President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that France and Russia want to safeguard the Iran nuclear deal.

Macron in a statement said he had a phone call with Russian President Putin as the two leaders discussed the Iran nuclear deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-europeans-cannot-invoke-nuclear-deals-dispute-mechanism-265116">Also Read:&nbsp;Iran says Europeans cannot invoke nuclear deal's dispute mechanism</a>

The French president also called for "a credible and lasting ceasefire in Libya".

"The president emphasised the necessity that the ceasefire that is to be announced is credible, lasting and verifiable," Macron's office said in a statement.

Macron's statement comes after &nbsp;Germany and Britain asked Iran to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal.

Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs had earlier warned that the Iran nuclear deal could collapse after the Trump administration pulled out of the deal in 2018.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-iran-pulls-out-of-nuclear-deal-after-killing-of-solemani-272578/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Borrell said it was a "very complex, highly technical process" to save the deal.

"Maybe we cannot avoid that the JCPOA finally is being cancelled because the dispute mechanism can be triggered and I cannot exclude that this happens," Borrell.

Iran had earlier slammed he "irrational" withdrawal of the United States from the nuclear deal.&nbsp;

Iran called the other European nations who are stakeholders in the deal including Japan to intervene to save the nuclear deal. Iran requested Japan to mediate a deal which would be agreeable to all sides.

Japan PM Abe had visited Tehran last year in a bid to ease tensions between the United States and Iran. Japan has decided to send warships to the Gulf to protect its vessels carrying crude oil.&nbsp;

The US had imposed stiff sanctions against Iran after pulling out of the deal. Tensions between the US and Iran escalated after a US drone strike on Iran's general Sulemani at Baghdad airport leading to his death.

President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that France and Russia want to safeguard the Iran nuclear deal. Macron in a statement said he had a phone call with Russian President Putin as the two leaders discussed the Iran nuclear deal.

President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that France and Russia want to safeguard the Iran nuclear deal. Macron in a statement said he had a phone call with Russian President Putin as the two leaders discussed the Iran nuclear deal. Also Read: Iran says Europeans cannot invoke nuclear deal's dispute mechanism The French president also called for "a credible and lasting ceasefire in Libya". "The president emphasised the necessity that the ceasefire that is to be announced is credible, lasting and verifiable," Macron's office said in a statement. Macron's statement comes after Germany and Britain asked Iran to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal. Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs had earlier warned that the Iran nuclear deal could collapse after the Trump administration pulled out of the deal in 2018. Watch Video: Borrell said it was a "very complex, highly technical process" to save the deal. "Maybe we cannot avoid that the JCPOA finally is being cancelled because the dispute mechanism can be triggered and I cannot exclude that this happens," Borrell. Iran had earlier slammed he "irrational" withdrawal of the United States from the nuclear deal. Iran called the other European nations who are stakeholders in the deal including Japan to intervene to save the nuclear deal. Iran requested Japan to mediate a deal which would be agreeable to all sides. Japan PM Abe had visited Tehran last year in a bid to ease tensions between the United States and Iran. Japan has decided to send warships to the Gulf to protect its vessels carrying crude oil. The US had imposed stiff sanctions against Iran after pulling out of the deal. Tensions between the US and Iran escalated after a US drone strike on Iran's general Sulemani at Baghdad airport leading to his death.

France, Russia want to safeguard Iran nuclear deal: Macron

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/funny-twitter-reactions-after-sergio-aguero-misses-penalty-against-tottenham-hotspur-in-champions-league-clash-209187">Sergio Aguero</a> became the most prolific foreign goalscorer in Premier League history with a record-breaking hat-trick as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-man-city-see-off-sheffield-united-but-var-questioned-again-270925">Manchester&nbsp;City</a>&nbsp;thrashed Aston Villa 6-1 to reclaim second place on Sunday.

The Argentine striker struck the third, fifth and sixth goals as&nbsp;City&nbsp;ran riot at Villa Park, taking his league tally to 177, two more than Frenchman Thierry Henry managed for Arsenal and joint-fourth on the all-time list alongside Frank Lampard.

Slick&nbsp;City's resounding victory, in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/riyad-mahrez-lifts-manchester-city-back-to-premier-league-summit-200809">Riyad Mahrez </a>also scored twice and Gabriel Jesus once, meant they moved above <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/irresistible-liverpool-thrash-leicester-270476">Leicester&nbsp;City</a>&nbsp;and trimmed Liverpool's lead to 14 points, although Liverpool has played a game less.

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-go-16-points-clear-as-firmino-nets-winner-at-spurs-273678">Liverpool</a> looks uncatchable,&nbsp;City&nbsp;displayed the kind of devastating attacking football that makes them, on their day, the most eye-pleasing team in England.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-go-16-points-clear-as-firmino-nets-winner-at-spurs-273678">English Premier League: Liverpool continue dominance as Firmino nets winner at Spurs</a>

It was also a day for the 31-year-old Aguero, who signed for&nbsp;City&nbsp;in 2011, to confirm his status as one of the best imports ever to play in England's top flight.

In bagging a 12th Premier League hat-trick he surpassed the 11 of Alan Shearer with whom he had shared the record.

"Aguero is a legend and the legend rose tonight,"&nbsp;City&nbsp;manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-var-is-a-big-mess-says-guardiola-after-more-controversies-270921">Pep Guardiola</a> said. "I think he is one of the most incredible players I've seen in this league.

"The team is proud. We congratulated him in the locker room because to score this amount of goals and hat-tricks means you have done, for many years, a lot of good things. He has been consistent for many, many years."

Razor-sharp

While the day belonged to Aguero, it was Mahrez who put&nbsp;City&nbsp;in complete control with the opening two goals.

