Chilean lawmakers agreed late on Wednesday to fast-track reforms to beef up security, warning that a resurgence in violence and vandalism was threatening to derail the country's 30-year-old democracy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-chiles-violent-unrest-enters-into-fifth-week-death-toll-rises-to-23-263990">Five weeks of unrest</a> over inequality and shabby social services have left at least 26 dead and more than 13,500 injured, prosecutors said. Riots have hobbled the capital's public transport system, once the envy of Latin America, and caused billions in losses for private business.

The deal, struck between ruling party and opposition lawmakers, acknowledged the government had done too little, too late to stem the crisis. "The country is confronting a crisis of violence and vandalism that threatens our democracy," begins the two-page document.

A fresh round of attacks and rioting earlier this week sent Chile's peso plummeting to a new low against the dollar at the market close on Wednesday. Forecasts for economic growth and unemployment are increasingly grim.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-may-have-violated-protocols-chiles-president-pinera-263751">Sebastian Pinera </a>urged Congress earlier on Wednesday to push forward with bills he introduced weeks ago to ramp up intelligence gathering and toughen penalties against still-rampant looting and destruction.

"Violence is causing harm that may become irreparable to the body and soul of our society," Pinera said from the La Moneda presidential palace.

Lawmakers agreed in the Wednesday-night deal to push forward with "resolve" the security reforms, urging Pinera to use the "constitutional tools" at his disposal to quell the violence, while protecting human rights.

Similar riots have erupted in countries across Latin America, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-holds-another-national-strike-as-week-of-protests-rolls-on-264843">Colombia</a>, Ecuador and Bolivia in recent months as unrest has spiraled into violence and demands for political, social and economic reforms.

Chile´s Interior Ministry reported that police arrested 915 people Tuesday, while the number of "serious incidents" overnight had nearly doubled from the previous day.

Vandals looted a major hotel in the seaside tourist city of La Serena, turning over tables, ripping paintings off walls and breaking windows. Protesters also targeted upscale areas of Santiago, marching through a shopping mall in the ritzy mountainside suburb of La Dehesa earlier in the week and another in Las Condes on Wednesday.

Officials had shut key commuter metro stations by mid-afternoon Wednesday throughout the capital's business area, known as Sanhattan for its gleaming skyscrapers and designer stores, as protests grew.

Pinera's efforts to quell the violence have so far come up short, despite promises to beef up pensions, the minimum wage and healthcare benefits. The country's normally fractious political parties have agreed to work together on a new constitution, though differences remain.

Protests appear driven by mistrust that politicians will keep their promises to bring significant change, and enduring fury over police handling of demonstrators.

Chilean lawmakers agreed late on Wednesday to fast-track reforms to beef up security, warning that a resurgence in violence and vandalism was threatening to derail the country's 30-year-old democracy.

Chilean lawmakers agreed late on Wednesday to fast-track reforms to beef up security, warning that a resurgence in violence and vandalism was threatening to derail the country's 30-year-old democracy. Five weeks of unrest over inequality and shabby social services have left at least 26 dead and more than 13,500 injured, prosecutors said. Riots have hobbled the capital's public transport system, once the envy of Latin America, and caused billions in losses for private business. The deal, struck between ruling party and opposition lawmakers, acknowledged the government had done too little, too late to stem the crisis. "The country is confronting a crisis of violence and vandalism that threatens our democracy," begins the two-page document. A fresh round of attacks and rioting earlier this week sent Chile's peso plummeting to a new low against the dollar at the market close on Wednesday. Forecasts for economic growth and unemployment are increasingly grim. President Sebastian Pinera urged Congress earlier on Wednesday to push forward with bills he introduced weeks ago to ramp up intelligence gathering and toughen penalties against still-rampant looting and destruction. "Violence is causing harm that may become irreparable to the body and soul of our society," Pinera said from the La Moneda presidential palace. Lawmakers agreed in the Wednesday-night deal to push forward with "resolve" the security reforms, urging Pinera to use the "constitutional tools" at his disposal to quell the violence, while protecting human rights. Similar riots have erupted in countries across Latin America, including Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia in recent months as unrest has spiraled into violence and demands for political, social and economic reforms. Chile´s Interior Ministry reported that police arrested 915 people Tuesday, while the number of "serious incidents" overnight had nearly doubled from the previous day. Vandals looted a major hotel in the seaside tourist city of La Serena, turning over tables, ripping paintings off walls and breaking windows. Protesters also targeted upscale areas of Santiago, marching through a shopping mall in the ritzy mountainside suburb of La Dehesa earlier in the week and another in Las Condes on Wednesday. Officials had shut key commuter metro stations by mid-afternoon Wednesday throughout the capital's business area, known as Sanhattan for its gleaming skyscrapers and designer stores, as protests grew. Pinera's efforts to quell the violence have so far come up short, despite promises to beef up pensions, the minimum wage and healthcare benefits. The country's normally fractious political parties have agreed to work together on a new constitution, though differences remain. Protests appear driven by mistrust that politicians will keep their promises to bring significant change, and enduring fury over police handling of demonstrators.

Chilean lawmakers warn democracy at stake as violence spikes

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane hopes the club's winning start under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-tottenham-hotspur-name-mourinho-as-manager-263339">new manager Jose Mourinho</a> can help forge a strong relationship between the pair and lead to trophies.

Mourinho's first home game as Spurs boss suffered a shocking start, ending happily, though, as Kane scored a brace that helped his team come from behind to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mourinho-masterstroke-pays-off-as-tottenham-spurs-hit-back-to-win-264816">beat Olympiakos</a> Piraeus 4-2 and reach the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.

That win came after a 3-2 Premier League <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-makes-instant-impact-as-tottenham-defeat-west-ham-264133">victory at West Ham</a> United in the Portuguese manager's first match in charge following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino last week.

"When you are winning, it definitely helps your relationship. Hopefully we can build a strong relationship," Kane told the British media.

"It's early days. We have a good relationship so far. We talk, we try and help the team ... Me being one of the leaders in the team he looks to me for feelings and advice on the team."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mourinho-aiming-to-take-spurs-and-kane-to-the-next-level-263998">Kane</a> previously said Tottenham had found a "proven winner" in Mourinho as they bid to end an 11-year title drought.

The former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss has claimed 25 major honours, but that record will be put to the test at Spurs, who have not won a title since the 2008 League Cup.

"We know we both want to win big competitions. That's the team's aim, my aim and the manager's aim. Hopefully I can help him do that this year and see where we can go," Kane said.

"He's had two games. So far it's been about trying to save energy, not trying to work too much with the players because of the games.

"But we obviously have a long season ahead so I'm sure we will get to know each other well over the next few weeks and implement what he wants on our team."

