessions - to get the US government to remove the then-ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. Trump called Yovanovitch "bad news" in his July 25 call with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Yovanovitch was removed from the post by Trump.

The indictment said the efforts were conducted at least in part at the request of at least one Ukrainian government official. Giuliani told Reuters last week he provided information to both Trump and the State Department about Yovanovitch, who he suggested was biased against Trump. She is scheduled to give testimony to House lawmakers this week.

Sessions, a Republican from Dallas, lost his seat in the 2018 congressional elections to Democrat Colin Allred.

Parnas and Fruman were due to appear at 2 p.m. (1800 GMT) in front of US Magistrate Judge Michael Nachmanoff at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, according to a spokesman for the federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Two other people were charged in the indictment: David Correia, a U.S. businessman, and Andrey Kukushkin, a Ukrainian-born U.S. businessman.

'Clerical thing'

In an interview last month, Parnas told Reuters that the FBI was investigating him but said he did not know why, and that he did nothing wrong. "I don't know what the FBI wants. I'm not going to comment, what they are doing. What they did."

"I don't think we know too much" about the investigation, Parnas said, but added that it had to be political. "When you have the heads of the Democratic Party not liking you, it's very easy to get the FBI involved."

Parnas said that any violations of Federal Election Commision rules were unwitting and a "clerical thing" because he was not an experienced political donor. Parnas said he was not trying to hide the source of the $325,000 donation.

Kelly Sadler, a spokeswoman for America First Action Political Action Committee, said the organization takes its legal obligations seriously and scrupulously complies with the law, adding any suggestion otherwise is false.

"In May 2018, America First Action received a $325,000 contribution and donor form from Global Energy Producers. In July 2018, a complaint was filed with the Federal Election Commission concerning this contribution."

Sadler added that there is separate litigation in Florida that concerns these funds.

"Accordingly, America First Action placed that contribution in a segregated bank account, it has not been used it for any purpose and the funds will remain in this segregated account until these matters are resolved."

The Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit that favors campaign finance regulation, had urged a US government agency in a July 2018 complaint to investigate whether Parnas and Fruman had broken the law by using a shell company to disguise the source of the $325,000 donation to the pro-Trump political action committee.

Federal records show Parnas has donated a total of $25,200 to Republican candidates and political groups since the 2016 presidential election, including $2,700 to Representative Pete Sessions and $2,700 to House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. Fruman has donated $44,201 over that period to Republicans, including Sessions, the Republican National Committee and Trump’s presidential campaign.

Nancy Pelosi, who as House Speaker is the top Democrat in the chamber, launched the impeachment inquiry last month after the revelation that Trump had sought foreign interference in the 2020 election.

A whistleblower complaint to Congress also raised concerns that Trump leveraged $400 million in US aid to try to secure a promise from Ukraine's president to investigate Biden and his son, Hunter Biden.

Democrats are getting impatient with the administration's blocks on its investigation.

"Republicans are now refusing to answer the simplest question: whether it’s acceptable for a president to pressure foreign countries to undermine our elections. American elections should be decided by Americans, not by 'favors' from foreign governments," Pelosi tweeted on Thursday.

Two foreign-born Florida businessmen who have been helping President Donald Trump's personal lawyer investigate political rival Joe Biden have been arrested on charges of funnelling foreign money to US political candidates and a pro-Trump election committee, authorities said on Thursday.

