Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-semitism on Sunday over its chief prosecutor's plan to pursue a war crimes probe in the Palestinian Territories.

The right-wing leader - Benjamin Netanyahu -&nbsp;is fighting for his political life in a March <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-heads-to-new-election-third-in-twelve-months-as-stalemate-continues-267768">election</a>, made the allegation against the international Criminal Court, with Judaism's holy Western Wall as a backdrop during a candle-lighting ceremony marking the start of the eight-day Hanukkah holiday.

"New edicts are being cast against the Jewish people - anti-semitic edicts by the International Criminal Court telling us that we, the Jews standing here next to this wall ... in this city, in this country, have no right to live here and that by doing so, we are committing a war crime," he said.

"Pure anti-semitism," Netanyahu said, raising an argument likely to strike a chord with many Israelis who believe that criticism, especially in Europe, of Israeli policies towards the Palestinians has its roots in anti-Jewish sentiment.

The Hague-based International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said on Friday she would launch a full investigation into alleged war crimes in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as soon as the court's jurisdiction had been established.

Israel captured those areas in the 1967 Middle East war and withdrew troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005.

Bensouda's announcement opens the possibility of charges being filed against Israelis or Palestinians. Israeli media, however, largely portrayed it as a bid to subject Israeli leaders and military officers to arrest and trial if they travel overseas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-will-resign-from-other-ministries-but-will-remain-pm-lawyers-267872">Netanyahu</a>'s accusations appeared to be centred on a scenario in which Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where the Western Wall stands within the walled Old City, could be viewed by the court as war crimes.

ICC prosecutors have said a preliminary investigation on the West Bank focused on "reported settlement-related activities engaged in by Israeli authorities".

The Palestinians and many countries consider the settlements to be illegal. Israel disputes this, citing security needs and biblical and historical connections to the land.

The Palestinians have welcomed Bensouda's decision.

Netanyahu said on Friday the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-to-probe-alleged-war-crimes-in-palestinian-territories-269444">ICC</a> had no jurisdiction to investigate events in the Palestinian Territories, arguing it could only examine petitions submitted by a sovereign state.

The ICC has the authority to hear cases of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity committed on the territory of the 123 countries that have signed up to it.

Israel has not joined the court but the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, has done so. The Gaza Strip is run by the PA's rival, the Islamist Hamas group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-semitism on Sunday over its chief prosecutor's plan to pursue a war crimes probe in the Palestinian Territories.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-semitism on Sunday over its chief prosecutor's plan to pursue a war crimes probe in the Palestinian Territories. The right-wing leader - Benjamin Netanyahu - is fighting for his political life in a March election, made the allegation against the international Criminal Court, with Judaism's holy Western Wall as a backdrop during a candle-lighting ceremony marking the start of the eight-day Hanukkah holiday. "New edicts are being cast against the Jewish people - anti-semitic edicts by the International Criminal Court telling us that we, the Jews standing here next to this wall ... in this city, in this country, have no right to live here and that by doing so, we are committing a war crime," he said. "Pure anti-semitism," Netanyahu said, raising an argument likely to strike a chord with many Israelis who believe that criticism, especially in Europe, of Israeli policies towards the Palestinians has its roots in anti-Jewish sentiment. The Hague-based International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said on Friday she would launch a full investigation into alleged war crimes in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as soon as the court's jurisdiction had been established. Israel captured those areas in the 1967 Middle East war and withdrew troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005. Bensouda's announcement opens the possibility of charges being filed against Israelis or Palestinians. Israeli media, however, largely portrayed it as a bid to subject Israeli leaders and military officers to arrest and trial if they travel overseas. Netanyahu's accusations appeared to be centred on a scenario in which Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where the Western Wall stands within the walled Old City, could be viewed by the court as war crimes. ICC prosecutors have said a preliminary investigation on the West Bank focused on "reported settlement-related activities engaged in by Israeli authorities". The Palestinians and many countries consider the settlements to be illegal. Israel disputes this, citing security needs and biblical and historical connections to the land. The Palestinians have welcomed Bensouda's decision. Netanyahu said on Friday the ICC had no jurisdiction to investigate events in the Palestinian Territories, arguing it could only examine petitions submitted by a sovereign state. The ICC has the authority to hear cases of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity committed on the territory of the 123 countries that have signed up to it. Israel has not joined the court but the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, has done so. The Gaza Strip is run by the PA's rival, the Islamist Hamas group.

