I admire President Trump's belief in America's future: PM Modi in Houston

A Taliban delegation met China's special representative for Afghanistan in Beijing on Sunday to discuss the group's peace talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgency said.

The meeting comes after US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-says-taliban-talks-dead-us-military-to-ramp-up-afghanistan-operations-248707">Trump's eleventh-hour cancellation </a>earlier this month of the negotiations between his country and the Taliban, which many had hoped would pave the way to a broader peace deal with the Afghan government and ending a 17-year war.

The Taliban's nine-member delegation travelled to Beijing and met Deng Xijun, China's special representative for Afghanistan, said Suhail Shaheen, the Afghan group's spokesman in Qatar, on his official Twitter account.

Qatar was where the Taliban and the United States held peace talks over the past year.

"The Chinese special representative said the US-Taliban deal is a good framework for the peaceful solution of the Afghan issue and they support it," Shaheen wrote.

Mullah Baradar, the Taliban delegation's leader, said they had held a dialogue and reached a "comprehensive deal", Shaheen tweeted.

"Now, if the US president cannot stay committed to his words and breaks his promise, then he is responsible for any kind of distraction and bloodshed in Afghanistan," Baradar said, according to Shaheen.

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to an e-mail requesting comment, sent outside its usual operating hours. Chinese officials in Kabul also did not immediately respond to a messaged request for comment.

Afghanistan will this coming week hold its fourth presidential elections since US-led forces toppled the Taliban from power in 2001.

Those elections have gained importance since the collapse of the peace talks, as the negotiations could have led to the creation of an interim government, now a more distant prospect.

In June, before the peace talks fell apart, another Taliban team went to China to meet with the government.

At the time, a foreign ministry spokesman said China supports Afghans resolving their problems themselves through talks, and the visit was an important part of China promoting such peace talks.

China's far western Chinese region of Xinjiang shares a short border with Afghanistan.

China has long worried about links between militant groups and what it says are Islamist extremists operating in Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur people, who speak a Turkic language.

China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been deepening its economic and political ties with Kabul and is also using its influence to try to bring the two uneasy neighbours closer.

A Taliban delegation met China's special representative for Afghanistan in Beijing on Sunday to discuss the group's peace talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgency said.

A Taliban delegation met China's special representative for Afghanistan in Beijing on Sunday to discuss the group's peace talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgency said. The meeting comes after US President Donald Trump's eleventh-hour cancellation earlier this month of the negotiations between his country and the Taliban, which many had hoped would pave the way to a broader peace deal with the Afghan government and ending a 17-year war. The Taliban's nine-member delegation travelled to Beijing and met Deng Xijun, China's special representative for Afghanistan, said Suhail Shaheen, the Afghan group's spokesman in Qatar, on his official Twitter account. Qatar was where the Taliban and the United States held peace talks over the past year. "The Chinese special representative said the US-Taliban deal is a good framework for the peaceful solution of the Afghan issue and they support it," Shaheen wrote. Mullah Baradar, the Taliban delegation's leader, said they had held a dialogue and reached a "comprehensive deal", Shaheen tweeted. "Now, if the US president cannot stay committed to his words and breaks his promise, then he is responsible for any kind of distraction and bloodshed in Afghanistan," Baradar said, according to Shaheen. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to an e-mail requesting comment, sent outside its usual operating hours. Chinese officials in Kabul also did not immediately respond to a messaged request for comment. Afghanistan will this coming week hold its fourth presidential elections since US-led forces toppled the Taliban from power in 2001. Those elections have gained importance since the collapse of the peace talks, as the negotiations could have led to the creation of an interim government, now a more distant prospect. In June, before the peace talks fell apart, another Taliban team went to China to meet with the government. At the time, a foreign ministry spokesman said China supports Afghans resolving their problems themselves through talks, and the visit was an important part of China promoting such peace talks. China's far western Chinese region of Xinjiang shares a short border with Afghanistan. China has long worried about links between militant groups and what it says are Islamist extremists operating in Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur people, who speak a Turkic language. China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been deepening its economic and political ties with Kabul and is also using its influence to try to bring the two uneasy neighbours closer.

