Britain has not yet published a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics because of the necessary procedure, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's deputy finance minister said on Tuesday.

The report by parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has been cleared by the security services but it has not yet been given approval for publication by Johnson's Downing Street office, meaning it is very unlikely to be released before a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-set-for-third-election-in-four-years-to-try-to-break-brexit-gridlock-258692">December&nbsp;12 election</a>.

"It is absolutely normal that reports like this go through a period of vetting which does take several weeks," deputy finance minister Rishi Sunak told ITV.

He said all donations to the Conservative party were transparent and fully in accordance with the rules.

Britain has not yet published a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics because of the necessary procedure, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's deputy finance minister said on Tuesday.

Britain has not yet published a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics because of the necessary procedure, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's deputy finance minister said on Tuesday. The report by parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has been cleared by the security services but it has not yet been given approval for publication by Johnson's Downing Street office, meaning it is very unlikely to be released before a December 12 election. "It is absolutely normal that reports like this go through a period of vetting which does take several weeks," deputy finance minister Rishi Sunak told ITV. He said all donations to the Conservative party were transparent and fully in accordance with the rules.

Necessary procedure: Britain on Russia meddling report delay

More than 50 people, mostly children, were injured by a man who broke into a kindergarten in southwest China and sprayed them with corrosive liquid, local authorities said Tuesday.

The suspect, a 23-year-old surnamed Kong, entered the kindergarten by climbing a wall before spraying victims with sodium hydroxide, said local authorities in Kaiyuan city, Yunnan province.

The attack took place on Monday at 3:35 pm (0735 GMT), authorities said on their Twitter-like Weibo account.

Some 51 children and three teachers were admitted to hospital for treatment, two with "severe symptoms".

Police arrested Kong less than an hour after the attack.

"Because his parents divorced during his childhood, the lack of family warmth resulted in psychological distortion," said local authorities, adding that Zhang's work and life were unsatisfactory as well.

All this created a "pessimistic mentality and thoughts about retaliating against society", they said.

Violent attacks targeting schoolchildren are not uncommon in China, which has seen a slew of deadly incidents over the past few years, usually involving knives.

In April last year, a 28-year-old man killed nine middle-school students as they were returning home in one of the country's deadliest knife attacks in recent years.

The killer, who said he had been bullied when he attended the school in northern China's Shaanxi province, was executed in September last year.

Later in 2018, a knife-wielding woman injured 14 children at a kindergarten in Sichuan province.

The 39-year-old assailant slashed students while they were returning to the classroom after morning exercises.

More than 50 people, mostly children, were injured by a man who broke into a kindergarten in southwest China and sprayed them with corrosive liquid, local authorities said Tuesday.

More than 50 people, mostly children, were injured by a man who broke into a kindergarten in southwest China and sprayed them with corrosive liquid, local authorities said Tuesday. The suspect, a 23-year-old surnamed Kong, entered the kindergarten by climbing a wall before spraying victims with sodium hydroxide, said local authorities in Kaiyuan city, Yunnan province. The attack took place on Monday at 3:35 pm (0735 GMT), authorities said on their Twitter-like Weibo account. Some 51 children and three teachers were admitted to hospital for treatment, two with "severe symptoms". Police arrested Kong less than an hour after the attack. "Because his parents divorced during his childhood, the lack of family warmth resulted in psychological distortion," said local authorities, adding that Zhang's work and life were unsatisfactory as well. All this created a "pessimistic mentality and thoughts about retaliating against society", they said. Violent attacks targeting schoolchildren are not uncommon in China, which has seen a slew of deadly incidents over the past few years, usually involving knives. In April last year, a 28-year-old man killed nine middle-school students as they were returning home in one of the country's deadliest knife attacks in recent years. The killer, who said he had been bullied when he attended the school in northern China's Shaanxi province, was executed in September last year. Later in 2018, a knife-wielding woman injured 14 children at a kindergarten in Sichuan province. The 39-year-old assailant slashed students while they were returning to the classroom after morning exercises.

51 children injured as man sprays chemical in China's kindergarten

The Israeli army said that Palestinian militants in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-islamic-jihads-top-commander-in-missile-attack-261537">Gaza Strip pounded</a> the Jewish state with "substantial" rocket fire Tuesday after Israel killed a commander of Islamic Jihad.

"There is substantial fire," army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told journalists in a conference call.

Rockets struck the south of Israel and warning sirens wailed in Tel Aviv, although there were no immediate reports of hits on the seaside city. &nbsp;

"We are preparing for a number of days of fighting," Conricus said.

The army ordered "non-essential" workers in Tel Aviv and central Israel to stay at home like those in the Gaza border region, ordered schools and universities to close and banned public gatherings.

Israeli public radio said that more than a million pupils and students were missing their studies Tuesday.

The flareup came after a dawn strike on the Gaza home of Islamic Jihad commander Baha Abu Al-Ata, 42. The group said Ata's wife was also killed.

Israel blamed Ata for recent rocket fire into its territory and said he was preparing further attacks.

The strike raised the possibility of a severe escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, which is ruled by Islamist movement Hamas, which is allied with Islamic Jihad.