Tottenham, who are 10th in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-united-denied-comeback-win-by-late-mcburnie-equaliser-264347">Premier League</a> with 17 points, host Bournemouth on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane hopes the club's winning start under new manager Jose Mourinho can help forge a strong relationship between the pair and lead to trophies.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane hopes the club's winning start under new manager Jose Mourinho can help forge a strong relationship between the pair and lead to trophies. Mourinho's first home game as Spurs boss suffered a shocking start, ending happily, though, as Kane scored a brace that helped his team come from behind to beat Olympiakos Piraeus 4-2 and reach the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday. That win came after a 3-2 Premier League victory at West Ham United in the Portuguese manager's first match in charge following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino last week. "When you are winning, it definitely helps your relationship. Hopefully we can build a strong relationship," Kane told the British media. "It's early days. We have a good relationship so far. We talk, we try and help the team ... Me being one of the leaders in the team he looks to me for feelings and advice on the team." Kane previously said Tottenham had found a "proven winner" in Mourinho as they bid to end an 11-year title drought. The former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss has claimed 25 major honours, but that record will be put to the test at Spurs, who have not won a title since the 2008 League Cup. "We know we both want to win big competitions. That's the team's aim, my aim and the manager's aim. Hopefully I can help him do that this year and see where we can go," Kane said. "He's had two games. So far it's been about trying to save energy, not trying to work too much with the players because of the games. "But we obviously have a long season ahead so I'm sure we will get to know each other well over the next few weeks and implement what he wants on our team." Tottenham, who are 10th in the Premier League with 17 points, host Bournemouth on Saturday.

Football: Kane keen to build strong relationship with Mourinho at Spurs

Six times <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/moto-gp-marc-marquez-triumphs-in-valencia-to-give-honda-triple-crown-262815">MotoGP champion</a> Marc Marquez underwent shoulder surgery in Barcelona on Wednesday, his Honda team said in a statement.

The MotoGP season finished at Spain's Valencia circuit on November&nbsp;17, with Marquez taking his 12th victory of a dominant campaign.

"After experiencing some discomfort with his right shoulder,&nbsp;and after his Monday crash at the Jerez Test,&nbsp;the Repsol Honda Team rider elected to have the operation as a preventative measure after medical consultation," the team said.

"The operation is&nbsp;similar&nbsp;to the one performed on his left shoulder at the end of 2018 but less aggressive in nature."

Marquez, who will be joined by younger brother Alex at the factory Honda team next season, will be discharged within the next 48 hours.

Six times MotoGP champion Marc Marquez underwent shoulder surgery in Barcelona on Wednesday, his Honda team said in a statement. The MotoGP season finished at Spain's Valencia circuit on November 17, with Marquez taking his 12th victory of a dominant campaign.

Six times MotoGP champion Marc Marquez underwent shoulder surgery in Barcelona on Wednesday, his Honda team said in a statement. The MotoGP season finished at Spain's Valencia circuit on November 17, with Marquez taking his 12th victory of a dominant campaign. "After experiencing some discomfort with his right shoulder, and after his Monday crash at the Jerez Test, the Repsol Honda Team rider elected to have the operation as a preventative measure after medical consultation," the team said. "The operation is similar to the one performed on his left shoulder at the end of 2018 but less aggressive in nature." Marquez, who will be joined by younger brother Alex at the factory Honda team next season, will be discharged within the next 48 hours.

MotoGP champion Marquez undergoes shoulder surgery

Returning Spain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-spain-coach-moreno-to-be-replaced-by-luis-enrique-reports-263300">coach Luis&nbsp;Enrique</a>&nbsp;has said he decided to part ways with his former assistant coach and successor Robert Moreno because the coach wanted to take charge of the team at Euro 2020 before letting him return.

Luis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/luis-enrique-resigns-as-spain-coach-and-is-replaced-by-robert-moreno-228796">Enrique&nbsp;resigned</a> from the role in June to spend more time with his daughter Xana after she was diagnosed with cancer, later passing away in August aged nine.

His long-time assistant Moreno succeeded him and helped Spain qualify for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">Euro 2020</a> as group winners but had an unceremonious end to his short time as coach and left the role after Spain's 5-0 win over Romania on Nov. 18.

Moreno declined to give a news conference after that match as confusion reigned but the following day it was confirmed Luis&nbsp;Enrique&nbsp;was to return as the team's head coach.

"The only person responsible for Robert Moreno not being in my coaching staff is me," Luis&nbsp;Enrique&nbsp;told a news conference at his unveiling as Spain coach on Wednesday.

"He came to see me in my house and told me he wanted to lead the team at Euro 2020 and afterwards he would be happy to be my assistant coach again."

"I understand that he has worked very hard to be the coach and that he is ambitious - but for me that is disloyal. I would never do something like that and I don't want someone with those characteristics in my staff."

Moreno first worked alongside Luis&nbsp;Enrique&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-scores-in-700th-match-as-barcelona-ease-into-knockout-stages-264968">Barcelona</a>'s B team and followed him to AS Roma, Celta Vigo and back to Barca, later joining his coaching staff when he landed the Spain job in July 2018.

"I understand his decision but cannot agree with it and told him I didn't want him as my assistant and that I felt strong," added Luis&nbsp;Enrique.

"Ambition is to be encouraged but excessive ambition is a defect, not a virtue."

The former Barcelona coach said he did not inform the Spanish national federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales of his intention to return to the role but he and sporting director Jose Francisco Molina offered him the chance to come back.

"This has not been a good year for me but I want to look forward and I want to pay back the faith that has been shown in me," he added.

Returning Spain coach Luis Enrique has said he decided to part ways with his former assistant coach and successor Robert Moreno because the coach wanted to take charge of the team at Euro 2020 before letting him return.

Returning Spain coach Luis Enrique has said he decided to part ways with his former assistant coach and successor Robert Moreno because the coach wanted to take charge of the team at Euro 2020 before letting him return. Luis Enrique resigned from the role in June to spend more time with his daughter Xana after she was diagnosed with cancer, later passing away in August aged nine. His long-time assistant Moreno succeeded him and helped Spain qualify for Euro 2020 as group winners but had an unceremonious end to his short time as coach and left the role after Spain's 5-0 win over Romania on Nov. 18. Moreno declined to give a news conference after that match as confusion reigned but the following day it was confirmed Luis Enrique was to return as the team's head coach. "The only person responsible for Robert Moreno not being in my coaching staff is me," Luis Enrique told a news conference at his unveiling as Spain coach on Wednesday. "He came to see me in my house and told me he wanted to lead the team at Euro 2020 and afterwards he would be happy to be my assistant coach again." "I understand that he has worked very hard to be the coach and that he is ambitious - but for me that is disloyal. I would never do something like that and I don't want someone with those characteristics in my staff." Moreno first worked alongside Luis Enrique at Barcelona's B team and followed him to AS Roma, Celta Vigo and back to Barca, later joining his coaching staff when he landed the Spain job in July 2018. "I understand his decision but cannot agree with it and told him I didn't want him as my assistant and that I felt strong," added Luis Enrique. "Ambition is to be encouraged but excessive ambition is a defect, not a virtue." The former Barcelona coach said he did not inform the Spanish national federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales of his intention to return to the role but he and sporting director Jose Francisco Molina offered him the chance to come back. "This has not been a good year for me but I want to look forward and I want to pay back the faith that has been shown in me," he added.