Netanyahu accuses international court of anti-semitism in war crimes probe

British supermarket giant Tesco suspended a Chinese supplier of Christmas cards on Sunday after a press report said a customer found a message written inside a card saying it had been packed by foreign prisoners who were victims of forced labour.

"We abhor the use of prison labour and would never allow it in our supply chain," a Tesco spokesman said on Sunday.

"We were shocked by these allegations and immediately suspended the factory where these cards are produced and launched an investigation. We have also withdrawn these cards from sale whilst we investigate."

Tesco, Britain's biggest retailer, donates 300,000 pounds ($390,000) a year from the sale of the cards to the charities British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK.

The Sunday Times said the message inside the card read: "We are foreign prisoners in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/change-to-chinese-universitys-charter-dropping-freedom-of-thought-stirs-debate-269066">Shanghai</a> Qingpu Prison China. Forced to work against our will. Please help us and notify human rights organisation.

Peter Humphrey is a British former journalist and corporate fraud investigator.

The cards were produced at the Zheijiang Yunguang Printing factory, about 100 km (60 miles) from Shanghai Qingpu prison, Tesco said.

The company, which prints cards and books for food and pharmaceutical companies, says on its website it supplies Tesco.

A staff member who answered the company's main telephone line on Monday told Reuters they were unaware of the press reports or Tesco's comments. She declined to provide her name. The company did not respond to further emailed requests for comment.

Humphrey and his American wife Yu Yingzeng were both sentenced in China in 2014 for illegally obtaining private records of Chinese citizens and selling the information to clients including drugmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gsk-raises-profit-forecast-after-shingles-vaccine-sales-boost-258876">GlaxoSmithKline</a>. The couple were deported from China in June 2015 after their jail terms were reduced.

The message inside the card was found by a 6-year-old girl, Florence Widdicombe, in London. Her father, Ben Widdicombe, contacted Humphrey via the LinkedIn social network.

Florence Widdicombe said she was "shocked" to see the message in the card. "We opened them about a week ago and we were writing in them, and on about my sixth or eighth card, somebody had already written in it," she told BBC TV.

Her father said at first he thought the note was a prank, but he later realised it was potentially a serious matter and he felt a responsibility to pass it on to Peter Humphrey as requested.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Humphrey said he did not know the identities or the nationalities of the prisoners who put the note into the card, but he "had no doubt they are Qingpu prisoners who knew me before my release in June 2015 from the suburban prison where I spent 23 months".

Tesco said it had a comprehensive auditing process in place.

"This supplier was independently audited as recently as last month and no evidence was found to suggest they had broken our rule banning the use of prison labour," the spokesman said.&nbsp;

"If a supplier breaches these rules, we will immediately and permanently de-list them."

Humphrey and his wife said in their trial they had not thought they were doing anything illegal in their activities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-japan-south-korea-prepare-for-trilateral-summit-amid-tensions-269632">China</a>.

British supermarket giant Tesco suspended a Chinese supplier of Christmas cards on Sunday after a press report said a customer found a message written inside a card saying it had been packed by foreign prisoners who were victims of forced labour.