Three wars have been fought between them since 2008.

Hamas in a statement threatened revenge on Israel after the strike.

The Israeli army said that Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip pounded the Jewish state with "substantial" rocket fire Tuesday after Israel killed a commander of Islamic Jihad.

The Israeli army said that Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip pounded the Jewish state with "substantial" rocket fire Tuesday after Israel killed a commander of Islamic Jihad. "There is substantial fire," army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told journalists in a conference call. Rockets struck the south of Israel and warning sirens wailed in Tel Aviv, although there were no immediate reports of hits on the seaside city. "We are preparing for a number of days of fighting," Conricus said. The army ordered "non-essential" workers in Tel Aviv and central Israel to stay at home like those in the Gaza border region, ordered schools and universities to close and banned public gatherings. Israeli public radio said that more than a million pupils and students were missing their studies Tuesday. The flareup came after a dawn strike on the Gaza home of Islamic Jihad commander Baha Abu Al-Ata, 42. The group said Ata's wife was also killed. Israel blamed Ata for recent rocket fire into its territory and said he was preparing further attacks. The strike raised the possibility of a severe escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, which is ruled by Islamist movement Hamas, which is allied with Islamic Jihad. Three wars have been fought between them since 2008. Hamas in a statement threatened revenge on Israel after the strike.

Substantial fire from Palestinian militants in Gaza Strip: Israel Army

Hong Kong is witnessing a violent protest that results- Damage of life and property. The violent clash erupts between Protesters and police early this morning and while covering the ground zero, WION's correspondent gets hit by tear gas.

Hong Kong Protests: WION's correspondent gets hit by tear gas

Liverpool opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-do-not-want-to-lose-league-title-to-man-city-again-alisson-261026">hugely impressive 3-1</a> win over defending champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

The victory, sealed with goals from Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, leaves unbeaten Liverpool on 34 points from 12 games, eight ahead of Leicester City and Chelsea, and nine in front of Pep Guardiola's fourth-placed City.

While talk of decisive results in November, with 26 games of the campaign remaining, is premature, the manner of Liverpool's win over a team which has dominated the league for the past two seasons was certainly a declaration of intent.

"The boys were completely focused and concentrated. It was so good," Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp said.

Anfield exploded when Liverpool grabbed a sixth-minute lead with a thundering drive from Brazilian Fabinho, who pounced on a poor clearance from Ilkay Gundogan and blasted past Claudio Bravo from over 20 metres out.

Yet City felt the stunning effort should have been ruled out -- and a penalty awarded to them -- as prior to the break that led to the goal Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to handle the ball inside the box but the VAR review went against the visitors.

It was the latest VAR controversy in the Premier League and is certain to spark more debate, but while the opening goal set the tone, Liverpool's dominance was soon evident all across the field.

City pushed forward in response and Raheem Sterling missed a close-range header, but Liverpool struck again in the 13th minute when Andy Robertson crossed from the left and Salah nodded the bouncing ball past Bravo to make it 2-0.

Juergen Klopp's European champions, without a domestic league title since 1990, now had a firm grip on the game and caused constant trouble for City's shaky defence with their powerful surges forward.

Liverpool were on top physically and their pressing stopped City from establishing their usual possession game but still they managed to carve out some openings.

Sergio Aguero, who had a disappointing game, forced Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker into action in the 25th minute and then the Argentine should have done better three minutes before the break when he shot wide after being fed by Kevin De Bruyne.

Guardiola needed to adjust something at the break to find a foothold in the game but City's third defeat of the season, after losses to Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, was assured when Liverpool made it 3-0 six minutes after the interval.

Jordan Henderson superbly worked space on the right flank and whipped in a cross which Mane dived to head home at the back post.

Bernardo Silva pulled a goal back for City in the 78th minute, drilling home a low cross from Angelino and the visitors enjoyed some late pressure but it was too late for a comeback from the champions.

City have not won at Anfield in the league since May, 2003 -&nbsp;their only win at Liverpool in 38 years, but manager Pep Guardiola took positives from Sunday's performance.

"It's not easy after being two goals down to react the way we reacted. It was one of the best performances I have ever seen from my team. That's what we needed and hopefully we can continue to make the steps we need," he said.