Person responsible for Robert Moreno not being in coaching staff is me: Enrique

Oil&nbsp;prices fell on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session after official data showed United States&nbsp;crude and gasoline stocks rose against expectations and production hit a record.

Brent crude futures were down 16 cents, or 0.3 per cent, at $63.90 a barrel by 0141 GMT, having dropped 0.3 per cent&nbsp;on Wednesday.

US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate crude fell 21 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to $57.90, after falling 0.5 per cent&nbsp;in the previous session.

Crude stockpiles in the United States swelled 1.6 million barrels last week as production hit a record high of 12.9 million barrels per day (bpd) and refinery runs slowed, the Energy Information Administration said. Analysts in a Reuters poll had forecast an inventory drop of 418,000 barrels.&nbsp;

More bearish was a 5.1 million-barrel rise in gasoline stocks, compared with forecasts for a 1.2 million-barrel gain.

Oil&nbsp;prices had risen earlier this week on expectations that China and the United States, the world's two biggest crude users, would soon sign a preliminary agreement, putting an end to their 16-month trade dispute.

"The stock data overshadowed other supply-side issues and a general pick-up in sentiment regarding the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-in-final-throes-of-trade-deal-but-will-see-how-it-goes-in-hong-kong-trump-264769">US-China trade deal</a>," ANZ Research said in a note.

Forces based in eastern Libya said on Wednesday they had driven rival factions from the 70,000-bpd El Feel&nbsp;oilfield after attacking the area with airstrikes, leading to production being halted and raising some worries about supply.

In the United States as well, energy services company Baker Hughes reported that US&nbsp;oil&nbsp;drillers reduced the number of drilling rigs for a record 12 months in a row.&nbsp;

Drillers cut three&nbsp;oil&nbsp;rigs in the week to November&nbsp;27, bringing the count down to 668, lowest since April 2017, Baker Hughes said in its report released a day early due to the US&nbsp;Thanksgiving holiday.

Oil prices fell on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session after official data showed United States crude and gasoline stocks rose against expectations and production hit a record.

Oil prices fell on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session after official data showed United States crude and gasoline stocks rose against expectations and production hit a record. Brent crude futures were down 16 cents, or 0.3 per cent, at $63.90 a barrel by 0141 GMT, having dropped 0.3 per cent on Wednesday. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 21 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to $57.90, after falling 0.5 per cent in the previous session. Crude stockpiles in the United States swelled 1.6 million barrels last week as production hit a record high of 12.9 million barrels per day (bpd) and refinery runs slowed, the Energy Information Administration said. Analysts in a Reuters poll had forecast an inventory drop of 418,000 barrels. More bearish was a 5.1 million-barrel rise in gasoline stocks, compared with forecasts for a 1.2 million-barrel gain. Oil prices had risen earlier this week on expectations that China and the United States, the world's two biggest crude users, would soon sign a preliminary agreement, putting an end to their 16-month trade dispute. "The stock data overshadowed other supply-side issues and a general pick-up in sentiment regarding the US-China trade deal," ANZ Research said in a note. Forces based in eastern Libya said on Wednesday they had driven rival factions from the 70,000-bpd El Feel oilfield after attacking the area with airstrikes, leading to production being halted and raising some worries about supply. In the United States as well, energy services company Baker Hughes reported that US oil drillers reduced the number of drilling rigs for a record 12 months in a row. Drillers cut three oil rigs in the week to November 27, bringing the count down to 668, lowest since April 2017, Baker Hughes said in its report released a day early due to the US Thanksgiving holiday.

Oil drops as US inventory build, record output rekindles supply worries

A freak goal from Valencia's Daniel Wass earned the Spanish side a 2-2 draw in an epic encounter against England's Chelsea on Wednesday that left both sides waiting to book their place in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-scores-in-700th-match-as-barcelona-ease-into-knockout-stages-264968">Champions League</a>'s knockout stage.

Valencia, who missed a glut of chances, had taken the lead through Carlos Soler but goals from Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic flipped the match on its head.

The Spaniards missed a penalty through Dani Parejo, but drew level late on when Wass netted a remarkable effort, shaping to centre before finding the net with a finish across goal.

The draw means both sides are on eight points after five games but Valencia have a better head-to-head record and so are second in Group H, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-chelsea-and-nine-man-ajax-share-spoils-in-thrilling-4-4-draw-260245">Chelsea in third</a>.

Ajax Amsterdam sit top on 10 points after winning 2-0 at Lille, who are bottom with one.

Valencia visit last season's semi-finalists Ajax in their final group game and will have to win there to ensure they qualify, while Chelsea will book their place in the last-16 if they beat Lille at home.

"We nearly won it, nearly lost it. It was end to end, not that we wanted it to be," Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said.

Valencia coach Albert Celades added: "The sensation in our dressing room is that we have missed a very good chance to qualify for the next round. But to get to the last game with our fate in our hands is not bad."

Victory for either side at Mestalla would have sent them through and Valencia went ahead when Soler scored in the 40th minute after team mate Maxi Gomez had missed two gilt-edged opportunities.

Yet Kovacic levelled for Chelsea two minutes later, netting for the first time in 122 club games.

Chelsea's top scorer Tammy Abraham was carried off on a stretcher with a serious-looking injury before halftime, although Lampard said after the game the striker had only suffered a knock to the hip.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-valencia-roar-back-in-second-half-to-thrash-lille-260253">Valencia</a> defender Jose Gaya was also taken off on a stretcher after fulltime having collapsed on the pitch.

United States international Pulisic put Lampard's side ahead in the 50th minute after a lengthy VAR review ruled him onside.

Valencia forward Rodrigo Moreno missed an open goal later in the half and then the home side were awarded a penalty.

But captain Parejo was denied from the spot by Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, spurning a second penalty in the competition after also missing in the defeat to Ajax Amsterdam.

The Spaniards eventually levelled in the 82nd minute with a remarkable goal from Danish midfielder Wass, who looked set to cross from the right wing but instead flummoxed Arrizabalaga by firing a shot across goal which bounced off the far post and into the net.

Valencia should have won the game in added time but Rodrigo failed to connect properly with a cross from close range, while Chelsea had a shot cleared off the line before then and Valencia keeper Jasper Cillessen denied Michy Batshuayi.

"Parts of our performance I'm not mad on. We gave away too many chances. We missed a lot as well," said Lampard.

"They were arriving in our box too much. Credit to the players for their work-rate and hanging on in there, but sometimes you have to be more secure than that."

Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay added: "We had a lot of chances and we deserved to win but we have to believe we can win and go through in Amsterdam."

A freak goal from Valencia's Daniel Wass earned the Spanish side a 2-2 draw in an epic encounter against England's Chelsea on Wednesday that left both sides waiting to book their place in the Champions League's knockout stage.

