Calls for Australian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-scott-morrison-hits-out-at-reckless-calls-to-cut-coal-industry-269654">Scott Morrison</a> to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism.

Voters have taken to social media calling for leadership at a time of crisis, and along with some of the country's political editors, have criticised Morrison's refusal to take tougher action on climate change.

Similar to the criticism of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-moved-to-freeze-ukraine-aid-90-minutes-after-trump-phone-call-report-269643">US&nbsp;President Donald</a> Trump by American comedians, Morrison has been ridiculed on social media, portrayed as a deformed creature sitting in a burnt out forest on Christmas Day patting a lump of coal he calls "precious" to a flying superhero called "Bullshit Man".

On Twitter on Tuesday, #NotMyPrimeMinister, #MorrisonMustGo and #ScoMoResign were the top trending topics in Australia after a viral video showed a volunteer firefighter, Jacqui, shaking hands with Morrison as she said "not my prime minister".

"Jacquie is all of us," Twitter user Yabba said. Another user @bugwannostra tweeted "she's only saying what more than 12 million think..."

The tweet prompted Morrison to issue a clarification on Tuesday. "Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she's British, Boris Johnson is," he tweeted.

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Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she’s British, Boris Johnson is. But with local MP Andrew Gee, we made a decent pitch for her to become an Aussie yesterday. She &amp; the other RFS volunteers have been doing an incredible job battling these blazes. <a href="https://t.co/28z3c4bTMG">pic.twitter.com/28z3c4bTMG</a>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1209245828230959106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-hit-emergency-level-on-sydneys-outskirts-one-dead-in-south-australia-269445">Devastating bushfires</a> have burnt more than 4 million hectares&nbsp;of land across five states and killed nine people since September.

Uncontrolled fires are still burning in South Australia, after ripping through the state's prominent wine region, and around the country's largest city Sydney.

Hazardous smoke blanketed Sydney for days this month, heightening public anger and raising political pressure on the government to do more to battle climate change.

Also watch:&nbsp;Bushfires hit emergency level on Sydney's outskirts; one dead in South Australia

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When it was revealed Morrison and his family had slipped away to Hawaii for a holiday voters became angry.

On his return Morrison further inflamed his political critics by saying there would be no change to climate policy and denied suggestions of a split within his government after his deputy agreed more action was needed.

He also ruled out holding a summit with the nation's fire chiefs and compensation for thousands of volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for months.

A series of photo opportunities of Morrison with firefighters and animals affected by the fires was ridiculed on social media on Tuesday.

Morrison stunned the nation in May by winning an election, securing a parliamentary majority, but his political capital six months later is now being questioned.

"He has lost any personal link to that deep, crucial, reservoir of gravitas we confer, automatically, on our PMs simply because of their position," The Canberra Times newspaper columnist Nicholas Stuart wrote on Tuesday.

But some analysts say it is too early to write Morrison's political epitaph, but concede Australia's summer bushfires may eventually see a change in climate policy.

In Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal, climate and energy policy have infused politics for a decade, helping to bring down both liberal and conservative lawmakers.

Australia is one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita due to coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics say Morrison is paying lip service to the commitment.

"These bushfires could potentially lead to a shift in public opinion and public concern on climate change that we have not seen in Australia so far," said Haydon Manning, professor at the college of business, government and law at Flinders University.

Calls for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism.

Calls for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism. Voters have taken to social media calling for leadership at a time of crisis, and along with some of the country's political editors, have criticised Morrison's refusal to take tougher action on climate change. Similar to the criticism of US President Donald Trump by American comedians, Morrison has been ridiculed on social media, portrayed as a deformed creature sitting in a burnt out forest on Christmas Day patting a lump of coal he calls "precious" to a flying superhero called "Bullshit Man". On Twitter on Tuesday, #NotMyPrimeMinister, #MorrisonMustGo and #ScoMoResign were the top trending topics in Australia after a viral video showed a volunteer firefighter, Jacqui, shaking hands with Morrison as she said "not my prime minister". "Jacquie is all of us," Twitter user Yabba said. Another user @bugwannostra tweeted "she's only saying what more than 12 million think..." The tweet prompted Morrison to issue a clarification on Tuesday. "Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she's British, Boris Johnson is," he tweeted. Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she’s British, Boris Johnson is. But with local MP Andrew Gee, we made a decent pitch for her to become an Aussie yesterday. She & the other RFS volunteers have been doing an incredible job battling these blazes. pic.twitter.com/28z3c4bTMG — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) December 23, 2019 × Devastating bushfires have burnt more than 4 million hectares of land across five states and killed nine people since September. Uncontrolled fires are still burning in South Australia, after ripping through the state's prominent wine region, and around the country's largest city Sydney. Hazardous smoke blanketed Sydney for days this month, heightening public anger and raising political pressure on the government to do more to battle climate change. Also watch: Bushfires hit emergency level on Sydney's outskirts; one dead in South Australia × When it was revealed Morrison and his family had slipped away to Hawaii for a holiday voters became angry. On his return Morrison further inflamed his political critics by saying there would be no change to climate policy and denied suggestions of a split within his government after his deputy agreed more action was needed. He also ruled out holding a summit with the nation's fire chiefs and compensation for thousands of volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for months. A series of photo opportunities of Morrison with firefighters and animals affected by the fires was ridiculed on social media on Tuesday. Morrison stunned the nation in May by winning an election, securing a parliamentary majority, but his political capital six months later is now being questioned. "He has lost any personal link to that deep, crucial, reservoir of gravitas we confer, automatically, on our PMs simply because of their position," The Canberra Times newspaper columnist Nicholas Stuart wrote on Tuesday. But some analysts say it is too early to write Morrison's political epitaph, but concede Australia's summer bushfires may eventually see a change in climate policy. In Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal, climate and energy policy have infused politics for a decade, helping to bring down both liberal and conservative lawmakers. Australia is one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita due to coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics say Morrison is paying lip service to the commitment. "These bushfires could potentially lead to a shift in public opinion and public concern on climate change that we have not seen in Australia so far," said Haydon Manning, professor at the college of business, government and law at Flinders University.