British supermarket giant Tesco suspended a Chinese supplier of Christmas cards on Sunday after a press report said a customer found a message written inside a card saying it had been packed by foreign prisoners who were victims of forced labour. "We abhor the use of prison labour and would never allow it in our supply chain," a Tesco spokesman said on Sunday. "We were shocked by these allegations and immediately suspended the factory where these cards are produced and launched an investigation. We have also withdrawn these cards from sale whilst we investigate." Tesco, Britain's biggest retailer, donates 300,000 pounds ($390,000) a year from the sale of the cards to the charities British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK. The Sunday Times said the message inside the card read: "We are foreign prisoners in Shanghai Qingpu Prison China. Forced to work against our will. Please help us and notify human rights organisation. Peter Humphrey is a British former journalist and corporate fraud investigator. The cards were produced at the Zheijiang Yunguang Printing factory, about 100 km (60 miles) from Shanghai Qingpu prison, Tesco said. The company, which prints cards and books for food and pharmaceutical companies, says on its website it supplies Tesco. A staff member who answered the company's main telephone line on Monday told Reuters they were unaware of the press reports or Tesco's comments. She declined to provide her name. The company did not respond to further emailed requests for comment. Humphrey and his American wife Yu Yingzeng were both sentenced in China in 2014 for illegally obtaining private records of Chinese citizens and selling the information to clients including drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline. The couple were deported from China in June 2015 after their jail terms were reduced. The message inside the card was found by a 6-year-old girl, Florence Widdicombe, in London. Her father, Ben Widdicombe, contacted Humphrey via the LinkedIn social network. Florence Widdicombe said she was "shocked" to see the message in the card. "We opened them about a week ago and we were writing in them, and on about my sixth or eighth card, somebody had already written in it," she told BBC TV. Her father said at first he thought the note was a prank, but he later realised it was potentially a serious matter and he felt a responsibility to pass it on to Peter Humphrey as requested. Writing in the Sunday Times, Humphrey said he did not know the identities or the nationalities of the prisoners who put the note into the card, but he "had no doubt they are Qingpu prisoners who knew me before my release in June 2015 from the suburban prison where I spent 23 months". Tesco said it had a comprehensive auditing process in place. "This supplier was independently audited as recently as last month and no evidence was found to suggest they had broken our rule banning the use of prison labour," the spokesman said. "If a supplier breaches these rules, we will immediately and permanently de-list them." Humphrey and his wife said in their trial they had not thought they were doing anything illegal in their activities in China.

Tesco suspends Chinese supplier after suspected prisoner message

Egypt's former military chief-of-staff Sami Anan was released from detention on Sunday almost two years after his arrest following his plans to compete in the 2018 presidential election, his office manager said on Twitter.

Anan, now at home according to the manager, was held in a military prison until he suffered a stroke in July 2018 and was then moved to a military hospital in Cairo's Maadi suburb, where he remained until his release.

His health has improved, a source familiar with the matter said. The reason for his release is still unclear.

Anan, seen as Sisi's main challenger in that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-sisi-warns-opponents-as-calls-to-boycott-election-build-31393">election</a>, was arrested and halted his presidential bid after the military accused him of running for office without permission, which it said was a breach of military law. Anan's spokesman denied that he had broken any laws.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-sisi-protests-break-out-in-egypt-several-arrested-250950">al-Sisi</a> was re-elected for a second term in 2018, winning 97% of the vote with a turnout of 41%. The election featured only one other candidate, an ardent Sisi supporter, after opposition contenders halted their campaigns in January.

Egypt's former military chief-of-staff Sami Anan was released from detention on Sunday almost two years after his arrest following his plans to compete in the 2018 presidential election, his office manager said on Twitter.

Egypt's former military chief-of-staff Sami Anan was released from detention on Sunday almost two years after his arrest following his plans to compete in the 2018 presidential election, his office manager said on Twitter. Anan, now at home according to the manager, was held in a military prison until he suffered a stroke in July 2018 and was then moved to a military hospital in Cairo's Maadi suburb, where he remained until his release. His health has improved, a source familiar with the matter said. The reason for his release is still unclear. Anan, seen as Sisi's main challenger in that election, was arrested and halted his presidential bid after the military accused him of running for office without permission, which it said was a breach of military law. Anan's spokesman denied that he had broken any laws. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was re-elected for a second term in 2018, winning 97% of the vote with a turnout of 41%. The election featured only one other candidate, an ardent Sisi supporter, after opposition contenders halted their campaigns in January.

Egypt's ex-military chief of staff released after near two-year detention

Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman Ahmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tripoli-residents-denounce-trumps-call-to-libyan-commander-haftar-211945">Mismari</a> warned other carriers against transporting weapons using civilian planes, adding that "the army will down and strike any plane" that carries weapons.

"The civilian status of aircraft is revoked as soon as they are used for military purposes," Mismari told Reuters.

Mismari also said, in a video released on Sunday, that the LNA was extending an ultimatum it had given fighters in Misrata aligned with the internationally recognised Government of National Accord based in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-raids-in-libyan-capital-tripoli-kill-five-wound-ten-sources-265847">Tripoli</a>. They would now have until Wednesday at midnight to withdraw from the city instead of midnight on Sunday.