A freak goal from Valencia's Daniel Wass earned the Spanish side a 2-2 draw in an epic encounter against England's Chelsea on Wednesday that left both sides waiting to book their place in the Champions League's knockout stage. Valencia, who missed a glut of chances, had taken the lead through Carlos Soler but goals from Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic flipped the match on its head. The Spaniards missed a penalty through Dani Parejo, but drew level late on when Wass netted a remarkable effort, shaping to centre before finding the net with a finish across goal. The draw means both sides are on eight points after five games but Valencia have a better head-to-head record and so are second in Group H, with Chelsea in third. Ajax Amsterdam sit top on 10 points after winning 2-0 at Lille, who are bottom with one. Valencia visit last season's semi-finalists Ajax in their final group game and will have to win there to ensure they qualify, while Chelsea will book their place in the last-16 if they beat Lille at home. "We nearly won it, nearly lost it. It was end to end, not that we wanted it to be," Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said. Valencia coach Albert Celades added: "The sensation in our dressing room is that we have missed a very good chance to qualify for the next round. But to get to the last game with our fate in our hands is not bad." Victory for either side at Mestalla would have sent them through and Valencia went ahead when Soler scored in the 40th minute after team mate Maxi Gomez had missed two gilt-edged opportunities. Yet Kovacic levelled for Chelsea two minutes later, netting for the first time in 122 club games. Chelsea's top scorer Tammy Abraham was carried off on a stretcher with a serious-looking injury before halftime, although Lampard said after the game the striker had only suffered a knock to the hip. Valencia defender Jose Gaya was also taken off on a stretcher after fulltime having collapsed on the pitch. United States international Pulisic put Lampard's side ahead in the 50th minute after a lengthy VAR review ruled him onside. Valencia forward Rodrigo Moreno missed an open goal later in the half and then the home side were awarded a penalty. But captain Parejo was denied from the spot by Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, spurning a second penalty in the competition after also missing in the defeat to Ajax Amsterdam. The Spaniards eventually levelled in the 82nd minute with a remarkable goal from Danish midfielder Wass, who looked set to cross from the right wing but instead flummoxed Arrizabalaga by firing a shot across goal which bounced off the far post and into the net. Valencia should have won the game in added time but Rodrigo failed to connect properly with a cross from close range, while Chelsea had a shot cleared off the line before then and Valencia keeper Jasper Cillessen denied Michy Batshuayi. "Parts of our performance I'm not mad on. We gave away too many chances. We missed a lot as well," said Lampard. "They were arriving in our box too much. Credit to the players for their work-rate and hanging on in there, but sometimes you have to be more secure than that." Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay added: "We had a lot of chances and we deserved to win but we have to believe we can win and go through in Amsterdam."

Chelsea thwarted by Valencia in Champions League thriller

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-shares-climb-as-trump-says-us-china-trade-deal-near-264827">Asian markets</a> mostly fell Thursday as optimism over the China-US trade talks took a jolt after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-in-final-throes-of-trade-deal-but-will-see-how-it-goes-in-hong-kong-trump-264769">Donald Trump</a> signed into law a bill recognising Hong Kong's rights, prompting an angry response from Beijing.

Global equities have been surging in recent weeks with Wall Street hitting multiple records on expectations, the much-vaunted negotiations would result in a partial pact soon.

Trump on Wednesday put his name to 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> which requires the president to annually review the city's favorable trade status and threatens to revoke it if the territory's freedoms are quashed.

He also agreed to legislation banning sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by Hong Kong security forces in putting down protests that have wracked the city since June and have battered its economy.

The president spoke of "respect" for his Chinese counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-major-highway-reopens-authorities-appeal-for-calm-264791">Xi Jinping</a> and said he hoped Beijing and Hong Kong could "amicably settle their differences".

For his part, Trump had seemed reluctant to sign the bill with the trade talks still ongoing, but with almost unanimous US congressional support for the measure, he had little political room to maneuver.

However, China hit out at the decision, calling it "extremely abominable", and threatened "firm countermeasures", though it did not specify what they would be. Hong Kong's government expressed "extreme regret" at the move.

The signing, while not entirely surprising, spooked investors, who had been in an upbeat mood following a string of positive comments from both sides indicating the first part of a wider agreement was close.

"Trump's signing the Hong Kong bill is likely to trigger another risk-off session," said Hao Zhou, senior emerging markets economist at Commerzbank AG. "The phase one deal is likely to be delayed."

Hong Kong fell 0.4 per cent in the morning session and Shanghai shed 0.1 per cent, while China's yuan was also slightly lower.

Singapore slipped 0.3 per cent and Seoul dropped 0.2 per cent while Taipei and Manila also retreated.

However, Tokyo ended the morning up 0.1 per cent, Sydney rose 0.3 per cent and Jakarta added 0.1 per cent.

Wellington climbed one per cent on data showing a pick-up in New Zealand business confidence.

"Now the big question is, does China decide to compartmentalise the Hong Kong issues away from the phase one deal. So that's where the risk lies now," said AxiTrader's Stephen Innes.

Wall Street had provided another record lead following figures showing US growth was faster than originally reported in the July-September period, easing concerns about the world's top economy.

However, China remains under pressure, and a top government adviser on Wednesday warned its economy could expand slower than six per cent this year. The government had fixed a growth target of between six and 6.5 per cent for 2019.

Worries about the trade talks also weighed on oil prices, with traders concerned that the prolonging of the China-US trade war would hit long-term demand.

On currency markets, the pound rallied after a much-anticipated opinion poll suggested Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on course to win a healthy majority in next month's general election.

The huge YouGov poll of around 100,000 people sparked buying in the pound on hopes a big Conservative party win would allow Johnson to push through his Brexit deal and avoid a no-deal divorce from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-election-poll-predicts-conservative-majority-264965">European Union</a>.

Asian markets mostly fell Thursday as optimism over the China-US trade talks took a jolt after Donald Trump signed into law a bill recognising Hong Kong's rights, prompting an angry response from Beijing.

Asian markets mostly fell Thursday as optimism over the China-US trade talks took a jolt after Donald Trump signed into law a bill recognising Hong Kong's rights, prompting an angry response from Beijing. Global equities have been surging in recent weeks with Wall Street hitting multiple records on expectations, the much-vaunted negotiations would result in a partial pact soon. Trump on Wednesday put his name to the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which requires the president to annually review the city's favorable trade status and threatens to revoke it if the territory's freedoms are quashed. He also agreed to legislation banning sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by Hong Kong security forces in putting down protests that have wracked the city since June and have battered its economy. The president spoke of "respect" for his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and said he hoped Beijing and Hong Kong could "amicably settle their differences". For his part, Trump had seemed reluctant to sign the bill with the trade talks still ongoing, but with almost unanimous US congressional support for the measure, he had little political room to maneuver. However, China hit out at the decision, calling it "extremely abominable", and threatened "firm countermeasures", though it did not specify what they would be. Hong Kong's government expressed "extreme regret" at the move. The signing, while not entirely surprising, spooked investors, who had been in an upbeat mood following a string of positive comments from both sides indicating the first part of a wider agreement was close. "Trump's signing the Hong Kong bill is likely to trigger another risk-off session," said Hao Zhou, senior emerging markets economist at Commerzbank AG. "The phase one deal is likely to be delayed." Hong Kong fell 0.4 per cent in the morning session and Shanghai shed 0.1 per cent, while China's yuan was also slightly lower. Singapore slipped 0.3 per cent and Seoul dropped 0.2 per cent while Taipei and Manila also retreated. However, Tokyo ended the morning up 0.1 per cent, Sydney rose 0.3 per cent and Jakarta added 0.1 per cent. Wellington climbed one per cent on data showing a pick-up in New Zealand business confidence. "Now the big question is, does China decide to compartmentalise the Hong Kong issues away from the phase one deal. So that's where the risk lies now," said AxiTrader's Stephen Innes. Wall Street had provided another record lead following figures showing US growth was faster than originally reported in the July-September period, easing concerns about the world's top economy. However, China remains under pressure, and a top government adviser on Wednesday warned its economy could expand slower than six per cent this year. The government had fixed a growth target of between six and 6.5 per cent for 2019. Worries about the trade talks also weighed on oil prices, with traders concerned that the prolonging of the China-US trade war would hit long-term demand. On currency markets, the pound rallied after a much-anticipated opinion poll suggested Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on course to win a healthy majority in next month's general election. The huge YouGov poll of around 100,000 people sparked buying in the pound on hopes a big Conservative party win would allow Johnson to push through his Brexit deal and avoid a no-deal divorce from the European Union.