Australian PM Scott Morrison slammed on social media over Hawaii visit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-hits-all-time-high-of-41798-nifty-at-a-record-peak-of-12272-269276">Indian&nbsp;shares</a>&nbsp;were little changed on Tuesday as investors stayed on the sidelines for a second straight session ahead of the Christmas holiday, while&nbsp;Yes&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;and&nbsp;Indiabulls&nbsp;Real&nbsp;Estate&nbsp;gained.

Indian&nbsp;stock indexes hit record intraday highs on Friday, but with just a handful of trading days remaining in 2019, markets have since remained subdued due to a lack of significant drivers.

Optimism that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/phase-one-trade-deal-with-china-would-be-signed-very-shortly-donald-trump-269576">US-China trade deal</a> would revive exports and boost corporate earnings helped Wall Street&nbsp;rise&nbsp;to record closing highs on Monday, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-shares-near-18-month-high-bask-in-trade-deal-afterglow-269696">Asian&nbsp;shares</a>&nbsp;darted in and out of losses on Tuesday amid a holiday lull.

The Nifty was up 0.03 per cent&nbsp;at 12,266.60 by 0434 GMT, while the Sensex ticked up 0.02 per cent to 41,648.96.

"The Nifty is&nbsp;likely to stay range bound between 12,150 to 12,350 zones while stock specific action is&nbsp;likely to continue in near term," analysts at Motilal Oswal wrote in a report.

On the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-end-flat-ahead-on-holidays-psu-banks-offset-auto-gains-269730">Nifty</a> 100 index, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd was the top gainer with a 2.4 per cent&nbsp;rise, while HCL Technologies Ltd fell the most.

Shares&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-end-higher-it-auto-stocks-gain-269174">Yes&nbsp;Bank</a>, down 26 per cent&nbsp;so far this month amid uncertainty over its plans to raise more capital, rose as much as 3.2 per cent.

Indiabulls&nbsp;Real&nbsp;Estate's stock climbed 1.4 per cent. The company announced plans late on Sunday to sell commercial assets to Blackstone Group for 8.1 billion rupees ($114 million).

Indian shares were little changed on Tuesday as investors stayed on the sidelines for a second straight session ahead of the Christmas holiday, while Yes Bank and Indiabulls Real Estate gained.

Indian shares were little changed on Tuesday as investors stayed on the sidelines for a second straight session ahead of the Christmas holiday, while Yes Bank and Indiabulls Real Estate gained. Indian stock indexes hit record intraday highs on Friday, but with just a handful of trading days remaining in 2019, markets have since remained subdued due to a lack of significant drivers. Optimism that a US-China trade deal would revive exports and boost corporate earnings helped Wall Street rise to record closing highs on Monday, but Asian shares darted in and out of losses on Tuesday amid a holiday lull. The Nifty was up 0.03 per cent at 12,266.60 by 0434 GMT, while the Sensex ticked up 0.02 per cent to 41,648.96. "The Nifty is likely to stay range bound between 12,150 to 12,350 zones while stock specific action is likely to continue in near term," analysts at Motilal Oswal wrote in a report. On the Nifty 100 index, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd was the top gainer with a 2.4 per cent rise, while HCL Technologies Ltd fell the most. Shares in Yes Bank, down 26 per cent so far this month amid uncertainty over its plans to raise more capital, rose as much as 3.2 per cent. Indiabulls Real Estate's stock climbed 1.4 per cent. The company announced plans late on Sunday to sell commercial assets to Blackstone Group for 8.1 billion rupees ($114 million).

Sensex, Nifty open flat; Yes Bank, Indiabulls Real Estate rise

US&nbsp;Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday outlined the kinds of documents he would like to have introduced as evidence in the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-does-not-want-prolonged-impeachment-trial-senior-official-269602">impeachment trial</a> of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/so-unfair-donald-trump-slams-impeachment-delay-in-senate-269522">Donald Trump</a>, including emails and other communications held by the White House and State Department.

In a letter to his 99 fellow senators, Schumer wrote that denying the Senate these documents "would be to turn a willfully blind eye to the facts" in the abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges against Trump that were approved by the House of Representatives last week.

On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said that he and Schumer were at an impasse over the Democrat's demand for four administration witnesses to testify and for documents to be entered into the trial record.

The Republican president was charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation. He has said he did nothing wrong.

His trial in the Senate is likely to start in January but no exact date has been set as Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads over the rules for a trial.

Also watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump becomes third US President to be impeached

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Examples Schumer listed of potentially important documents were records between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy related to the "scheduling, preparation for, and follow-up from" their April 21 and July 25 telephone calls.

Schumer also listed email communications related to "several occasions" in which National Security Council officials "reported their concerns to the NSC legal advisor about the decision to delay" almost $400 million in US&nbsp;security assistance to Ukraine.

Detailed notes, emails and text messages that State Department witnesses told House investigators have been withheld by the administration also were included in Schumer's letter.

McConnell said on Monday that Republicans had not ruled out hearing witnesses in the impeachment trial, as sought by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-seek-high-profile-trial-for-trump-in-senate-269263">Democrats</a>, but wanted to leave the decision until after the trial begins.