Afghanistan's Taliban meets Chinese government in Beijing

The United States aims to avoid war with Iran and the additional troops ordered to be deployed in the Gulf region are for "deterrence and defense," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Pompeo added that he was confident US President Donald Trump would take action if such deterrence measures fail and that this was well understood by the Iranian leadership.

"Our mission set is to avoid war," Pompeo said. "You saw what Secretary Esper announced on Friday, we are putting additional forces in the region for the purpose of deterrence and defense," he said.

Pompeo said Washington was taking measures to deter Tehran, but he added that Trump would take necessary action if Tehran failed to change its behavior. "If that deterrence should continue to fail, I am also confident that President Trump would continue to take the actions that are necessary," he said.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have further escalated after an attack last weekend on Saudi oil facilities that initially disrupted half of the oil production from the kingdom, the world's largest oil exporter, and was blamed on Tehran by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

US has slapped more sanctions on Iran, penalising the Iranian Central Bank while the Pentagon said it was sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities.

Iran denied involvement in the attack. Yemen's Houthi movement, an Iran-aligned group fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war, has claimed responsibility.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, speaking to CNN, said the attack on Saudi oil facilities was an attack on the world economic system. He said the United States expects that any country attached to the US&nbsp;dollar system will abide by the sanctions on Iran.

Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year and ramped up sanctions to strangle its oil exports, a mainstay of the Iranian economy.

The move dismantled part of former US President Barack Obama's legacy and upset US allies who were party to the agreement, which was designed to restrict Tehran's pathway to a nuclear bomb in exchange for sanctions relief.

In recent weeks, Trump had weighed the possibility of easing sanctions on Iran and suggested he could meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is due to attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week. Rouhani has said that Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, would not talk to the United States until Washington lifted sanctions.

The United States aims to avoid war with Iran and the additional troops ordered to be deployed in the Gulf region are for "deterrence and defense," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

The United States aims to avoid war with Iran and the additional troops ordered to be deployed in the Gulf region are for "deterrence and defense," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday. Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Pompeo added that he was confident US President Donald Trump would take action if such deterrence measures fail and that this was well understood by the Iranian leadership. "Our mission set is to avoid war," Pompeo said. "You saw what Secretary Esper announced on Friday, we are putting additional forces in the region for the purpose of deterrence and defense," he said. Pompeo said Washington was taking measures to deter Tehran, but he added that Trump would take necessary action if Tehran failed to change its behavior. "If that deterrence should continue to fail, I am also confident that President Trump would continue to take the actions that are necessary," he said. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have further escalated after an attack last weekend on Saudi oil facilities that initially disrupted half of the oil production from the kingdom, the world's largest oil exporter, and was blamed on Tehran by the United States and Saudi Arabia. US has slapped more sanctions on Iran, penalising the Iranian Central Bank while the Pentagon said it was sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities. Iran denied involvement in the attack. Yemen's Houthi movement, an Iran-aligned group fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war, has claimed responsibility. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, speaking to CNN, said the attack on Saudi oil facilities was an attack on the world economic system. He said the United States expects that any country attached to the US dollar system will abide by the sanctions on Iran. Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year and ramped up sanctions to strangle its oil exports, a mainstay of the Iranian economy. The move dismantled part of former US President Barack Obama's legacy and upset US allies who were party to the agreement, which was designed to restrict Tehran's pathway to a nuclear bomb in exchange for sanctions relief. In recent weeks, Trump had weighed the possibility of easing sanctions on Iran and suggested he could meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is due to attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week. Rouhani has said that Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, would not talk to the United States until Washington lifted sanctions.

Pompeo says US mission is to avoid war with Iran but measures in place to deter

Israeli Arab political parties are backing ex-military chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benny-gantz-meet-the-three-star-general-running-for-israeli-prime-minister-208484">Benny Gantz</a> as the country's next prime minister in a break with precedent, they announced Sunday.

The mainly Arab Joint List alliance made the announcement at roughly the same time as its leader, Ayman Odeh, published an opinion piece on the New York Times website speaking of the move.

It was the first time since 1992 that majority Arab parties have endorsed a candidate for prime minister.

Shortly later, Odeh told Israeli President Reuven Rivlin the alliance's priority was to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power, and was therefore recommending Gantz.

He made the comments as Rivlin consulted with Israeli political parties on who should form the next government following Tuesday's deadlocked general elections.