Withdrawing forces would not be targeted, he said.

The LNA, led by commander Khalifa Haftar, has been trying since April to take Tripoli from the GNA, which was set up in 2016 following a U.N.-brokered deal.

Eastern Libyan forces seized a Grenada-flagged ship with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-will-increase-military-support-to-libya-if-necessary-269588">Turkish</a> crew on Saturday off the Libyan coast, a spokesman said, amid rising tensions with Turkey, which supports the rival GNA in Tripoli.

Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman Ahmed Mismari warned other carriers against transporting weapons using civilian planes, adding that "the army will down and strike any plane" that carries weapons.

Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman Ahmed Mismari warned other carriers against transporting weapons using civilian planes, adding that "the army will down and strike any plane" that carries weapons. "The civilian status of aircraft is revoked as soon as they are used for military purposes," Mismari told Reuters. Mismari also said, in a video released on Sunday, that the LNA was extending an ultimatum it had given fighters in Misrata aligned with the internationally recognised Government of National Accord based in Tripoli. They would now have until Wednesday at midnight to withdraw from the city instead of midnight on Sunday. Withdrawing forces would not be targeted, he said. The LNA, led by commander Khalifa Haftar, has been trying since April to take Tripoli from the GNA, which was set up in 2016 following a U.N.-brokered deal. Eastern Libyan forces seized a Grenada-flagged ship with a Turkish crew on Saturday off the Libyan coast, a spokesman said, amid rising tensions with Turkey, which supports the rival GNA in Tripoli.

Libyan force warns against transporting military equipment in civilian planes

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-assad-says-he-does-not-want-turkey-as-an-enemy-259172">al-Assad</a> told Reuters.

Later the army said it had brought down one of the missiles in an area near the capital. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israel.

Israel has launched hundreds of missiles towards Syria in recent years, targeting Iranian-backed militias operating in the country as well as supplies sent by pro-Iranian Lebanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-army-clashes-with-supporters-of-hezbollah-amal-in-beirut-268624">Hezbollah</a> to support Assad's forces.

Iran and Hezbollah are fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-carried-out-strikes-on-irans-quds-force-syrian-targets-israel-army-263308">Israel</a> says they are trying to turn Syria into a new front against Israelis.

Israel has vowed it will continue its strikes against Iranian targets trying to establish a permanent military presence there and against advanced weapons shipments to Hezbollah.

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Reuters.

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Reuters. Later the army said it had brought down one of the missiles in an area near the capital. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israel. Israel has launched hundreds of missiles towards Syria in recent years, targeting Iranian-backed militias operating in the country as well as supplies sent by pro-Iranian Lebanese Hezbollah to support Assad's forces. Iran and Hezbollah are fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war, and Israel says they are trying to turn Syria into a new front against Israelis. Israel has vowed it will continue its strikes against Iranian targets trying to establish a permanent military presence there and against advanced weapons shipments to Hezbollah.

Syrian air defense intercepts missiles from Israel: Report

A production shutdown started on Sunday at PetroIneos' 210,000-barrels-per-day <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-steadies-after-saudi-pledges-to-restore-output-lost-in-attacks-250369">Lavera</a> oil refinery in southern France after CGT union workers voted to stop output as part of protests over pension reform, a union official said.

Emmanuel Lepine, secretary-general of the CGT's oil branch, told sources on Sunday evening that CGT union workers at other refineries in France will vote on Monday whether to halt production at their plants.

The CGT's oil branch had warned on Friday it could step up strike action by stopping production, depending on the outcome of worker votes.

"We gave an ultimatum to the government, it didn't listen, so we're doing exactly what we promised," Lepine said.

"What we are demanding is the withdrawal of the reform."

The hardline <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-cgt-union-threatens-more-protests-over-pensions-plan-268467">CGT union</a> has been at the forefront of a two-week-old industrial action against a planned government reform of France's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-strikes-government-stays-firm-on-pension-reforms-as-mass-protests-to-continue-268724">pension system</a>.

The protests against the reform plan, which would scrap special regimes for sectors like the railways and make people work to 64 to draw a full pension, have crippled train services in the run-up to the Christmas holiday season.