Asian markets hit as Trump sparks China anger with Hong Kong law

Liverpool and Napoli drew 1-1 in a cagey encounter at Anfield on Wednesday, leaving both sides with work to do to reach the last 16 in their final <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-scores-in-700th-match-as-barcelona-ease-into-knockout-stages-264968">Champions League</a> group matches.

A Dejan Lovren header in the 65th minute cancelled out Dries Mertens' first-half opener for Napoli, who will head home the happier after another disciplined performance in which they defended deep but posed questions on the counter-attack.

European champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mane-the-main-man-as-liverpool-close-on-champions-league-knockouts-264551">Liverpool lead Group E</a> on 10 points with Napoli a point behind and Salzburg on seven. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident-of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Juergen Klopp</a>'s side are away to Salzburg in their final game while Napoli host bottom club Genk.

Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli will now expect to secure their place in the knockout stage with a win over a Genk side with a solitary point who were beaten 4-1 at home by Salzburg on Wednesday.

Liverpool though will need at least a point in Austria on December&nbsp;10 to avoid elimination and given their fixture congestion next month,&nbsp;in which they will feature in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-no-pressure-to-land-club-world-cup-crown-says-liverpools-klopp-261550">Club World Cup in Qatar</a>,&nbsp;this was a frustrating result.

"In [the Napoli] dressing room they feel like they are already through and maybe they are," said Klopp.

"Everybody here thinks, 'Oh my god, it will be tough' and it will be tough, that much is clear."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-united-denied-comeback-win-by-late-mcburnie-equaliser-264347">Premier League</a> leaders, who could have wrapped up top spot with a game to spare, had to come from behind to get their point and never truly settled into the kind of rhythm for which they have become known.

The night began badly with Liverpool's Brazilian holding midfielder Fabinho limping off in the 19th minute with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

"It's early and we all hope it's not too serious but it's pretty painful and in an area you don't want to have pain, around the ankle," said Klopp.

Matters got worse for Klopp when Belgian Mertens put Napoli ahead in the 21st minute with a sweet strike from a tight angle after running on to a through-ball from Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Liverpool's defence was opened up too easily down their left and the Anfield crowd's agitation increased as two separate VAR reviews were needed before the goal was confirmed.

Klopp was certainly losing his cool and, on the stroke of halftime, he was booked for protesting, shortly after Liverpool had appealed in vain for a penalty after Sadio Mane went down in the box.

The nearest Liverpool came to a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes was in the final moments of the half when James Milner jinked into the box and blasted at the near post but Napoli keeper Alex Meret did well to parry.

There was more intensity about Liverpool after the break and they went close to levelling when Roberto Firmino hooked the ball goalwards but Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly did well to clear off the line.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident-of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Mohamed Salah</a> shot straight at Napoli keeper Alex Meret after good work from Andy Robertson and then Firmino headed wide from a promising position.

The equaliser finally came when Lovren headed home from a James Milner corner in the 65th minute and while there was plenty of pressure from the home side in the latter stages they were frustrated by Ancelotti's well-marshalled defence.

Napoli looked much better than their seventh place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-cristiano-ronaldo-hits-late-juventus-winner-as-napoli-rage-at-potato-peeling-referees-258933">Serie A </a>suggests and showed no sign of the internal problems that have beset them in recent weeks.

"I saw a lot of commitment and personality," said Ancelotti.

"I was sure we would play well against a fantastic team. Of course, I knew we would suffer at times but I also knew we could cause them problems too with the way we play.

"Maybe it was not such an aesthetically pleasing match but we put in a strong performance."

Liverpool and Napoli drew 1-1 in a cagey encounter at Anfield on Wednesday, leaving both sides with work to do to reach the last 16 in their final Champions League group matches.

Liverpool and Napoli drew 1-1 in a cagey encounter at Anfield on Wednesday, leaving both sides with work to do to reach the last 16 in their final Champions League group matches. A Dejan Lovren header in the 65th minute cancelled out Dries Mertens' first-half opener for Napoli, who will head home the happier after another disciplined performance in which they defended deep but posed questions on the counter-attack. European champions Liverpool lead Group E on 10 points with Napoli a point behind and Salzburg on seven. Juergen Klopp's side are away to Salzburg in their final game while Napoli host bottom club Genk. Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli will now expect to secure their place in the knockout stage with a win over a Genk side with a solitary point who were beaten 4-1 at home by Salzburg on Wednesday. Liverpool though will need at least a point in Austria on December 10 to avoid elimination and given their fixture congestion next month, in which they will feature in the Club World Cup in Qatar, this was a frustrating result. "In [the Napoli] dressing room they feel like they are already through and maybe they are," said Klopp. "Everybody here thinks, 'Oh my god, it will be tough' and it will be tough, that much is clear." The Premier League leaders, who could have wrapped up top spot with a game to spare, had to come from behind to get their point and never truly settled into the kind of rhythm for which they have become known. The night began badly with Liverpool's Brazilian holding midfielder Fabinho limping off in the 19th minute with what appeared to be an ankle injury. "It's early and we all hope it's not too serious but it's pretty painful and in an area you don't want to have pain, around the ankle," said Klopp. Matters got worse for Klopp when Belgian Mertens put Napoli ahead in the 21st minute with a sweet strike from a tight angle after running on to a through-ball from Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Liverpool's defence was opened up too easily down their left and the Anfield crowd's agitation increased as two separate VAR reviews were needed before the goal was confirmed. Klopp was certainly losing his cool and, on the stroke of halftime, he was booked for protesting, shortly after Liverpool had appealed in vain for a penalty after Sadio Mane went down in the box. The nearest Liverpool came to a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes was in the final moments of the half when James Milner jinked into the box and blasted at the near post but Napoli keeper Alex Meret did well to parry. There was more intensity about Liverpool after the break and they went close to levelling when Roberto Firmino hooked the ball goalwards but Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly did well to clear off the line. Mohamed Salah shot straight at Napoli keeper Alex Meret after good work from Andy Robertson and then Firmino headed wide from a promising position. The equaliser finally came when Lovren headed home from a James Milner corner in the 65th minute and while there was plenty of pressure from the home side in the latter stages they were frustrated by Ancelotti's well-marshalled defence. Napoli looked much better than their seventh place in Serie A suggests and showed no sign of the internal problems that have beset them in recent weeks. "I saw a lot of commitment and personality," said Ancelotti. "I was sure we would play well against a fantastic team. Of course, I knew we would suffer at times but I also knew we could cause them problems too with the way we play. "Maybe it was not such an aesthetically pleasing match but we put in a strong performance."