His dribble and shot caught out Villa keeper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/striker-less-aston-villa-hold-on-for-draw-at-leicester-273173">Orjan Nyland</a> at his near post after 18 minutes and the Algerian struck again from close range six minutes later after Villa debutant Danny Drinkwater was caught in possession.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/striker-less-aston-villa-hold-on-for-draw-at-leicester-273173">EFL Cup: Striker-less Aston Villa hold on for draw at Leicester</a>

With Villa ripe for the picking Aguero got in on the action in the 28th minute when he was given far too much time to smash a shot that flew through the hands of Nyland.

It was 4-0 on the stroke of halftime when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-citys-kevin-de-bruyne-ruled-out-for-six-weeks-due-to-knee-injury-175146">Kevin De Bruyne</a> advanced down the right and delivered a superb pass that took out Villa's defence, allowing Jesus to tap in.

Villa had dropped into the relegation zone before kickoff after Watford's win at Bournemouth and their afternoon was to get worse in the second half.

A razor-sharp Aguero moved clear of Henry when he danced across the area to score right-footed in the 58th minute and he continued to torment a sorry home side by ramming home his third after 81 minutes.

Villa, who have fallen to third from bottom, did not manage a shot on target until they were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after lkay Gundogan tripped Trezeguet.

Anwar El Ghazi tucked it away with the last kick of the game but it barely raised a smile.

"It was a chastening experience," Villa manager Dean Smith said. "We know they are a top class team but some of the goals we have given away were dreadful... We are embarrassed by some of the goals we have conceded today."

Sergio Aguero became the most prolific foreign goalscorer in Premier League history with a record-breaking hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed Aston Villa 6-1 to reclaim second place on Sunday.

Sergio Aguero became the most prolific foreign goalscorer in Premier League history with a record-breaking hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed Aston Villa 6-1 to reclaim second place on Sunday. The Argentine striker struck the third, fifth and sixth goals as City ran riot at Villa Park, taking his league tally to 177, two more than Frenchman Thierry Henry managed for Arsenal and joint-fourth on the all-time list alongside Frank Lampard. Slick City's resounding victory, in which Riyad Mahrez also scored twice and Gabriel Jesus once, meant they moved above Leicester City and trimmed Liverpool's lead to 14 points, although Liverpool has played a game less. While Liverpool looks uncatchable, City displayed the kind of devastating attacking football that makes them, on their day, the most eye-pleasing team in England. Also read: English Premier League: Liverpool continue dominance as Firmino nets winner at Spurs It was also a day for the 31-year-old Aguero, who signed for City in 2011, to confirm his status as one of the best imports ever to play in England's top flight. In bagging a 12th Premier League hat-trick he surpassed the 11 of Alan Shearer with whom he had shared the record. "Aguero is a legend and the legend rose tonight," City manager Pep Guardiola said. "I think he is one of the most incredible players I've seen in this league. "The team is proud. We congratulated him in the locker room because to score this amount of goals and hat-tricks means you have done, for many years, a lot of good things. He has been consistent for many, many years." Razor-sharp While the day belonged to Aguero, it was Mahrez who put City in complete control with the opening two goals. His dribble and shot caught out Villa keeper Orjan Nyland at his near post after 18 minutes and the Algerian struck again from close range six minutes later after Villa debutant Danny Drinkwater was caught in possession. Also read: EFL Cup: Striker-less Aston Villa hold on for draw at Leicester With Villa ripe for the picking Aguero got in on the action in the 28th minute when he was given far too much time to smash a shot that flew through the hands of Nyland. It was 4-0 on the stroke of halftime when Kevin De Bruyne advanced down the right and delivered a superb pass that took out Villa's defence, allowing Jesus to tap in. Villa had dropped into the relegation zone before kickoff after Watford's win at Bournemouth and their afternoon was to get worse in the second half. A razor-sharp Aguero moved clear of Henry when he danced across the area to score right-footed in the 58th minute and he continued to torment a sorry home side by ramming home his third after 81 minutes. Villa, who have fallen to third from bottom, did not manage a shot on target until they were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after lkay Gundogan tripped Trezeguet. Anwar El Ghazi tucked it away with the last kick of the game but it barely raised a smile. "It was a chastening experience," Villa manager Dean Smith said. "We know they are a top class team but some of the goals we have given away were dreadful... We are embarrassed by some of the goals we have conceded today."

Manchester City thrash Villa with Sergio Aguero's record-breaking hat-trick

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-cricket-diplomacy-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-cm-mamta-banerjee-to-meet-on-sidelines-of-pink-ball-test-in-kolkata-263781">Bangladesh</a> government has refused to give approval for the team to play Test cricket in Pakistan but advised for playing the T20I series on Sunday.

"According to government advice, Bangladesh can only play the T20I series in Pakistan. There is no chance to play Test in Pakistan right now," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cricket-shahadat-hossain-for-five-years-over-physical-assault-263170">Bangladesh Cricket Board</a> (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cricket-board-to-decide-on-test-tour-in-pakistan-today-273214">Bangladesh Cricket Board to decide on Test Tour in Pakistan today</a>

BCB will formally inform the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-cricket-board-removed-sarfaraz-ahmed-captain-256661">Pakistan Cricket Board</a> (PCB) about the situation and will reschedule the tour accordingly.

Bangladesh cricket team is scheduled to visit Pakistan for the T20 and Test series this month, but this visit is uncertain.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kumar-sangakkara-to-become-first-non-british-president-of-marylebone-cricket-club-215166">Kumar Sangakkara to become first non-British president of Marylebone Cricket Club</a>

The proposed tour features three T20Is, in Lahore on January 23, 25 and 27, followed by two Tests, originally slated for Rawalpindi and Karachi.