Two foreign-born Florida businessmen who have been helping President Donald Trump's personal lawyer investigate political rival Joe Biden have been arrested on charges of funnelling foreign money to US political candidates and a pro-Trump election committee, authorities said on Thursday. The arrests were the latest dramatic development in a political saga that threatens Trump's presidency. They come as the Democratic-led US House of Representatives conducts an impeachment inquiry into Trump centered on the Republican president's request in a July telephone call for Ukraine's president to investigate Biden. The businessmen, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, were arrested in connection with a New York federal case involving campaign finance laws, the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan said. The two men were donors to a pro-Trump fundraising committee and the president's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, has said they helped him as he sought to investigate former Vice President Biden, a leading Democratic contender in the 2020 presidential election. Parnas is a Ukrainian businessman. Fruman is a real estate investor who was born in Belarus. Both, according to various media accounts, helped introduce Giuliani into top Ukrainian political circles. The two men had been planning to fly to Vienna on Wednesday night, according to a source familiar with the matter. Parnas and Fruman conspired to "funnel foreign money to candidates for federal and state office," according to a federal court filing in New York. The two men made illegal contributions using straw donors, according to the indictment. John Dowd, the lawyer for Parnas and Fruman, declined to comment on the charges. Giuliani did not immediately return a request for comment. Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for the president, told Reuters that "neither the president nor the campaign was aware of their scheme," referring to the defendants. Trump has denied wrongdoing and has described the impeachment probe as a partisan smear. In May 2018, the indictment said, Parnas and Fruman contributed $325,000 to a pro-Trump political action committee called America First Action. The $325,000 donation was falsely reported as coming from a purported natural gas company, the indictment said. The two men falsely claimed that the company, GEP, was "a real business enterprise" and that "its major purpose is energy trading, not political activity," the indictment said. In fact, it said, the company had no real business. According to the indictment, Parnas sought the help of a US congressman - identified by a person familiar with the matter as Republican Pete Sessions - to get the US government to remove the then-ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. Trump called Yovanovitch "bad news" in his July 25 call with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Yovanovitch was removed from the post by Trump. The indictment said the efforts were conducted at least in part at the request of at least one Ukrainian government official. Giuliani told Reuters last week he provided information to both Trump and the State Department about Yovanovitch, who he suggested was biased against Trump. She is scheduled to give testimony to House lawmakers this week. Sessions, a Republican from Dallas, lost his seat in the 2018 congressional elections to Democrat Colin Allred. Parnas and Fruman were due to appear at 2 p.m. (1800 GMT) in front of US Magistrate Judge Michael Nachmanoff at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, according to a spokesman for the federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia. Two other people were charged in the indictment: David Correia, a U.S. businessman, and Andrey Kukushkin, a Ukrainian-born U.S. businessman. 'Clerical thing' In an interview last month, Parnas told Reuters that the FBI was investigating him but said he did not know why, and that he did nothing wrong. "I don't know what the FBI wants. I'm not going to comment, what they are doing. What they did." "I don't think we know too much" about the investigation, Parnas said, but added that it had to be political. "When you have the heads of the Democratic Party not liking you, it's very easy to get the FBI involved." Parnas said that any violations of Federal Election Commision rules were unwitting and a "clerical thing" because he was not an experienced political donor. Parnas said he was not trying to hide the source of the $325,000 donation. Kelly Sadler, a spokeswoman for America First Action Political Action Committee, said the organization takes its legal obligations seriously and scrupulously complies with the law, adding any suggestion otherwise is false. "In May 2018, America First Action received a $325,000 contribution and donor form from Global Energy Producers. In July 2018, a complaint was filed with the Federal Election Commission concerning this contribution." Sadler added that there is separate litigation in Florida that concerns these funds. "Accordingly, America First Action placed that contribution in a segregated bank account, it has not been used it for any purpose and the funds will remain in this segregated account until these matters are resolved." The Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit that favors campaign finance regulation, had urged a US government agency in a July 2018 complaint to investigate whether Parnas and Fruman had broken the law by using a shell company to disguise the source of the $325,000 donation to the pro-Trump political action committee. Federal records show Parnas has donated a total of $25,200 to Republican candidates and political groups since the 2016 presidential election, including $2,700 to Representative Pete Sessions and $2,700 to House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. Fruman has donated $44,201 over that period to Republicans, including Sessions, the Republican National Committee and Trump’s presidential campaign. Nancy Pelosi, who as House Speaker is the top Democrat in the chamber, launched the impeachment inquiry last month after the revelation that Trump had sought foreign interference in the 2020 election. A whistleblower complaint to Congress also raised concerns that Trump leveraged $400 million in US aid to try to secure a promise from Ukraine's president to investigate Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. Democrats are getting impatient with the administration's blocks on its investigation. "Republicans are now refusing to answer the simplest question: whether it’s acceptable for a president to pressure foreign countries to undermine our elections. American elections should be decided by Americans, not by 'favors' from foreign governments," Pelosi tweeted on Thursday.

