Wall Street stocks dipped early Monday after US President Donald Trump announced tariff actions on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/effective-immediately-us-to-restore-steel-aluminum-tariffs-on-brazil-argentina-trump-265754">Brazil and Argentina </a>and China retaliated for a US bill supporting protesters in Hong Kong.

Trump said he was reinstating tariffs on steel and aluminium from the South American countries due to a devaluation of their currencies. The United States had previously exempted some countries, including Argentina and Brazil, which agreed to quotas on the metals.

Meanwhile, China suspended US warship visits and sanctioned American NGOs after Trump signed into law a congressional measure supporting pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

Some analysts rated the Chinese measures as mostly symbolic but said they were potentially important in light of ongoing trade talks between Washington and Beijing.

About 15 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average stood at 28,038.17, down 0.1 per cent.

The broad-based S&amp;P 500 dropped 0.2 per cent to 3,135.43, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index shed 0.4 per cent to 8,633.53.

US stocks are still within shouting distance of all-time highs following records last week that were fed by optimism over the US-China trade talks, upbeat expectations for the holiday shopping season and moves by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates and loosen monetary policy.

Key events this week include updates on the manufacturing and services sector, as well as the November jobs report.

Wall Street stocks dipped early Monday after US President Donald Trump announced tariff actions on Brazil and Argentina and China retaliated for a US bill supporting protesters in Hong Kong.

Wall Street stocks dipped early Monday after US President Donald Trump announced tariff actions on Brazil and Argentina and China retaliated for a US bill supporting protesters in Hong Kong. Trump said he was reinstating tariffs on steel and aluminium from the South American countries due to a devaluation of their currencies. The United States had previously exempted some countries, including Argentina and Brazil, which agreed to quotas on the metals. Meanwhile, China suspended US warship visits and sanctioned American NGOs after Trump signed into law a congressional measure supporting pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. Some analysts rated the Chinese measures as mostly symbolic but said they were potentially important in light of ongoing trade talks between Washington and Beijing. About 15 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average stood at 28,038.17, down 0.1 per cent. The broad-based S&P 500 dropped 0.2 per cent to 3,135.43, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index shed 0.4 per cent to 8,633.53. US stocks are still within shouting distance of all-time highs following records last week that were fed by optimism over the US-China trade talks, upbeat expectations for the holiday shopping season and moves by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates and loosen monetary policy. Key events this week include updates on the manufacturing and services sector, as well as the November jobs report.

Wall Street stocks dip over US tariff action on Brazil, Argentina; China retaliation on US bill

Oil jumped above $61 a barrel on Monday, supported by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/opecs-share-of-indian-oil-imports-fell-down-43-lowest-since-2011-263065">hints that OPEC</a> and its allies may agree to deepen output cuts at a meeting this week and as rising manufacturing activity in China suggested stronger demand.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia are expected to extend output cuts this week and could increase the size of the curb by at least 400,000 barrels per day (bpd), two sources said.

"There is a discussion about a deeper cut taking place," an OPEC source said, citing forecasts of oversupply in the first six months of 2020. "There is a big stock build in the first half of the year - we need to keep an eye on that."

Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose $1.13 to $61.62 a barrel by 1426 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added $1.07 to $56.24.

The so-called OPEC+ group has coordinated output for three years to balance the market and support prices. Their current deal to cut supply by 1.2 million bpd started in January and expires at the end of March 2020.

"Any sign of discontent between the producers will send out negative signals and will put significant downward pressure on the oil price," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. "We believe this is unlikely to happen."

OPEC's ministers will meet in Vienna on Thursday and the wider OPEC+ group will gather on Friday.

On Friday Brent and US crude both fell on concerns that talks to end the trade war between the United States and China, the world's two biggest oil consumers, would be disrupted by US support for protesters in Hong Kong.

Oil also rose on Monday because of an unexpected return to growth in Chinese factory activity in November as domestic demand picked up on Beijing's accelerated stimulus measures. That is supportive of the oil demand outlook.

But US production keeps rising, led by shale oil, filling the gaps left by OPEC. Output in September increased to a record 12.46 million bpd, the U.S. government said in a monthly report on Friday.

It is not certain OPEC+ will agree this week to deepen its curbs. Some in the group are wary measures to support prices will encourage more U.S. production.

"A deeper cut could boost prices, which would bring on more shale output and not help," the OPEC source said.

Oil jumped above $61 a barrel on Monday, supported by hints that OPEC and its allies may agree to deepen output cuts at a meeting this week and as rising manufacturing activity in China suggested stronger demand.