Test cricket returned to Pakistan for the first time in ten years with the Sri Lankan team playing two matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi, with the hosts winning the second match to clinch the series 1-0 after the rain-curtailed first game ended in a draw.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is also going to send a squad to Pakistan in February to play in a few matches under the captaincy of its current president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kumar-sangakkara-to-become-first-non-british-president-of-marylebone-cricket-club-215166">Kumar Sangakkara</a>.

Bangladesh government has refused to give approval for the team to play Test cricket in Pakistan but advised for playing the T20I series on Sunday. "According to government advice, Bangladesh can only play the T20I series in Pakistan.

Bangladesh government has refused to give approval for the team to play Test cricket in Pakistan but advised for playing the T20I series on Sunday. "According to government advice, Bangladesh can only play the T20I series in Pakistan. There is no chance to play Test in Pakistan right now," Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan said. Also read: Bangladesh Cricket Board to decide on Test Tour in Pakistan today BCB will formally inform the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about the situation and will reschedule the tour accordingly. Bangladesh cricket team is scheduled to visit Pakistan for the T20 and Test series this month, but this visit is uncertain. Also read: Kumar Sangakkara to become first non-British president of Marylebone Cricket Club The proposed tour features three T20Is, in Lahore on January 23, 25 and 27, followed by two Tests, originally slated for Rawalpindi and Karachi. Test cricket returned to Pakistan for the first time in ten years with the Sri Lankan team playing two matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi, with the hosts winning the second match to clinch the series 1-0 after the rain-curtailed first game ended in a draw. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is also going to send a squad to Pakistan in February to play in a few matches under the captaincy of its current president Kumar Sangakkara.

Bangladesh board gets government clearance for T20I series in Pak

England captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-captain-joe-roots-year-of-frustration-as-england-falter-in-test-arena-270931">Joe&nbsp;Root</a>&nbsp;did not train on Sunday after being laid low by a stomach bug, a potential blow to the tourists with the third test against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-england-by-107-runs-in-first-test-270868">South Africa</a> starting at St George’s Park on Thursday.

Root, who also felt&nbsp;unwell&nbsp;during the first test, is one of 17 England players and support staff who have been hit by a flu-like bug on what has been dubbed the ‘cursed tour’, according to a statement from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stokes-and-broad-bicker-as-england-end-first-test-with-a-loss-270971">England</a> and Wales Cricket Board.

Opening batsman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-injures-england-cricketer-rory-burns-271899">Rory Burns</a> and veteran seamer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/james-anderson-ruled-out-of-test-series-against-south-africa-273101">James Anderson</a> have already returned home through injury.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-injures-england-cricketer-rory-burns-271899">Football injures England cricketer Rory Burns</a>

Root&nbsp;will probably be placed in quarantine and given time to recover in the hope that he will be at the toss on Thursday.

Should he not be fit, his place in the side is likely to be taken by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-england-call-up-bairstow-as-cover-for-denly-260699">Jonny Bairstow</a>.

South Africa won the first test of the four-match series in Pretoria by 107 runs, before England bounced back to claim the second in Cape Town by 189 runs.

England captain Joe Root did not train on Sunday after being laid low by a stomach bug, a potential blow to the tourists with the third test against South Africa starting at St George’s Park on Thursday.

England captain Joe Root did not train on Sunday after being laid low by a stomach bug, a potential blow to the tourists with the third test against South Africa starting at St George’s Park on Thursday. Root, who also felt unwell during the first test, is one of 17 England players and support staff who have been hit by a flu-like bug on what has been dubbed the ‘cursed tour’, according to a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board. Opening batsman Rory Burns and veteran seamer James Anderson have already returned home through injury. Also read: Football injures England cricketer Rory Burns Root will probably be placed in quarantine and given time to recover in the hope that he will be at the toss on Thursday. Should he not be fit, his place in the side is likely to be taken by Jonny Bairstow. South Africa won the first test of the four-match series in Pretoria by 107 runs, before England bounced back to claim the second in Cape Town by 189 runs.

Joe Root misses England training with stomach bug

Alain Robert, the free climber dubbed the "French&nbsp;Spider-Man", on Monday scaled the Tour Total, a 48-storey&nbsp;skyscraper&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minor-clashes-break-out-at-paris-during-protests-against-pension-reforms-272159">Paris</a>, to demonstrate&nbsp;support&nbsp;for workers striking against the government's&nbsp;pension&nbsp;reform plans.

Robert, 57, stood with both arms aloft after reaching the summit of the 187-metre (613-foot) high tower, which stands in the French capital's business district, La Defense.

<img alt="Alain Robert scales the Tour Total skyscraper in support of the anti pensions reform strikers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b353d8f5-9cf0-4ef5-b72c-7d3a96737c3a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_15.jpg" /> 
[ Alain Robert scales the Tour Total skyscraper in support of the anti pensions reform strikers (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

He has climbed more than 100 structures, including the Golden Gate Bridge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-woman-hires-plane-makes-website-and-offers-7000-reward-in-search-of-stolen-dog-269289">San Francisco</a> and the world's tallest building, the Burj al Khalifa in Dubai. This is the ninth time he has climbed the Total tower.

Robert often climbs without permission and has been arrested on numerous occasions. He climbs without a harness, using only his bare hands, a pair of climbing shoes, and a bag of powdered chalk to wipe off the sweat.

For more than a month, France has been mired in strikes and protests over President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-weeks-of-protests-macron-raises-retirement-age-in-pension-reforms-legislation-273472">Emmanuel Macron's</a> push to streamline the&nbsp;pension&nbsp;system.

Alain Robert, the free climber dubbed the "French Spider-Man", on Monday scaled the Tour Total, a 48-storey skyscraper in Paris, to demonstrate support for workers striking against the government's pension reform plans.