The Joint List won 13 seats in the election, making them the third-largest force in the 120-seat legislature.

One party within the alliance, accounting for three seats, signalled it was against the decision.

Even with the endorsement of all 13 seats, Gantz and his centrist Blue and White alliance would fall short of 61 needed for a majority.&nbsp;

He is expected to have the endorsement of 57 seats during Rivlin's consultations. Netanyahu is expected to receive 55.

Rivlin has said he believes a unity government should include both Netanyahu's Likud and Blue and White in order to create a stable coalition.

Israeli Arab political parties are backing ex-military chief Benny Gantz as the country's next prime minister in a break with precedent, they announced Sunday. The mainly Arab Joint List alliance made the announcement at roughly the same time as its leader, Ayman Odeh, published an opinion piece on the New York Times website speaking of the move.

Israeli Arab political parties are backing ex-military chief Benny Gantz as the country's next prime minister in a break with precedent, they announced Sunday. The mainly Arab Joint List alliance made the announcement at roughly the same time as its leader, Ayman Odeh, published an opinion piece on the New York Times website speaking of the move. It was the first time since 1992 that majority Arab parties have endorsed a candidate for prime minister. Shortly later, Odeh told Israeli President Reuven Rivlin the alliance's priority was to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power, and was therefore recommending Gantz. He made the comments as Rivlin consulted with Israeli political parties on who should form the next government following Tuesday's deadlocked general elections. The Joint List won 13 seats in the election, making them the third-largest force in the 120-seat legislature. One party within the alliance, accounting for three seats, signalled it was against the decision. Even with the endorsement of all 13 seats, Gantz and his centrist Blue and White alliance would fall short of 61 needed for a majority. He is expected to have the endorsement of 57 seats during Rivlin's consultations. Netanyahu is expected to receive 55. Rivlin has said he believes a unity government should include both Netanyahu's Likud and Blue and White in order to create a stable coalition.

Israeli Arab parties back Gantz for PM in break with precedent

A mass protest took place in the Ghanche district of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) against the Islamabad`s decision of leasing the pasture land of Gilgit Baltistan to China for mining.

The protestors blocked the road and accused Pakistan of violating state Subject Rule.

Member of the Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA) Mirza Hussain has said that 300 mining leases were awarded to China without "his knowledge".

"People of Ganache in occupied #GilgitBaltistan block Siachen Road to protest against leasing of their pasture to outsiders. GB minister for minerals says, 300 mining leases awarded without his knowledge. #Pakistani bureaucrats violating State Subject Rule in GB and world is silent," tweeted an activist Senge H Sering.

Through its China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, Beijing is using transit routes of Gilgit Baltistan to reach Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and the ports along the coastline of Arabian Sea.&nbsp;

Chinese mining companies control the region`s much-valued mineral deposits of uranium, gold, copper, marble and precious stones.

However, the locals continue to resist China`s ambitions.&nbsp;

In 2008, for instance, a local person was killed when the residents of uranium-rich Gindai valley in Ghizer district clashed with Chinese miners.

Various human rights activists have raised their voices against the illegal occupation by China.

The CPEC project, which is a part of this initiative has been criticised by India since it passes through disputed Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.&nbsp;

On the other hand, China has said that it had respected all territorial laws and that the issue was an "internal matter" between New Delhi and Islamabad.&nbsp;

A mass protest took place in the Ghanche district of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) against the Islamabad`s decision of leasing the pasture land of Gilgit Baltistan to China for mining.

A mass protest took place in the Ghanche district of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) against the Islamabad`s decision of leasing the pasture land of Gilgit Baltistan to China for mining. The protestors blocked the road and accused Pakistan of violating state Subject Rule. Member of the Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA) Mirza Hussain has said that 300 mining leases were awarded to China without "his knowledge". "People of Ganache in occupied #GilgitBaltistan block Siachen Road to protest against leasing of their pasture to outsiders. GB minister for minerals says, 300 mining leases awarded without his knowledge. #Pakistani bureaucrats violating State Subject Rule in GB and world is silent," tweeted an activist Senge H Sering. Through its China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, Beijing is using transit routes of Gilgit Baltistan to reach Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and the ports along the coastline of Arabian Sea. Chinese mining companies control the region`s much-valued mineral deposits of uranium, gold, copper, marble and precious stones. However, the locals continue to resist China`s ambitions. In 2008, for instance, a local person was killed when the residents of uranium-rich Gindai valley in Ghizer district clashed with Chinese miners. Various human rights activists have raised their voices against the illegal occupation by China. The CPEC project, which is a part of this initiative has been criticised by India since it passes through disputed Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK) region. On the other hand, China has said that it had respected all territorial laws and that the issue was an "internal matter" between New Delhi and Islamabad.