Two businessmen linked to Trump Ukraine scandal arrested on US charges

Turkey on Wednesday faced the threat of US "sanctions from hell" as its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-military-operation-in-syria-what-does-ankara-wants-255040">assault on Syrian Kurdish forces</a> set off a crisis with its NATO ally, although it might still be able to count on a sympathetic Donald Trump.

Turkey pounded Syria with jets and artillery and sent in troops three days after Trump told his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-troops-to-withdraw-as-turkey-launches-syria-operation-white-house-254146">withdraw US troops</a> effectively serving as a buffer.

While Trump has long sought to extricate the United States from Syria's civil war, his decision triggered furious criticism from US lawmakers hoping to protect the Kurdish forces, who led the fight against the Islamic State group in the country.

A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation that would freeze all US assets of Turkey's leadership, including Erdogan, and impose sanctions on entities that do business with Turkey's military until Ankara withdraws from Syria.

Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican senator who is usually a steadfast supporter of Trump, had warned Turkey of "sanctions from hell" if it went ahead with the invasion.

"Pray for our Kurdish allies who have been shamelessly abandoned by the Trump Administration. This move ensures the reemergence of ISIS," Graham wrote on Twitter, using an acronym for the Islamic State group.

Faced with harsh rebukes, the mogul-turned-president -- already under pressure in an impeachment inquiry -- has sent mixed messages and threatened at the White House Wednesday to "wipe out" Turkey's economy if Ankara's assault was not carried out "in as humane a way as possible."&nbsp;

"If (Erdogan) does it unfairly, he is going to pay a big economic price," Trump told reporters, adding that he'd "do far more than sanctions."

But he also distanced himself from Graham, saying that the hawkish senator "would like us to stay there for the next 200 years."

Democrats also roundly criticized Trump as abandoning allies, even though some agreed that US troops should leave.

"These sanctions will have immediate, far-reaching consequences for Erdogan and his military," said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat who teamed up with Graham.

Trump signaled tentative support for sanctions but could veto the legislation if it is approved, setting up a showdown with Congress.

Erdogan invested in Trump

Gonul Tol, director of the Turkey program at the Middle East Institute in Washington, said that Erdogan was looking primarily at domestic considerations, especially after his party's humiliating loss in Istanbul local elections.

Erdogan links the Kurdish fighters, who head the Syrian Democratic Forces, to separatist militants at home and brands them as "terrorists" -- and is also hoping to send back some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees in Turkey.

If Congress goes ahead with sanctions, "this will mean a new low in Turkish-American relations, and that's going to be bad news for Erdogan as well because the economy matters a lot to him," Tol said.

With Trump known to break diplomatic norms, Erdogan likely sees the US leader as similar to him, with his every word becoming policy, Tol added.

"He has invested so much in the relationship with President Trump and has complete faith in their chemistry," she said.

"Obviously that's not a wise decision because it completely disregards the role that Congress and other institutions play."

Even before entering office, Trump enjoyed ties to Erdogan, Turkey's paramount leader since 2003. In a 2012 encounter drawing fresh scrutiny, the real estate tycoon's daughter Ivanka thanked Erdogan for attending the opening of Trump Towers Istanbul.

Sympathetic Trump in past

Erdogan has seen that Trump can push back against congressional anger in the past.&nbsp;

Turkey has faced limited repercussions, and Trump voiced understanding, after the NATO ally defied the United States to buy Russia's S-400 air defense system.

But Trump last year imposed tariffs that threw the Turkish lira into a tailspin as he successfully sought the release of Andrew Brunson, a US pastor whose detention in the Muslim-majority country made him a cause celebre among Trump's evangelical Christian base.

"President Trump has proven that he does not want to alienate Erdogan. But when he feels threatened or pushed, he could act otherwise," Tol said.

Erdogan "understands that the US can inflict a lot of damage on the Turkish economy. He has seen that," she said.

Nicholas Danforth, an expert on US-Turkey relations at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, said Erdogan feels he has a "good deal of leeway" due to Trump's ambiguous threats and past hesitation at sanctions.