Alain Robert, the free climber dubbed the "French Spider-Man", on Monday scaled the Tour Total, a 48-storey skyscraper in Paris, to demonstrate support for workers striking against the government's pension reform plans. Robert, 57, stood with both arms aloft after reaching the summit of the 187-metre (613-foot) high tower, which stands in the French capital's business district, La Defense. [ Alain Robert scales the Tour Total skyscraper in support of the anti pensions reform strikers (Courtesy: Reuters) ] He has climbed more than 100 structures, including the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the world's tallest building, the Burj al Khalifa in Dubai. This is the ninth time he has climbed the Total tower. Robert often climbs without permission and has been arrested on numerous occasions. He climbs without a harness, using only his bare hands, a pair of climbing shoes, and a bag of powdered chalk to wipe off the sweat. For more than a month, France has been mired in strikes and protests over President Emmanuel Macron's push to streamline the pension system.

French 'spider-man' Alain Robert scales Paris skyscraper in support of pension strikes

Former soldier Miroslav Marcek admitted on Monday to the killing of a Slovak journalist and his fiancee, a crime that sparked mass protests leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Marcek told the Special Criminal Court in Pezinok, north of the capital Bratislava, that he accepted guilt, an admission that could reduce his sentence from potential life imprisonment.

Marcek was charged with shooting investigative reporter Jan Kuciak, 27, and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova in their house outside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-police-charge-three-with-putting-public-in-danger-over-deadly-gas-explosion-267035">Bratislava </a>in February&nbsp;2018.

<img alt="A woman kneels by a memorial of the investigative reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d13d1c02-cfbb-44b6-8944-7899b2b98949" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_9.jpg" /> 
[ A woman kneels by a memorial on the first anniversary of the murder of the investigative reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"I am guilty as per article 1," Marcek told the court when the presiding judge asked the four defendants to make statements on the charges presented by the prosecutor.

Two other defendants, including businessman Marian Kocner, who were charged with ordering the murder, said they were innocent. One defendant, who police said helped Marcek to carry out the murder, did not make a statement at the hearing.

The murder led to large demonstrations against graft which forced prime minister Fico and the country's police president to step down.

Several senior justice officials later quit after investigations revealed they had been in contact with Kocner, who was the subject of Kuciak's reporting.

Marcek's confession was not a total shock as Slovak public television reported police sources as saying last year he had admitted his guilt during questioning.

A fifth suspect, Zoltan Andrusko, confessed in December to facilitating the murder and a court handed him a 15-year prison sentence.

Former soldier Miroslav Marcek admitted on Monday to the killing of a Slovak journalist and his fiancee, a crime that sparked mass protests leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Former soldier Miroslav Marcek admitted on Monday to the killing of a Slovak journalist and his fiancee, a crime that sparked mass protests leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. Marcek told the Special Criminal Court in Pezinok, north of the capital Bratislava, that he accepted guilt, an admission that could reduce his sentence from potential life imprisonment. Marcek was charged with shooting investigative reporter Jan Kuciak, 27, and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova in their house outside Bratislava in February 2018. [ A woman kneels by a memorial on the first anniversary of the murder of the investigative reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "I am guilty as per article 1," Marcek told the court when the presiding judge asked the four defendants to make statements on the charges presented by the prosecutor. Two other defendants, including businessman Marian Kocner, who were charged with ordering the murder, said they were innocent. One defendant, who police said helped Marcek to carry out the murder, did not make a statement at the hearing. The murder led to large demonstrations against graft which forced prime minister Fico and the country's police president to step down. Several senior justice officials later quit after investigations revealed they had been in contact with Kocner, who was the subject of Kuciak's reporting. Marcek's confession was not a total shock as Slovak public television reported police sources as saying last year he had admitted his guilt during questioning. A fifth suspect, Zoltan Andrusko, confessed in December to facilitating the murder and a court handed him a 15-year prison sentence.

Ex-soldier admits to killing Slovak journalist and his fiancee

A court in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delegation-of-foreign-envoys-arrive-in-srinagar-briefed-by-army-on-security-situation-273155">Vietnam</a> handed lengthy jail terms on Monday to two former chairmen of Danang city, accused of economic mismanagement, state media reported on Monday.

Tran Van Minh and Van Huu Chien were sentenced to 17 and 12 years in prison, respectively, by Hanoi People's Court, reported Tuoi Tre newspaper. Minh was the chairman of Danang, Vietnam's top tourism destination, from 2006 to 2011, while Chien was chairman from 2011 to 2014.

The pair were accused of violating regulations on state asset and land management to illegally sell several state-owned land slots to businessman Phan Van Anh Vu, causing losses of up to 22 trillion dong ($949.38 million) to the state budget, the report said.

Vu, who fled to Singapore seeking passage to Germany but was arrested in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/americans-back-in-vietnam-this-time-armed-with-pension-funds-272568">Vietnam</a> two years ago, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday for violating state regulations on land management, according to the report.

Vu, also known as "Aluminium Vu", had earlier been sentenced to decades in prison at other trials for deliberate disclosure of state secrets and abusing power to appropriate property.

The court also sentenced 18 other people on Monday to between 1.5 and 6 years for their involvement in the case, the report said.

A court in Vietnam handed lengthy jail terms on Monday to two former chairmen of Danang city, accused of economic mismanagement, state media reported on Monday. Tran Van Minh and Van Huu Chien were sentenced to 17 and 12 years in prison, respectively, by Hanoi People's Court, reported Tuoi Tre newspaper.