Oil jumped above $61 a barrel on Monday, supported by hints that OPEC and its allies may agree to deepen output cuts at a meeting this week and as rising manufacturing activity in China suggested stronger demand. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia are expected to extend output cuts this week and could increase the size of the curb by at least 400,000 barrels per day (bpd), two sources said. "There is a discussion about a deeper cut taking place," an OPEC source said, citing forecasts of oversupply in the first six months of 2020. "There is a big stock build in the first half of the year - we need to keep an eye on that." Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose $1.13 to $61.62 a barrel by 1426 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added $1.07 to $56.24. The so-called OPEC+ group has coordinated output for three years to balance the market and support prices. Their current deal to cut supply by 1.2 million bpd started in January and expires at the end of March 2020. "Any sign of discontent between the producers will send out negative signals and will put significant downward pressure on the oil price," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. "We believe this is unlikely to happen." OPEC's ministers will meet in Vienna on Thursday and the wider OPEC+ group will gather on Friday. On Friday Brent and US crude both fell on concerns that talks to end the trade war between the United States and China, the world's two biggest oil consumers, would be disrupted by US support for protesters in Hong Kong. Oil also rose on Monday because of an unexpected return to growth in Chinese factory activity in November as domestic demand picked up on Beijing's accelerated stimulus measures. That is supportive of the oil demand outlook. But US production keeps rising, led by shale oil, filling the gaps left by OPEC. Output in September increased to a record 12.46 million bpd, the U.S. government said in a monthly report on Friday. It is not certain OPEC+ will agree this week to deepen its curbs. Some in the group are wary measures to support prices will encourage more U.S. production. "A deeper cut could boost prices, which would bring on more shale output and not help," the OPEC source said.

Oil prices jump to $61 over OPEC+ supply cut reports

Airstrikes killed 15 civilians Monday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-syrias-idlib-touches-100-sources-265723">Syria's last major</a> opposition bastion where deadly clashes between regime forces and armed groups have escalated in recent days, a monitoring group said.

The Idlib region -&nbsp;home to around three million people including many displaced by Syria's eight-year civil war -- is largely under the control of a group dominated by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Air raids by President Bashar al-Assad's regime killed 13 civilians in a market in the Idlib town of Maaret al-Numan, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

An AFP correspondent saw rescue workers carry a wounded man away on a stretcher while a body lay motionless amid spilt oranges and bags of onions.

Maher Mohammed, 35, a vendor in the market, said it was the most frightening bombardment he had witnessed in years.

"We ran inside the shops and threw ourselves on the ground," the father of five told AFP.

"They bombarded half the market. Our neighbours were killed," as were two women in a car who had come to do some shopping, he said.

The Observatory said two others died in Russian and regime bombardment in other parts of the province.

Regime forces and armed groups were locked in heavy clashes on the southeastern edge of the region, with almost 100 fighters killed in two days, the Britain-based monitor said.

The battles on the edge of Idlib since Saturday are the most deadly since a Russia-brokered ceasefire went into effect in late August, it said.

"Fighting raged at dawn Monday on several axes in the southeastern Idlib countryside," the monitoring group said.

Fifty-four regime fighters had been killed, while 47 of their opponents including 33 jihadists had also lost their lives since Saturday, the Observatory said.

The Syrian government does not usually divulge casualty figures.

The Idlib region is one of the last holdouts of opposition groups to the forces backing Assad.

The president has long maintained that his government will eventually reimpose its control over the northwestern region on the border with Turkey.

The late August ceasefire came months into a devastating Russia-backed regime offensive that killed around 1,000 civilians and ousted hundreds of thousands from their homes.

But sporadic clashes and deadly Russian and regime bombardment on the jihadist-held bastion have continued, with 179 civilians including 45 children killed during that time.

The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. 
&nbsp;

Airstrikes killed 15 civilians Monday in Syria's last major opposition bastion where deadly clashes between regime forces and armed groups have escalated in recent days, a monitoring group said.

Airstrikes killed 15 civilians Monday in Syria's last major opposition bastion where deadly clashes between regime forces and armed groups have escalated in recent days, a monitoring group said. The Idlib region - home to around three million people including many displaced by Syria's eight-year civil war -- is largely under the control of a group dominated by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Air raids by President Bashar al-Assad's regime killed 13 civilians in a market in the Idlib town of Maaret al-Numan, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. An AFP correspondent saw rescue workers carry a wounded man away on a stretcher while a body lay motionless amid spilt oranges and bags of onions. Maher Mohammed, 35, a vendor in the market, said it was the most frightening bombardment he had witnessed in years. "We ran inside the shops and threw ourselves on the ground," the father of five told AFP. "They bombarded half the market. Our neighbours were killed," as were two women in a car who had come to do some shopping, he said. The Observatory said two others died in Russian and regime bombardment in other parts of the province. Regime forces and armed groups were locked in heavy clashes on the southeastern edge of the region, with almost 100 fighters killed in two days, the Britain-based monitor said. The battles on the edge of Idlib since Saturday are the most deadly since a Russia-brokered ceasefire went into effect in late August, it said. "Fighting raged at dawn Monday on several axes in the southeastern Idlib countryside," the monitoring group said. Fifty-four regime fighters had been killed, while 47 of their opponents including 33 jihadists had also lost their lives since Saturday, the Observatory said. The Syrian government does not usually divulge casualty figures. The Idlib region is one of the last holdouts of opposition groups to the forces backing Assad. The president has long maintained that his government will eventually reimpose its control over the northwestern region on the border with Turkey. The late August ceasefire came months into a devastating Russia-backed regime offensive that killed around 1,000 civilians and ousted hundreds of thousands from their homes. But sporadic clashes and deadly Russian and regime bombardment on the jihadist-held bastion have continued, with 179 civilians including 45 children killed during that time. The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

15 killed in airstrikes in northwest Syria

An international aid organisation said Monday that a group of armed men had stormed their compound in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-to-re-evaluate-relationship-with-south-sudan-calls-back-ambassador-264515">northeastern South Sudan</a>, assaulting and injuring five staff members.