"But we've also seen Trump change course dramatically," Danforth said.

"If Erdogan somehow crosses whatever hard-to-fathom red line exists in Trump's head, sanctions could come suddenly," he added. 
&nbsp;

Turkey on Wednesday faced the threat of US "sanctions from hell" as its assault on Syrian Kurdish forces set off a crisis with its NATO ally, although it might still be able to count on a sympathetic Donald Trump.

Turkey on Wednesday faced the threat of US "sanctions from hell" as its assault on Syrian Kurdish forces set off a crisis with its NATO ally, although it might still be able to count on a sympathetic Donald Trump. Turkey pounded Syria with jets and artillery and sent in troops three days after Trump told his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would withdraw US troops effectively serving as a buffer. While Trump has long sought to extricate the United States from Syria's civil war, his decision triggered furious criticism from US lawmakers hoping to protect the Kurdish forces, who led the fight against the Islamic State group in the country. A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation that would freeze all US assets of Turkey's leadership, including Erdogan, and impose sanctions on entities that do business with Turkey's military until Ankara withdraws from Syria. Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican senator who is usually a steadfast supporter of Trump, had warned Turkey of "sanctions from hell" if it went ahead with the invasion. "Pray for our Kurdish allies who have been shamelessly abandoned by the Trump Administration. This move ensures the reemergence of ISIS," Graham wrote on Twitter, using an acronym for the Islamic State group. Faced with harsh rebukes, the mogul-turned-president -- already under pressure in an impeachment inquiry -- has sent mixed messages and threatened at the White House Wednesday to "wipe out" Turkey's economy if Ankara's assault was not carried out "in as humane a way as possible." "If (Erdogan) does it unfairly, he is going to pay a big economic price," Trump told reporters, adding that he'd "do far more than sanctions." But he also distanced himself from Graham, saying that the hawkish senator "would like us to stay there for the next 200 years." Democrats also roundly criticized Trump as abandoning allies, even though some agreed that US troops should leave. "These sanctions will have immediate, far-reaching consequences for Erdogan and his military," said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat who teamed up with Graham. Trump signaled tentative support for sanctions but could veto the legislation if it is approved, setting up a showdown with Congress. Erdogan invested in Trump Gonul Tol, director of the Turkey program at the Middle East Institute in Washington, said that Erdogan was looking primarily at domestic considerations, especially after his party's humiliating loss in Istanbul local elections. Erdogan links the Kurdish fighters, who head the Syrian Democratic Forces, to separatist militants at home and brands them as "terrorists" -- and is also hoping to send back some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees in Turkey. If Congress goes ahead with sanctions, "this will mean a new low in Turkish-American relations, and that's going to be bad news for Erdogan as well because the economy matters a lot to him," Tol said. With Trump known to break diplomatic norms, Erdogan likely sees the US leader as similar to him, with his every word becoming policy, Tol added. "He has invested so much in the relationship with President Trump and has complete faith in their chemistry," she said. "Obviously that's not a wise decision because it completely disregards the role that Congress and other institutions play." Even before entering office, Trump enjoyed ties to Erdogan, Turkey's paramount leader since 2003. In a 2012 encounter drawing fresh scrutiny, the real estate tycoon's daughter Ivanka thanked Erdogan for attending the opening of Trump Towers Istanbul. Sympathetic Trump in past Erdogan has seen that Trump can push back against congressional anger in the past. Turkey has faced limited repercussions, and Trump voiced understanding, after the NATO ally defied the United States to buy Russia's S-400 air defense system. But Trump last year imposed tariffs that threw the Turkish lira into a tailspin as he successfully sought the release of Andrew Brunson, a US pastor whose detention in the Muslim-majority country made him a cause celebre among Trump's evangelical Christian base. "President Trump has proven that he does not want to alienate Erdogan. But when he feels threatened or pushed, he could act otherwise," Tol said. Erdogan "understands that the US can inflict a lot of damage on the Turkish economy. He has seen that," she said. Nicholas Danforth, an expert on US-Turkey relations at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, said Erdogan feels he has a "good deal of leeway" due to Trump's ambiguous threats and past hesitation at sanctions. "But we've also seen Trump change course dramatically," Danforth said. "If Erdogan somehow crosses whatever hard-to-fathom red line exists in Trump's head, sanctions could come suddenly," he added.

