Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court will on January 10 consider an application filed by AgustaWestland alleged 'middleman' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-examine-agustawestland-middleman-christian-michel-in-another-defence-deal-case-265457">Christian Michel</a> seeking an inquiry into the visit of Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials in Tihar jail to meet him without court's permission.

Christian Michel is currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail in connection with Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a 'middleman' in the deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him.

He had moved the court seeking inquiry to be conducted into the entry of agency officials into the jail without seeking prior permission from the court.

He alleged that the agency officials searched his belongings during the visit of a British counsellor in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/convict-in-nirbhaya-case-shifted-to-tihar-jail-267366">Tihar</a> on October 22.

On the contentions, the court had earlier directed the jail authorities to submit a report regarding their visit.

Christian Michel's counsel, advocate Aljo K Joseph, said that "as per Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, as and when consular access is requested and consular officers shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending State and to have access to them."

He further submitted that in October the consular access was allowed for Christian James Michel after four-five requests which is a "violation of the said convention".

"It is informed by the family of Christian James Michel that during the visit by consular, the ED and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-ratul-puri-moves-application-in-cbi-court-for-surrendering-244815">CBI</a> officials tried to interfere with the process and checked article and books send by the family," he asserted.

The counsels appearing for the agencies, however, submitted that the officials went there on the Ministry of External Affairs' direction.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court will on January 10 consider an application filed by AgustaWestland alleged 'middleman' Christian Michel seeking an inquiry into the visit of Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials in Tihar jail to meet him without court's permission.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court will on January 10 consider an application filed by AgustaWestland alleged 'middleman' Christian Michel seeking an inquiry into the visit of Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials in Tihar jail to meet him without court's permission. Christian Michel is currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail in connection with Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a 'middleman' in the deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him. He had moved the court seeking inquiry to be conducted into the entry of agency officials into the jail without seeking prior permission from the court. He alleged that the agency officials searched his belongings during the visit of a British counsellor in Tihar on October 22. On the contentions, the court had earlier directed the jail authorities to submit a report regarding their visit. Christian Michel's counsel, advocate Aljo K Joseph, said that "as per Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, as and when consular access is requested and consular officers shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending State and to have access to them." He further submitted that in October the consular access was allowed for Christian James Michel after four-five requests which is a "violation of the said convention". "It is informed by the family of Christian James Michel that during the visit by consular, the ED and CBI officials tried to interfere with the process and checked article and books send by the family," he asserted. The counsels appearing for the agencies, however, submitted that the officials went there on the Ministry of External Affairs' direction.

AugustaWestland case: Court to hear Michel's plea on entry of ED, CBI into Tihar

The Judicial Magistrate Court in Bhopal has issued summons to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mla-says-will-seek-white-paper-from-madhya-pradesh-govt-on-vyapam-scam-268887">Madhya Pradesh</a> transport department Deputy Secretary Kamal Nagar for giving death threats to social worker Bhuvaneshwar Mishra.

Mishra has alleged that Nagar has given him death threats and used abusive language on phone calls made to his mobile number from the residential telephone number of Madhya Pradesh Transport Minister Govind Rajput.

Mishra has alleged that the death threat was given to him on September 16 after which he complained to the police at TT Nagar police station but no action was taken.

Mishra then complained in the Court of Judicial magistrate Amit Nigam stating that he was given death threat because earlier he has complained of corrupt practices against Mishra to Lokayukta and other senior officials.

After the complaint, the court ordered for details of call records of Rajput's residential telephone number. The details showed that a call was made to Mishra.

The court then yesterday issued summons to Nagar under IPC section 506 (2) and asked him to appear before the court.

The Judicial Magistrate Court in Bhopal has issued summons to Madhya Pradesh transport department Deputy Secretary Kamal Nagar for giving death threats to social worker Bhuvaneshwar Mishra.

The Judicial Magistrate Court in Bhopal has issued summons to Madhya Pradesh transport department Deputy Secretary Kamal Nagar for giving death threats to social worker Bhuvaneshwar Mishra. Mishra has alleged that Nagar has given him death threats and used abusive language on phone calls made to his mobile number from the residential telephone number of Madhya Pradesh Transport Minister Govind Rajput. Mishra has alleged that the death threat was given to him on September 16 after which he complained to the police at TT Nagar police station but no action was taken. Mishra then complained in the Court of Judicial magistrate Amit Nigam stating that he was given death threat because earlier he has complained of corrupt practices against Mishra to Lokayukta and other senior officials. After the complaint, the court ordered for details of call records of Rajput's residential telephone number. The details showed that a call was made to Mishra. The court then yesterday issued summons to Nagar under IPC section 506 (2) and asked him to appear before the court.