Relief International said the attack took place on Sunday in a field office in Upper Nile State.

"Multiple gunmen, armed with assault rifles, pistols and knives, invaded a staff compound. During this assault, five of our staff were assaulted and sustained injuries," the agency said in a statement.

"We have relocated our team to safety, and they are receiving all necessary care," said Nancy Wilson, Relief International Chief Executive Officer

"They endured a senseless act of violence in the course of their assignment providing life-saving care to the refugee community in Upper Nile State, South Sudan."

Humanitarian workers have been repeatedly targeted with at least 115 killed since the country plunged into conflict in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup against him.

The unrest has left nearly 400,000 dead and displaced millions.

A peace deal was signed in September last year and a ceasefire has largely held but efforts to form a power-sharing government have been repeatedly delayed.

An international aid organisation said Monday that a group of armed men had stormed their compound in northeastern South Sudan, assaulting and injuring five staff members.

An international aid organisation said Monday that a group of armed men had stormed their compound in northeastern South Sudan, assaulting and injuring five staff members. Relief International said the attack took place on Sunday in a field office in Upper Nile State. "Multiple gunmen, armed with assault rifles, pistols and knives, invaded a staff compound. During this assault, five of our staff were assaulted and sustained injuries," the agency said in a statement. "We have relocated our team to safety, and they are receiving all necessary care," said Nancy Wilson, Relief International Chief Executive Officer "They endured a senseless act of violence in the course of their assignment providing life-saving care to the refugee community in Upper Nile State, South Sudan." Humanitarian workers have been repeatedly targeted with at least 115 killed since the country plunged into conflict in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup against him. The unrest has left nearly 400,000 dead and displaced millions. A peace deal was signed in September last year and a ceasefire has largely held but efforts to form a power-sharing government have been repeatedly delayed.

Armed men stormed South Sudan compound: Aid organisation

Iraq's rival parties were negotiating the contours of a new government on Monday, after the previous cabinet was brought down by a two-month protest movement demanding more deep-rooted change.

After just over a year in power, premier Adel Abdel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">Mahdi stepped down</a> last week after a dramatic intervention by top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

That followed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-burn-shrine-entrance-in-holy-city-pm-quitting-not-enough-265525">wave of violence</a> that pushed the protest toll to over 420 dead,&nbsp;the vast majority demonstrators.

Parliament on Sunday formally tasked President Barham Saleh with naming a new candidate, as prescribed by the constitution.

But Iraq's competing factions typically engage in drawn-out discussions and horsetrading before any official decisions are made.

Talks over a new premier began even before Abdel Mahdi's formal resignation, a senior political source and a government official told AFP.

"The meetings are ongoing now," the political source added.

Such discussions produced Abdel Mahdi as a candidate in 2018, but agreeing on a single name is expected to be more difficult this time around.

"They understand it has to be a figure who is widely accepted by the diverse centres of power, not objected to by the marjaiyah (Shiite religious establishment), and not hated by the street," said Harith Hasan, a fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center.&nbsp;

The candidate would also have to be acceptable to Iraq's two main allies, arch-rivals Washington and Tehran.&nbsp;

"The Iranians invested a lot in the political equation in last few years and won't be willing to give up easily," said Hasan.&nbsp;

For the first time in Iraq's recent political history, factions have to take public anger into consideration in their talks over candidates.

Protesters hit the streets in early October in Iraq's capital and Shiite-majority south to denounce a ruling system as corrupt, inept and under the sway of foreign powers.

Iraq is the 12th most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International.

Despite the oil wealth of OPEC's second-biggest crude producer, one in five people lives below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at a quarter, the World Bank says.

Demonstrators say the problem is systemic, so instead of packing up their protest camps after Abdel Mahdi's resignation, they doubled down.

They insist they want "none of the same faces" that have dominated Iraq's political scene for years, a demand that has complicated the search for a new premier.

Two political heavyweights have already said they were not taking part in talks on a new PM: former premier Haider al-Abadi and unpredictable cleric Moqtada Sadr, who had backed the previous government until protests erupted.

"They're aware the bar is too high and it's too difficult for them to please the street," said Hasan.&nbsp;

But a totally new player is unlikely to be trusted by the established political class.&nbsp;

"The discussions now are over someone from the second or third tier of politicians," the government source told AFP.

"It's not possible to have someone new. It has to be someone who understands the political machine to push things along."

The government and political sources both said parties were considering a "transitional" cabinet that would oversee electoral reform before an early parliamentary vote.&nbsp;

"This process will take no less than six months, in order to prepare for new elections according to a new electoral commission," the official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iraqs-adel-abdel-mahdi-consensus-leader-brought-down-by-street-fury-265619">Abdel Mahdi</a>, 77, is the first premier to step down since Iraq adopted a parliamentary system following the US-led invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The factions that have accumulated power since then are struggling to "think outside the box" to find solutions to the current political crisis, Hasan said.&nbsp;

"This is the main pressure on them,&nbsp;they realise they are dealing with a different situation and it needs completely different solutions," he told AFP.

Meanwhile, protesters have kept up rallies in Baghdad as well as further south in Diwaniyah, Hilla, Kut and the Shiite shrine city of Najaf.