Trump was impeached on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden, a potential Democratic candidate to run against Republican Trump in the November 2020 election.

There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday outlined the kinds of documents he would like to have introduced as evidence in the upcoming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, including emails and other communications held by the White House and State Department.

US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday outlined the kinds of documents he would like to have introduced as evidence in the upcoming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, including emails and other communications held by the White House and State Department. In a letter to his 99 fellow senators, Schumer wrote that denying the Senate these documents "would be to turn a willfully blind eye to the facts" in the abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges against Trump that were approved by the House of Representatives last week. On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said that he and Schumer were at an impasse over the Democrat's demand for four administration witnesses to testify and for documents to be entered into the trial record. The Republican president was charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation. He has said he did nothing wrong. His trial in the Senate is likely to start in January but no exact date has been set as Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads over the rules for a trial. Also watch: Donald Trump becomes third US President to be impeached × Examples Schumer listed of potentially important documents were records between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy related to the "scheduling, preparation for, and follow-up from" their April 21 and July 25 telephone calls. Schumer also listed email communications related to "several occasions" in which National Security Council officials "reported their concerns to the NSC legal advisor about the decision to delay" almost $400 million in US security assistance to Ukraine. Detailed notes, emails and text messages that State Department witnesses told House investigators have been withheld by the administration also were included in Schumer's letter. McConnell said on Monday that Republicans had not ruled out hearing witnesses in the impeachment trial, as sought by the Democrats, but wanted to leave the decision until after the trial begins. Trump was impeached on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden, a potential Democratic candidate to run against Republican Trump in the November 2020 election. There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

US Senator Schumer outlines documents he wants for impeachment trial

Russia released 24 Japanese fishermen and their vessels on Tuesday, after detaining them for allegedly exceeding the octopus catch quota off a chain of disputed Pacific islands, Japan's foreign ministry said.

The five boats departed a port in Kunashiri island, one of the four southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/are-japan-and-russia-ready-to-resolve-the-kuril-islands-dispute-190414">Kuril islands disputed</a> by Tokyo and Moscow, a foreign ministry official in charge of Russian affairs confirmed.

The fishermen are in good health, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga later told reporters.

The Soviet Union seized the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Japan's Hokkaido in the final days of World War II and Russia has continued to maintain&nbsp;a military presence there ever since.

The five ships were detained last week after a Russian inspection deemed they had exceeded their quota for octopus allowed under a 1998 agreement.

Foreign ministers discussed the incident at talks last Thursday, which also tried to find a breakthrough in the long-lagging dispute between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abe-talks-fail-to-break-island-impasse-192098">Moscow and Tokyo</a> over the islands.

Details about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-pms-visit-to-disputed-island-irks-japan-240205">Russian</a> allegation "will be probed by relevant organisations", the Japanese ministry official added.

A Russian court ordered the fishermen to pay an 11 million yen ($100,000) fine, which was paid before leaving for Japan, sources said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have met more than two dozen times since 2013 over the territorial dispute, which prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty to formally end World War II.

Tokyo maintains its claim over the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-talks-with-japan-over-territorial-dispute-could-take-years-202872">Nationalist sentiment</a> on both sides makes both governments wary of considering concessions.

Russia released 24 Japanese fishermen and their vessels on Tuesday, after detaining them for allegedly exceeding the octopus catch quota off a chain of disputed Pacific islands, Japan's foreign ministry said.

Russia released 24 Japanese fishermen and their vessels on Tuesday, after detaining them for allegedly exceeding the octopus catch quota off a chain of disputed Pacific islands, Japan's foreign ministry said. The five boats departed a port in Kunashiri island, one of the four southern Kuril islands disputed by Tokyo and Moscow, a foreign ministry official in charge of Russian affairs confirmed. The fishermen are in good health, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga later told reporters. The Soviet Union seized the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Japan's Hokkaido in the final days of World War II and Russia has continued to maintain a military presence there ever since. The five ships were detained last week after a Russian inspection deemed they had exceeded their quota for octopus allowed under a 1998 agreement. Foreign ministers discussed the incident at talks last Thursday, which also tried to find a breakthrough in the long-lagging dispute between Moscow and Tokyo over the islands. Details about the Russian allegation "will be probed by relevant organisations", the Japanese ministry official added. A Russian court ordered the fishermen to pay an 11 million yen ($100,000) fine, which was paid before leaving for Japan, sources said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have met more than two dozen times since 2013 over the territorial dispute, which prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty to formally end World War II. Tokyo maintains its claim over the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan. Nationalist sentiment on both sides makes both governments wary of considering concessions.

Russia releases Japanese fishermen, boats held near disputed Pacific islands

Mexico on Monday accused Bolivia of intimidating its diplomats while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-arrives-in-argentina-to-get-refugee-status-268008">Bolivia</a> said Mexico had hijacked a regional summit and dragged its feet in recognizing its new, conservative premier.&nbsp;

Mexico's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it was "deeply concerned" about "excessive" surveillance of the Mexican ambassador's residence and Mexican embassy in Bolivia by about 150 Bolivian intelligence and security service personnel.

In a letter to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-arrives-in-argentina-to-get-refugee-status-268008">Organization of American States</a> (OAS), Mexico said the Bolivians were "intimidating" diplomatic staff and attempted to "detain and inspect" the ambassador's vehicle on Monday.

Bolivia has tilted rightward since former&nbsp;socialist President Evo Morales resigned in November after a presidential election which the OAS said was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-election-rigging-in-favour-of-morales-was-overwhelming-oas-final-report-266281">rigged</a> in his favor. Bolivia is currently governed by interim President Jeanine Añez, a former conservative senator and opponent of Morales.