A court in Vietnam handed lengthy jail terms on Monday to two former chairmen of Danang city, accused of economic mismanagement, state media reported on Monday. Tran Van Minh and Van Huu Chien were sentenced to 17 and 12 years in prison, respectively, by Hanoi People's Court, reported Tuoi Tre newspaper. Minh was the chairman of Danang, Vietnam's top tourism destination, from 2006 to 2011, while Chien was chairman from 2011 to 2014. The pair were accused of violating regulations on state asset and land management to illegally sell several state-owned land slots to businessman Phan Van Anh Vu, causing losses of up to 22 trillion dong ($949.38 million) to the state budget, the report said. Vu, who fled to Singapore seeking passage to Germany but was arrested in Vietnam two years ago, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday for violating state regulations on land management, according to the report. Vu, also known as "Aluminium Vu", had earlier been sentenced to decades in prison at other trials for deliberate disclosure of state secrets and abusing power to appropriate property. The court also sentenced 18 other people on Monday to between 1.5 and 6 years for their involvement in the case, the report said.

Vietnam: Hanoi People's Court jails Danang ex-chairmen over economic mismanagement

Suspected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-four-civilians-killed-in-al-shabaab-gunfight-with-police-on-telecom-mast-272760">al Shabaab militants</a> shot dead three teachers in Kenya near the border with Somalia on Monday and burned down a police station, police said, in what appeared to be the latest in a string of assaults by the group since the New Year.

A stray bullet wounded a child when the militants attacked Kamuthe primary school, in Garissa County, as per information received by&nbsp;police reports. The militants also destroyed a telecommunications mast in the attack in the early hours of Monday, the report said.

The al Qaeda ally has targeted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-militants-storm-military-base-in-somalia-kill-3-american-citizens-272394">Kenya</a> infrequent attacks, part of a retaliation campaign against the country for sending troops into Somalia in 2011 after a series of cross-border raids and kidnappings.

The group has stepped up the pace of its attacks in Kenya since the New Year.

Somalia and Kenya have porous borders and often ad hoc methods for sharing intelligence.

Last week, four schoolchildren were killed during a gunfight between the Somali militant group and local police in Garissa. The attackers targeted a telecommunications mast in that assault as well.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-backs-off-support-to-regime-change-in-iran-273914">United States</a> bolstered its presence in Kenya last week after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-militants-storm-military-base-in-somalia-kill-3-american-citizens-272394">al Shabaab</a> killed three Americans in an attack on a military base used by the US and Kenyan forces.

Al Qaeda-affiliated al Shabaab has waged an insurgency in Somalia since 2008, aiming to topple the government and impose its own strict interpretation of sharia, or Islamic law.

Last month, at least 90 people were killed in a bombing in Somalia's capital Mogadishu in the country's deadliest attack in more than two years.

Al Shabaab <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-blast-hits-us-army-vehicle-in-dand-taliban-took-responsibility-273624">militants</a> on Sunday shot four men in a public execution in a region south of the Somali capital Mogadishu, an official from the group told reporters on Monday.

The four men were accused of spying for the Somali government and military, said Mohamed Abu Usama, al Shabaab’s governor for the Lower Shabelle region.

Suspected al Shabaab militants shot dead three teachers in Kenya near the border with Somalia on Monday and burned down a police station, police said, in what appeared to be the latest in a string of assaults by the group since the New Year.

Suspected al Shabaab militants shot dead three teachers in Kenya near the border with Somalia on Monday and burned down a police station, police said, in what appeared to be the latest in a string of assaults by the group since the New Year. A stray bullet wounded a child when the militants attacked Kamuthe primary school, in Garissa County, as per information received by police reports. The militants also destroyed a telecommunications mast in the attack in the early hours of Monday, the report said. The al Qaeda ally has targeted Kenya infrequent attacks, part of a retaliation campaign against the country for sending troops into Somalia in 2011 after a series of cross-border raids and kidnappings. The group has stepped up the pace of its attacks in Kenya since the New Year. Somalia and Kenya have porous borders and often ad hoc methods for sharing intelligence. Last week, four schoolchildren were killed during a gunfight between the Somali militant group and local police in Garissa. The attackers targeted a telecommunications mast in that assault as well. The United States bolstered its presence in Kenya last week after al Shabaab killed three Americans in an attack on a military base used by the US and Kenyan forces. Al Qaeda-affiliated al Shabaab has waged an insurgency in Somalia since 2008, aiming to topple the government and impose its own strict interpretation of sharia, or Islamic law. Last month, at least 90 people were killed in a bombing in Somalia's capital Mogadishu in the country's deadliest attack in more than two years. Al Shabaab militants on Sunday shot four men in a public execution in a region south of the Somali capital Mogadishu, an official from the group told reporters on Monday. The four men were accused of spying for the Somali government and military, said Mohamed Abu Usama, al Shabaab’s governor for the Lower Shabelle region.

Al Shabaab militants killed three teachers in Kenya: Police

Ahead of the crucial one-day international(ODI) clash against Australia at the&nbsp;Wankhede&nbsp;Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday,&nbsp;Indian skipper Virat Kohli said he does not "support people"&nbsp; comparing players within the team.

"All guys in form is a good thing. We will figure out what combination we want to go in with and there is a possibility that all three might play. It will be interesting to see what balance we want to take in on the field. I do not at all support people comparing players within the team," the Indian captain said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-have-the-goods-to-give-virat-kohlis-men-a-run-for-their-money-finch-ahead-of-odi-series-against-india-273363">Australia have the goods to give Virat Kohli's men a run for their money: Finch ahead of ODI series against India</a>

In a press conference, Kohli pointed towards the form of the team and how comparisons within the team make no sense and it does not convey the right message to the team's culture.