Bhopal court issues summons to Madhya Pradesh transport official over death threats

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-indias-domestic-policy-russia-269792">Narendra Modi</a> will unveil a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan on Wednesday.

The event coincides with the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the co-founder of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Preparations for the event are in the final stage, with senior UP government officials inspecting the venue on Tuesday.

The venue has been sanitized with the help of a sniffer dog and bomb detectors.

Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/15-dead-in-citizenship-amendment-act-protests-in-up-705-arrested-269499">Yogi Adityanath</a> and Governor Anandi Bien Patel will be attending the event along with other state ministers and leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan on Wednesday. The event coincides with the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the co-founder of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan on Wednesday. The event coincides with the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the co-founder of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Preparations for the event are in the final stage, with senior UP government officials inspecting the venue on Tuesday. The venue has been sanitized with the help of a sniffer dog and bomb detectors. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandi Bien Patel will be attending the event along with other state ministers and leaders.

PM Modi to unveil Atal Bihari Vajpayee's statue in Lucknow tomorrow

A day after JMM-Congress-RJD alliance scored an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jmm-led-alliance-ahead-of-majority-mark-in-jharkhand-raghubar-das-trailing-269777">absolute majority</a> in Jharkhand assembly polls, Congress' Jharkhand in-charge, RPN Singh, called a meeting of the newly-elected party MLAs at their office in Ranchi on Tuesday.

The alliance defeated the BJP by marking victory on 47 seats in the 81-member assembly elections. The JMM won 30 seats while Congress and RJD bagged 16 and one seats, respectively.

WATCH: Gravitas: Jharkhand: Another State slips out of BJP's hold

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BJP, which held power in the state, only managed to bad 25 seats losing not only power but also the tag of the single-largest party in the state.

The JMM legislature party is scheduled to elect its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-jharkhands-new-chief-minister-hemant-soren-269825">leader</a> today.

After initial trends had indicated a victory for the JMM-led alliance on Monday, RPN Singh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Raghubar Das of not addressing key issues like inflation, farmers' distress&nbsp;and unemployment.

A day after JMM-Congress-RJD alliance scored an absolute majority in Jharkhand assembly polls, Congress' Jharkhand in-charge, RPN Singh, called a meeting of the newly-elected party MLAs at their office in Ranchi on Tuesday.

A day after JMM-Congress-RJD alliance scored an absolute majority in Jharkhand assembly polls, Congress' Jharkhand in-charge, RPN Singh, called a meeting of the newly-elected party MLAs at their office in Ranchi on Tuesday. The alliance defeated the BJP by marking victory on 47 seats in the 81-member assembly elections. The JMM won 30 seats while Congress and RJD bagged 16 and one seats, respectively. WATCH: Gravitas: Jharkhand: Another State slips out of BJP's hold × BJP, which held power in the state, only managed to bad 25 seats losing not only power but also the tag of the single-largest party in the state. The JMM legislature party is scheduled to elect its leader today. After initial trends had indicated a victory for the JMM-led alliance on Monday, RPN Singh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Raghubar Das of not addressing key issues like inflation, farmers' distress and unemployment.

Congress Jharkhand in-charge RPN Singh calls meeting of MLAs in Ranchi

Australian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-visits-firefighters-after-stirring-controversy-for-hawaii-vacation-269526">Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> lashed out at "reckless and job-destroying" calls to introduce cuts in coal industry as the country struggles with wildfires.

"I am not going to write off the jobs of thousands of Australians by walking away from traditional industries," PM Morrison told Australia's Seven Network, while reiterating the same line to other news channels.

Australia has been hit by catastrophic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-hit-emergency-level-on-sydneys-outskirts-one-dead-in-south-australia-269445">bushfires across New South Wales</a> with blazes around Sydney burning to emergency levels.

On Saturday, one person was killed due to the fire even as several major roads around Sydney remained shut ahead of Christmas.

"What we won't do is engage in reckless and job-destroying and economy-crunching targets which are being sought," PM Morrison told Australia's Channel 9 amid the wildfire controversy.

Reports said at least hundred fires were still raging across New South Wales last week of which six were characterised as "emergency level" with several thousand emergency personnel working across the state.

Two firefighters had died last week after truck was struck by a falling tree as it travelled the fire taking the death toll in New South Wales to eight.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, police have warned people not to travel by roads during the day during to soaring temperatures.