Mexico's leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador granted asylum to Morales, and he is now in Argentina where the new Peronist government of President Alberto Fernandez has indicated it will also give him political asylum.

On Monday, Bolivia's foreign ministry said it was considering pulling out of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) because Mexico, the 2020 president of the organization, made plans this year during Bolivia's presidency for a meeting on January&nbsp;8.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/175-children-abused-by-mexican-branch-of-catholic-church-report-269567">Mexico</a> had also been guilty of "unfriendly conduct" and had shown itself to be "reluctant" to recognize the Añez presidency, it added.&nbsp;

Bolivian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-reforges-us-ties-as-political-alliances-redrawn-264972">Karen Longaric</a> said she would not attend the January&nbsp;8 meeting in Mexico. "We will see if in the future we will remain part of CELAC or not," she told journalists at a news conference in La Paz.

Mexico on Monday accused Bolivia of intimidating its diplomats while Bolivia said Mexico had hijacked a regional summit and dragged its feet in recognizing its new, conservative premier.

Mexico on Monday accused Bolivia of intimidating its diplomats while Bolivia said Mexico had hijacked a regional summit and dragged its feet in recognizing its new, conservative premier. Mexico's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it was "deeply concerned" about "excessive" surveillance of the Mexican ambassador's residence and Mexican embassy in Bolivia by about 150 Bolivian intelligence and security service personnel. In a letter to the Organization of American States (OAS), Mexico said the Bolivians were "intimidating" diplomatic staff and attempted to "detain and inspect" the ambassador's vehicle on Monday. Bolivia has tilted rightward since former socialist President Evo Morales resigned in November after a presidential election which the OAS said was rigged in his favor. Bolivia is currently governed by interim President Jeanine Añez, a former conservative senator and opponent of Morales. Mexico's leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador granted asylum to Morales, and he is now in Argentina where the new Peronist government of President Alberto Fernandez has indicated it will also give him political asylum. On Monday, Bolivia's foreign ministry said it was considering pulling out of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) because Mexico, the 2020 president of the organization, made plans this year during Bolivia's presidency for a meeting on January 8. Mexico had also been guilty of "unfriendly conduct" and had shown itself to be "reluctant" to recognize the Añez presidency, it added. Bolivian Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said she would not attend the January 8 meeting in Mexico. "We will see if in the future we will remain part of CELAC or not," she told journalists at a news conference in La Paz.

Mexico accuses Bolivia of intimidating diplomats in La Paz

Venezuela has arrested eleven&nbsp;people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday.

Authorities have accused Brazil, Colombia and Peru - all adversaries of socialist Maduro who recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful president - of complicity with the attack, in which one Venezuelan soldier was killed. All three countries' governments have denied involvement.

In an evening address on state television, Maduro called on Brazilian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-believe-god-is-brazilian-made-me-president-jair-bolsonaro-268197">Jair Bolsonaro</a> to cooperate.

"Capture the assailants in Brazilian territory and return the weapons to the Venezuelan armed forces," Maduro said.

He said the eleven&nbsp;detainees included both military and civilian suspects, without providing details.

Authorities have blamed "extreme sectors of the opposition" for the raid. Venezuela, whose economy has collapsed under Maduro, has been locked in a deep political crisis since Guaido, the head of the opposition-held National Assembly, assumed a rival presidency in January.

Maduro dismisses <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-has-abandoned-the-negotiation-talks-venezuelas-juan-guaido-250055">Juan&nbsp;Guaido</a> as a US&nbsp;puppet seeking to oust him in a coup.

Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in an earlier address on Monday that Darwin Balaguera, a former National Guard member who deserted in February and fled to Colombia, was detained over the raid. The channel broadcast video of Balaguera answering authorities' questions in custody.

Balaguera was among hundreds of Venezuelan soldiers who defected to Colombia during a Guaido-led attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country through Colombia and Brazil in February. Some have said they are prepared to take up arms to remove Maduro.

Olnar Ortiz, an attorney with nonprofit rights group Penal Forum, said at least seven members of the Pemon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indigenous-people-are-forgotten-victims-of-the-ongoing-crisis-in-venezuela-215018">indigenous group</a> were arrested in connection with the incident. Ortiz said four other Pemon individuals were missing.

Ortiz said authorities raided homes in the Pemon village of Kumarakapay near Venezuela's border with Brazil on Sunday evening, searching for suspected participants in the raid.

"They are criminalizing everyone without concrete evidence, without respect for due process," Ortiz said.

There were deadly confrontations between indigenous Pemon and authorities during the February aid effort. Troops loyal to Maduro blocked the aid from entering.

Venezuela has arrested eleven people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday.