India may face a major dilemma in choosing their opening pair for the series. Rohit Sharma was rested in the previous series (against Sri Lanka), Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul performed well in the final T20I against Sri Lanka. Kohli expressed his displeasure on such comparisons.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-dominated-the-series-shikhar-dhawan-india-beat-sri-lanka-to-sweep-the-series-273519">'We dominated the series,' says Shikhar Dhawan after India beat Sri Lanka to seal the series</a>

"I want to say this publicly because I see so many features and programs being made about this versus this. We are a team and playing together. I don't find the sense in heat is going up and they are fighting for one spot. It does not send the right message as far as the team culture is concerned," he added.

The 31-year-old talked about the experiments in the batting order during the final T20I versus Sri Lanka and why he came out to bat very low in the order. &nbsp;

"I am not possessive about where I play and I am not insecure about where I bat. Being the captain of the team, it's my job to make sure that the next lot is also ready as well. Your job as a captain is not only to look after the team right now but also to prepare a team that you can leave behind when you eventually pass it on to someone else," he said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> Captain <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> hit some boundaries off Bumrah's bowling in the nets today. 
 
Hear what the Skipper has to say about the same 😅 <a href="https://t.co/g81FTR5jRT">pic.twitter.com/g81FTR5jRT</a>
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Virat said that Australia is a stronger side than last time, the series will be exciting and competitive "They are a stronger side than the side that came last time to India but still won the series. You can have the most experienced or most skilled players but if you do not play well as a team in that series, you will not win which happened with us last time and when we went to Australia similar thing happened with them,".

Kohli said that series is short and a five-match series would have been way more exciting.

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Gearing up for the challenge against Australia - <a href="https://twitter.com/klrahul11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@klrahul11</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/im_manishpandey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@im_manishpandey</a> train hard before the 1st ODI <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/opMVuq4qsB">pic.twitter.com/opMVuq4qsB</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1216673393015250944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Virat is close to breaking another world record if the Indian skipper manages to get a hundred at Wankhede, he will become the player with most centuries in international cricket (42) as captain, across all formats. He at the moment is tied with Australian great Ricky Ponting (41).&nbsp;

India and Australia have played 136 ODI matches, with&nbsp;Australia winning&nbsp;77 (29 in India) and India beating the Aussies in&nbsp;49 ODIs(22 in Australia). Ten&nbsp;matches were abandoned with none tied.&nbsp;

Australia has been one of the two teams who have defeated the mighty Indian team at home on more occasions than they have lost.&nbsp;

Since 2010, India has played 21 bilateral series, but have lost against only three teams (South Africa, Pakistan and Australia).&nbsp;

Australia's dominance over India in terms of win ratio has changed since 2013.&nbsp;Both heavyweights clashed have 28 times, in which Australia won 13&nbsp; ODIs and India outlasting the Australian juggernaut in&nbsp;13 ODIs with two games being washed out.&nbsp;

India won away series against Australia in 2018 (2-1), Australia avenged the series defeat in 2019 when they beat India in an away series (3-2) in 2019.&nbsp;

The dangerous Marnus Labuschagne is the player to watch out for the Indians.&nbsp;The 25-year-old is yet to make his ODI debut&nbsp;but has a&nbsp;staggering average of 63.4 in Tests

From the beginning of Ashes, Labuschagne ensured he cemented his name in the playing XI. On his home turf, Labuschagne proved his desire for big hundreds in his first two series (Pakistan, New Zealand). His consistency in scoring centuries was there for all to see with scores of 185, 162, 143, 50, 63, 19, 215, 59.

At home the Australian young gun&nbsp;scored 896 runs, averaging 112 with four&nbsp;centuries, three&nbsp;fifties.&nbsp;Labuschagne was Test cricket's highest run-scorer in 2019 with 1,104 runs in 11 matches averaging 64.94. His teammate Steven Smith was second in the list.&nbsp;

Ahead of the crucial one-day international(ODI) clash against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said he does not "support people" comparing players within the team.