In South Australia, authorities said one person was found dead, another was injured and several homes destroyed by a fire in the Adelaide Hills. In Victoria, authorities said 142 fires had started in the state since last Friday, with two burning at an emergency level on Saturday afternoon.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison lashed out at "reckless and job-destroying" calls to introduce cuts in coal industry as the country struggles with wildfires.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison lashed out at "reckless and job-destroying" calls to introduce cuts in coal industry as the country struggles with wildfires. "I am not going to write off the jobs of thousands of Australians by walking away from traditional industries," PM Morrison told Australia's Seven Network, while reiterating the same line to other news channels. Australia has been hit by catastrophic bushfires across New South Wales with blazes around Sydney burning to emergency levels. On Saturday, one person was killed due to the fire even as several major roads around Sydney remained shut ahead of Christmas. "What we won't do is engage in reckless and job-destroying and economy-crunching targets which are being sought," PM Morrison told Australia's Channel 9 amid the wildfire controversy. Reports said at least hundred fires were still raging across New South Wales last week of which six were characterised as "emergency level" with several thousand emergency personnel working across the state. Two firefighters had died last week after truck was struck by a falling tree as it travelled the fire taking the death toll in New South Wales to eight. Meanwhile, police have warned people not to travel by roads during the day during to soaring temperatures. In South Australia, authorities said one person was found dead, another was injured and several homes destroyed by a fire in the Adelaide Hills. In Victoria, authorities said 142 fires had started in the state since last Friday, with two burning at an emergency level on Saturday afternoon.

Australian PM Scott Morrison hits out at 'reckless' calls to cut coal industry

Christians in the <a href="Israel tightly restricts movements out of the Gaza Strip, territory controlled by Hamas, an Islamist group that it considers a terrorist organization.">Gaza Strip</a> will be allowed to visit holy cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem at Christmas, Israel authorities said on Sunday, reversing a decision not to issue them permits.

In a break from its usual Christmas holiday policy, Israel's military liaison to the Palestinians said on December&nbsp;12 that in accordance with "security orders" Gaza Christians would be allowed to travel abroad but none would be permitted to go Israel or the occupied West Bank.

On Sunday, the liaison office, known as COGAT, announced on Twitter that its director has "extended the travel facilitation for the Christian population of Gaza for the Christmas holiday".

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COGAT Maj. Gen. Kamil Abu Rukun has extended the travel facilitations for the Christian population of Gaza in recognition of the Christmas holiday. Entry permits for Jerusalem and for the West Bank will be issued in accordance with security assessments and without regard to age. <a href="https://t.co/obqJlAoTq1">pic.twitter.com/obqJlAoTq1</a>
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As a result, COGAT said, "entry permits for Jerusalem and for the West Bank will be issued in accordance with security assessments and without regard to age."

Gaza has only around 1,000 Christians, most of them Greek Orthodox, in a population of 2 million in the narrow coastal strip.

Last year, Israel granted permits for close to 700 Gaza Christians to travel to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and other holy cities that draw thousands of pilgrims each holiday season.

Christian leaders in Jerusalem had condemned the initial entry ban and said they would appeal to Israeli authorities to lift it.

Christians in the Gaza Strip will be allowed to visit holy cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem at Christmas, Israel authorities said on Sunday, reversing a decision not to issue them permits.

Christians in the Gaza Strip will be allowed to visit holy cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem at Christmas, Israel authorities said on Sunday, reversing a decision not to issue them permits. In a break from its usual Christmas holiday policy, Israel's military liaison to the Palestinians said on December 12 that in accordance with "security orders" Gaza Christians would be allowed to travel abroad but none would be permitted to go Israel or the occupied West Bank. On Sunday, the liaison office, known as COGAT, announced on Twitter that its director has "extended the travel facilitation for the Christian population of Gaza for the Christmas holiday". COGAT Maj. Gen. Kamil Abu Rukun has extended the travel facilitations for the Christian population of Gaza in recognition of the Christmas holiday. Entry permits for Jerusalem and for the West Bank will be issued in accordance with security assessments and without regard to age. pic.twitter.com/obqJlAoTq1 — COGAT (@cogatonline) December 22, 2019 × As a result, COGAT said, "entry permits for Jerusalem and for the West Bank will be issued in accordance with security assessments and without regard to age." Gaza has only around 1,000 Christians, most of them Greek Orthodox, in a population of 2 million in the narrow coastal strip. Last year, Israel granted permits for close to 700 Gaza Christians to travel to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and other holy cities that draw thousands of pilgrims each holiday season. Christian leaders in Jerusalem had condemned the initial entry ban and said they would appeal to Israeli authorities to lift it.

Israel allows Christians in Gaza to visit Christmas sites

The Taliban claimed responsibility after&nbsp;a US soldier was killed in&nbsp;an attack on an American convoy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

The name of the US serviceman was withheld by the military.&nbsp;According to newswire AFP, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

The latest incident comes even as US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad prepares to meet Afghan leaders to discuss the Taliban peace talks.

Khalilzad was earlier in Pakistan to discuss the latest development on the Afghan talks with Pakistan officials.