Venezuela has arrested eleven people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday. Authorities have accused Brazil, Colombia and Peru - all adversaries of socialist Maduro who recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful president - of complicity with the attack, in which one Venezuelan soldier was killed. All three countries' governments have denied involvement. In an evening address on state television, Maduro called on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to cooperate. "Capture the assailants in Brazilian territory and return the weapons to the Venezuelan armed forces," Maduro said. He said the eleven detainees included both military and civilian suspects, without providing details. Authorities have blamed "extreme sectors of the opposition" for the raid. Venezuela, whose economy has collapsed under Maduro, has been locked in a deep political crisis since Guaido, the head of the opposition-held National Assembly, assumed a rival presidency in January. Maduro dismisses Juan Guaido as a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup. Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in an earlier address on Monday that Darwin Balaguera, a former National Guard member who deserted in February and fled to Colombia, was detained over the raid. The channel broadcast video of Balaguera answering authorities' questions in custody. Balaguera was among hundreds of Venezuelan soldiers who defected to Colombia during a Guaido-led attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country through Colombia and Brazil in February. Some have said they are prepared to take up arms to remove Maduro. Olnar Ortiz, an attorney with nonprofit rights group Penal Forum, said at least seven members of the Pemon indigenous group were arrested in connection with the incident. Ortiz said four other Pemon individuals were missing. Ortiz said authorities raided homes in the Pemon village of Kumarakapay near Venezuela's border with Brazil on Sunday evening, searching for suspected participants in the raid. "They are criminalizing everyone without concrete evidence, without respect for due process," Ortiz said. There were deadly confrontations between indigenous Pemon and authorities during the February aid effort. Troops loyal to Maduro blocked the aid from entering.

Eleven arrested after weekend raid on military outpost: Maduro

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-eases-but-supported-by-trade-deal-hopes-269679">Oil&nbsp;prices</a>&nbsp;edged&nbsp;higher&nbsp;on Tuesday in thin pre-Christmas trading after Russia's energy minister said cooperation with OPEC to&nbsp;support&nbsp;the market would continue and as analysts&nbsp;forecast&nbsp;a second weekly decline in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-falls-as-us-inventories-rise-but-demand-hopes-stem-bigger-drop-268973">US&nbsp;crude inventories</a>.

Brent crude was up 5 cents at $66.44 a barrel by 0321 GMT. US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate was 1 cent&nbsp;higher&nbsp;at $60.53 a barrel.

OPEC, Russia and other producers that have linked up to curtail production and&nbsp;support&nbsp;prices&nbsp;will continue their cooperation as long as it is "effective and brings results," Russian energy minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/opec-and-allies-prepare-to-deepen-oil-output-cuts-266447">Alexander Novak</a> said in an interview on Monday.

Cooperation with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-slips-as-opec-gears-up-to-confirm-supply-cut-266600">OPEC</a>) would continue "until the market requires it," Novak added.

OPEC and other producers agreed in November to extend and deepen output curbs in place since 2017. The reduction of output could see as much as 2.1 million barrels per day (bpd) taken off the market, or about 2 per cent&nbsp;of global demand.

Still, OPEC needs to do more to balance out the market on a sustainable basis, Bjornar Tonhaugen, head of&nbsp;oil&nbsp;market research at Rystad Energy said in a note.

"The OPEC&nbsp;cuts&nbsp;didn't fully solve the problem&nbsp;instead they offer a light bandage to get through the first quarter of 2020," said Tonhaugen, adding "after that, we believe the market will begin to realize the looming oversupply."

US&nbsp;producers have been happy to fill any gaps in the market, pumping ever greater amounts of crude to reach a record high of around 13 million bpd in November.

That has helped swell inventories, which have been stubbornly resistant to drawdowns. US&nbsp;stocks are up around 1 per cent&nbsp;this year.

Crude stocks are, however, expected to have fallen by about 1.8 million barrels last week, a second week of declines, according to a preliminary&nbsp;poll.

Still, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-gains-on-us-crude-stocks-fall-opec-comments-on-slower-us-shale-growth-262061">gasoline stocks</a> are expected to have risen for a seventh week in a row and distillate inventories are&nbsp;forecast&nbsp;to have gained for a fifth consecutive week.

Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday in thin pre-Christmas trading after Russia's energy minister said cooperation with OPEC to support the market would continue and as analysts forecast a second weekly decline in US crude inventories.

Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday in thin pre-Christmas trading after Russia's energy minister said cooperation with OPEC to support the market would continue and as analysts forecast a second weekly decline in US crude inventories. Brent crude was up 5 cents at $66.44 a barrel by 0321 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate was 1 cent higher at $60.53 a barrel. OPEC, Russia and other producers that have linked up to curtail production and support prices will continue their cooperation as long as it is "effective and brings results," Russian energy minister Alexander Novak said in an interview on Monday. Cooperation with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) would continue "until the market requires it," Novak added. OPEC and other producers agreed in November to extend and deepen output curbs in place since 2017. The reduction of output could see as much as 2.1 million barrels per day (bpd) taken off the market, or about 2 per cent of global demand. Still, OPEC needs to do more to balance out the market on a sustainable basis, Bjornar Tonhaugen, head of oil market research at Rystad Energy said in a note. "The OPEC cuts didn't fully solve the problem instead they offer a light bandage to get through the first quarter of 2020," said Tonhaugen, adding "after that, we believe the market will begin to realize the looming oversupply." US producers have been happy to fill any gaps in the market, pumping ever greater amounts of crude to reach a record high of around 13 million bpd in November. That has helped swell inventories, which have been stubbornly resistant to drawdowns. US stocks are up around 1 per cent this year. Crude stocks are, however, expected to have fallen by about 1.8 million barrels last week, a second week of declines, according to a preliminary poll. Still, gasoline stocks are expected to have risen for a seventh week in a row and distillate inventories are forecast to have gained for a fifth consecutive week.

Oil prices inch higher in pre-Christmas trading

New Zealand police said on Tuesday they were ending the search for the bodies of two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/probes-into-new-zealand-volcano-tragedy-to-take-months-and-carry-criminal-penalties-268452">people still missing</a> following the deadly eruption of a volcano earlier this month.

"The search for the two missing victims of the Whakaari/<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/white-island-volcano-unexpectedly-erupts-in-new-zealand-267230">White Island eruption</a> has been suspended," Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Andy McGregor said in a statement.