PoK: People protest in Gilgit Baltistan against Pakistan decision to lease land to China

Ethiopia said on Saturday it had arrested an unspecified number of Islamist militant members of the Somali group al Shabaab and Islamic State who were planning to carry out attacks in the country on various targets including hotels.

Some of those arrested were carrying out intelligence work including photographing potential targets, the National Intelligence Security Services (NISS) said in a statement read out on state-affiliated broadcaster Fana.

"The group was preparing to attack hotels, religious festivities gathering places and public areas in Addis Ababa," NISS said.

Ethiopian intelligence coordinated with neighbouring Djibouti to detain the suspects including their leader, Muhammed Abdulahi, NISS said.

Those detained, NISS said, were arrested in the capital Addis Ababa, Oromia and Ethiopia's Somali region.

Al Shabaab has been fighting for years to topple Somalia's central government, which the African Union-mandated peacekeeping force AMISOM helps to defend.

The militants have carried out numerous attacks in Somalia on military and civilian targets, and it has also conducted attacks abroad including in Kenya.

Ethiopia said on Saturday it had arrested an unspecified number of Islamist militant members of the Somali group al Shabaab and Islamic State who were planning to carry out attacks in the country on various targets including hotels.

Ethiopia said on Saturday it had arrested an unspecified number of Islamist militant members of the Somali group al Shabaab and Islamic State who were planning to carry out attacks in the country on various targets including hotels. Some of those arrested were carrying out intelligence work including photographing potential targets, the National Intelligence Security Services (NISS) said in a statement read out on state-affiliated broadcaster Fana. "The group was preparing to attack hotels, religious festivities gathering places and public areas in Addis Ababa," NISS said. Ethiopian intelligence coordinated with neighbouring Djibouti to detain the suspects including their leader, Muhammed Abdulahi, NISS said. Those detained, NISS said, were arrested in the capital Addis Ababa, Oromia and Ethiopia's Somali region. Al Shabaab has been fighting for years to topple Somalia's central government, which the African Union-mandated peacekeeping force AMISOM helps to defend. The militants have carried out numerous attacks in Somalia on military and civilian targets, and it has also conducted attacks abroad including in Kenya.

Ethiopia arrests suspected Islamist militants

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America.

Duque, who accuses Maduro of providing a safe haven for Colombian rebel fighters from the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group and the still-active ELN rebels, compared the Venezuelan leader to former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, who was put on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for alleged war crimes in conflicts that destabilized the Balkans.

"We should look at communal sanctions and actions so that the threat of (Venezuela) protecting terrorism in its territory ends," Duque told Reuters before traveling to the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

"The international community must understand that the dictatorship has to come to an end soon because the humanitarian tragedy, in addition to the consolidation of a dictatorial regime that is coexisting with drug cartels and with terrorism, is a threat for the whole Western hemisphere and for the stability of the world."

Maduro accuses Colombia of preparing to attack Venezuela and has repeatedly warned of an invasion coordinated with the US government.

Colombia is the top destination for Venezuelans fleeing widespread shortages of food and medicine some 1.4 million now reside in Colombia.

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America.

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America. Duque, who accuses Maduro of providing a safe haven for Colombian rebel fighters from the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group and the still-active ELN rebels, compared the Venezuelan leader to former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, who was put on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for alleged war crimes in conflicts that destabilized the Balkans. "We should look at communal sanctions and actions so that the threat of (Venezuela) protecting terrorism in its territory ends," Duque told Reuters before traveling to the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. "The international community must understand that the dictatorship has to come to an end soon because the humanitarian tragedy, in addition to the consolidation of a dictatorial regime that is coexisting with drug cartels and with terrorism, is a threat for the whole Western hemisphere and for the stability of the world." Maduro accuses Colombia of preparing to attack Venezuela and has repeatedly warned of an invasion coordinated with the US government. Colombia is the top destination for Venezuelans fleeing widespread shortages of food and medicine some 1.4 million now reside in Colombia.