Turkey faces US 'sanctions from hell' after Syria Kurd assault

Five people, including a nine-month-old baby, were killed and dozens injured in shelling on Turkish border towns on Thursday, local authorities said, following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explainer-turkey-set-to-redraw-map-of-syrian-war-once-more-254794">Turkey's offensive on Kurdish forces </a>in northern Syria.

"The first martyrs of Operation Peace Spring were a nine-month-old Syrian baby, Mohammad Omar, and Cihan Gunes, a civil servant working for the tax office in Akcakale," the Sanliurfa governor's office said in a statement.

Three more deaths were later reported in Mardin province, according to a local official.

AFP journalists witnessed consistent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/18-injured-as-shells-hit-turkish-border-towns-255028">explosions in Akcakale and saw three people injured</a>, one seriously, when shells hit a government building.

Attacks were also reported in Ceylanpinar.&nbsp;

The two areas lie just across the border from the Syrian towns of Tal Abyad and Ras Al-Ain, which have been the focus of Turkey's operation against Syrian Kurdish forces since it was launched on Wednesday.

A total of 70 people were so far reported injured across Turkish areas.

Families were evacuating and streets emptying in Akcakale, as local authorities called on people to take shelter.&nbsp;

Turkey says its operation is aimed at pushing back Syrian Kurdish forces, which it considers "terrorists", and establishing a "safe zone" to repatriate Syrian refugees. 
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Five people, including a nine-month-old baby, were killed and dozens injured in shelling on Turkish border towns on Thursday, local authorities said, following Turkey's offensive on Kurdish forces in northern Syria.

Five people, including a nine-month-old baby, were killed and dozens injured in shelling on Turkish border towns on Thursday, local authorities said, following Turkey's offensive on Kurdish forces in northern Syria. "The first martyrs of Operation Peace Spring were a nine-month-old Syrian baby, Mohammad Omar, and Cihan Gunes, a civil servant working for the tax office in Akcakale," the Sanliurfa governor's office said in a statement. Three more deaths were later reported in Mardin province, according to a local official. AFP journalists witnessed consistent explosions in Akcakale and saw three people injured, one seriously, when shells hit a government building. Attacks were also reported in Ceylanpinar. The two areas lie just across the border from the Syrian towns of Tal Abyad and Ras Al-Ain, which have been the focus of Turkey's operation against Syrian Kurdish forces since it was launched on Wednesday. A total of 70 people were so far reported injured across Turkish areas. Families were evacuating and streets emptying in Akcakale, as local authorities called on people to take shelter. Turkey says its operation is aimed at pushing back Syrian Kurdish forces, which it considers "terrorists", and establishing a "safe zone" to repatriate Syrian refugees.

5 killed, including baby, in Kurdish shelling on Turkey: Officials

An Afghan policeman was killed and four other people were injured in a roadside bomb blast in the country`s southern province of Helmand, a local source told Sputnik on Wednesday.

The bomb exploded near a police car in the Greshak district of Helmand province.

Spokesman of the Helmand governor confirmed to Sputnik that one policeman was killed and two others were injured.

An Afghan policeman was killed and four other people were injured in a roadside bomb blast in the country`s southern province of Helmand, a local source told Sputnik on Wednesday.

An Afghan policeman was killed and four other people were injured in a roadside bomb blast in the country`s southern province of Helmand, a local source told Sputnik on Wednesday. The bomb exploded near a police car in the Greshak district of Helmand province. Spokesman of the Helmand governor confirmed to Sputnik that one policeman was killed and two others were injured.

Policeman killed, 4 others injured in bomb blast in southern Afghanistan

Another Hindu girl has been kidnapped from Pakistan's southeastern province of Sindh allegedly by Muslim men and her family has alleged that she was forcefully converted to Islam.

This tragic incident follows the case of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hindu-community-protest-in-karachi-against-namritas-murder-250516">Namrita Chandani,</a> a first-year medical student from Ghotki town in northern Sindh, who was found lying on a charpoy last month with a piece of cloth tied to her neck while her room was locked from inside.