"The families of the two missing people have been informed of this decision. Police remain ready to respond if new information comes to light," he added.

Those still missing, presumed dead, are Winona Langford, a 17-year-old Australian tourist, and Hayden Marshall-Inman, a 40-year-old New Zealand tour guide. Their bodies are thought to have been swept into the ocean around the uninhabited volcanic island.

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Australian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-scott-morrison-hits-out-at-reckless-calls-to-cut-coal-industry-269654">Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> told reporters he had not been updated on the situation due to being focussed on severe bushfires at home but said the New Zealand government had done all it could to recover the bodies.

"I have no doubt that they are exhausting every, every channel available to them to recover those remains," Morrison said.

"I can only say thank you, kia ora to New Zealand, and for everything that they've done to assist the Australians and Australian families," he said using a Māori expression of thanks.

The majority of the victims the powerful eruption of White Island, also known by its Māori name of Whakaari, were Australian citizens or permanent residents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescue-operation-hampered-in-volcano-hit-new-zealand-island-267755">Police</a> said on Monday one of those injured during the eruption had died in an Auckland hospital on the weekend, bringing the official <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-volcano-eruption-thirteen-dead-and-eight-missing-267321">death toll</a> to 17.

There has been criticism that tourists were allowed on the island, a popular destination for day-trippers, given the risks of an active volcano. That has led to speculation the tragedy could lead to major changes for New Zealand's thrillseeker tourism industry.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said official inquiries by coroners and work safety regulators into the eruption could take up to a year, and will carry potential criminal penalties of up to five years in jail.

New Zealand police said on Tuesday they were ending the search for the bodies of two people still missing following the deadly eruption of a volcano earlier this month.

New Zealand police said on Tuesday they were ending the search for the bodies of two people still missing following the deadly eruption of a volcano earlier this month. "The search for the two missing victims of the Whakaari/White Island eruption has been suspended," Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Andy McGregor said in a statement. "The families of the two missing people have been informed of this decision. Police remain ready to respond if new information comes to light," he added. Those still missing, presumed dead, are Winona Langford, a 17-year-old Australian tourist, and Hayden Marshall-Inman, a 40-year-old New Zealand tour guide. Their bodies are thought to have been swept into the ocean around the uninhabited volcanic island. × Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters he had not been updated on the situation due to being focussed on severe bushfires at home but said the New Zealand government had done all it could to recover the bodies. "I have no doubt that they are exhausting every, every channel available to them to recover those remains," Morrison said. "I can only say thank you, kia ora to New Zealand, and for everything that they've done to assist the Australians and Australian families," he said using a Māori expression of thanks. The majority of the victims the powerful eruption of White Island, also known by its Māori name of Whakaari, were Australian citizens or permanent residents. Police said on Monday one of those injured during the eruption had died in an Auckland hospital on the weekend, bringing the official death toll to 17. There has been criticism that tourists were allowed on the island, a popular destination for day-trippers, given the risks of an active volcano. That has led to speculation the tragedy could lead to major changes for New Zealand's thrillseeker tourism industry. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said official inquiries by coroners and work safety regulators into the eruption could take up to a year, and will carry potential criminal penalties of up to five years in jail.

New Zealand police suspends search for two missing in volcanic eruption

A frantic scramble for gift promotions left a dozen people injured in an Australian mall on Tuesday after hundreds of balloons with prizes inside were dropped on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/when-elephant-santa-arrives-with-christmas-presents-and-candies-269770">Christmas</a> shoppers gathered below.

Around 150 people jostled for prime position as two massive bags full of balloons hovered overhead in the shopping centre in Sydney's western suburbs.

When they were opened at midnight, cries went up as the crowd surged forwards, crushing people and knocking over a Christmas prop, which sent a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-canadian-military-tracker-norad-eyes-santa-christmas-gift-from-north-korea-269861">Santa</a> careening back several metres, footage of the event shows.

"People were screaming at each other, telling each other to get off them," said one witness.

Twelve people were treated for minor injuries, with five taken to hospital with a "mixture of leg and ankle injuries, chest pain and muscular skeletal injuries due to being stepped on," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-scott-morrison-hits-out-at-reckless-calls-to-cut-coal-industry-269654">New South Wales</a> state ambulance.&nbsp;

"Once the ballons were released in the air, the crowd rushed towards the balloons, causing a number of people to be knocked over and injured," police said in a statement.

The shopping centre management told local media it was investigating the incident.

A frantic scramble for gift promotions left a dozen people injured in an Australian mall on Tuesday after hundreds of balloons with prizes inside were dropped on Christmas shoppers gathered below.

A frantic scramble for gift promotions left a dozen people injured in an Australian mall on Tuesday after hundreds of balloons with prizes inside were dropped on Christmas shoppers gathered below. Around 150 people jostled for prime position as two massive bags full of balloons hovered overhead in the shopping centre in Sydney's western suburbs. When they were opened at midnight, cries went up as the crowd surged forwards, crushing people and knocking over a Christmas prop, which sent a Santa careening back several metres, footage of the event shows. "People were screaming at each other, telling each other to get off them," said one witness. Twelve people were treated for minor injuries, with five taken to hospital with a "mixture of leg and ankle injuries, chest pain and muscular skeletal injuries due to being stepped on," said New South Wales state ambulance. "Once the ballons were released in the air, the crowd rushed towards the balloons, causing a number of people to be knocked over and injured," police said in a statement. The shopping centre management told local media it was investigating the incident.

Australia Christmas gift scramble leaves several injured

Police in Nepal have detained 122 Chinese nationals in its biggest crackdown on crime by foreigners entering the country on a tourist visa, officials said on Tuesday.