Liverpool opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic and hugely impressive 3-1 win over defending champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic and hugely impressive 3-1 win over defending champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. The victory, sealed with goals from Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, leaves unbeaten Liverpool on 34 points from 12 games, eight ahead of Leicester City and Chelsea, and nine in front of Pep Guardiola's fourth-placed City. While talk of decisive results in November, with 26 games of the campaign remaining, is premature, the manner of Liverpool's win over a team which has dominated the league for the past two seasons was certainly a declaration of intent. "The boys were completely focused and concentrated. It was so good," Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp said. Anfield exploded when Liverpool grabbed a sixth-minute lead with a thundering drive from Brazilian Fabinho, who pounced on a poor clearance from Ilkay Gundogan and blasted past Claudio Bravo from over 20 metres out. Yet City felt the stunning effort should have been ruled out -- and a penalty awarded to them -- as prior to the break that led to the goal Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to handle the ball inside the box but the VAR review went against the visitors. It was the latest VAR controversy in the Premier League and is certain to spark more debate, but while the opening goal set the tone, Liverpool's dominance was soon evident all across the field. City pushed forward in response and Raheem Sterling missed a close-range header, but Liverpool struck again in the 13th minute when Andy Robertson crossed from the left and Salah nodded the bouncing ball past Bravo to make it 2-0. Juergen Klopp's European champions, without a domestic league title since 1990, now had a firm grip on the game and caused constant trouble for City's shaky defence with their powerful surges forward. Liverpool were on top physically and their pressing stopped City from establishing their usual possession game but still they managed to carve out some openings. Sergio Aguero, who had a disappointing game, forced Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker into action in the 25th minute and then the Argentine should have done better three minutes before the break when he shot wide after being fed by Kevin De Bruyne. Guardiola needed to adjust something at the break to find a foothold in the game but City's third defeat of the season, after losses to Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, was assured when Liverpool made it 3-0 six minutes after the interval. Jordan Henderson superbly worked space on the right flank and whipped in a cross which Mane dived to head home at the back post. Bernardo Silva pulled a goal back for City in the 78th minute, drilling home a low cross from Angelino and the visitors enjoyed some late pressure but it was too late for a comeback from the champions. City have not won at Anfield in the league since May, 2003 - their only win at Liverpool in 38 years, but manager Pep Guardiola took positives from Sunday's performance. "It's not easy after being two goals down to react the way we reacted. It was one of the best performances I have ever seen from my team. That's what we needed and hopefully we can continue to make the steps we need," he said.

EPL: Liverpool masterclass leaves Manchester City in tatters

Just days after a student protester was killed in Hong Kong, city police officer shot at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-watchdog-unequipped-to-probe-own-forces-handling-of-protests-report-261208">masked protesters on Monday</a> as a new wave of violence hit Asia's financial centre.

WION's correspondent in Hong Kong was caught in the crossfire between security officials and protesters as demonstrations turned violent on Monday.

The latest incident of violence took place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-on-24th-weekend-of-unrest-261153">Sai Wan Ho district</a> as police tried to detain masked protesters at a Metro junction, amid the confusion a protester approached an officer and was shot in the chest which was broadcast live on Facebook.

The police reportedly again opened fire, firing two more live rounds as another protester fell on the ground. Both protesters were detained, according to reports.

There were other incidents of violence reported across the city in Lung Cheung road area including in Connaught Central and Pedder Street.

Watch Video:

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AFP quoting hospital authorities said&nbsp;three people were admitted after the firing incident, one with a gunshot wound.&nbsp;

A huge blaze was reported on the footbride of Hong Kong Polytechnic University which was later doused by firefighters.

The police also clashed with protesters in Peddar Street, a cannister reportedly hit the demonstrators.

Hong Kong is witnessing&nbsp;24 weeks of continuous&nbsp;violence against China with protesters demanding greater democratic rights and police accountability.

On Friday, the protesters marked the death of university student with candlelight vigils as gloom descended on the city.&nbsp;

The violence centred around Nathan Road in the Kowloon district, a hotspot for tourists. Several shops were vandalised and entrance to the Metro blocked as authorities tried to stop the surge of protesters.

Chow Tsz-lok,22, a student who studied at University of Science and Technology (UST) died last week when he fell from the third to the second floor of a parking lot when protesters were being dispersed by police. It was the first student death in Hong Kong in over five months of protests.

Just days after a student protester was killed in Hong Kong, city police officer shot at masked protesters on Monday as a new wave of violence hit Asia's financial centre.

Just days after a student protester was killed in Hong Kong, city police officer shot at masked protesters on Monday as a new wave of violence hit Asia's financial centre. WION's correspondent in Hong Kong was caught in the crossfire between security officials and protesters as demonstrations turned violent on Monday. The latest incident of violence took place in Sai Wan Ho district as police tried to detain masked protesters at a Metro junction, amid the confusion a protester approached an officer and was shot in the chest which was broadcast live on Facebook. The police reportedly again opened fire, firing two more live rounds as another protester fell on the ground. Both protesters were detained, according to reports. There were other incidents of violence reported across the city in Lung Cheung road area including in Connaught Central and Pedder Street. Watch Video: AFP quoting hospital authorities said three people were admitted after the firing incident, one with a gunshot wound. A huge blaze was reported on the footbride of Hong Kong Polytechnic University which was later doused by firefighters. The police also clashed with protesters in Peddar Street, a cannister reportedly hit the demonstrators. Hong Kong is witnessing 24 weeks of continuous violence against China with protesters demanding greater democratic rights and police accountability. On Friday, the protesters marked the death of university student with candlelight vigils as gloom descended on the city. The violence centred around Nathan Road in the Kowloon district, a hotspot for tourists. Several shops were vandalised and entrance to the Metro blocked as authorities tried to stop the surge of protesters. Chow Tsz-lok,22, a student who studied at University of Science and Technology (UST) died last week when he fell from the third to the second floor of a parking lot when protesters were being dispersed by police. It was the first student death in Hong Kong in over five months of protests.