The latter was rocked by clashes late into the night on Sunday between protesters and armed men protecting a revered tomb of a Shiite cleric.

Tribal fighters intervened to keep the peace, and a tense calm reigned over the city on Monday morning.

And in Nasiriyah, Abdel Mahdi's birthplace and the site of most of the deaths in recent days, protesters clung to their city centre protest sites.

Unsatisfied with the premier's resignation, they called on Monday for the "downfall of the regime."

Iraq's rival parties were negotiating the contours of a new government on Monday, after the previous cabinet was brought down by a two-month protest movement demanding more deep-rooted change.

Iraq's rival parties were negotiating the contours of a new government on Monday, after the previous cabinet was brought down by a two-month protest movement demanding more deep-rooted change. After just over a year in power, premier Adel Abdel Mahdi stepped down last week after a dramatic intervention by top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani. That followed a wave of violence that pushed the protest toll to over 420 dead, the vast majority demonstrators. Parliament on Sunday formally tasked President Barham Saleh with naming a new candidate, as prescribed by the constitution. But Iraq's competing factions typically engage in drawn-out discussions and horsetrading before any official decisions are made. Talks over a new premier began even before Abdel Mahdi's formal resignation, a senior political source and a government official told AFP. "The meetings are ongoing now," the political source added. Such discussions produced Abdel Mahdi as a candidate in 2018, but agreeing on a single name is expected to be more difficult this time around. "They understand it has to be a figure who is widely accepted by the diverse centres of power, not objected to by the marjaiyah (Shiite religious establishment), and not hated by the street," said Harith Hasan, a fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center. The candidate would also have to be acceptable to Iraq's two main allies, arch-rivals Washington and Tehran. "The Iranians invested a lot in the political equation in last few years and won't be willing to give up easily," said Hasan. For the first time in Iraq's recent political history, factions have to take public anger into consideration in their talks over candidates. Protesters hit the streets in early October in Iraq's capital and Shiite-majority south to denounce a ruling system as corrupt, inept and under the sway of foreign powers. Iraq is the 12th most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International. Despite the oil wealth of OPEC's second-biggest crude producer, one in five people lives below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at a quarter, the World Bank says. Demonstrators say the problem is systemic, so instead of packing up their protest camps after Abdel Mahdi's resignation, they doubled down. They insist they want "none of the same faces" that have dominated Iraq's political scene for years, a demand that has complicated the search for a new premier. Two political heavyweights have already said they were not taking part in talks on a new PM: former premier Haider al-Abadi and unpredictable cleric Moqtada Sadr, who had backed the previous government until protests erupted. "They're aware the bar is too high and it's too difficult for them to please the street," said Hasan. But a totally new player is unlikely to be trusted by the established political class. "The discussions now are over someone from the second or third tier of politicians," the government source told AFP. "It's not possible to have someone new. It has to be someone who understands the political machine to push things along." The government and political sources both said parties were considering a "transitional" cabinet that would oversee electoral reform before an early parliamentary vote. "This process will take no less than six months, in order to prepare for new elections according to a new electoral commission," the official said. Abdel Mahdi, 77, is the first premier to step down since Iraq adopted a parliamentary system following the US-led invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. The factions that have accumulated power since then are struggling to "think outside the box" to find solutions to the current political crisis, Hasan said. "This is the main pressure on them, they realise they are dealing with a different situation and it needs completely different solutions," he told AFP. Meanwhile, protesters have kept up rallies in Baghdad as well as further south in Diwaniyah, Hilla, Kut and the Shiite shrine city of Najaf. The latter was rocked by clashes late into the night on Sunday between protesters and armed men protecting a revered tomb of a Shiite cleric. Tribal fighters intervened to keep the peace, and a tense calm reigned over the city on Monday morning. And in Nasiriyah, Abdel Mahdi's birthplace and the site of most of the deaths in recent days, protesters clung to their city centre protest sites. Unsatisfied with the premier's resignation, they called on Monday for the "downfall of the regime."

Iraq parties in talks over new PM amid unrelenting protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-meets-external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-265180">Sri&nbsp;Lanka</a>&nbsp;on Sunday raised doubts about claims by a Swiss embassy staff member that she was abducted and demanded access to the woman who has said she was forced to hand over sensitive information.

The alleged abduction came one day after a top&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;police officer sought asylum in Switzerland and the Swiss government has made an official protest.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's foreign ministry said however that Swiss ambassador Hanspeter Mock was briefed Sunday about the inquiry and told that the staff member's account did not add up.

"The ambassador was presented with clear evidence that the sequence of events and timeline of the alleged incident ... did not in any way correspond with the actual movements of the alleged victim on that date," said a ministry statement.

Police had interviewed witnesses and secured technical evidence, including Uber records, CCTV footage, telephone records and GPS data, it added.

The ministry insisted that the embassy employee be interviewed and also undergo a medical examination. The Swiss embassy has said the woman is suffering from "deteriorating health".

"The embassy has been requested to cooperate fully with the government of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;to establish the veracity of the claims relating to this alleged incident," said the statement.

"Given that the alleged victim had also claimed that she had sustained injuries during the alleged abduction, it was noted that she should be presented for a medical examination by a judicial medical officer in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka."