Liverpool on thin ice after draw against Napoli in Champions League

Chinese-owned app <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/social-media-app-tiktok-removes-islamic-state-propaganda-videos-257458">TikTok </a>has admitted it briefly removed a viral video that condemned Beijing's crackdown on Muslims in Xinjiang and apologised to the US teen who posted the clip.

In a post that has now been seen 1.6 million times, Feroza Aziz begins talking about eyelash curling but quickly switches to decrying China's mass detention of ethnic Uighurs and other minorities in its far northwest.

Aziz said this week that she had been blocked from posting on the app for a month after uploading the clip, then noted on Twitter on Wednesday that the video had been taken down.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
UPDATE: tik tok has issued a public apology and gave me my account back. Do I believe they took it away because of a unrelated satirical video that was deleted on a previous deleted account of mine? Right after I finished posting a 3 part video about the Uyghurs? No. <a href="https://t.co/ehUpSJiyy1">pic.twitter.com/ehUpSJiyy1</a>
— feroza.x (@x_feroza) <a href="https://twitter.com/x_feroza/status/1199829366341062656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As her posts on various platforms racked up millions of combined views, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-us-opens-national-security-investigation-into-tiktok-sources-259364">TikTok</a>, which has previously been accused of censoring content that Beijing does not like, insisted it had not blocked her and that her videos were still available.

But on Wednesday the company admitted having temporarily removed the video "due to a human moderation error".

The company said the video was restored around 50 minutes later after "a senior member of our moderation team identified the error and reinstated it immediately."

"It's important to clarify that nothing in our Community Guidelines precludes content such as this video, and it should not have been removed," the statement said.

"We would like to apologize to the user for the error on our part."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Here is a trick to getting longer lashes! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tiktok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tiktok</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/muslim?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#muslim</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/muslimmemes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#muslimmemes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/islam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#islam</a> <a href="https://t.co/r0JR0HrXbm">pic.twitter.com/r0JR0HrXbm</a>
— feroza.x (@x_feroza) <a href="https://twitter.com/x_feroza/status/1198912945801043969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Human rights groups and outside experts say more than one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been rounded up in a network of internment camps across the fractious region of Xinjiang.

China, after initially denying the camps existed, now describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence through education and job training.

TikTok said they have also unblocked a previous account owned by Aziz that was barred for a video featuring Osama bin Laden, which it said breached rules on posted imagery related to terrorist organisations, even if "intended as satire".

On Wednesday the group said it had "decided to override the device ban in this case."

Aziz, who describes herself as "17 Just a Muslim", said she was not convinced that the account being blocked was not related to her Xinjiang video.

"Do I believe they took it away because of a unrelated satirical video that was deleted on a previous deleted account of mine? Right after I finished posting a 3 part video about the Uyghurs? No," she wrote on Twitter.

Chinese-owned app TikTok has admitted it briefly removed a viral video that condemned Beijing's crackdown on Muslims in Xinjiang and apologised to the US teen who posted the clip.

Chinese-owned app TikTok has admitted it briefly removed a viral video that condemned Beijing's crackdown on Muslims in Xinjiang and apologised to the US teen who posted the clip. In a post that has now been seen 1.6 million times, Feroza Aziz begins talking about eyelash curling but quickly switches to decrying China's mass detention of ethnic Uighurs and other minorities in its far northwest. Aziz said this week that she had been blocked from posting on the app for a month after uploading the clip, then noted on Twitter on Wednesday that the video had been taken down. UPDATE: tik tok has issued a public apology and gave me my account back. Do I believe they took it away because of a unrelated satirical video that was deleted on a previous deleted account of mine? Right after I finished posting a 3 part video about the Uyghurs? No. pic.twitter.com/ehUpSJiyy1 — feroza.x (@x_feroza) November 27, 2019 × As her posts on various platforms racked up millions of combined views, TikTok, which has previously been accused of censoring content that Beijing does not like, insisted it had not blocked her and that her videos were still available. But on Wednesday the company admitted having temporarily removed the video "due to a human moderation error". The company said the video was restored around 50 minutes later after "a senior member of our moderation team identified the error and reinstated it immediately." "It's important to clarify that nothing in our Community Guidelines precludes content such as this video, and it should not have been removed," the statement said. "We would like to apologize to the user for the error on our part." Here is a trick to getting longer lashes! #tiktok #muslim #muslimmemes #islam pic.twitter.com/r0JR0HrXbm — feroza.x (@x_feroza) November 25, 2019 × Human rights groups and outside experts say more than one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been rounded up in a network of internment camps across the fractious region of Xinjiang. China, after initially denying the camps existed, now describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence through education and job training. TikTok said they have also unblocked a previous account owned by Aziz that was barred for a video featuring Osama bin Laden, which it said breached rules on posted imagery related to terrorist organisations, even if "intended as satire". On Wednesday the group said it had "decided to override the device ban in this case." Aziz, who describes herself as "17 Just a Muslim", said she was not convinced that the account being blocked was not related to her Xinjiang video. "Do I believe they took it away because of a unrelated satirical video that was deleted on a previous deleted account of mine? Right after I finished posting a 3 part video about the Uyghurs? No," she wrote on Twitter.

TikTok apologises to US teen for removing viral eyelash curling video

Emergency workers on Wednesday pulled dust-covered corpses from the ruins of an earthquake that has claimed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescuers-work-through-the-night-as-albanian-quake-toll-hits-25-264912">30 lives in Albania</a>, as aftershocks hampered the second day of search efforts for survivors.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/albania-earthquake-kills-20-hunt-for-survivors-still-ongoing-264758"> 6.4 magnitude earthquake</a> that rattled the Balkan state early Tuesday morning was the most powerful and damaging in decades.

In the hard-hit coastal city of Durres and the town of Thumane, apartments and hotels collapsed into mountains of rubble, trapping residents beneath.&nbsp;

With the help of dogs and 200 experts flown in from across Europe, rescuers raced against time to clear away the wreckage after 45 people were pulled out alive the previous day.

But a series of strong aftershocks put temporary pauses on search efforts and sent fresh bolts of panic in the streets.

Devastated relatives wept in the morning as search teams in Thumane unearthed the bodies of a married couple, Pellumb and Celike Greku, from a building torn down by the force of the earthquake.&nbsp;

"Terrible, terrible," an elderly woman dressed in black shouted, pulling at her hair as the bodies in pyjamas were wrapped in blankets and carried away.