Hong Kong police opens fire at protesters; at least 2 injured

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-struggle-to-continue-protests-after-deadly-crackdown-by-authorities-261169">bloodshed continued in Iraq</a>, the White House on Monday urged the Iraqi government to halt the violence and hold early elections.

"The Iraqi government to halt the violence against protesters and fulfil President (Barham) Saleh's promise to pass electoral reform and hold early elections," the White House said in a statement.

In fresh clashes on Sunday, three people were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clear-protest-sites-as-leaders-reach-deal-to-end-rallies-261074">killed and several injured</a> as mass demonstrations against the government continued.&nbsp;

The protests which began on October 1 has left several people dead. On Sunday, demonstrators gathered at Baghdad's Tahrir Square as others gathered at Khallani square.

The White House expressed concern over the continued violence and alleged restrictions on the media and internet access.

"The United States is seriously concerned by continued attacks against protestors, civic activists, and the media, as well as restrictions on internet access, in Iraq," the White House asserted.

Protesters on the street have been demanding overhaul of the political system with Iraq's economy on the downhill as revenues from oil sales have plunged.

Last week, Iraqi forces fired tear gas shells at protesters in central Baghdad in main bridges - Ahrar, Shuhada&nbsp;and Bab al-Muadham.

Protesters had also blocked roads leading to Gulf port Umm Qasr near Basra even as operations at Iraq's ports remained suspended for over a week due to the demonstrations.

The authorities used stun grenades and blocked paths with armoured vehicles as several people sustained injuries.

According to reports at least 260 Iraqis have been killed since early October when protests first started, the largest since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003.

The US embassy in Baghdad had earlier condemned the violence against demonstrators and had urged Iraq's leaders to engage with the protesters.

As bloodshed continued in Iraq, the White House on Monday urged the Iraqi government to halt the violence and hold early elections. "The Iraqi government to halt the violence against protesters and fulfil President (Barham) Saleh's promise to pass electoral reform and hold early elections," the White House said in a statement.

As bloodshed continued in Iraq, the White House on Monday urged the Iraqi government to halt the violence and hold early elections. "The Iraqi government to halt the violence against protesters and fulfil President (Barham) Saleh's promise to pass electoral reform and hold early elections," the White House said in a statement. In fresh clashes on Sunday, three people were killed and several injured as mass demonstrations against the government continued. The protests which began on October 1 has left several people dead. On Sunday, demonstrators gathered at Baghdad's Tahrir Square as others gathered at Khallani square. The White House expressed concern over the continued violence and alleged restrictions on the media and internet access. "The United States is seriously concerned by continued attacks against protestors, civic activists, and the media, as well as restrictions on internet access, in Iraq," the White House asserted. Protesters on the street have been demanding overhaul of the political system with Iraq's economy on the downhill as revenues from oil sales have plunged. Last week, Iraqi forces fired tear gas shells at protesters in central Baghdad in main bridges - Ahrar, Shuhada and Bab al-Muadham. Protesters had also blocked roads leading to Gulf port Umm Qasr near Basra even as operations at Iraq's ports remained suspended for over a week due to the demonstrations. The authorities used stun grenades and blocked paths with armoured vehicles as several people sustained injuries. According to reports at least 260 Iraqis have been killed since early October when protests first started, the largest since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003. The US embassy in Baghdad had earlier condemned the violence against demonstrators and had urged Iraq's leaders to engage with the protesters.

Halt violence against protesters, pass electoral reform and hold early elections: US to Iraq government

Chinese e-commerce giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-alibaba-invests-33-billion-to-raise-stake-in-logistics-unit-cainiao-260785">Alibaba Group Holdin</a>g Inc on Monday said sales for its annual Singles' Day shopping blitz hit 158.31 billion yuan (£17.69 billion) in its first nine hours, up 25% from 126.72 billion yuan at the same point last year.

Akin to Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the United States, Singles' Day has been promoted as a shopping fest by Alibaba Chairman and Chief Executive Daniel Zhang since 2009, growing rapidly to become the world's biggest online sales event.

Also known as "Double Eleven", the festival's name originates from the calendar date November&nbsp;11, with the four ones of 11/11 signifying being single.

Alibaba netted sales worth $30 billion on its platforms on Singles' Day last year, dwarfing the $7.9 billion US&nbsp;online sales for Cyber Monday. Yet the 27 per cent&nbsp;sales growth was the lowest in the event's 10-year history, spurring a search for fresh ideas.

Citic Securities, in a November&nbsp;9 research note, forecast Singles Day sales to grow 20-25 per cent&nbsp;this year, held back partly by slowing overall e-commerce growth in China.

The Chinese retail juggernaut, with a market value of $486 billion, kicked off this year's 24-hour shopping fest with performances by American pop star Taylor Swift and local celebrities such as Jackson Yee.

Sales hit $1 billion in the first minute and eight seconds and reached 84 billion yuan in the first hour, up 22 per cent&nbsp;from last year's early haul of 69 billion yuan.

Singles' Day was among the top trending topics on China's Twitter-like Weibo microblogging platform on Monday morning, with users discussing what they spent their money on.

Alibaba has said it expects over 500 million users to participate in the shopping festival this year, about 100 million more than last year.