Coordinated sanctions could stop Maduro from destabilizing region: Colombian President Ivan Duque

Dozens of Britons marched through the southern Spanish city of Malaga on Sunday to register their concerns about their uncertain status as Britain prepares to leave the European Union.

"We feel really forgotten here in Spain," said Michael Soffe, a 61-year-old businessman who has lived in Malaga for 30 years. "Many here are pensioners will they lose their healthcare overnight, for example?" he added.

Protesters brandished <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-and-eu-spar-over-brexit-as-clock-ticks-down-250908">European Union</a>, Spanish and British flags and held banners reading "They're trying to make us leave the EU" and "Take back control: My grandkids' future".

Spain is the most popular European retirement destination for Britons, with around a third of British residents aged over 65. Among foreign nationals, they are by far the biggest users of Spain's state-funded universal healthcare system.

Many are concerned they will lose their free access to Spanish healthcare, currently assured by the European Union, as a result of Britain's exit from the bloc.

Acting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who could be replaced following November elections, has sought to reassure Britons living in Spain, promising to protect their rights after Britain's exit from the European Union.

One demonstrator on Sunday said Spain had done more for Britons living in the country than the British government.

"Spain is doing everything it can to protect us," said Tamara Essex, a 60-year-old from Dorset, southwest England, who has lived in Spain for more than seven years. "The UK government has forgotten us."

British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay visited Spain last week to discuss the exit of Britain from the European Union with Spanish government representatives and hear from groups representing Britons in Spain.

The British government is in talks with Spain about protecting access to healthcare, he said.

Dozens of Britons marched through the southern Spanish city of Malaga on Sunday to register their concerns about their uncertain status as Britain prepares to leave the European Union.

Dozens of Britons marched through the southern Spanish city of Malaga on Sunday to register their concerns about their uncertain status as Britain prepares to leave the European Union. "We feel really forgotten here in Spain," said Michael Soffe, a 61-year-old businessman who has lived in Malaga for 30 years. "Many here are pensioners will they lose their healthcare overnight, for example?" he added. Protesters brandished European Union, Spanish and British flags and held banners reading "They're trying to make us leave the EU" and "Take back control: My grandkids' future". Spain is the most popular European retirement destination for Britons, with around a third of British residents aged over 65. Among foreign nationals, they are by far the biggest users of Spain's state-funded universal healthcare system. Many are concerned they will lose their free access to Spanish healthcare, currently assured by the European Union, as a result of Britain's exit from the bloc. Acting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who could be replaced following November elections, has sought to reassure Britons living in Spain, promising to protect their rights after Britain's exit from the European Union. One demonstrator on Sunday said Spain had done more for Britons living in the country than the British government. "Spain is doing everything it can to protect us," said Tamara Essex, a 60-year-old from Dorset, southwest England, who has lived in Spain for more than seven years. "The UK government has forgotten us." British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay visited Spain last week to discuss the exit of Britain from the European Union with Spanish government representatives and hear from groups representing Britons in Spain. The British government is in talks with Spain about protecting access to healthcare, he said.

Dozens of Britons march in southern Spain ahead of Brexit

A group of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-converge-on-hong-kong-police-headquarters-in-anti-govt-demonstration-229127">protestors in Hong Kong</a> on Sunday trampled on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-state-media-criticise-foreign-hypocrisy-over-hong-kong-after-climbdown-227824">Chinese</a> national flag and threw it into the Shing Mun river.

They also smeared paint on the flag as bystanders cheered and applauded, reported Straits Times.

The demonstrators raised slogans such as "Hong Kong people, keep it up", "Fight for freedom", and "Liberate Hong Kong".

The protests entered the 16th week with radical demonstrators vandalising the New Town Plaza shopping centre and setting fire to barricades they built on the road outside.

Two subway stations were closed in the area by the authorities.&nbsp;

Police hoisted a black flag to warn the protestors that they could use tear gas. The riot police, in a statement, asked the demonstrators to stop "illegal acts" and leave immediately.&nbsp;

Since June, Hong Kong has seen weeks of anti-government protests that began against a now-suspended extradition bill, which would have allowed criminals to be sent to mainland China for trial.