The chief of police in the capital, Kathmandu, Uttam Subedi, said 122 Chinese men and women were rounded up in raids on Monday following information that they were engaged in suspicious activities.

The Chinese are suspected of carrying out<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyber-crime-becoming-industry-may-occur-very-often-rajnath-singh-35769"> cybercrime </a>and hacking into bank cash machines, Subedi said, adding that they were being held in different police stations and their passports and laptop computers had been seized.

"This is the first time that so many foreigners have been detained for suspected criminal activities," he said.

Chinese embassy officials were not immediately available for comment but another senior police officer, Hobindra Bogati, said the embassy knew of the raids and had supported the detention of the suspects.

Chinese people are regularly detained in Asian countries on suspicion of involvement in various illegal activities, often involving fraud back in China.

Last week, authorities in the Philippines arrested 342 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/underperforming-chinese-workers-made-to-drink-urine-eat-bugs-176165">Chinese workers</a> in a raid on an unlicensed gambling operation.

In September, police arrested five Chinese nationals on a charge of stealing money by hacking bank cash machines. Chinese citizens were also arrested with smuggled gold this year.

Nepal and China signed a treaty on mutual assistance in criminal matters during a visit to Nepal by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/donald-trump-xi-jinping-and-trade-a-high-stakes-game-of-chicken-216697">Xi Jinping</a> in October.

China has been increasing its investment in Nepal in recent years in areas such as roads, power plants, and hospitals.

More than 134,000 Chinese tourists visited Nepal between January and October this year, up 9.2 per cent from the same period in 2018, according to Nepal Tourism Board data.

Police in Nepal have detained 122 Chinese nationals in its biggest crackdown on crime by foreigners entering the country on a tourist visa, officials said on Tuesday.

Police in Nepal have detained 122 Chinese nationals in its biggest crackdown on crime by foreigners entering the country on a tourist visa, officials said on Tuesday. The chief of police in the capital, Kathmandu, Uttam Subedi, said 122 Chinese men and women were rounded up in raids on Monday following information that they were engaged in suspicious activities. The Chinese are suspected of carrying out cybercrime and hacking into bank cash machines, Subedi said, adding that they were being held in different police stations and their passports and laptop computers had been seized. "This is the first time that so many foreigners have been detained for suspected criminal activities," he said. Chinese embassy officials were not immediately available for comment but another senior police officer, Hobindra Bogati, said the embassy knew of the raids and had supported the detention of the suspects. Chinese people are regularly detained in Asian countries on suspicion of involvement in various illegal activities, often involving fraud back in China. Last week, authorities in the Philippines arrested 342 Chinese workers in a raid on an unlicensed gambling operation. In September, police arrested five Chinese nationals on a charge of stealing money by hacking bank cash machines. Chinese citizens were also arrested with smuggled gold this year. Nepal and China signed a treaty on mutual assistance in criminal matters during a visit to Nepal by President Xi Jinping in October. China has been increasing its investment in Nepal in recent years in areas such as roads, power plants, and hospitals. More than 134,000 Chinese tourists visited Nepal between January and October this year, up 9.2 per cent from the same period in 2018, according to Nepal Tourism Board data.

Nepal detains 122 Chinese nationals over suspected cyber crime, bank fraud

Tottenham Hotspur manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mourinho-aiming-to-add-to-chelseas-woes-269130">Jose Mourinho</a> said Son Heung-min had suffered enough as he confirmed the club would appeal against the red card the South Korean received against Chelsea.

Son was dismissed in the second half of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-chelseas-frank-lampard-savours-win-over-old-mentor-jose-mourinho-269624">Spurs' 2-0 loss</a> at home to their London rivals on Sunday after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) deemed he had kicked out at Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger - an incident that led to the alleged racist abuse of the Germany international.

Anthony Talor, the on-field referee, did not punish Son, but a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-rule-makers-look-at-ways-of-providing-more-information-about-var-decisions-266170">VAR check</a> saw the player ruled guilty of violent conduct, prompting a red card.

Mourinho was dismayed when a replay of the incident was shown in the ground and Monday saw him announce Spurs' intention to contest the decision as they appeal against a Son dismissal for the second time this season.

Meanwhile, the club is still waiting to discover from the Football Association if Son will be available for Thursday's Boxing Day's clash with Brighton.

"I hope Son is not punished five times," Mourinho said Monday. "One time was the foul that Rudiger did on him.

"The second is to be sent off. The third would be not to play against Brighton. The fourth not to play against Norwich and the fifth not to play against Southampton.

"So I hope to be punished twice is enough, he doesn't deserve for the third the fourth or the fifth."

The experienced Portuguese boss lamented the way in which VAR was being deployed, saying replay official Paul Tierney rather than Taylor, the referee on the pitch, had been in charge of the game.&nbsp;

"Mr Paul Tierney decides yes and Mr Anthony Taylor who was in the game, in real time, five metres from the situation, Mr Taylor decided no," said Mourinho, now managing his third leading English club after stints at Chelsea and Manchester United.

"So who was refereeing the game? Not Mr Taylor. It was Mr Tierney.

"I think not a red card, VAR was to support football, to bring true football, to bring true to the spectacle and they did that with the penalty decision and they killed the game with Son's decision.

"The situation with Son, I think Mr Tierney made it wrong. It's the wrong call."

Dynamic winger Son, a key figure since Mourinho joined Spurs, is set to be suspended for three games if his red card is upheld.

"It would be a big loss," said Mourinho of Son, who joined Tottenham from Germany's Bayer Leverkusen four years ago. "But if that happens then we have to try to cope with it and to fight against injustice."