This is the first time Alibaba's Singles' Day does not have flamboyant co-founder Jack Ma at its helm, after he resigned in September as chairman to "start a new life".

It also comes at a crucial time for the company, which is looking to raise up to $15 billion via a share sale in Hong Kong this month.

Alibaba continues to dominate the online shopping industry, but not without competition.

In addition to longtime rival JD.com Inc, it also faces competition from Pinduoduo Inc,&nbsp;which surged in popularity in 2017 by targeting consumers in China's lower-tier cities.

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Inc on Monday said sales for its annual Singles' Day shopping blitz hit 158.31 billion yuan (£17.69 billion) in its first nine hours, up 25% from 126.

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Inc on Monday said sales for its annual Singles' Day shopping blitz hit 158.31 billion yuan (£17.69 billion) in its first nine hours, up 25% from 126.72 billion yuan at the same point last year. Akin to Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the United States, Singles' Day has been promoted as a shopping fest by Alibaba Chairman and Chief Executive Daniel Zhang since 2009, growing rapidly to become the world's biggest online sales event. Also known as "Double Eleven", the festival's name originates from the calendar date November 11, with the four ones of 11/11 signifying being single. Alibaba netted sales worth $30 billion on its platforms on Singles' Day last year, dwarfing the $7.9 billion US online sales for Cyber Monday. Yet the 27 per cent sales growth was the lowest in the event's 10-year history, spurring a search for fresh ideas. Citic Securities, in a November 9 research note, forecast Singles Day sales to grow 20-25 per cent this year, held back partly by slowing overall e-commerce growth in China. The Chinese retail juggernaut, with a market value of $486 billion, kicked off this year's 24-hour shopping fest with performances by American pop star Taylor Swift and local celebrities such as Jackson Yee. Sales hit $1 billion in the first minute and eight seconds and reached 84 billion yuan in the first hour, up 22 per cent from last year's early haul of 69 billion yuan. Singles' Day was among the top trending topics on China's Twitter-like Weibo microblogging platform on Monday morning, with users discussing what they spent their money on. Alibaba has said it expects over 500 million users to participate in the shopping festival this year, about 100 million more than last year. This is the first time Alibaba's Singles' Day does not have flamboyant co-founder Jack Ma at its helm, after he resigned in September as chairman to "start a new life". It also comes at a crucial time for the company, which is looking to raise up to $15 billion via a share sale in Hong Kong this month. Alibaba continues to dominate the online shopping industry, but not without competition. In addition to longtime rival JD.com Inc, it also faces competition from Pinduoduo Inc, which surged in popularity in 2017 by targeting consumers in China's lower-tier cities.

Alibaba Singles' Day sales hit $1 billion in one minute & eight seconds

Iran's oil minister said Monday that an oil field whose <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-finds-new-oil-field-with-53-billion-barrels-of-crude-hassan-rouhani-261158">discovery President Hassan Rouhani</a> announced at the weekend adds only 22.2 billion barrels to the country's estimated crude reserves.

Out of the amount at the site, only a tenth -&nbsp;2.2 billion barrels -&nbsp;can be extracted due to technological limitations, the minister, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, told reporters in Tehran.

Rouhani on Sunday announced the discovery of a field containing 53 billion barrels of oil in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, saying it was a "small gift by the government to the people of Iran".

The oil minister said the discovery added 22.2 billion barrels to the country's oil reserves.

"Considering that there was already 31 billion barrels of oil (in the region), the amount added is 22.2 billion barrels," he said.

Due to the area's "dense and stone material", the amount that can be extracted is only "2.2 billion barrels, considering the current technology we have," he added.

The discovery spans 2,400 square kilometres (926 square miles), according to a map Zanganeh showed journalists.

It could potentially be expanded towards to southwest and east through further exploration.

The oil layer is about 3.1 kilometres (nearly two miles) deep, with an average thickness of 80 metres (yards).

Iran is a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

It sits on the world's fourth-biggest oil reserves, estimated by energy giant BP at 155.6 billion barrels of crude, and also has the second-largest gas reserves.

Yet the Islamic republic has struggled to sell its oil since US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed unilateral sanctions on Iran.

The remaining parties to the accord -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- have worked to save it by finding ways to bypass US sanctions, but their efforts have so far borne little fruit.

Iran's oil minister said Monday that an oil field whose discovery President Hassan Rouhani announced at the weekend adds only 22.2 billion barrels to the country's estimated crude reserves.