The agitations have since broadened to include calls for democracy, police accountability and the resignation of chief Carri Lam, who is backed by Beijing.

Protesters and police have clashed with both sides using force in the Asian financial hub.

China has decried the protests and threatened military action in the semi-autonomous city, with a Chinese official alleging that the demonstrations have "begun to show signs of terrorism".

Hong Kong functions under the `one country, two systems` rule and was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.&nbsp;

A group of protestors in Hong Kong on Sunday trampled on the Chinese national flag and threw it into the Shing Mun river. They also smeared paint on the flag as bystanders cheered and applauded, reported Straits Times.

A group of protestors in Hong Kong on Sunday trampled on the Chinese national flag and threw it into the Shing Mun river. They also smeared paint on the flag as bystanders cheered and applauded, reported Straits Times. The demonstrators raised slogans such as "Hong Kong people, keep it up", "Fight for freedom", and "Liberate Hong Kong". The protests entered the 16th week with radical demonstrators vandalising the New Town Plaza shopping centre and setting fire to barricades they built on the road outside. Two subway stations were closed in the area by the authorities. Police hoisted a black flag to warn the protestors that they could use tear gas. The riot police, in a statement, asked the demonstrators to stop "illegal acts" and leave immediately. Since June, Hong Kong has seen weeks of anti-government protests that began against a now-suspended extradition bill, which would have allowed criminals to be sent to mainland China for trial. The agitations have since broadened to include calls for democracy, police accountability and the resignation of chief Carri Lam, who is backed by Beijing. Protesters and police have clashed with both sides using force in the Asian financial hub. China has decried the protests and threatened military action in the semi-autonomous city, with a Chinese official alleging that the demonstrations have "begun to show signs of terrorism". Hong Kong functions under the `one country, two systems` rule and was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.

Hong Kong protestors trample Chinese national flag, throw it into river

The United States and Honduras are discussing how to increase temporary legal employment opportunities for Hondurans in the United States, as the governments work to hammer out details of an immigration agreement.

In a joint statement issued Saturday, the governments said they would have another round of meetings next week "to ensure that our enhanced cooperation conforms to each nations’ legal requirements while also advancing our mutual objectives."

This week in Tegucigalpa, officials also discussed how to "enhance collaboration in the areas of law enforcement and information-sharing, bolster regional border security, and strengthen migration protections."

Acting US Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan has waged a campaign in recent months to seal immigration deals with the Northern Triangle countries of Central America - Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador - from where many immigrants arriving at the US southern border set out.

Guatemala has signed a so-called "safe third country" deal with the United States that requires asylum seekers who travel through Guatemala on the way to the US-Mexico border to ask for refuge in Guatemala first, instead of in the United States.

The Guatemalan Congress, however, has not ratified the deal.

McAleenan announced a deal with El Salvador on Friday to strengthen the Central American country’s capacity to receive asylum seekers, though he did not detail what the pact would entail.

Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said this week "we have to construct an agreement across the region, conversing with Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States."

The joint statement said the meetings "demonstrate the commitment of both governments to work together as trusted allies to address shared regional challenges. They recognize Honduras’ progress in the areas of security and migration."

The United States and Honduras are discussing how to increase temporary legal employment opportunities for Hondurans in the United States, as the governments work to hammer out details of an immigration agreement.

The United States and Honduras are discussing how to increase temporary legal employment opportunities for Hondurans in the United States, as the governments work to hammer out details of an immigration agreement. In a joint statement issued Saturday, the governments said they would have another round of meetings next week "to ensure that our enhanced cooperation conforms to each nations’ legal requirements while also advancing our mutual objectives." This week in Tegucigalpa, officials also discussed how to "enhance collaboration in the areas of law enforcement and information-sharing, bolster regional border security, and strengthen migration protections." Acting US Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan has waged a campaign in recent months to seal immigration deals with the Northern Triangle countries of Central America - Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador - from where many immigrants arriving at the US southern border set out. Guatemala has signed a so-called "safe third country" deal with the United States that requires asylum seekers who travel through Guatemala on the way to the US-Mexico border to ask for refuge in Guatemala first, instead of in the United States. The Guatemalan Congress, however, has not ratified the deal. McAleenan announced a deal with El Salvador on Friday to strengthen the Central American country’s capacity to receive asylum seekers, though he did not detail what the pact would entail. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said this week "we have to construct an agreement across the region, conversing with Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States." The joint statement said the meetings "demonstrate the commitment of both governments to work together as trusted allies to address shared regional challenges. They recognize Honduras’ progress in the areas of security and migration."