In September, President Donald Trump had declared talks with the Taliban "dead" after an attack in Kabul in which one soldier was killed.

AFP reported that Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said its outfit "blew up an American vehicle in Char Dara district of Kunduz".

Last month while making a &nbsp;surprise stopover to Bagram airfield in Afghanistan to celebrate Thanksgiving holiday with troops, President Trump had said that he was still interested in a "deal" with the Taliban.

"The Taliban wants to make a deal and we're meeting with them and we're saying it has to be a ceasefire," Trump had said during his visit to Bagram airbase.

Trump added that Afghanistan "will not be decided on the battlefield" and "ultimately there will need to be a political solution" decided by people in the region.&nbsp;

US troops had entered Afghanistan after the 2001 September attack in New York and Washington to destroy the al-Qaida, about 13,000 troops still remain in Afghanistan even as the US president said he will cut down the number of troops in the region.

At least 20 American soldiers have died in Afghanistan this year.

The Taliban claimed responsibility after a US soldier was killed in an attack on an American convoy in Afghanistan. The name of the US serviceman was withheld by the military.

The Taliban claimed responsibility after a US soldier was killed in an attack on an American convoy in Afghanistan. The name of the US serviceman was withheld by the military. According to newswire AFP, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. The latest incident comes even as US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad prepares to meet Afghan leaders to discuss the Taliban peace talks. Khalilzad was earlier in Pakistan to discuss the latest development on the Afghan talks with Pakistan officials. In September, President Donald Trump had declared talks with the Taliban "dead" after an attack in Kabul in which one soldier was killed. AFP reported that Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said its outfit "blew up an American vehicle in Char Dara district of Kunduz". Last month while making a surprise stopover to Bagram airfield in Afghanistan to celebrate Thanksgiving holiday with troops, President Trump had said that he was still interested in a "deal" with the Taliban. "The Taliban wants to make a deal and we're meeting with them and we're saying it has to be a ceasefire," Trump had said during his visit to Bagram airbase. Trump added that Afghanistan "will not be decided on the battlefield" and "ultimately there will need to be a political solution" decided by people in the region. US troops had entered Afghanistan after the 2001 September attack in New York and Washington to destroy the al-Qaida, about 13,000 troops still remain in Afghanistan even as the US president said he will cut down the number of troops in the region. At least 20 American soldiers have died in Afghanistan this year.

US soldier killed in Afghanistan

Supporters of Pakistan's military dictator, Gen (retd) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pervez-musharraf-case-a-new-dawn-in-pakistan-269126">Pervez Musharraf</a>, who was sentenced to death last week, held a protest in the British capital on Sunday alleging that the former president has been treated unfairly.

Activists of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) gathered outside the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-summons-pakistan-high-commission-official-over-killing-of-civilian-in-cfv-190815">Pakistan High Commission </a>to "demand justice for Pervez Musharraf" and to register condemnation of the "politically motivated" cases against their leader. They said that Musharraf does not deserve the death sentence after being tried under Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan for high treason, Geo News reported.

The demonstrators raised slogans in Musharraf's support and said that he had brought a lot of development to Pakistan and under him, Pakistan earned respect in the world.

Calling the Islamabad Special Court's verdict as 'unfair,' the protestors further claimed that Musharraf's years in power were a "golden era" for Pakistan and he had dealt effectively with terrorism.

President APML Overseas, Afzal Siddiqui, who led the protest, was quoted as saying that the party condemned paragraph 66 of the detailed verdict which contained remarks that Musharraf's body should be dragged and hanged at D-Chowk for three days.

He added that the former leader was not given a fair trial and the way the trial was initiated and conducted showed that it was always been an exercise of "revenge".

He criticised former chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry, for instructing the government to try Musharraf under Article 6. He said that it became clear when a Supreme Court judge openly mocked the former president.

"The political, fabricated and fraudulent nature of the case may also be gauged from the fact that it was hastily concluded without hearing the former president, sentencing him in absentia, restricting the latter from presenting evidence and by aggressively dismissing the noble efforts of the law minister and the attorney general for remedying earlier serious politicised legal shortcomings. The new prosecution team was not even granted the time to study the case," he said.

A petition given to the authorities at Pakistan High Commission by the protestors said that holding the constitution in abeyance was not an offence according to the Pakistani constitution in 2007. Only later in 2010 through the 18th amendment, the text of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pervez-musharraf-case-a-new-dawn-in-pakistan-269126">Article 6</a> was modified to make abeyance of the constitution an offence.