Iran's oil minister said Monday that an oil field whose discovery President Hassan Rouhani announced at the weekend adds only 22.2 billion barrels to the country's estimated crude reserves. Out of the amount at the site, only a tenth - 2.2 billion barrels - can be extracted due to technological limitations, the minister, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, told reporters in Tehran. Rouhani on Sunday announced the discovery of a field containing 53 billion barrels of oil in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, saying it was a "small gift by the government to the people of Iran". The oil minister said the discovery added 22.2 billion barrels to the country's oil reserves. "Considering that there was already 31 billion barrels of oil (in the region), the amount added is 22.2 billion barrels," he said. Due to the area's "dense and stone material", the amount that can be extracted is only "2.2 billion barrels, considering the current technology we have," he added. The discovery spans 2,400 square kilometres (926 square miles), according to a map Zanganeh showed journalists. It could potentially be expanded towards to southwest and east through further exploration. The oil layer is about 3.1 kilometres (nearly two miles) deep, with an average thickness of 80 metres (yards). Iran is a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). It sits on the world's fourth-biggest oil reserves, estimated by energy giant BP at 155.6 billion barrels of crude, and also has the second-largest gas reserves. Yet the Islamic republic has struggled to sell its oil since US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed unilateral sanctions on Iran. The remaining parties to the accord -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- have worked to save it by finding ways to bypass US sanctions, but their efforts have so far borne little fruit.

New oil field adds 22.2 billion barrels with current technology, confirms Iran

&nbsp;A Malaysian court on Monday ordered former Prime Minister Najib Razak to present his defence against seven counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power in a case linked to a scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB.

Najib, who lost a general election last year, faces dozens of criminal charges over accusations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), which he co-founded in 2009.

In the first case facing him, Najib has pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal breach of trust, three counts of money laundering and one count of abuse of power for allegedly receiving illegal transfers of 42 million ringgit ($10 million) from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit.

"SRC has been wrongfully deprived of the 42 million," Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said. "As such, I now call upon the accused to enter his defence on all seven charges."

Najib told the court he would take the stand in his defence. The defence case will start on Dec. 3.

If convicted, Najib could face hefty fines and jail terms ranging from 15 to 20 years on each charge.

Prosecutors wrapped up their SRC case against Najib after testimony from 57 witnesses. In his closing statement, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas said Najib had orchestrated graft at 1MDB "like an emperor".

A Malaysian court on Monday ordered former Prime Minister Najib Razak to present his defence against seven counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power in a case linked to a scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB.

A Malaysian court on Monday ordered former Prime Minister Najib Razak to present his defence against seven counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power in a case linked to a scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB. Najib, who lost a general election last year, faces dozens of criminal charges over accusations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), which he co-founded in 2009. In the first case facing him, Najib has pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal breach of trust, three counts of money laundering and one count of abuse of power for allegedly receiving illegal transfers of 42 million ringgit ($10 million) from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit. "SRC has been wrongfully deprived of the 42 million," Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said. "As such, I now call upon the accused to enter his defence on all seven charges." Najib told the court he would take the stand in his defence. The defence case will start on Dec. 3. If convicted, Najib could face hefty fines and jail terms ranging from 15 to 20 years on each charge. Prosecutors wrapped up their SRC case against Najib after testimony from 57 witnesses. In his closing statement, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas said Najib had orchestrated graft at 1MDB "like an emperor".

Malaysian court orders ex-PM Najib to defend himself in 1MDB-linked case

On Thursday evening, Japan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-new-emperor-naruhito-officially-takes-up-post-214938">Emperor Naruhito</a> will dress in pure white robes and be ushered into a dark wooden hall for his last major enthronement rite: spending the night with a goddess.

Centred on Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess from whom conservatives believe the emperor has descended, the "Daijosai" is the most overtly religious ceremony of the emperor's accession rituals after his father Akihito's abdication.

Scholars and the government say it consists of a feast, rather than, as has been persistently rumoured, conjugal relations with the goddess.

Although Naruhito's grandfather Hirohito, in whose name soldiers fought World War Two, was later stripped of his divinity, the ritual continues.

That has prompted anger - and lawsuits - from critics who say it smacks of the militaristic past and violates the constitutional separation of religion and state, as the government pays the cost of £19.32 million.

&nbsp;

What happens?

At about 7 p.m., Naruhito enters a specially-built shrine compound by firelight, disappearing behind white curtains.

In a dimly-lit room he kneels by piled straw mats draped in white, said to be a resting place for the goddess, as two shrine maidens bring in offerings of food, from rice to abalone, for Naruhito to use in filling 32 plates made from oak leaves.

Then he bows and prays for peace for the Japanese people before eating rice, millet and rice wine "with" the goddess.

The entire ritual is repeated in another room, ending at about 3 a.m.

Long a secret, the ceremony was re-enacted this year by NHK public television, an unprecedented move scholars say may have been a government initiative to dispel rumours.

"There is a bed, there is a coverlet, and the Emperor keeps his distance from it," said John Breen of Kyoto's International Research Centre for Japanese Studies, adding that de-mystifying the ceremony could be a government defence.

"Kingmaking is a sacred business, it's transforming a man or a woman into something other than a man or a woman," he said, pointing to mystical elements in Britain's coronation functions.

"So the Japanese government's denial that there's anything mystical to it is bizarre, but the purpose is pretty clear - it's to fend off accusations there's something unconstitutional going on."

How ancient is the tradition?

Believed to have started in the 700s and observed for about 700 years, the ritual was then interrupted for nearly three centuries, a gap that Breen said led to the loss of much of its original meaning.

Although believed to have initially been one of the less important enthronement rites, the ceremony gained status and its current form from 1868, as Japan began to turn itself into a modern nation-state, unified under the emperor.

What is the funding controversy?