Their son Saimir, who was visiting from abroad, was rescued alive from the rubble Tuesday night but later died in hospital, according to relatives and neighbours.&nbsp;

"They went to heaven together, they were very honest and poor people," said Valbona Cupi, 60, another local, in tears.&nbsp;

By Wednesday evening the official death toll was 30 dead, the defence ministry said, with some 650 people treated for mostly minor injuries.

In Durres, a beach destination on the Adriatic coast, 27 buildings had crumbled and at least a dozen people were killed. &nbsp;

As darkness fell, thousands of residents prepared to spend a second night sleeping in tents or on the grass of the city's football stadium.

Many were afraid to return home due to the tremors that followed Tuesday's quake, including a 5.3 magnitude earthquake that shook buildings in Durres on Wednesday afternoon.

During a visit to the city, Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government would arrange for homeless families to be moved into hotels.&nbsp;

"We cannot spend the winter under open skies or in tents," he said, pledging to put each family in a new home by 2020.

In the district of Keneta, emergency workers and relatives kept searching for a family of six -- two parents and four children -- whose home was flattened by the earthquake.&nbsp;

"Hope is the last thing that dies," said Asije, 40, a close relative of the Lala family who had moved to the port city from Albania's poor north in search of a better life.&nbsp;

Another relative, Hasan Lala, was working with rescuers who used pickaxes, shovels and their hands to clear debris and move slabs of concrete.&nbsp;

"The rescue operation is very difficult because you can't use heavy machinery, you have to work with your hands," he said.

Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe, but rescue specialists and emergency aid have poured in from around the continent.&nbsp;

The government declared Wednesday a national day of mourning and cancelled festivities planned for Independence Day celebrations on November 28 and 29.

Durres and Thumane were also put under a 30-day state of emergency.&nbsp;

In an act of solidarity, neighbouring Kosovo, whose population is mostly ethnic Albanian, also went into official mourning.

Two Kosovar brothers, Shemsedin and Isa Abazi, were among those killed in Durres when their hotel collapsed, according to Pristina.

Earthquakes are relatively common in the Balkans due to the movements two large tectonic plates -- the African and Eurasian -- and the smaller Adriatic micro-plate.

Emergency workers on Wednesday pulled dust-covered corpses from the ruins of an earthquake that has claimed 30 lives in Albania, as aftershocks hampered the second day of search efforts for survivors.

Emergency workers on Wednesday pulled dust-covered corpses from the ruins of an earthquake that has claimed 30 lives in Albania, as aftershocks hampered the second day of search efforts for survivors. The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that rattled the Balkan state early Tuesday morning was the most powerful and damaging in decades. In the hard-hit coastal city of Durres and the town of Thumane, apartments and hotels collapsed into mountains of rubble, trapping residents beneath. With the help of dogs and 200 experts flown in from across Europe, rescuers raced against time to clear away the wreckage after 45 people were pulled out alive the previous day. But a series of strong aftershocks put temporary pauses on search efforts and sent fresh bolts of panic in the streets. Devastated relatives wept in the morning as search teams in Thumane unearthed the bodies of a married couple, Pellumb and Celike Greku, from a building torn down by the force of the earthquake. "Terrible, terrible," an elderly woman dressed in black shouted, pulling at her hair as the bodies in pyjamas were wrapped in blankets and carried away. Their son Saimir, who was visiting from abroad, was rescued alive from the rubble Tuesday night but later died in hospital, according to relatives and neighbours. "They went to heaven together, they were very honest and poor people," said Valbona Cupi, 60, another local, in tears. By Wednesday evening the official death toll was 30 dead, the defence ministry said, with some 650 people treated for mostly minor injuries. In Durres, a beach destination on the Adriatic coast, 27 buildings had crumbled and at least a dozen people were killed. As darkness fell, thousands of residents prepared to spend a second night sleeping in tents or on the grass of the city's football stadium. Many were afraid to return home due to the tremors that followed Tuesday's quake, including a 5.3 magnitude earthquake that shook buildings in Durres on Wednesday afternoon. During a visit to the city, Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government would arrange for homeless families to be moved into hotels. "We cannot spend the winter under open skies or in tents," he said, pledging to put each family in a new home by 2020. In the district of Keneta, emergency workers and relatives kept searching for a family of six -- two parents and four children -- whose home was flattened by the earthquake. "Hope is the last thing that dies," said Asije, 40, a close relative of the Lala family who had moved to the port city from Albania's poor north in search of a better life. Another relative, Hasan Lala, was working with rescuers who used pickaxes, shovels and their hands to clear debris and move slabs of concrete. "The rescue operation is very difficult because you can't use heavy machinery, you have to work with your hands," he said. Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe, but rescue specialists and emergency aid have poured in from around the continent. The government declared Wednesday a national day of mourning and cancelled festivities planned for Independence Day celebrations on November 28 and 29. Durres and Thumane were also put under a 30-day state of emergency. In an act of solidarity, neighbouring Kosovo, whose population is mostly ethnic Albanian, also went into official mourning. Two Kosovar brothers, Shemsedin and Isa Abazi, were among those killed in Durres when their hotel collapsed, according to Pristina. Earthquakes are relatively common in the Balkans due to the movements two large tectonic plates -- the African and Eurasian -- and the smaller Adriatic micro-plate.

Death toll in Albania earthquake climbs to 30; rescuers race to save lives

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-summons-us-ambassador-over-hong-kong-rights-bill-264512">Hong Kong Human Rights</a> and Democracy Act after it was passed unanimously by both houses of Congress.

In a statement, Trump said he "hoped the leaders and representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences," while reiterating his "respect" for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

As the US president signed the bill, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-elections-young-voters-attributed-to-landslide-gains-for-pro-democracy-campaigners-264414">China threatened</a>&nbsp;"firm countermeasures"&nbsp;over the Hong Kong bill while expressing "extreme regret".

The US Congress also passed legislation banning sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment to Hong Kong which was widely used by authorities against protesters in the city.

Hong Kong has witnessed months of anti-government protests with citizens of the city primarily students clashing regularly with police. In recent weeks, Hong Kong's Polytechnic University has become the epicentre of violent protests between authorities and students with the siege being lifted recently.

The passing of the Democracy act comes amid the US-China trade war with Trump eager to make a deal with the Xi government.

Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry said Trump's backing of protesters in Hong Kong was a serious interference in Chinese affairs and US efforts were "doomed to fail".

"The nature of this is extremely abominable, and harbours absolutely sinister intentions," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

China's foreign minister, Wang Yi had said earlier that the bill was as "naked interference in China's internal affairs" as China summoned the US ambassador to Beijing to raise strong objections over the bill.