The police and authorities had tried to downplay the incident by saying that she committed suicide. However, her family asserted that she was murdered.Namrita`s brother, Vishal, a medical consultant, said that the preliminary checkup showed that she was murdered.

The mystery around the murder of Namrita has raised suspicions with people questioning whether it was a case of forced conversion.In recent times, several cases of forced conversion have come to the fore, highlighting religious persecution in Pakistan.

Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam, US-based Sindhi Foundation has said.

In Pakistan, many such incidents are regularly reported where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men.

The incidents have come at a time when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is in Beijing to seek China's support for allegations of the so-called widespread atrocities in Kashmir on global platforms ever since the region`s special status was scrapped on August 5.

Khan was forced to admit last month that his government`s efforts to internationalise the issue had failed to make an impression on world leaders.

However, China, in a bid to cement ties prior to Chinese President's informal summit in south India, has now realigned itself with India`s position that Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan to be settled through talks.

Another Hindu girl has been kidnapped from Pakistan's southeastern province of Sindh allegedly by Muslim men and her family has alleged that she was forcefully converted to Islam.

Another Hindu girl has been kidnapped from Pakistan's southeastern province of Sindh allegedly by Muslim men and her family has alleged that she was forcefully converted to Islam. This tragic incident follows the case of Namrita Chandani, a first-year medical student from Ghotki town in northern Sindh, who was found lying on a charpoy last month with a piece of cloth tied to her neck while her room was locked from inside. The police and authorities had tried to downplay the incident by saying that she committed suicide. However, her family asserted that she was murdered.Namrita`s brother, Vishal, a medical consultant, said that the preliminary checkup showed that she was murdered. The mystery around the murder of Namrita has raised suspicions with people questioning whether it was a case of forced conversion.In recent times, several cases of forced conversion have come to the fore, highlighting religious persecution in Pakistan. Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam, US-based Sindhi Foundation has said. In Pakistan, many such incidents are regularly reported where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men. The incidents have come at a time when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is in Beijing to seek China's support for allegations of the so-called widespread atrocities in Kashmir on global platforms ever since the region`s special status was scrapped on August 5. Khan was forced to admit last month that his government`s efforts to internationalise the issue had failed to make an impression on world leaders. However, China, in a bid to cement ties prior to Chinese President's informal summit in south India, has now realigned itself with India`s position that Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan to be settled through talks.

Another Hindu girl abducted from Pakistan's Sindh province, forced to convert

British police have charged a Pakistani political exile with encouraging terrorism, Scotland Yard announced on Thursday, after a speech he made in 2016 to supporters in Karachi was followed by violent protests.

Altaf Hussain, the former leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) which once ruled Karachi, faces up to seven years imprisonment for the speech which was "likely to be understood" as encouraging supporters to acts of terrorism or was "reckless" of the possible consequences.

Hussain, 66, has lived in London for more than two decades and often addressed supporters in the South Asian megacity through a loudspeaker linked to his home telephone.

In the speech on August 22, 2016, he castigated the media for not giving due coverage to his workers. Police accused him of chanting anti-Pakistani slogans, and security forces moved in to seal his party headquarters.

MQM activists clashed with police and ransacked a private television station in violence which left at least one man dead and seven others injured.

Hussain's party "completely disowned" him after the statements, splitting into two factions -- MQM Pakistan, and Hussain's shrinking group which he continued to run out of London.

Pakistan later charged him with treason and inciting terrorism. He has lived in London since fleeing a military operation against his party in 1992 and is a British citizen.

The MQM, long accused of using extortion and murder to cement its grip on power, was blamed for years of ethnic violence in Karachi.

It clashed repeatedly with authorities until security forces launched a brutal "clean-up" operation in 2013 that was plagued with accusations of extra-judicial killings and which has seen political violence drop significantly in the southern port city.

The MQM lost its hold on Karachi during 2018's general election, with the party's Pakistan faction now allied with Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.

Hussain still publishes periodic messages denigrating the Pakistani establishment on social media, though as his grip on power has diminished his audience has shrunk dramatically from their peak during his charismatic speeches of the 1980s and 1990s.