Ahead of the crucial one-day international(ODI) clash against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said he does not "support people" comparing players within the team. "All guys in form is a good thing. We will figure out what combination we want to go in with and there is a possibility that all three might play. It will be interesting to see what balance we want to take in on the field. I do not at all support people comparing players within the team," the Indian captain said. Also read: Australia have the goods to give Virat Kohli's men a run for their money: Finch ahead of ODI series against India In a press conference, Kohli pointed towards the form of the team and how comparisons within the team make no sense and it does not convey the right message to the team's culture. India may face a major dilemma in choosing their opening pair for the series. Rohit Sharma was rested in the previous series (against Sri Lanka), Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul performed well in the final T20I against Sri Lanka. Kohli expressed his displeasure on such comparisons. Also read: 'We dominated the series,' says Shikhar Dhawan after India beat Sri Lanka to seal the series "I want to say this publicly because I see so many features and programs being made about this versus this. We are a team and playing together. I don't find the sense in heat is going up and they are fighting for one spot. It does not send the right message as far as the team culture is concerned," he added. The 31-year-old talked about the experiments in the batting order during the final T20I versus Sri Lanka and why he came out to bat very low in the order. "I am not possessive about where I play and I am not insecure about where I bat. Being the captain of the team, it's my job to make sure that the next lot is also ready as well. Your job as a captain is not only to look after the team right now but also to prepare a team that you can leave behind when you eventually pass it on to someone else," he said. #TeamIndia Captain @imVkohli hit some boundaries off Bumrah's bowling in the nets today. Hear what the Skipper has to say about the same 😅 pic.twitter.com/g81FTR5jRT — BCCI (@BCCI) January 13, 2020 × Virat said that Australia is a stronger side than last time, the series will be exciting and competitive "They are a stronger side than the side that came last time to India but still won the series. You can have the most experienced or most skilled players but if you do not play well as a team in that series, you will not win which happened with us last time and when we went to Australia similar thing happened with them,". Kohli said that series is short and a five-match series would have been way more exciting. Gearing up for the challenge against Australia - @klrahul11 & @im_manishpandey train hard before the 1st ODI #TeamIndia #INDvAUS @Paytm pic.twitter.com/opMVuq4qsB — BCCI (@BCCI) January 13, 2020 × Virat is close to breaking another world record if the Indian skipper manages to get a hundred at Wankhede, he will become the player with most centuries in international cricket (42) as captain, across all formats. He at the moment is tied with Australian great Ricky Ponting (41). India and Australia have played 136 ODI matches, with Australia winning 77 (29 in India) and India beating the Aussies in 49 ODIs(22 in Australia). Ten matches were abandoned with none tied. Australia has been one of the two teams who have defeated the mighty Indian team at home on more occasions than they have lost. Since 2010, India has played 21 bilateral series, but have lost against only three teams (South Africa, Pakistan and Australia). Australia's dominance over India in terms of win ratio has changed since 2013. Both heavyweights clashed have 28 times, in which Australia won 13 ODIs and India outlasting the Australian juggernaut in 13 ODIs with two games being washed out. India won away series against Australia in 2018 (2-1), Australia avenged the series defeat in 2019 when they beat India in an away series (3-2) in 2019. The dangerous Marnus Labuschagne is the player to watch out for the Indians. The 25-year-old is yet to make his ODI debut but has a staggering average of 63.4 in Tests From the beginning of Ashes, Labuschagne ensured he cemented his name in the playing XI. On his home turf, Labuschagne proved his desire for big hundreds in his first two series (Pakistan, New Zealand). His consistency in scoring centuries was there for all to see with scores of 185, 162, 143, 50, 63, 19, 215, 59. At home the Australian young gun scored 896 runs, averaging 112 with four centuries, three fifties. Labuschagne was Test cricket's highest run-scorer in 2019 with 1,104 runs in 11 matches averaging 64.94. His teammate Steven Smith was second in the list.

India-Australia ODI clash: I do not support people comparing players, says Kohli

The World Health Organization said it is working with officials in Thailand and China after reports of confirmation of the coronavirus in a traveller from Wuhan in China, who travelled to Thailand.

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WHO is working with officials in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thailand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thailand</a>🇹🇭 and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>🇨🇳 following reports of confirmation of the novel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> (2019-nCoV) in a traveler from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a>, China, who traveled to Thailand <a href="https://t.co/pj20trsUCE">pic.twitter.com/pj20trsUCE</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1216684542209200128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The person was a traveller from Wuhan, China, and was identified by Thai officials on January 8, and hospitalised that day," the WHO said in a statement, adding, "The person is recovering from the illness according to Thai officials."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mystery-viral-pneumonia-china-reports-first-death-from-new-type-of-coronavirus-273549">Also Read:&nbsp;China reports first death from new type of coronavirus</a>

"The possibility of cases being identified in other countries was not unexpected," it added.&nbsp;

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Given the developments on the novel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> (2019-nC0V), WHO Director-General <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> is consulting with Emergency Committee members and could call for a meeting of the committee on short notice <a href="https://t.co/oTSIsz1iu0">https://t.co/oTSIsz1iu0</a> <a href="https://t.co/15yZJNTyKo">pic.twitter.com/15yZJNTyKo</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1216698147130499080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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WHO had earlier informed that a new strain of virus from the SARS family may have struck China's Wuhan which has led to at least 59 people being infected. The international health organization said although the virus does not spread readily, however, it can cause severe illness.

Watch Video:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-man-dies-after-getting-infected-by-a-newly-claimed-virus-in-china-273655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to WHO, Coronaviruses (CoV) belongs to a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, it informed. In order to prevent it, the agency advised&nbsp;regular hand washing, covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing and to ensure meat and eggs are properly cooked. It also advised people to stay away from anyone who shows symptoms of respiratory illness.

"The genetic sequencing shared by China enables more countries to rapidly diagnose patients," the international health body said.&nbsp;

WHO said it "reiterates that it is essential that investigations continue in China to identify the source of this outbreak". &nbsp;WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he will consult with emergency committee members and could call for a meeting of the committee on short notice.

The infection which was first detected on December 31 last year spread rapidly in Wuhan leading to widespread SARS outbreak fears in which several hundred people had died in China in 2002-03.

The World Health Organization said it is working with officials in Thailand and China after reports of confirmation of the coronavirus in a traveller from Wuhan in China, who travelled to Thailand.

The World Health Organization said it is working with officials in Thailand and China after reports of confirmation of the coronavirus in a traveller from Wuhan in China, who travelled to Thailand. WHO is working with officials in #Thailand🇹🇭 and #China🇨🇳 following reports of confirmation of the novel #coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in a traveler from #Wuhan, China, who traveled to Thailand pic.twitter.com/pj20trsUCE — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 13, 2020 × "The person was a traveller from Wuhan, China, and was identified by Thai officials on January 8, and hospitalised that day," the WHO said in a statement, adding, "The person is recovering from the illness according to Thai officials." Also Read: China reports first death from new type of coronavirus "The possibility of cases being identified in other countries was not unexpected," it added. Given the developments on the novel #coronavirus (2019-nC0V), WHO Director-General @DrTedros is consulting with Emergency Committee members and could call for a meeting of the committee on short notice https://t.co/oTSIsz1iu0 pic.twitter.com/15yZJNTyKo — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 13, 2020 × WHO had earlier informed that a new strain of virus from the SARS family may have struck China's Wuhan which has led to at least 59 people being infected. The international health organization said although the virus does not spread readily, however, it can cause severe illness. Watch Video: According to WHO, Coronaviruses (CoV) belongs to a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, it informed. In order to prevent it, the agency advised regular hand washing, covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing and to ensure meat and eggs are properly cooked. It also advised people to stay away from anyone who shows symptoms of respiratory illness. "The genetic sequencing shared by China enables more countries to rapidly diagnose patients," the international health body said. WHO said it "reiterates that it is essential that investigations continue in China to identify the source of this outbreak". WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he will consult with emergency committee members and could call for a meeting of the committee on short notice. The infection which was first detected on December 31 last year spread rapidly in Wuhan leading to widespread SARS outbreak fears in which several hundred people had died in China in 2002-03.