At a news conference, the Emperor's younger brother, Crown Prince Akishino, wondered if it was "appropriate" to use public money, suggesting instead the private funds of the imperial family, which would necessitate a far smaller ceremony.

But Koichi Shin, the head of a group of 300 people suing the government to halt the ritual, and demand damages of 10,000 yen each for "pain and suffering", says that would still not be satisfactory, as the private funds are still tax money.

With part of one lawsuit thrown out by the Supreme Court and another set for hearing after next week's rite, the court battle is mostly symbolic, as concern over nationalism and the emperor fades.

At then emperor Akihito's accession in 1990, protests were louder and bigger, including rocket attacks ahead of some of the rituals, while 1,700 people sued amid harsh media coverage.

"Emperor Hirohito was responsible for the war, but Akihito has done a lot to soften the family's image," said Shin, a 60-year-old office worker.

"But I think showing these ceremonies on television solidifies the idea of the emperor as religion."

On Thursday evening, Japan's Emperor Naruhito will dress in pure white robes and be ushered into a dark wooden hall for his last major enthronement rite: spending the night with a goddess.

On Thursday evening, Japan's Emperor Naruhito will dress in pure white robes and be ushered into a dark wooden hall for his last major enthronement rite: spending the night with a goddess. Centred on Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess from whom conservatives believe the emperor has descended, the "Daijosai" is the most overtly religious ceremony of the emperor's accession rituals after his father Akihito's abdication. Scholars and the government say it consists of a feast, rather than, as has been persistently rumoured, conjugal relations with the goddess. Although Naruhito's grandfather Hirohito, in whose name soldiers fought World War Two, was later stripped of his divinity, the ritual continues. That has prompted anger - and lawsuits - from critics who say it smacks of the militaristic past and violates the constitutional separation of religion and state, as the government pays the cost of £19.32 million. What happens? At about 7 p.m., Naruhito enters a specially-built shrine compound by firelight, disappearing behind white curtains. In a dimly-lit room he kneels by piled straw mats draped in white, said to be a resting place for the goddess, as two shrine maidens bring in offerings of food, from rice to abalone, for Naruhito to use in filling 32 plates made from oak leaves. Then he bows and prays for peace for the Japanese people before eating rice, millet and rice wine "with" the goddess. The entire ritual is repeated in another room, ending at about 3 a.m. Long a secret, the ceremony was re-enacted this year by NHK public television, an unprecedented move scholars say may have been a government initiative to dispel rumours. "There is a bed, there is a coverlet, and the Emperor keeps his distance from it," said John Breen of Kyoto's International Research Centre for Japanese Studies, adding that de-mystifying the ceremony could be a government defence. "Kingmaking is a sacred business, it's transforming a man or a woman into something other than a man or a woman," he said, pointing to mystical elements in Britain's coronation functions. "So the Japanese government's denial that there's anything mystical to it is bizarre, but the purpose is pretty clear - it's to fend off accusations there's something unconstitutional going on." How ancient is the tradition? Believed to have started in the 700s and observed for about 700 years, the ritual was then interrupted for nearly three centuries, a gap that Breen said led to the loss of much of its original meaning. Although believed to have initially been one of the less important enthronement rites, the ceremony gained status and its current form from 1868, as Japan began to turn itself into a modern nation-state, unified under the emperor. What is the funding controversy? At a news conference, the Emperor's younger brother, Crown Prince Akishino, wondered if it was "appropriate" to use public money, suggesting instead the private funds of the imperial family, which would necessitate a far smaller ceremony. But Koichi Shin, the head of a group of 300 people suing the government to halt the ritual, and demand damages of 10,000 yen each for "pain and suffering", says that would still not be satisfactory, as the private funds are still tax money. With part of one lawsuit thrown out by the Supreme Court and another set for hearing after next week's rite, the court battle is mostly symbolic, as concern over nationalism and the emperor fades. At then emperor Akihito's accession in 1990, protests were louder and bigger, including rocket attacks ahead of some of the rituals, while 1,700 people sued amid harsh media coverage. "Emperor Hirohito was responsible for the war, but Akihito has done a lot to soften the family's image," said Shin, a 60-year-old office worker. "But I think showing these ceremonies on television solidifies the idea of the emperor as religion."

Symbolic night with goddess to wrap up Japan emperor Naruhito's accession rites

Chinese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-meeting-in-iowa-would-be-poignant-reminder-of-better-us-china-ties-260213">President Xi Jinping</a> on Monday holds talks in Greece, where he is eagerly awaited by the new pro-business government.

Xi touched down in Athens on Sunday at the start of a three-day visit aimed at deepening cooperation with Greece across the board.

"It is our duty to steadily upgrade our cooperation in all sectors, by delving deeply into existing fields and expanding the range of investments", the Chinese president said in an article published in "Kathimerini" newspaper on Sunday.

Xi is due to meet Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the trip, with the two countries set to sign cooperation documents on education, shipping and energy.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the visit to Athens will have "historical significance" for the development of China-Greece relations, and will also "inject new impetus" into the development of China-EU relations and Beijing's "Belt and Road" initiative.