"We ask to declare null and void this bizarre special court judgment and reject all malicious attempts to label Musharraf a 'traitor'. The honourable Musharraf has fought wars for Pakistan and was the beloved chief of Pakistan Army. His tenure witnessed unprecedented growth of the Pakistani economy and led to the betterment of the Pakistani people. Musharraf can never be a traitor," the petition read.

Supporters of Pakistan's military dictator, Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who was sentenced to death last week, held a protest in the British capital on Sunday alleging that the former president has been treated unfairly.

Supporters of Pakistan's military dictator, Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who was sentenced to death last week, held a protest in the British capital on Sunday alleging that the former president has been treated unfairly. Activists of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission to "demand justice for Pervez Musharraf" and to register condemnation of the "politically motivated" cases against their leader. They said that Musharraf does not deserve the death sentence after being tried under Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan for high treason, Geo News reported. The demonstrators raised slogans in Musharraf's support and said that he had brought a lot of development to Pakistan and under him, Pakistan earned respect in the world. Calling the Islamabad Special Court's verdict as 'unfair,' the protestors further claimed that Musharraf's years in power were a "golden era" for Pakistan and he had dealt effectively with terrorism. President APML Overseas, Afzal Siddiqui, who led the protest, was quoted as saying that the party condemned paragraph 66 of the detailed verdict which contained remarks that Musharraf's body should be dragged and hanged at D-Chowk for three days. He added that the former leader was not given a fair trial and the way the trial was initiated and conducted showed that it was always been an exercise of "revenge". He criticised former chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry, for instructing the government to try Musharraf under Article 6. He said that it became clear when a Supreme Court judge openly mocked the former president. "The political, fabricated and fraudulent nature of the case may also be gauged from the fact that it was hastily concluded without hearing the former president, sentencing him in absentia, restricting the latter from presenting evidence and by aggressively dismissing the noble efforts of the law minister and the attorney general for remedying earlier serious politicised legal shortcomings. The new prosecution team was not even granted the time to study the case," he said. A petition given to the authorities at Pakistan High Commission by the protestors said that holding the constitution in abeyance was not an offence according to the Pakistani constitution in 2007. Only later in 2010 through the 18th amendment, the text of Article 6 was modified to make abeyance of the constitution an offence. "We ask to declare null and void this bizarre special court judgment and reject all malicious attempts to label Musharraf a 'traitor'. The honourable Musharraf has fought wars for Pakistan and was the beloved chief of Pakistan Army. His tenure witnessed unprecedented growth of the Pakistani economy and led to the betterment of the Pakistani people. Musharraf can never be a traitor," the petition read.

Musharraf's supporters hold 'justice' protest in London

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-real-madrid-draw-as-clasico-marred-by-violence-269061">Real&nbsp;Madrid</a>&nbsp;hit the woodwork three times but could only draw 0-0 at home to&nbsp;Athletic&nbsp;Bilbao in a frustrating final game of 2019 which meant they slipped two points&nbsp;behind&nbsp;La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Real's top scorer Karim Benzema had a shot cleared off the line in a lively first half while Toni Kroos came within inches of scoring when he waltzed through the defence and hammered a shot which&nbsp;Athletic&nbsp;keeper Unai Simon deflected on to the bar.

Substitute Nacho Fernandez rattled the bar in the second half while Serbian forward Luka Jovic left Simon flat-footed with a late header but watched as the ball bounced off the post and Sergio Ramos scuffed the rebound back at the goalkeeper.

Athletic, who beat champions&nbsp;Barca&nbsp;earlier this season, gave an astute performance in defence and also gave their hosts a few scares, with Kenan Kodro having a goal ruled out for offside and Inaki Williams forcing Thibaut Courtois to make a diving save.

It was&nbsp;Real's third draw in a row after 1-1 and 0-0 stalemates away to Valencia and&nbsp;Barca&nbsp;respectively, games in which they also played well but lacked composure in front of goal.

"I feel bad for the players because of the effort they put in. We are annoyed that we couldn't score with all the chances we had,"&nbsp;Real&nbsp;coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/champions-league-gears-up-for-final-16-draw-after-record-breaking-group-stage-268079">Zinedine Zidane</a> told reporters.

"The ball isn't going in for us at the moment but there's no need to be pessimistic. We have to remember this has been a good season for us. We've had a little bit of a sour ending to the year but we can't wait for 2020 to start."

Zidane's side are second in the standings on 37 points after 18 games, two&nbsp;behind&nbsp;Barca&nbsp;who beat Alaves 4-1 on Saturday.&nbsp;Athletic&nbsp;are seventh with 28.

"We are left with a bad taste because we hit the woodwork three times and had some other opportunities, so it's a&nbsp;real&nbsp;shame that we couldn't pick up three points," added&nbsp;Real&nbsp;goalkeeper Courtois.