The ministry statement came one day after the Swiss embassy gave first details of how the staffer was abducted on Monday and "seriously threatened".

"The employee was detained against their will in the street, forced to get into a car, seriously threatened at length by unidentified men and forced to disclose embassy-related information," the embassy had said on Saturday.

The Swiss government has said it "considers the incident to be very serious and an unacceptable attack on one of its diplomatic missions and its employees."

The ambassador has already protested to the&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan government.

The staffer was reportedly forced to open her mobile phone and reveal the names of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankans who had sought asylum in Switzerland.

The police officer who fled to Switzerland had been investigating several cases involving members of the Rajapaksa family who regained power after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-work-together-with-india-says-sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-in-joint-statement-with-pm-modi-265215">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> won a November 16 election.

The government this week alerted airport immigration authorities to stop any police officer leaving the country without permission.

Sri Lanka on Sunday raised doubts about claims by a Swiss embassy staff member that she was abducted and demanded access to the woman who has said she was forced to hand over sensitive information.

Sri Lanka on Sunday raised doubts about claims by a Swiss embassy staff member that she was abducted and demanded access to the woman who has said she was forced to hand over sensitive information. The alleged abduction came one day after a top Sri Lanka police officer sought asylum in Switzerland and the Swiss government has made an official protest. Sri Lanka's foreign ministry said however that Swiss ambassador Hanspeter Mock was briefed Sunday about the inquiry and told that the staff member's account did not add up. "The ambassador was presented with clear evidence that the sequence of events and timeline of the alleged incident ... did not in any way correspond with the actual movements of the alleged victim on that date," said a ministry statement. Police had interviewed witnesses and secured technical evidence, including Uber records, CCTV footage, telephone records and GPS data, it added. The ministry insisted that the embassy employee be interviewed and also undergo a medical examination. The Swiss embassy has said the woman is suffering from "deteriorating health". "The embassy has been requested to cooperate fully with the government of Sri Lanka to establish the veracity of the claims relating to this alleged incident," said the statement. "Given that the alleged victim had also claimed that she had sustained injuries during the alleged abduction, it was noted that she should be presented for a medical examination by a judicial medical officer in Sri Lanka." The ministry statement came one day after the Swiss embassy gave first details of how the staffer was abducted on Monday and "seriously threatened". "The employee was detained against their will in the street, forced to get into a car, seriously threatened at length by unidentified men and forced to disclose embassy-related information," the embassy had said on Saturday. The Swiss government has said it "considers the incident to be very serious and an unacceptable attack on one of its diplomatic missions and its employees." The ambassador has already protested to the Sri Lankan government. The staffer was reportedly forced to open her mobile phone and reveal the names of Sri Lankans who had sought asylum in Switzerland. The police officer who fled to Switzerland had been investigating several cases involving members of the Rajapaksa family who regained power after Gotabaya Rajapaksa won a November 16 election. The government this week alerted airport immigration authorities to stop any police officer leaving the country without permission.

Sri Lanka wrangles with Switzerland over embassy staffer abduction

In a move to cement energy security, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a natural gas pipeline linking Siberia to northeast China.

"This is a genuinely historic event not only for the global energy market but above all for us, for Russia and China," Putin said via a video link in Sochi.

"This step takes Russo-Chinese strategic cooperation in energy to a qualitative new level and brings us closer to (fulfilling) the task, set together with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, of taking bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2024," the Russian president added.

The new pipeline also called "Power of Siberia" pipeline will start from the Russian border in Heilongjiang and will link China's northeastern province&nbsp;Jilin and Liaoning.

Xi said it was "a landmark project of bilateral energy cooperation" and an "example of deep integration and mutually beneficial cooperation".

Russia is in fact set to boost gas trade by supplying to European countries - its principal market, while trying to set up its gas commerce elsewhere.

In January, Russia and Turkey will launch the TurkStream while Nord Stream-2 will boost gas output with Germany next year.

Ahead of the opening of the Siberia pipeline, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said that the significance of the pipeline was hard to overestimate.

The pipeline will be fully operational in 2025.

Russian giant Gazprom will be supplying China with 38 billion cubic metres of gas annually through "swampy, mountainous, seismically active, permafrost and rocky areas with extreme environmental conditions", the Russian gas company said,&nbsp;with temperatures in the region often falling below 60 degrees Celsius.

Chinese vice foreign minister Le Yucheng said the pipeline would boost cooperation and allow the two countries "to complement each other's strengths and pursue common rejuvenation."

In a move to cement energy security, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a natural gas pipeline linking Siberia to northeast China.