Greece is one of the backers of the plan for a massive network of ports, railways, roads and industrial parks spanning Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe that will see trillions invested in new infrastructure across 126 countries.&nbsp;

"Relations with Greece are a priority for China," Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias told Thema radio on Thursday.

"They came and invested in Greece when others stayed away" during the economic crisis, Dendias said.

Xi's visit comes on the heels of a four-day trip to Shanghai by Greece's new conservative Prime Minister Mitsotakis earlier this week at the head of a delegation of more than 60 businessmen.

Elected in July, Mitsotakis has made foreign investment and privatisation a linchpin of his administration's policy to restore Greece's sluggish economy to growth after a gruelling 10-year crisis.

"I want the first words by Greek authorities to those who come to invest to be 'how can I help you?'" said Mitsotakis, who plans to visit China again in April.

Greece has been building progressively closer trade&nbsp;relations with China for more than a decade, spearheaded by a 2008 deal by a previous conservative government to cede container terminals at the main port of Piraeus to Chinese shipping giant Cosco.

Cosco has already invested some 600 million euros ($660 million) in Piraeus, creating 3,000 jobs, and its overall footprint could reach one billion euros, Mitsotakis said during his Shanghai visit.

According to the Greek government, Greek shipowners have also built more than 1,000 vessels worth over $50 billion (45 billion euros) in China in the past 15 years.

Greece expects 500,000 Chinese visitors over the next two years, compared to under 200,000 in 2019, Mitsotakis said during his trip.

Over 5,000 Chinese have purchased property in Greece, taking advantage of a five-year 'Golden Visa' residency programme launched in 2013.

Cosco in 2008 acquired Piraeus' two main container terminals on a 35-year lease. In 2016 it also took over the Piraeus port authority,&nbsp;and the third remaining container terminal,&nbsp;until 2052.&nbsp;

Greece has also signed up to China's new "Belt and Road" project, a $1 trillion global investment programme aiming to forward Chinese goods to markets further afield.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-can-set-example-for-the-rest-of-the-world-brazilian-envoy-260567">BRICS summit</a> takes place in Brasilia from November 13 to 14.

Xi will attend the closing ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum, the closed-door meeting of leaders from hosts Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa, as well as a public meeting, and issue a joint declaration.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday holds talks in Greece, where he is eagerly awaited by the new pro-business government. Xi touched down in Athens on Sunday at the start of a three-day visit aimed at deepening cooperation with Greece across the board.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday holds talks in Greece, where he is eagerly awaited by the new pro-business government. Xi touched down in Athens on Sunday at the start of a three-day visit aimed at deepening cooperation with Greece across the board. "It is our duty to steadily upgrade our cooperation in all sectors, by delving deeply into existing fields and expanding the range of investments", the Chinese president said in an article published in "Kathimerini" newspaper on Sunday. Xi is due to meet Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the trip, with the two countries set to sign cooperation documents on education, shipping and energy. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the visit to Athens will have "historical significance" for the development of China-Greece relations, and will also "inject new impetus" into the development of China-EU relations and Beijing's "Belt and Road" initiative. Greece is one of the backers of the plan for a massive network of ports, railways, roads and industrial parks spanning Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe that will see trillions invested in new infrastructure across 126 countries. "Relations with Greece are a priority for China," Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias told Thema radio on Thursday. "They came and invested in Greece when others stayed away" during the economic crisis, Dendias said. Xi's visit comes on the heels of a four-day trip to Shanghai by Greece's new conservative Prime Minister Mitsotakis earlier this week at the head of a delegation of more than 60 businessmen. Elected in July, Mitsotakis has made foreign investment and privatisation a linchpin of his administration's policy to restore Greece's sluggish economy to growth after a gruelling 10-year crisis. "I want the first words by Greek authorities to those who come to invest to be 'how can I help you?'" said Mitsotakis, who plans to visit China again in April. Greece has been building progressively closer trade relations with China for more than a decade, spearheaded by a 2008 deal by a previous conservative government to cede container terminals at the main port of Piraeus to Chinese shipping giant Cosco. Cosco has already invested some 600 million euros ($660 million) in Piraeus, creating 3,000 jobs, and its overall footprint could reach one billion euros, Mitsotakis said during his Shanghai visit. According to the Greek government, Greek shipowners have also built more than 1,000 vessels worth over $50 billion (45 billion euros) in China in the past 15 years. Greece expects 500,000 Chinese visitors over the next two years, compared to under 200,000 in 2019, Mitsotakis said during his trip. Over 5,000 Chinese have purchased property in Greece, taking advantage of a five-year 'Golden Visa' residency programme launched in 2013. Cosco in 2008 acquired Piraeus' two main container terminals on a 35-year lease. In 2016 it also took over the Piraeus port authority, and the third remaining container terminal, until 2052. Greece has also signed up to China's new "Belt and Road" project, a $1 trillion global investment programme aiming to forward Chinese goods to markets further afield. The BRICS summit takes place in Brasilia from November 13 to 14. Xi will attend the closing ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum, the closed-door meeting of leaders from hosts Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa, as well as a public meeting, and issue a joint declaration.

President Xi to hold talks in Greece en route to BRICS summit

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