"Athletic&nbsp;set up to frustrate us, we know how they like to play but when you have so many chances it's hard not to feel like it is two points dropped.

Athletic&nbsp;coach Gaizka Garitano did not shy away from the fact that fortune had favoured his side, who have not won at the Bernabeu since 2005.

"To get anything from here you have to have a bit of luck, but we ended the game very well," he said.

"To get a point here while creating chances in attack and not conceding any goals is not easy at all."

Real Madrid hit the woodwork three times but could only draw 0-0 at home to Athletic Bilbao in a frustrating final game of 2019 which meant they slipped two points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid hit the woodwork three times but could only draw 0-0 at home to Athletic Bilbao in a frustrating final game of 2019 which meant they slipped two points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona. Real's top scorer Karim Benzema had a shot cleared off the line in a lively first half while Toni Kroos came within inches of scoring when he waltzed through the defence and hammered a shot which Athletic keeper Unai Simon deflected on to the bar. Substitute Nacho Fernandez rattled the bar in the second half while Serbian forward Luka Jovic left Simon flat-footed with a late header but watched as the ball bounced off the post and Sergio Ramos scuffed the rebound back at the goalkeeper. Athletic, who beat champions Barca earlier this season, gave an astute performance in defence and also gave their hosts a few scares, with Kenan Kodro having a goal ruled out for offside and Inaki Williams forcing Thibaut Courtois to make a diving save. It was Real's third draw in a row after 1-1 and 0-0 stalemates away to Valencia and Barca respectively, games in which they also played well but lacked composure in front of goal. "I feel bad for the players because of the effort they put in. We are annoyed that we couldn't score with all the chances we had," Real coach Zinedine Zidane told reporters. "The ball isn't going in for us at the moment but there's no need to be pessimistic. We have to remember this has been a good season for us. We've had a little bit of a sour ending to the year but we can't wait for 2020 to start." Zidane's side are second in the standings on 37 points after 18 games, two behind Barca who beat Alaves 4-1 on Saturday. Athletic are seventh with 28. "We are left with a bad taste because we hit the woodwork three times and had some other opportunities, so it's a real shame that we couldn't pick up three points," added Real goalkeeper Courtois. "Athletic set up to frustrate us, we know how they like to play but when you have so many chances it's hard not to feel like it is two points dropped. Athletic coach Gaizka Garitano did not shy away from the fact that fortune had favoured his side, who have not won at the Bernabeu since 2005. "To get anything from here you have to have a bit of luck, but we ended the game very well," he said. "To get a point here while creating chances in attack and not conceding any goals is not easy at all."

La Liga: Real Madrid frustrated by Athletic, fall behind Barcelona

A US budget official told the Pentagon to "hold off" on military aid to Kiev 90 minutes after a controversial phone call between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, according to an internal email.

The email was part of a series published by the investigative nonprofit Center for Public Integrity.

Trump is accused of withholding $400 million in assistance to Ukraine to push Kiev to investigate his political rival Joe Biden.

"Based on guidance I have received and in light of the Administration's plan to review assistance to Ukraine... please hold off on any additional DoD obligations of these funds," Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffy wrote in an email to Pentagon officials.

The email is time-stamped 11:04 am -- an hour and 31 minutes after Trump's controversial July 25 phone call with Zelensky ended, according to a summary of the conversation released by the White House.

"Given the sensitive nature of the request, I appreciate your keeping that information closely held to those who need to know," Duffey added.

Republicans defended the move in a December 2 House of Representatives staff report, saying it was "not unusual" for foreign aid to be delayed, the Center for Public Integrity noted.

And Republican Senator Ron Johnson on Sunday told ABC's "This Week" that the "new emails don't shed any new light" on Trump's rationale for withholding aid to Ukraine.

"The president was concerned about whether or not America's hard-earned taxpayer dollars should be spent into a country where there's been proven cases of corruption," he said.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer meanwhile called the emails "explosive" in a tweet Sunday, denouncing Trump's refusal to let certain White House officials testify.

"If nothing is wrong with withholding the aid, why didn't Michael Duffey want anyone to know about what he was doing?" Schumer wrote.

The email "is all the more reason why we need Duffey and others to testify in a Senate trial."

Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed Schumer's sentiment on CNN's "Face the Nation" Sunday.

"If the president is so innocent and shouldn't be impeached, why is he afraid to have these people come forward?" the presidential hopeful said.

Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress on December 18.

Despite testimony from 17 officials that Trump leveraged his office for political gain, the president has maintained his innocence throughout the impeachment inquiry -- denouncing it as an "attempted coup" and an "assault on America."

He faces a trial in the Senate, possibly in January.

A US budget official told the Pentagon to "hold off" on military aid to Kiev 90 minutes after a controversial phone call between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, according to an internal email.