In a move to cement energy security, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a natural gas pipeline linking Siberia to northeast China. "This is a genuinely historic event not only for the global energy market but above all for us, for Russia and China," Putin said via a video link in Sochi. "This step takes Russo-Chinese strategic cooperation in energy to a qualitative new level and brings us closer to (fulfilling) the task, set together with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, of taking bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2024," the Russian president added. The new pipeline also called "Power of Siberia" pipeline will start from the Russian border in Heilongjiang and will link China's northeastern province Jilin and Liaoning. Xi said it was "a landmark project of bilateral energy cooperation" and an "example of deep integration and mutually beneficial cooperation". Russia is in fact set to boost gas trade by supplying to European countries - its principal market, while trying to set up its gas commerce elsewhere. In January, Russia and Turkey will launch the TurkStream while Nord Stream-2 will boost gas output with Germany next year. Ahead of the opening of the Siberia pipeline, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said that the significance of the pipeline was hard to overestimate. The pipeline will be fully operational in 2025. Russian giant Gazprom will be supplying China with 38 billion cubic metres of gas annually through "swampy, mountainous, seismically active, permafrost and rocky areas with extreme environmental conditions", the Russian gas company said, with temperatures in the region often falling below 60 degrees Celsius. Chinese vice foreign minister Le Yucheng said the pipeline would boost cooperation and allow the two countries "to complement each other's strengths and pursue common rejuvenation."

Putin, Xi inaugurate 'Power of Siberia' pipeline to boost energy ties

Sri Lanka's newly elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-arrives-in-india-265098">President Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar today as the two countries look to further bilateral relations.

Before leaving for India, Gotabaya had said he is&nbsp;looking to strengthen ties with India as New Delhi seeks to reach out to the new leader.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you for your warm welcome India 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/SyVzdUIyal">pic.twitter.com/SyVzdUIyal</a>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1200084460676378624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gotabaya will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House later in the day. Gotabaya had arrived on Thursday evening on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month.

Last week, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had made an unscheduled visit to the island country to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with regards to the minority Tamils.&nbsp;

The MEA had said that the Indian government is ready to work closely with the new government in Sri Lanka and expressed hope that it will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil community living in the island nation.

"India is ready to closely work with the newly formed government in Sri Lanka and deepening our age-old relationship with the country. Our relationship with Sri Lanka or any other country is not dependent on a third country. It is entirely independent of any other factor," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said in a weekly briefing.

70-year-old Rajapaksa had defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently-concluded presidential elections in Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president.

His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is currently the island nation's prime minister, had served as president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar today as the two countries look to further bilateral relations.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar today as the two countries look to further bilateral relations. Before leaving for India, Gotabaya had said he is looking to strengthen ties with India as New Delhi seeks to reach out to the new leader. Thank you for your warm welcome India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/SyVzdUIyal — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) November 28, 2019 × Gotabaya will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House later in the day. Gotabaya had arrived on Thursday evening on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month. Last week, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had made an unscheduled visit to the island country to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with regards to the minority Tamils. The MEA had said that the Indian government is ready to work closely with the new government in Sri Lanka and expressed hope that it will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil community living in the island nation. "India is ready to closely work with the newly formed government in Sri Lanka and deepening our age-old relationship with the country. Our relationship with Sri Lanka or any other country is not dependent on a third country. It is entirely independent of any other factor," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said in a weekly briefing. 70-year-old Rajapaksa had defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently-concluded presidential elections in Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is currently the island nation's prime minister, had served as president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa meets external affairs minister S Jaishankar

US President Donald Trump made a surprise stopover to Bagram airfield&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-states-welcomes-indias-substantial-assistance-to-afghanistan-state-department-official-263766">Afghanistan </a>to celebrate Thanksgiving holiday with troops and asserted 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 said during his visit.

The US president mingled with soldiers and served turkey saying that "there's nowhere I'd rather celebrate this Thanksgiving than right here with the toughest, strongest, best and bravest warriors on the face of the Earth."

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING! <a href="https://t.co/7SGZnHindW">pic.twitter.com/7SGZnHindW</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1200168067075981313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I've just come from serving Thanksgiving dinner to some of you... and we had a good time," he told US troops. "But I hope everyone enjoyed the fantastic meal, it certainly did look good and hopefully everyone can get some well-deserved rest this holiday," the president added.

The US-Taliban talks collapsed in September after Trump said the talks were "dead" even as the Taliban delegation met Chinese and Pakistani officials in the past few months since then.

In Afghanistan on Thursday, Trump said 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;

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani who was present at the gettogether thanked Trump and said the "type of peace that will ensure the gains of the past year and ensure your security and our security."

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.

US President Donald Trump made a surprise stopover to Bagram airfield in Afghanistan to celebrate Thanksgiving holiday with troops and asserted that he was still interested in a "deal" with the Taliban.

US President Donald Trump made a surprise stopover to Bagram airfield in Afghanistan to celebrate Thanksgiving holiday with troops and asserted 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 said during his visit. The US president mingled with soldiers and served turkey saying that "there's nowhere I'd rather celebrate this Thanksgiving than right here with the toughest, strongest, best and bravest warriors on the face of the Earth." HAPPY THANKSGIVING! pic.twitter.com/7SGZnHindW — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2019 × "I've just come from serving Thanksgiving dinner to some of you... and we had a good time," he told US troops. "But I hope everyone enjoyed the fantastic meal, it certainly did look good and hopefully everyone can get some well-deserved rest this holiday," the president added. The US-Taliban talks collapsed in September after Trump said the talks were "dead" even as the Taliban delegation met Chinese and Pakistani officials in the past few months since then. In Afghanistan on Thursday, Trump said 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. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani who was present at the gettogether thanked Trump and said the "type of peace that will ensure the gains of the past year and ensure your security and our security." 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.