Protests in the oil sector have already disrupted supplies of refined products to petrol stations in some parts of France but production has so far continued at refineries.

CGT workers at three refineries run by Total - Grand Puits, La Mede and Feyzin - would vote on Monday on whether to halt output there, Lepine said.

A production shutdown started on Sunday at PetroIneos' 210,000-barrels-per-day Lavera oil refinery in southern France after CGT union workers voted to stop output as part of protests over pension reform, a union official said.

A production shutdown started on Sunday at PetroIneos' 210,000-barrels-per-day Lavera oil refinery in southern France after CGT union workers voted to stop output as part of protests over pension reform, a union official said. Emmanuel Lepine, secretary-general of the CGT's oil branch, told sources on Sunday evening that CGT union workers at other refineries in France will vote on Monday whether to halt production at their plants. The CGT's oil branch had warned on Friday it could step up strike action by stopping production, depending on the outcome of worker votes. "We gave an ultimatum to the government, it didn't listen, so we're doing exactly what we promised," Lepine said. "What we are demanding is the withdrawal of the reform." The hardline CGT union has been at the forefront of a two-week-old industrial action against a planned government reform of France's pension system. The protests against the reform plan, which would scrap special regimes for sectors like the railways and make people work to 64 to draw a full pension, have crippled train services in the run-up to the Christmas holiday season. Protests in the oil sector have already disrupted supplies of refined products to petrol stations in some parts of France but production has so far continued at refineries. CGT workers at three refineries run by Total - Grand Puits, La Mede and Feyzin - would vote on Monday on whether to halt output there, Lepine said.

French workers vote to halt output at Lavera refinery over pension reform

The government has decided not to allow<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maryam-nawaz-moves-high-court-over-removal-of-name-from-exit-control-list-266846"> Maryam Nawaz</a>, vice president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and daughter of former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-undergoes-check-up-at-london-bridge-hospital-264538">Nawaz Sharif</a>, to travel abroad and rejected her application.

"The rules concerning placement of the name of persons on Exit Control List [ECL] do not allow the government to entertain her application to remove her name from the no-fly list," said senior lawyer and aide to the prime minister Babar Awan while talking to Dawn on Sunday.

Headed by Law Minister Farogh Naseem, the subcommittee of the federal cabinet that deals with ECL cases rejected her plea, as she had sought the facility for flying to London to look after her ailing father who is currently undergoing medical treatment, Awan said.

"In fact, the subcommittee is part of the cabinet and a formal announcement to bar Maryam from traveling abroad will be made by the federal cabinet in its meeting [on Tuesday]," Awan said.

Referring to the Exit from Pakistan (Control) Rules, 2010, the Prime Minister's aide on legal affairs said that even if a person has valid travel documents to proceed to any destination outside Pakistan, the government could stop them from leaving the country for being involved in corruption and loss to government funds.

Earlier, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan after the December 18 meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf's core committee had also said that the government would not accept Maryam's request.

Meanwhile, the PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a statement issued on Sunday, said that the government's decision to bar the daughter of the ex-prime minister from traveling abroad did not surprise anyone, considering that the PTI regime had always been desperately looking for opportunities to victimise and persecute the PML-N leadership.

Aurangzeb said that the PML-N was aware of the "prejudice and vengeful mindset" of the government that was why she had also filed a request with the court to allow her to travel abroad.

The government has decided not to allow Maryam Nawaz, vice president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, to travel abroad and rejected her application.

The government has decided not to allow Maryam Nawaz, vice president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, to travel abroad and rejected her application. "The rules concerning placement of the name of persons on Exit Control List [ECL] do not allow the government to entertain her application to remove her name from the no-fly list," said senior lawyer and aide to the prime minister Babar Awan while talking to Dawn on Sunday. Headed by Law Minister Farogh Naseem, the subcommittee of the federal cabinet that deals with ECL cases rejected her plea, as she had sought the facility for flying to London to look after her ailing father who is currently undergoing medical treatment, Awan said. "In fact, the subcommittee is part of the cabinet and a formal announcement to bar Maryam from traveling abroad will be made by the federal cabinet in its meeting [on Tuesday]," Awan said. Referring to the Exit from Pakistan (Control) Rules, 2010, the Prime Minister's aide on legal affairs said that even if a person has valid travel documents to proceed to any destination outside Pakistan, the government could stop them from leaving the country for being involved in corruption and loss to government funds. Earlier, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan after the December 18 meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf's core committee had also said that the government would not accept Maryam's request. Meanwhile, the PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a statement issued on Sunday, said that the government's decision to bar the daughter of the ex-prime minister from traveling abroad did not surprise anyone, considering that the PTI regime had always been desperately looking for opportunities to victimise and persecute the PML-N leadership. Aurangzeb said that the PML-N was aware of the "prejudice and vengeful mindset" of the government that was why she had also filed a request with the court to allow her to travel abroad.