A US budget official told the Pentagon to "hold off" on military aid to Kiev 90 minutes after a controversial phone call between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, according to an internal email. The email was part of a series published by the investigative nonprofit Center for Public Integrity. Trump is accused of withholding $400 million in assistance to Ukraine to push Kiev to investigate his political rival Joe Biden. "Based on guidance I have received and in light of the Administration's plan to review assistance to Ukraine... please hold off on any additional DoD obligations of these funds," Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffy wrote in an email to Pentagon officials. The email is time-stamped 11:04 am -- an hour and 31 minutes after Trump's controversial July 25 phone call with Zelensky ended, according to a summary of the conversation released by the White House. "Given the sensitive nature of the request, I appreciate your keeping that information closely held to those who need to know," Duffey added. Republicans defended the move in a December 2 House of Representatives staff report, saying it was "not unusual" for foreign aid to be delayed, the Center for Public Integrity noted. And Republican Senator Ron Johnson on Sunday told ABC's "This Week" that the "new emails don't shed any new light" on Trump's rationale for withholding aid to Ukraine. "The president was concerned about whether or not America's hard-earned taxpayer dollars should be spent into a country where there's been proven cases of corruption," he said. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer meanwhile called the emails "explosive" in a tweet Sunday, denouncing Trump's refusal to let certain White House officials testify. "If nothing is wrong with withholding the aid, why didn't Michael Duffey want anyone to know about what he was doing?" Schumer wrote. The email "is all the more reason why we need Duffey and others to testify in a Senate trial." Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed Schumer's sentiment on CNN's "Face the Nation" Sunday. "If the president is so innocent and shouldn't be impeached, why is he afraid to have these people come forward?" the presidential hopeful said. Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress on December 18. Despite testimony from 17 officials that Trump leveraged his office for political gain, the president has maintained his innocence throughout the impeachment inquiry -- denouncing it as an "attempted coup" and an "assault on America." He faces a trial in the Senate, possibly in January.

US moved to freeze Ukraine aid 90 minutes after Trump phone call: Report

Chelsea defender <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelseas-antonio-rudiger-out-for-season-after-knee-surgery-214959">Antonio&nbsp;Rudiger</a>&nbsp;has urged Tottenham Hotspur to find and punish the individuals who&nbsp;allegedly directed&nbsp;racist&nbsp;abuse at him during Sunday's Premier League match.

The German was involved in an incident in which Tottenham's Son Heung-min was red-carded in the 62nd minute and indicated shortly afterward he was a&nbsp;victim of a monkey gesture from the home section.

The Professional Footballers' Association (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-federation-australia-to-announce-gender-parity-pay-deal-report-259994">PFA</a>) called for a government inquiry into racism in the English game following the match, which Chelsea won 2-0.

"I really hope that the offenders will be found and punished soon, and in such a modern football ground like the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-chelseas-frank-lampard-savours-win-over-old-mentor-jose-mourinho-269624">Tottenham Hotspur</a> Stadium with dozens of TV and security cameras, it must be possible to find and punish them,"&nbsp;Rudiger&nbsp;tweeted.

"If not, then there must have been witnesses in the stadium who saw and heard the incident. It's just such a shame that racism still exists in 2019. When will this nonsense stop?"

Tottenham have vowed to take the "strongest possible&nbsp;action" if any fan is identified as having made&nbsp;racist&nbsp;gestures.

Rudiger&nbsp;is the latest Premier League player to suffer&nbsp;alleged&nbsp;racist&nbsp;abuse in a match, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-to-compete-manchester-united-in-league-cup-semi-finals-derby-269097">Manchester United</a>'s Fred targeted by a Manchester City fan earlier this month.

A series of&nbsp;racist&nbsp;incidents have tainted European soccer recently too, with Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku and Brescia's Mario Balotelli subjected to&nbsp;racist&nbsp;insults from rival fans during Serie A matches in Italy this season.

"It's really sad to see racism again at a football match, but I think it's important to talk about it in public. If not, it'll be forgotten again in a couple of days (as always),"&nbsp;Rudiger&nbsp;added.

"I don't want to involve Tottenham as an entire club into this situation as I know that just a couple of idiots were the offenders. I got a lot of supportive messages on social media from Spurs fans as well thank you a lot for this."