Taliban wants to make a deal, says Trump in Afghanistan

Sri Lanka <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-meets-external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-265180">President Gotabaya </a>Rajapaksa&nbsp;&nbsp;met PM Modi at Hyderabad House today as the two leaders sought to further bilateral relations between the two countries.

Addressing a joint press briefing, PM Modi said, "A strong Sri Lanka is not only in the interest of India but that of the entire Indian Ocean region," adding, "the mandate was given to you (Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa) is the expression of the ambitions of the people of Sri Lanka for a strong country."

"Sri Lanka and India share a strong bond. We give priority to our relations with Sri Lanka under our 'Neighbourhood First' policy," PM Modi said.

Under the Indian housing project, 46,000 houses has&nbsp;already been made in Sri Lanka with 14,000 houses being further made for people of Tamil origin. India has also extended $100 million credit line for solar projects.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankan-prez-gotabaya-rajapaksa-receives-ceremonial-welcome-at-rashtrapati-bhawan-265187/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We exchanged our views on reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa told me of his inclusive political point of view on ethnic harmony," PM Modi said.

"I believe the Sri Lanka government will take forward procedure of reconciliation to fulfil ambitions of equality, justice, peace &amp; respect of Tamils," the Indian prime minister added.

&nbsp;Earlier, PM Modi and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had a closed-door meeting in which they discussed over twenty community projects, including the issue of Indian fishermen. PM Modi announced a $400 million line&nbsp;of credit to the island nation which included $50 million to fight terror.

The Lankan president said his country would work with India to strengthen ties.

"Will work to make the Indian Ocean peaceful,"&nbsp;Gotabaya Rajapaksa said while issuing the joint statement.

The newly elected president had earlier met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar.&nbsp;Gotabaya Rajapaksa&nbsp;later met India's national security adviser Ajit Doval.

During&nbsp;the day, the Sri Lankan president was accorded a ceremonial welcome with President Kovind and PM Modi present during the ceremony.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met PM Modi at Hyderabad House today as the two leaders sought to further bilateral relations between the two countries. Addressing a joint press briefing, PM Modi said, "A strong Sri Lanka is not only in the interest of India but that of the entire Indian Ocean region," adding, "the mandate was given to you (Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa) is the expression of the ambitions of the people of Sri Lanka for a strong country.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met PM Modi at Hyderabad House today as the two leaders sought to further bilateral relations between the two countries. Addressing a joint press briefing, PM Modi said, "A strong Sri Lanka is not only in the interest of India but that of the entire Indian Ocean region," adding, "the mandate was given to you (Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa) is the expression of the ambitions of the people of Sri Lanka for a strong country." "Sri Lanka and India share a strong bond. We give priority to our relations with Sri Lanka under our 'Neighbourhood First' policy," PM Modi said. Under the Indian housing project, 46,000 houses has already been made in Sri Lanka with 14,000 houses being further made for people of Tamil origin. India has also extended $100 million credit line for solar projects. Watch Video: "We exchanged our views on reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa told me of his inclusive political point of view on ethnic harmony," PM Modi said. "I believe the Sri Lanka government will take forward procedure of reconciliation to fulfil ambitions of equality, justice, peace & respect of Tamils," the Indian prime minister added. Earlier, PM Modi and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had a closed-door meeting in which they discussed over twenty community projects, including the issue of Indian fishermen. PM Modi announced a $400 million line of credit to the island nation which included $50 million to fight terror. The Lankan president said his country would work with India to strengthen ties. "Will work to make the Indian Ocean peaceful," Gotabaya Rajapaksa said while issuing the joint statement. The newly elected president had earlier met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Gotabaya Rajapaksa later met India's national security adviser Ajit Doval. During the day, the Sri Lankan president was accorded a ceremonial welcome with President Kovind and PM Modi present during the ceremony.

Will work together with India, says Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in joint statement with PM Modi

After US President signed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-hong-kong-democracy-act-china-threatens-firm-countermeasures-264966">Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act</a> on Wednesday, China's foreign ministry today summoned the US ambassador Terry Branstad to lodge a "strong protest".

Chinese vice foreign minister Le Yucheng spoke to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-enter-ruined-polytechnic-university-265013">ambassador Branstad </a>and urged the "US side to correct mistakes and change course."

Chinese foreign ministry in a statement said&nbsp;Yucheng told that US ambassador to "refrain from putting the bill into practice, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, so as to avoid further damage to China-US relations and bilateral cooperation in important areas."

The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act requires the US president to annually review Hong Kong's trade status. The US House in a unanimous vote had voted for the bill angering China.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-signs-hong-kong-human-rights-and-democracy-act-265011/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump also signed legislation banning sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment which was being by Hong Kong police against protesters in the city.

China threatened "firm countermeasures" against the United States after President Donald Trump signed the Hong Kong democracy bill.

"The nature of this is extremely abominable, and harbours absolutely sinister intentions," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

While signing the bill, Trump said he "hoped the leaders and representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences," while adding that he respected Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong police entered the Polytechnic University on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces.

Trump's move to sign the Democracy act comes amid the&nbsp;US-China trade war with the US president increasingly hinting that the two biggest economies are close to a deal after months of talks.

After US President signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act on Wednesday, China's foreign ministry today summoned the US ambassador Terry Branstad to lodge a "strong protest".