Imran's government denies Maryam Nawaz permission to travel abroad

The death toll in storms which hit Spain and Portugal has risen to nine causing large scale damage to public property.

Two people died in Portugal and seven were killed in Spain.

In Spain, a woman was killed after debris fell on a building in Madrid. A man drowned while windsurfing off the Andalusian coast.

Last week storms hit the Iberian Peninsula and increased in intensity with high winds and heavy rains. The storm later hit central and southern Spain with winds of up to 140 km/hour and waves as high as nine metres.

Storms Elsa and Fabien have caused flooding and communication disruption hitting rail and air travel in Spain, Portugal and France.

As a weakened Storm Elsa moved to the UK over the weekend, Storm Fabien moved in, bringing winds of 170 kilometres to northwestern Spain.

France on Saturday placed fifteen regions in the southwest on orange alert due to the storm even as winds left several hundred houses without electricity.

The death toll in storms which hit Spain and Portugal has risen to nine causing large scale damage to public property. Two people died in Portugal and seven were killed in Spain.

The death toll in storms which hit Spain and Portugal has risen to nine causing large scale damage to public property. Two people died in Portugal and seven were killed in Spain. In Spain, a woman was killed after debris fell on a building in Madrid. A man drowned while windsurfing off the Andalusian coast. Last week storms hit the Iberian Peninsula and increased in intensity with high winds and heavy rains. The storm later hit central and southern Spain with winds of up to 140 km/hour and waves as high as nine metres. Storms Elsa and Fabien have caused flooding and communication disruption hitting rail and air travel in Spain, Portugal and France. As a weakened Storm Elsa moved to the UK over the weekend, Storm Fabien moved in, bringing winds of 170 kilometres to northwestern Spain. France on Saturday placed fifteen regions in the southwest on orange alert due to the storm even as winds left several hundred houses without electricity.

Death toll rises to nine in storm-hit Spain, Portugal

China has welcomed Sri Lanka's clarification with regard to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/hambantota-ports-security-not-in-foreign-hands-sri-lankan-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-208642">Hambantota Port </a>agreement.

The Chinese embassy released a statement saying that it appreciates President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s remarks at a meeting with foreign correspondents.&nbsp;

“China is willing to guide relevant enterprises to work with the Sri Lankan side to expedite implementing the established agreement and further promote the prosperity and development of Hambantota Port,” it said.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had earlier stated that his government will not re-negotiate the existing agreement with China and the commercial agreement.

China in its statement also reiterated it respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.

PM Mahida Rajapaksa while speaking to China's state media had expressed confidence in Sri Lanka's ability to repay the loans for the Hambantota Port. Mahinda&nbsp;Rajapaksa had also added that Sri Lanka and China will implement big projects like the Hambantota Port and the Colombo Port City.

Reacting to the development, the Chinese embassy added that the security and control of Hambantota Port will entirely be in the hands of the Sri Lankan government and Navy, just like all other ports in the island nation.&nbsp;

The southern sea port was leased to China in 2017 by Sri Lanka for 99 years amid concern over Beijing's efforts to expand influence in the region.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his visit to India had said Sri Lanka wants to work very closely with both India and China.

The Hambantota port was a major Chinese-assisted infrastructure project in the home district of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa which attracted controversy as experts saw it as China's attempt to increase its military might in the Indian Ocean region with fears of Chinese government using it as part of its Belt and Road initiative(BRI).

China has repeatedly dismissed reports of military dimension in the port deal.

Last year a Bloomberg report had said Hambantota is only handling about one ship a day, and when compared to competitors in Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East, it isn't at present a viable operation.