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has urged Tottenham Hotspur to find and punish the individuals who allegedly directed racist abuse at him during Sunday's Premier League match.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has urged Tottenham Hotspur to find and punish the individuals who allegedly directed racist abuse at him during Sunday's Premier League match. The German was involved in an incident in which Tottenham's Son Heung-min was red-carded in the 62nd minute and indicated shortly afterward he was a victim of a monkey gesture from the home section. The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) called for a government inquiry into racism in the English game following the match, which Chelsea won 2-0. "I really hope that the offenders will be found and punished soon, and in such a modern football ground like the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with dozens of TV and security cameras, it must be possible to find and punish them," Rudiger tweeted. "If not, then there must have been witnesses in the stadium who saw and heard the incident. It's just such a shame that racism still exists in 2019. When will this nonsense stop?" Tottenham have vowed to take the "strongest possible action" if any fan is identified as having made racist gestures. Rudiger is the latest Premier League player to suffer alleged racist abuse in a match, with Manchester United's Fred targeted by a Manchester City fan earlier this month. A series of racist incidents have tainted European soccer recently too, with Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku and Brescia's Mario Balotelli subjected to racist insults from rival fans during Serie A matches in Italy this season. "It's really sad to see racism again at a football match, but I think it's important to talk about it in public. If not, it'll be forgotten again in a couple of days (as always)," Rudiger added. "I don't want to involve Tottenham as an entire club into this situation as I know that just a couple of idiots were the offenders. I got a lot of supportive messages on social media from Spurs fans as well thank you a lot for this."

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger wants swift action on racist taunt during Tottenham match

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have come closer to aligning their views on filling the reservoir of and operating the giant hydroelectric <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-ethiopia-leaders-discuss-nile-dam-in-russia-257944">dam</a> that Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, the Sudanese irrigation minister said on Sunday.

"Proposals were submitted by the three countries regarding filling the reservoir and operating the dam and a convergence (of views) occurred," Sudanese Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Yasser Abbas told reporters after he met his Egyptian and Ethiopian counterparts in Khartoum.

In November, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan agreed to work towards resolving their dispute over the $4 billion dam by January&nbsp;15, 2020, after meeting US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-says-trade-deal-with-china-to-boost-global-economy-268327">Steven Mnuchin</a> and World Bank President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/david-malpass-named-as-13th-world-bank-president-208226">David Malpass</a> in Washington.

They met in Washington again this month and are due for the third meeting on January&nbsp;13, where they will try to finalise an agreement to resolve the dispute.

The US&nbsp;administration invited the three sides for talks after Egypt called for an external mediator on the issue, saying three-way talks had been exhausted. Addis Ababa had previously rejected the idea, accusing Egypt of trying to sidestep the process.

The three countries' irrigation ministers will have further discussions at a meeting in the Ethiopian capital on January&nbsp;9-10, the Egyptian irrigation ministry said in a statement after Sunday's meeting.

On Sunday, they also agreed to come up with a definition of droughts and how the dam would operate during droughts, Sudan's Abbas said.

"There is a convergence (of views) in general, and there are differences of views in some circumstances. Sudan proposed a specified time for filling the reservoir and added definitions for drought and continuous drought," Abbas said.

Egypt's irrigation ministry said it was seeking to reach agreement on filling and operating the dam that "achieves the interests of the three countries ... in a manner that preserves the sustainability of the river and the mutual benefit".

There was no immediate comment from Ethiopia.

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have come closer to aligning their views on filling the reservoir of and operating the giant hydroelectric dam that Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, the Sudanese irrigation minister said on Sunday.

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have come closer to aligning their views on filling the reservoir of and operating the giant hydroelectric dam that Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, the Sudanese irrigation minister said on Sunday. "Proposals were submitted by the three countries regarding filling the reservoir and operating the dam and a convergence (of views) occurred," Sudanese Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Yasser Abbas told reporters after he met his Egyptian and Ethiopian counterparts in Khartoum. In November, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan agreed to work towards resolving their dispute over the $4 billion dam by January 15, 2020, after meeting US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and World Bank President David Malpass in Washington. They met in Washington again this month and are due for the third meeting on January 13, where they will try to finalise an agreement to resolve the dispute. The US administration invited the three sides for talks after Egypt called for an external mediator on the issue, saying three-way talks had been exhausted. Addis Ababa had previously rejected the idea, accusing Egypt of trying to sidestep the process. The three countries' irrigation ministers will have further discussions at a meeting in the Ethiopian capital on January 9-10, the Egyptian irrigation ministry said in a statement after Sunday's meeting. On Sunday, they also agreed to come up with a definition of droughts and how the dam would operate during droughts, Sudan's Abbas said. "There is a convergence (of views) in general, and there are differences of views in some circumstances. Sudan proposed a specified time for filling the reservoir and added definitions for drought and continuous drought," Abbas said. Egypt's irrigation ministry said it was seeking to reach agreement on filling and operating the dam that "achieves the interests of the three countries ... in a manner that preserves the sustainability of the river and the mutual benefit". There was no immediate comment from Ethiopia.

Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan views closer on Nile dam: Sudanese minister

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