After US President signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act on Wednesday, China's foreign ministry today summoned the US ambassador Terry Branstad to lodge a "strong protest". Chinese vice foreign minister Le Yucheng spoke to ambassador Branstad and urged the "US side to correct mistakes and change course." Chinese foreign ministry in a statement said Yucheng told that US ambassador to "refrain from putting the bill into practice, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, so as to avoid further damage to China-US relations and bilateral cooperation in important areas." The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act requires the US president to annually review Hong Kong's trade status. The US House in a unanimous vote had voted for the bill angering China. Watch Video: Trump also signed legislation banning sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment which was being by Hong Kong police against protesters in the city. China threatened "firm countermeasures" against the United States after President Donald Trump signed the Hong Kong democracy bill. "The nature of this is extremely abominable, and harbours absolutely sinister intentions," the foreign ministry said in a statement. While signing the bill, Trump said he "hoped the leaders and representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences," while adding that he respected Chinese President Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, Hong Kong police entered the Polytechnic University on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces. Trump's move to sign the Democracy act comes amid the US-China trade war with the US president increasingly hinting that the two biggest economies are close to a deal after months of talks.

China summons US envoy after Trump signs Hong Kong Democracy act

Hong Kong police entered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-polytechnic-university-searched-one-protester-found-264625">Polytechnic University</a> on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces.

It was unclear whether any protesters remained at the site as a team of about 100 plain-clothed police moved into the sprawling campus to collect evidence and remove dangerous items such as petrol bombs. Police said any protesters found would receive medical treatment and arrests were not a priority.

The university <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-seige-8-students-arrested-as-protests-fizzle-out-263764">became a battleground</a> in mid-November, when protesters barricaded themselves in and clashed with riot police in a hail of petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas. About 1,100 people were arrested last week, some while trying to escape.

Reuters witnesses at the university said garbage and abandoned gear including sleeping bags, helmets and gas masks were strewn everywhere, but no protesters could be seen.

More than 5,800 people have been arrested since the unrest broke out in June over a proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, the numbers increasing exponentially in October and November as violence escalated.

Demonstrators are angry at police violence and what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, such as an independent judiciary.

China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place at the handover and has blamed foreign forces for fomenting the unrest, an allegation repeated on Thursday in response to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-hong-kong-democracy-act-china-threatens-firm-countermeasures-264966">US&nbsp;law</a>.

"This so-called legislation will only strengthen the resolve of the Chinese people, including the Hong Kong people, and raise awareness of the sinister intentions and hegemonic nature of the US.&nbsp;The US&nbsp;plot is doomed," the Chinese foreign ministry statement said.

Some analysts say any move to end Hong Kong's special treatment could prove self-defeating for the United States, which has benefited from the business-friendly conditions in the territory of 7.4 million residents.

Trade between Hong Kong and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-overtakes-united-states-in-number-of-diplomatic-missions-264784">United States</a> was estimated to be worth $67.3 billion in 2018, with the United States running a $33.8 billion surplus - its biggest with any country or territory, according to the Office of the US&nbsp;Trade Representative.

Li Ka-shing, the city’s most prominent tycoon, told Reuters he was getting used to “the unfounded verbal and text punches” thrown at him by both sides of the political divide in Hong Kong.

Li and his fellow Hong Kong tycoons are under mounting pressure from Beijing to speak out against the protests, which present the most serious challenge to Communist Party rule since Tiananmen.

Hong Kong police entered the Polytechnic University on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces.

Hong Kong police entered the Polytechnic University on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces. It was unclear whether any protesters remained at the site as a team of about 100 plain-clothed police moved into the sprawling campus to collect evidence and remove dangerous items such as petrol bombs. Police said any protesters found would receive medical treatment and arrests were not a priority. The university became a battleground in mid-November, when protesters barricaded themselves in and clashed with riot police in a hail of petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas. About 1,100 people were arrested last week, some while trying to escape. Reuters witnesses at the university said garbage and abandoned gear including sleeping bags, helmets and gas masks were strewn everywhere, but no protesters could be seen. More than 5,800 people have been arrested since the unrest broke out in June over a proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, the numbers increasing exponentially in October and November as violence escalated. Demonstrators are angry at police violence and what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, such as an independent judiciary. China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place at the handover and has blamed foreign forces for fomenting the unrest, an allegation repeated on Thursday in response to the US law. "This so-called legislation will only strengthen the resolve of the Chinese people, including the Hong Kong people, and raise awareness of the sinister intentions and hegemonic nature of the US. The US plot is doomed," the Chinese foreign ministry statement said. Some analysts say any move to end Hong Kong's special treatment could prove self-defeating for the United States, which has benefited from the business-friendly conditions in the territory of 7.4 million residents. Trade between Hong Kong and the United States was estimated to be worth $67.3 billion in 2018, with the United States running a $33.8 billion surplus - its biggest with any country or territory, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative. Li Ka-shing, the city’s most prominent tycoon, told Reuters he was getting used to “the unfounded verbal and text punches” thrown at him by both sides of the political divide in Hong Kong. Li and his fellow Hong Kong tycoons are under mounting pressure from Beijing to speak out against the protests, which present the most serious challenge to Communist Party rule since Tiananmen.

Hong Kong police enter Polytechnic University as siege ends

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