China has welcomed Sri Lanka's clarification with regard to the Hambantota Port agreement. The Chinese embassy released a statement saying that it appreciates President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s remarks at a meeting with foreign correspondents.

China has welcomed Sri Lanka's clarification with regard to the Hambantota Port agreement. The Chinese embassy released a statement saying that it appreciates President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s remarks at a meeting with foreign correspondents. “China is willing to guide relevant enterprises to work with the Sri Lankan side to expedite implementing the established agreement and further promote the prosperity and development of Hambantota Port,” it said. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had earlier stated that his government will not re-negotiate the existing agreement with China and the commercial agreement. China in its statement also reiterated it respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. PM Mahida Rajapaksa while speaking to China's state media had expressed confidence in Sri Lanka's ability to repay the loans for the Hambantota Port. Mahinda Rajapaksa had also added that Sri Lanka and China will implement big projects like the Hambantota Port and the Colombo Port City. Reacting to the development, the Chinese embassy added that the security and control of Hambantota Port will entirely be in the hands of the Sri Lankan government and Navy, just like all other ports in the island nation. The southern sea port was leased to China in 2017 by Sri Lanka for 99 years amid concern over Beijing's efforts to expand influence in the region. Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his visit to India had said Sri Lanka wants to work very closely with both India and China. The Hambantota port was a major Chinese-assisted infrastructure project in the home district of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa which attracted controversy as experts saw it as China's attempt to increase its military might in the Indian Ocean region with fears of Chinese government using it as part of its Belt and Road initiative(BRI). China has repeatedly dismissed reports of military dimension in the port deal. Last year a Bloomberg report had said Hambantota is only handling about one ship a day, and when compared to competitors in Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East, it isn't at present a viable operation.

Willing to work with Sri Lanka to promote development of Hambantota Port: China

With a day to go for the trilateral summit, China, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-japan-set-to-back-air-traffic-deal-after-near-misses-265017">Japan and South Korea</a> are preparing for talks amid heightened regional tensions. &nbsp;

Chinese premier li Keqiang will be hosting the summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in on December 24 in China's southwest city of Chengdu.&nbsp;

The leaders of all three countries are holding their latest meet amid feuds over trade, military manoeuvrings and historical animosities.&nbsp;

"As close neighbours, it is normal for China, Japan and ROK to have differences in history and territory and other issues," China's vice-foreign minister Luo Zhaohui said, adding, "the key point is that the three sides should work together to manage and control the differences and in the meantime should prevent external disturbances. The leaders of the three nations enjoy high consensus in this regard."

The visiting leaders will also hold separate talks with President Xi, Chinese vice-foreign minister Luo Zhaohui said.

Ahead of the meet, the Chiese foreign ministry had said that ties between Tokyo and Seoul remain strained over trade and security issues as well as compensation for wartime forced labour.

Chinese vice foreign minister Luo Zhaohui told reporters that the summit's aim was to "have a constructive effect on achieving peace and stability on the Korean peninsula" even as US-North Korea talks over denuclearisation have not seen any progress.

Luo said China "did not feel that the disagreement between South Korea and Japan had any negative influence on trilateral cooperation" while adding that the three leaders would discuss "accelerating" negotiations for a trilateral free trade deal.

With a day to go for the trilateral summit, China, Japan and South Korea are preparing for talks amid heightened regional tensions. Chinese premier li Keqiang will be hosting the summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in on December 24 in China's southwest city of Chengdu.

With a day to go for the trilateral summit, China, Japan and South Korea are preparing for talks amid heightened regional tensions. Chinese premier li Keqiang will be hosting the summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in on December 24 in China's southwest city of Chengdu. The leaders of all three countries are holding their latest meet amid feuds over trade, military manoeuvrings and historical animosities. "As close neighbours, it is normal for China, Japan and ROK to have differences in history and territory and other issues," China's vice-foreign minister Luo Zhaohui said, adding, "the key point is that the three sides should work together to manage and control the differences and in the meantime should prevent external disturbances. The leaders of the three nations enjoy high consensus in this regard." The visiting leaders will also hold separate talks with President Xi, Chinese vice-foreign minister Luo Zhaohui said. Ahead of the meet, the Chiese foreign ministry had said that ties between Tokyo and Seoul remain strained over trade and security issues as well as compensation for wartime forced labour. Chinese vice foreign minister Luo Zhaohui told reporters that the summit's aim was to "have a constructive effect on achieving peace and stability on the Korean peninsula" even as US-North Korea talks over denuclearisation have not seen any progress. Luo said China "did not feel that the disagreement between South Korea and Japan had any negative influence on trilateral cooperation" while adding that the three leaders would discuss "accelerating" negotiations for a trilateral free trade deal.