China's vice foreign minister told the US ambassador that the United States would bear "bear all the consequences" if the bill went through.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act after it was passed unanimously by both houses of Congress. In a statement, Trump said he "hoped the leaders and representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences," while reiterating his "respect" for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act after it was passed unanimously by both houses of Congress. In a statement, Trump said he "hoped the leaders and representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences," while reiterating his "respect" for Chinese President Xi Jinping. As the US president signed the bill, China threatened "firm countermeasures" over the Hong Kong bill while expressing "extreme regret". The US Congress also passed legislation banning sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment to Hong Kong which was widely used by authorities against protesters in the city. Hong Kong has witnessed months of anti-government protests with citizens of the city primarily students clashing regularly with police. In recent weeks, Hong Kong's Polytechnic University has become the epicentre of violent protests between authorities and students with the siege being lifted recently. The passing of the Democracy act comes amid the US-China trade war with Trump eager to make a deal with the Xi government. Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry said Trump's backing of protesters in Hong Kong was a serious interference in Chinese affairs and US efforts were "doomed to fail". "The nature of this is extremely abominable, and harbours absolutely sinister intentions," the foreign ministry said in a statement. China's foreign minister, Wang Yi had said earlier that the bill was as "naked interference in China's internal affairs" as China summoned the US ambassador to Beijing to raise strong objections over the bill. China's vice foreign minister told the US ambassador that the United States would bear "bear all the consequences" if the bill went through.

Trump signs Hong Kong Democracy act; China threatens 'firm countermeasures'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-japan-in-fresh-spat-over-intelligence-deal-264297">South Korea and Japan</a> are setting aside historical grievances to redraw responsibilities for air traffic control over the East China Sea following recent near misses.

Responsibility in the "AKARA corridor" through South Korean airspace is currently split, with South Korean controllers shepherding north-south flights, and Japan's directing east-west flights, many of them in and out of Shanghai.

But South Korean and Japanese air traffic controllers operate on different radio frequencies, making communications more difficult for pilots who may be dealing with emergency in-flight situations, or needing to change altitude to avoid turbulence or bad weather.

An agreement in principle has been reached for South Korea to take over Japan's role, the United Nations aviation agency said on Wednesday night.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-overtakes-united-states-in-number-of-diplomatic-missions-264784">China</a> was included in the agreement, as its air traffic controllers currently hand over to Japanese controllers in the corridor, and will in future hand over to South Korean controllers.

"The proposal we have put forward has been accepted by the three states," International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council President Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu said in an interview with Reuters. “The glory actually goes to the states who were able to work together to find a solution.”

Aliu said he expects the agreement to be formalised in January or February 2020 and would take effect in April.

The compromise comes despite decades of strained relations between Seoul and Tokyo over their wartime past, exacerbated in recent months by a simmering trade dispute. South Korean airlines have cut flights to Japan due to a plunge in passenger demand.

Aliu declined comment on relations between the two countries.

Airline trade group International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in a statement that it knows the deal "will have a positive impact on safety and efficiency."

The dangers were laid bare by two recent near misses between planes that were blamed on conflicting air traffic control rights. Earlier this year, two commercial aircraft flew too close, and in 2018 a FedEx plane nearly collided with two Korean low-cost carrier jets.

"The risk posed by the current configuration is known, and generally well mitigated," said one source familiar with the ICAO-led talks and the region. "However, mistakes can happen, and two errors, one in 2018 and another in 2019, highlighted this concern."

The present arrangements were drawn up in 1983, when South Korea had no diplomatic relations with China and there were only around 10 flights a day in the corridor.

Since then, the corridor has become one of the busiest portions of airspace in the Asia-Pacific region, with 800 flights daily. Montreal-based ICAO recognised the urgent need to streamline traffic control, with the corridor expected to become even busier next year as Japan prepares to receive more traffic ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

“I personally got concerned about the situation," said Aliu, who was directly involved in the talks. "Because as you know, we will have the Tokyo Olympics coming and that will also mean many more flights.”

Under the new deal, Japan will benefit from an additional air route, Aliu said.

A deal could lead to further additional routes, with an airway between China and Korea to be discussed after the Olympics.

Andrew Herdman, director-general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, said the prospective changes would help capacity and operational efficiency.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China could not be reached for comment. An official at South Korea's Transport Ministry said earlier on Wednesday it had raised the air traffic control issue with ICAO and remained in negotiations with Japan.

An official at Japan's Transport Ministry said his country was discussing the AKARA corridor with other countries in accordance with ICAO principles.

South Korea and Japan are setting aside historical grievances to redraw responsibilities for air traffic control over the East China Sea following recent near misses.

South Korea and Japan are setting aside historical grievances to redraw responsibilities for air traffic control over the East China Sea following recent near misses. Responsibility in the "AKARA corridor" through South Korean airspace is currently split, with South Korean controllers shepherding north-south flights, and Japan's directing east-west flights, many of them in and out of Shanghai. But South Korean and Japanese air traffic controllers operate on different radio frequencies, making communications more difficult for pilots who may be dealing with emergency in-flight situations, or needing to change altitude to avoid turbulence or bad weather. An agreement in principle has been reached for South Korea to take over Japan's role, the United Nations aviation agency said on Wednesday night. China was included in the agreement, as its air traffic controllers currently hand over to Japanese controllers in the corridor, and will in future hand over to South Korean controllers. "The proposal we have put forward has been accepted by the three states," International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council President Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu said in an interview with Reuters. “The glory actually goes to the states who were able to work together to find a solution.” Aliu said he expects the agreement to be formalised in January or February 2020 and would take effect in April. The compromise comes despite decades of strained relations between Seoul and Tokyo over their wartime past, exacerbated in recent months by a simmering trade dispute. South Korean airlines have cut flights to Japan due to a plunge in passenger demand. Aliu declined comment on relations between the two countries. Airline trade group International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in a statement that it knows the deal "will have a positive impact on safety and efficiency." The dangers were laid bare by two recent near misses between planes that were blamed on conflicting air traffic control rights. Earlier this year, two commercial aircraft flew too close, and in 2018 a FedEx plane nearly collided with two Korean low-cost carrier jets. "The risk posed by the current configuration is known, and generally well mitigated," said one source familiar with the ICAO-led talks and the region. "However, mistakes can happen, and two errors, one in 2018 and another in 2019, highlighted this concern." The present arrangements were drawn up in 1983, when South Korea had no diplomatic relations with China and there were only around 10 flights a day in the corridor. Since then, the corridor has become one of the busiest portions of airspace in the Asia-Pacific region, with 800 flights daily. Montreal-based ICAO recognised the urgent need to streamline traffic control, with the corridor expected to become even busier next year as Japan prepares to receive more traffic ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. “I personally got concerned about the situation," said Aliu, who was directly involved in the talks. "Because as you know, we will have the Tokyo Olympics coming and that will also mean many more flights.” Under the new deal, Japan will benefit from an additional air route, Aliu said. A deal could lead to further additional routes, with an airway between China and Korea to be discussed after the Olympics. Andrew Herdman, director-general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, said the prospective changes would help capacity and operational efficiency. The Civil Aviation Administration of China could not be reached for comment. An official at South Korea's Transport Ministry said earlier on Wednesday it had raised the air traffic control issue with ICAO and remained in negotiations with Japan. An official at Japan's Transport Ministry said his country was discussing the AKARA corridor with other countries in accordance with ICAO principles.

South Korea, Japan set to back air traffic deal over East China Sea

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Rustam

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.