Coronavirus confirmed in Chinese traveller who arrived in Thailand: WHO

Myanmar government has added more countries to its list of countries whose citizens would be extended the visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility, reports said.

According to Myanmar's tourist federation, five additional countries are now eligible for the VoA process including New Zealand, Hungry, Luxembourg, Czech Republic and Austria.&nbsp;

The regulations come into effect from January 1, 2020.

“In the past, the test period of visa relations was only one year but now it has been extended to three years,” U Than Win, director of the hotels and tourism ministry said.

The minister said the country is trying to build a "tourism market" by issuing visa-on-arrival facility

The government hopes to boost tourism in the country with the announcement which has been hit in the wake of violence in Rakhine state.

Myanmar had already extended the VoA facility to tourists from Germany, Russia, Australia, Spain, Switzerland and Italy last year.

The government had earlier extended free visa facility for Vietnamese tourists for a period of 14 to 30 days in 2019.

It had also granted visa exception to tourists from Japan, South Korea, China including Hong Kong and Macau in October last year after exponential increase of Chinese, Japanese and South Korean tourists.

According to reports, Myanmar has allowed visa on arrival to over fifty countries with visitors allowed a 28-day stay.

Myanmar government has added more countries to its list of countries whose citizens would be extended the visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility, reports said. According to Myanmar's tourist federation, five additional countries are now eligible for the VoA process including New Zealand, Hungry, Luxembourg, Czech Republic and Austria.

Myanmar government has added more countries to its list of countries whose citizens would be extended the visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility, reports said. According to Myanmar's tourist federation, five additional countries are now eligible for the VoA process including New Zealand, Hungry, Luxembourg, Czech Republic and Austria. The regulations come into effect from January 1, 2020. “In the past, the test period of visa relations was only one year but now it has been extended to three years,” U Than Win, director of the hotels and tourism ministry said. The minister said the country is trying to build a "tourism market" by issuing visa-on-arrival facility The government hopes to boost tourism in the country with the announcement which has been hit in the wake of violence in Rakhine state. Myanmar had already extended the VoA facility to tourists from Germany, Russia, Australia, Spain, Switzerland and Italy last year. The government had earlier extended free visa facility for Vietnamese tourists for a period of 14 to 30 days in 2019. It had also granted visa exception to tourists from Japan, South Korea, China including Hong Kong and Macau in October last year after exponential increase of Chinese, Japanese and South Korean tourists. According to reports, Myanmar has allowed visa on arrival to over fifty countries with visitors allowed a 28-day stay.

Myanmar adds more countries to  visa-on-arrival list

The iconic British Aston Martin car may be sold to a Chinese company, according to reports.

China Geely Automobile is in talks with Aston Martin officials to put together a deal, various media reports said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/aston-martin-launches-first-suv-hopeful-of-a-turnaround-263381">Also Read:&nbsp;Aston Martin launches first SUV, hopeful of a turnaround</a>

A report said the owner of Racing Point Formula One team&nbsp;Lawrence Stroll is also in talks with the car British company, but it could not be confirmed.

After the news became public, Aston Martin shares jumped on Monday rising over two per cent in the London stock exchange.

The car which is famously used in James Bond movies reported third-quarter losses and warned that profits for 2019 would be halved.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aston-martin-built-for-james-bond-heading-to-auction-226695">Read:&nbsp;Aston Martin built for James Bond heading to auction</a>

However, both Aston Martin and &nbsp;Geely Automobile Holding haven't officially confirmed the takeover even as media reports circulated the Chinese company's was conducting due diligence.

Geely chairman Li Shufu has stakes in &nbsp;Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler. Geely also owns Volvo. Daimler owns five per cent stake in Aston Martin.

Last week, the 107-year old British car company had issued a second profit warning over its "very disappointing" sales. The shares of the company went into a tailspin after the profit warning falling nearly 16 per cent.

The iconic British Aston Martin car may be sold to a Chinese company, according to reports. China Geely Automobile is in talks with Aston Martin officials to put together a deal, various media reports said.

The iconic British Aston Martin car may be sold to a Chinese company, according to reports. China Geely Automobile is in talks with Aston Martin officials to put together a deal, various media reports said. Also Read: Aston Martin launches first SUV, hopeful of a turnaround A report said the owner of Racing Point Formula One team Lawrence Stroll is also in talks with the car British company, but it could not be confirmed. After the news became public, Aston Martin shares jumped on Monday rising over two per cent in the London stock exchange. The car which is famously used in James Bond movies reported third-quarter losses and warned that profits for 2019 would be halved. Read: Aston Martin built for James Bond heading to auction However, both Aston Martin and Geely Automobile Holding haven't officially confirmed the takeover even as media reports circulated the Chinese company's was conducting due diligence. Geely chairman Li Shufu has stakes in Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler. Geely also owns Volvo. Daimler owns five per cent stake in Aston Martin. Last week, the 107-year old British car company had issued a second profit warning over its "very disappointing" sales. The shares of the company went into a tailspin after the profit warning falling nearly 16 per cent.

China's Geely automobile in talks to buy stake in Aston Martin: Report

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