China, Japan & South Korea prepare for trilateral summit amid tensions

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Counting of votes got underway in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/counting-of-votes-underway-in-jharkhand-polls-269613">Jharkhand assembly polls</a> with the BJP leading in 29 seats and the Congress-JMM-RJD alliance leading in 42 seats.

According to the Election Commission trends, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(JMM) is leading in 25 seats with the Congress ahead in 12 seats and the RJD in 5 seats. The JVM (P) was ahead in four seats, AJSU in three, BSP in two and&nbsp;CPI (ML) was ahead in one seat.&nbsp;

Chief minister Raghubar Das who was leading from Jamshedpur East by 1,449 votes was trailing with Independent candidate Saryu Rai leading by 771 votes.

Reacting to the development, CM Raghubar Das told ANI: "These trends are not the final word. There are more rounds of counting to be held," adding,"Had Saryu Rai caused damage, I would not have received the votes, which I did so far. Let me clearly state that we're not only winning but we'll also form govt under the leadership of BJP in the state." &nbsp;

JMM's Hemant Soren was leading from Barhait seat by 5, 319 votes but was trailing from Dumka &nbsp;by 5,381 votes. Former Jharkhand chief minister and JVM(P) chief Babulal Marandi was leading from Dhanwar seat by 5980 votes.

AJSU party's Sudesh Mahto was trailing in Silli seat with JMM's Seema Devi leading by 284 votes. JVM(P)'s candidate Babulal Marandi was leading from Dhanwar seat by 2,841 votes. However, Marandi said the results were "not as per our expecations".

"We will have to accept people's mandate. We will play the role which people's mandate has given us. Let the results come, then we will sit and discuss what to do," Mahto said.

The Communist Party of India(Maxist-Leninist) (Liberation) was leading in one seat in the state.

Counting of votes got underway in the Jharkhand assembly polls with the BJP leading in 29 seats and the Congress-JMM-RJD alliance leading in 42 seats. According to the Election Commission trends, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(JMM) is leading in 25 seats with the Congress ahead in 12 seats and the RJD in 5 seats.

Counting of votes got underway in the Jharkhand assembly polls with the BJP leading in 29 seats and the Congress-JMM-RJD alliance leading in 42 seats. According to the Election Commission trends, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(JMM) is leading in 25 seats with the Congress ahead in 12 seats and the RJD in 5 seats. The JVM (P) was ahead in four seats, AJSU in three, BSP in two and CPI (ML) was ahead in one seat. Chief minister Raghubar Das who was leading from Jamshedpur East by 1,449 votes was trailing with Independent candidate Saryu Rai leading by 771 votes. Reacting to the development, CM Raghubar Das told ANI: "These trends are not the final word. There are more rounds of counting to be held," adding,"Had Saryu Rai caused damage, I would not have received the votes, which I did so far. Let me clearly state that we're not only winning but we'll also form govt under the leadership of BJP in the state." JMM's Hemant Soren was leading from Barhait seat by 5, 319 votes but was trailing from Dumka by 5,381 votes. Former Jharkhand chief minister and JVM(P) chief Babulal Marandi was leading from Dhanwar seat by 5980 votes. AJSU party's Sudesh Mahto was trailing in Silli seat with JMM's Seema Devi leading by 284 votes. JVM(P)'s candidate Babulal Marandi was leading from Dhanwar seat by 2,841 votes. However, Marandi said the results were "not as per our expecations". "We will have to accept people's mandate. We will play the role which people's mandate has given us. Let the results come, then we will sit and discuss what to do," Mahto said. The Communist Party of India(Maxist-Leninist) (Liberation) was leading in one seat in the state.

Jharkhand elections: Congress-JMM-RJD alliance lead as BJP trails; CM Raghubar Das falls behind

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