United States, Honduras discuss temporary work opportunities for Hondurans

The chief executive of the Swedish firm that owns the Stena Impero, the British-flagged tanker detained by Tehran on July 19, said on Sunday he had been informed that the vessel may be released within a few hours.

The Stena Impero was detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz waterway for alleged marine violations, two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. That vessel was released in August.

Erik Hanell, chief executive of Stena Bulk, told the Swedish public broadcaster SVT: "We have received information now this morning that it seems like they will release the ship Stena Impero within a few hours. So we understand that the political decision to release the ship has been taken."

"We hope to be able to head out within a few hours, but we don’t want to anticipate events. We want to see that the ship sails out of Iranian territorial waters," Hanell told SVT.

Hanell did not immediate respond to a request for comment.

On September 4, Iran released seven of vessel's 23 crew members. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said at the time that Sweden had been in daily contact with Iran at a high political level since the vessel was seized.

The chief executive of the Swedish firm that owns the Stena Impero, the British-flagged tanker detained by Tehran on July 19, said on Sunday he had been informed that the vessel may be released within a few hours.

The chief executive of the Swedish firm that owns the Stena Impero, the British-flagged tanker detained by Tehran on July 19, said on Sunday he had been informed that the vessel may be released within a few hours. The Stena Impero was detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz waterway for alleged marine violations, two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. That vessel was released in August. Erik Hanell, chief executive of Stena Bulk, told the Swedish public broadcaster SVT: "We have received information now this morning that it seems like they will release the ship Stena Impero within a few hours. So we understand that the political decision to release the ship has been taken." "We hope to be able to head out within a few hours, but we don’t want to anticipate events. We want to see that the ship sails out of Iranian territorial waters," Hanell told SVT. Hanell did not immediate respond to a request for comment. On September 4, Iran released seven of vessel's 23 crew members. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said at the time that Sweden had been in daily contact with Iran at a high political level since the vessel was seized.

Iran may release British-flagged tanker within hours: Swedish owner

Members of the Sindhi community have gathered in Houston ahead of the `Howdy, Modi!` event to draw attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards their cause of gaining freedom from Pakistan.

Highlighting the grave violation of human rights of Sindhi community by Pakistan Army, Sindhi activist Zafar on Saturday urged PM Modi to help the province attain independence from the country in the way Bangladesh was liberated in 1971.

"Sindhi people have come here in Houston with a message. When Modi ji passes through here in the morning, we`ll be standing here with placards carrying the message that we want freedom from Pakistan. We hope Modi ji and President Trump help us," said Zafar.

"We want the Prime Minister to help Sindh attain independence from Pakistan like how Bangladesh was Liberated in 1971," he added.

For long, Pakistan establishment has been criticised by international bodies and local human rights organisations for its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.&nbsp;

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014.&nbsp;

Most of them are still unresolved.

Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher.&nbsp;

Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted from Balochistan only, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture.

Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan`s intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.&nbsp;

Members of the Sindhi community have gathered in Houston ahead of the `Howdy, Modi!` event to draw attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards their cause of gaining freedom from Pakistan.

Members of the Sindhi community have gathered in Houston ahead of the `Howdy, Modi!` event to draw attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards their cause of gaining freedom from Pakistan. Highlighting the grave violation of human rights of Sindhi community by Pakistan Army, Sindhi activist Zafar on Saturday urged PM Modi to help the province attain independence from the country in the way Bangladesh was liberated in 1971. "Sindhi people have come here in Houston with a message. When Modi ji passes through here in the morning, we`ll be standing here with placards carrying the message that we want freedom from Pakistan. We hope Modi ji and President Trump help us," said Zafar. "We want the Prime Minister to help Sindh attain independence from Pakistan like how Bangladesh was Liberated in 1971," he added. For long, Pakistan establishment has been criticised by international bodies and local human rights organisations for its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014. Most of them are still unresolved. Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted from Balochistan only, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan`s intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Help Sindh attain independence from Pakistan: Activist urges PM Modi

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Punitipandey

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