He was due to appear in a magistrates court in London on Thursday.

British police have charged a Pakistani political exile with encouraging terrorism, Scotland Yard announced on Thursday, after a speech he made in 2016 to supporters in Karachi was followed by violent protests.

British police have charged a Pakistani political exile with encouraging terrorism, Scotland Yard announced on Thursday, after a speech he made in 2016 to supporters in Karachi was followed by violent protests. Altaf Hussain, the former leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) which once ruled Karachi, faces up to seven years imprisonment for the speech which was "likely to be understood" as encouraging supporters to acts of terrorism or was "reckless" of the possible consequences. Hussain, 66, has lived in London for more than two decades and often addressed supporters in the South Asian megacity through a loudspeaker linked to his home telephone. In the speech on August 22, 2016, he castigated the media for not giving due coverage to his workers. Police accused him of chanting anti-Pakistani slogans, and security forces moved in to seal his party headquarters. MQM activists clashed with police and ransacked a private television station in violence which left at least one man dead and seven others injured. Hussain's party "completely disowned" him after the statements, splitting into two factions -- MQM Pakistan, and Hussain's shrinking group which he continued to run out of London. Pakistan later charged him with treason and inciting terrorism. He has lived in London since fleeing a military operation against his party in 1992 and is a British citizen. The MQM, long accused of using extortion and murder to cement its grip on power, was blamed for years of ethnic violence in Karachi. It clashed repeatedly with authorities until security forces launched a brutal "clean-up" operation in 2013 that was plagued with accusations of extra-judicial killings and which has seen political violence drop significantly in the southern port city. The MQM lost its hold on Karachi during 2018's general election, with the party's Pakistan faction now allied with Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. Hussain still publishes periodic messages denigrating the Pakistani establishment on social media, though as his grip on power has diminished his audience has shrunk dramatically from their peak during his charismatic speeches of the 1980s and 1990s. He was due to appear in a magistrates court in London on Thursday.

Scotland Yard charges Pakistani exile with terrorism offence

Bangladesh has come down by two places to rank at the 105th position out of 141 countries surveyed for the 2019 annual global competitiveness index.

A Bangladesh based think tank, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) put out the report on behalf of the World Economic Forum (WEF) at a press meet in the capital city on Wednesday, Xinhua reported. Annual global competitiveness is a yearly assessment of the drivers of productivity and long-term economic growth.

Last year, Dhaka was ranked 103rd in the competitiveness index put together by the Geneva-based WEF.

Out of 141 economies of the world, Singapore ranked top in 2019 after it took over the first-place from United States who topped the 2018 list.

Bangladesh's economic competitiveness has come down in 10 out of 12 pillars, the WEF's report said.

The 12 pillars of assessment include institution, infrastructure, ICT adoption, macroeconomic stability, health, skills, product market, labour market, financial system, market size, business dynamism and innovation capability.

Bangladesh has come down by two places to rank at the 105th position out of 141 countries surveyed for the 2019 annual global competitiveness index. A Bangladesh based think tank, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) put out the report on behalf of the World Economic Forum (WEF) at a press meet in the capital city on Wednesday, Xinhua reported.

Bangladesh has come down by two places to rank at the 105th position out of 141 countries surveyed for the 2019 annual global competitiveness index. A Bangladesh based think tank, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) put out the report on behalf of the World Economic Forum (WEF) at a press meet in the capital city on Wednesday, Xinhua reported. Annual global competitiveness is a yearly assessment of the drivers of productivity and long-term economic growth. Last year, Dhaka was ranked 103rd in the competitiveness index put together by the Geneva-based WEF. Out of 141 economies of the world, Singapore ranked top in 2019 after it took over the first-place from United States who topped the 2018 list. Bangladesh's economic competitiveness has come down in 10 out of 12 pillars, the WEF's report said. The 12 pillars of assessment include institution, infrastructure, ICT adoption, macroeconomic stability, health, skills, product market, labour market, financial system, market size, business dynamism and innovation capability.

Bangladesh slips by two positions, ranks 105th in global competitiveness ranking

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Zee News Rajasthan

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