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho said Son Heung-min had suffered enough as he confirmed the club would appeal against the red card the South Korean received against Chelsea.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho said Son Heung-min had suffered enough as he confirmed the club would appeal against the red card the South Korean received against Chelsea. Son was dismissed in the second half of Spurs' 2-0 loss at home to their London rivals on Sunday after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) deemed he had kicked out at Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger - an incident that led to the alleged racist abuse of the Germany international. Anthony Talor, the on-field referee, did not punish Son, but a VAR check saw the player ruled guilty of violent conduct, prompting a red card. Mourinho was dismayed when a replay of the incident was shown in the ground and Monday saw him announce Spurs' intention to contest the decision as they appeal against a Son dismissal for the second time this season. Meanwhile, the club is still waiting to discover from the Football Association if Son will be available for Thursday's Boxing Day's clash with Brighton. "I hope Son is not punished five times," Mourinho said Monday. "One time was the foul that Rudiger did on him. "The second is to be sent off. The third would be not to play against Brighton. The fourth not to play against Norwich and the fifth not to play against Southampton. "So I hope to be punished twice is enough, he doesn't deserve for the third the fourth or the fifth." The experienced Portuguese boss lamented the way in which VAR was being deployed, saying replay official Paul Tierney rather than Taylor, the referee on the pitch, had been in charge of the game. "Mr Paul Tierney decides yes and Mr Anthony Taylor who was in the game, in real time, five metres from the situation, Mr Taylor decided no," said Mourinho, now managing his third leading English club after stints at Chelsea and Manchester United. "So who was refereeing the game? Not Mr Taylor. It was Mr Tierney. "I think not a red card, VAR was to support football, to bring true football, to bring true to the spectacle and they did that with the penalty decision and they killed the game with Son's decision. "The situation with Son, I think Mr Tierney made it wrong. It's the wrong call." Dynamic winger Son, a key figure since Mourinho joined Spurs, is set to be suspended for three games if his red card is upheld. "It would be a big loss," said Mourinho of Son, who joined Tottenham from Germany's Bayer Leverkusen four years ago. "But if that happens then we have to try to cope with it and to fight against injustice."

Mourinho confirms Tottenham appeal against 'wrong' red for Son Heung-min

Auckland&nbsp;Classic organisers suffered a major setback to their tournament lineup on Tuesday with US&nbsp;Open <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forgot-how-it-feels-to-lose-says-bianca-andreescu-after-14th-win-on-spin-252858">champion</a> Bianca&nbsp;Andreescu&nbsp;withdrawing due to "knee issues".

The Canadian teenager had been the top seed for the January&nbsp;6-12 tournament, which is a traditional warmup event for players fine-tuning their game ahead of the Australian Open.

"Organisers have been advised that Bianca&nbsp;Andreescu&nbsp;has had to withdraw from the upcoming event due to her ongoing knee issues," the tournament said in a statement on Tuesday.

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NEWS | Bianca Andreescu has had to withdraw from the 2020 ASB Classic due to her ongoing knee issues. We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery. <a href="https://t.co/7HVefuGLBe">pic.twitter.com/7HVefuGLBe</a>
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"We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery."

Andreescu&nbsp;came through qualifying in&nbsp;Auckland&nbsp;earlier this year only to lose to Germany's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kontaveit-downs-defending-champion-julia-goerges-in-zhuhai-174649">Julia Goerges</a> in the final, which she used as a springboard for a sensational 2019.

She won her first WTA Tour title at Indian Wells, then beat Serena Williams in the finals in Toronto and again at Flushing Meadows to clinch her first Grand Slam title.

The&nbsp;Auckland&nbsp;tournament had assembled arguably its strongest ever field with&nbsp;Andreescu, Williams, former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko all confirmed.

Two-times Grand Slam winner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fight-for-your-dreams-bianca-andreescu-embraces-path-to-us-open-joy-248384">Svetlana Kuznetsova</a> and American teenagers Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff have also entered the tournament before they head to Melbourne Park for the&nbsp;season-opening <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tsitsipas-sets-grand-slam-target-for-2020-269103">Grand Slam</a> that runs from January&nbsp;20 - February&nbsp;2.

Auckland Classic organisers suffered a major setback to their tournament lineup on Tuesday with US Open champion Bianca Andreescu withdrawing due to "knee issues".

Auckland Classic organisers suffered a major setback to their tournament lineup on Tuesday with US Open champion Bianca Andreescu withdrawing due to "knee issues". The Canadian teenager had been the top seed for the January 6-12 tournament, which is a traditional warmup event for players fine-tuning their game ahead of the Australian Open. "Organisers have been advised that Bianca Andreescu has had to withdraw from the upcoming event due to her ongoing knee issues," the tournament said in a statement on Tuesday. NEWS | Bianca Andreescu has had to withdraw from the 2020 ASB Classic due to her ongoing knee issues. We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/7HVefuGLBe — ASB Classic (@ASB_Classic) December 24, 2019 × "We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery." Andreescu came through qualifying in Auckland earlier this year only to lose to Germany's Julia Goerges in the final, which she used as a springboard for a sensational 2019. She won her first WTA Tour title at Indian Wells, then beat Serena Williams in the finals in Toronto and again at Flushing Meadows to clinch her first Grand Slam title. The Auckland tournament had assembled arguably its strongest ever field with Andreescu, Williams, former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko all confirmed. Two-times Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova and American teenagers Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff have also entered the tournament before they head to Melbourne Park for the season-opening Grand Slam that runs from January 20 - February 2.

Tennis: Bianca Andreescu out of season opener in Auckland over 'knee issues'

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