An offer by the United States to host a Pacific rim summit in America in 2020 after Chile abruptly cancelled this year's event was "not a good idea", Malaysia's foreign minister said Thursday.

The sharp retort comes days after most southeast Asian leaders snubbed a meeting with US officials in Thailand when President Donald Trump failed to show.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-wracked-chile-pulls-out-as-apec-climate-meet-host-259009">Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation</a> (APEC) summit had been scheduled for November 16-17 in Chile, but President Sebastian Pinera pulled out of hosting it because of ongoing civil unrest in the country.

According to Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called him during a meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in Bangkok last week.

Pompeo told him that "because Chile is not able to host APEC this November... the US is thinking of hosting APEC somewhere in January in the US", and asked for Malaysia's position.

Saifuddin said he told US officials in Bangkok that "we don't think it is a good idea".

US President Donald Trump skipped the ASEAN summit and instead sent US national security advisor Robert O'Brien and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to lead the US delegation.

Most of the ASEAN leaders snubbed a meeting with the US delegation, sending more junior officials instead.

Saifuddin said he was aware of a letter sent by Trump to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad "about an invitation to something in the US".

Malaysia is at the centre of talks for any replacement summit as it is next year's chair of APEC, a trade-focused grouping of 21 Pacific Rim economies stretching from China to Chile and the United States.

Chairmanship includes hosting meetings that typically culminate in a summit of the leaders around November.

A Southeast Asian diplomat who asked not to be named confirmed that Washington is sounding out countries about an APEC summit in January and had offered Las Vegas as a possible venue, but would not give other details.

Another source, a delegate who was supposed to attend the cancelled APEC meeting in Chile, did not sound enthusiastic about a summit in the US.

"I don't see the point, what for?" he told AFP. "A summit for the sake of having a summit?"

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were supposed to meet in Chile to sign a partial deal in a bid to ease a bruising trade war.

Trump said Thursday that an alternative location for the signing will be "announced soon".

An offer by the United States to host a Pacific rim summit in America in 2020 after Chile abruptly cancelled this year's event was "not a good idea", Malaysia's foreign minister said Thursday.

An offer by the United States to host a Pacific rim summit in America in 2020 after Chile abruptly cancelled this year's event was "not a good idea", Malaysia's foreign minister said Thursday. The sharp retort comes days after most southeast Asian leaders snubbed a meeting with US officials in Thailand when President Donald Trump failed to show. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit had been scheduled for November 16-17 in Chile, but President Sebastian Pinera pulled out of hosting it because of ongoing civil unrest in the country. According to Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called him during a meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in Bangkok last week. Pompeo told him that "because Chile is not able to host APEC this November... the US is thinking of hosting APEC somewhere in January in the US", and asked for Malaysia's position. Saifuddin said he told US officials in Bangkok that "we don't think it is a good idea". US President Donald Trump skipped the ASEAN summit and instead sent US national security advisor Robert O'Brien and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to lead the US delegation. Most of the ASEAN leaders snubbed a meeting with the US delegation, sending more junior officials instead. Saifuddin said he was aware of a letter sent by Trump to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad "about an invitation to something in the US". Malaysia is at the centre of talks for any replacement summit as it is next year's chair of APEC, a trade-focused grouping of 21 Pacific Rim economies stretching from China to Chile and the United States. Chairmanship includes hosting meetings that typically culminate in a summit of the leaders around November. A Southeast Asian diplomat who asked not to be named confirmed that Washington is sounding out countries about an APEC summit in January and had offered Las Vegas as a possible venue, but would not give other details. Another source, a delegate who was supposed to attend the cancelled APEC meeting in Chile, did not sound enthusiastic about a summit in the US. "I don't see the point, what for?" he told AFP. "A summit for the sake of having a summit?" Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were supposed to meet in Chile to sign a partial deal in a bid to ease a bruising trade war. Trump said Thursday that an alternative location for the signing will be "announced soon".

US offer to host APEC 'not a good idea': Malaysia

A US-led naval coalition officially launched operations in Bahrain Thursday to protect shipping in the troubled waters of the Gulf, after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-will-respond-with-great-force-if-iran-attacks-interests-donald-trump-220247">string of attacks </a>that Washington and its allies blamed on Iran.

The coalition, aimed at warding off the perceived threat to the world's oil supply, has been in the making since June.

Iran, which has denied any responsibility for the mystery attacks, has put forward its own proposals for boosting Gulf security that pointedly excludes outside powers.

Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, joined the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in August. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates followed suit in September.&nbsp;

Australia and Britain are the main Western countries to have agreed to send warships to escort Gulf shipping. The newest member, Albania, joined on Friday.&nbsp;

Vessels will be escorted through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic chokepoint at the head of the Gulf and the main artery for the transport of Middle East oil.&nbsp;

Vice Admiral Jim Malloy, commander of US Naval Forces in the Middle East, said Operation Sentinel is a defensive measure aimed at protecting Gulf waters.&nbsp;

"While Sentinel's operational design is threat-based, it does not threaten," he said during a ceremony at the IMSC's command centre.&nbsp;

"We employ capable warships on patrol, but there is no offensive line of effort in this construct, other than a commitment to defend each other if attacked.

"Our commitment to the region isn't short-lived, it is enduring, and we will operate as part of Sentinel for as long as it's needed -- as long as the threat looms."

Most European governments have declined to participate in the naval coalition, fearful of undermining their efforts to save a landmark 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, which was badly weakened by Washington's withdrawal last year.

Animosity between Tehran and Washington has soared since President Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned the deal and reimposed crippling US sanctions.

On May 12, the UAE said four commercial oil tankers -- two Saudi, one Emirati and one Norwegian -- had been targeted by "acts of sabotage" in waters off its coast.

Washington and Riyadh blamed Tehran, which denied involvement.

A month later, the Kokuka Courageous was hit and around the same time another tanker in the area, the Norwegian-owned Front Altair, was damaged by three explosions, according to the Norwegian Maritime Authority.

They were transiting through the Strait of Hormuz towards the Indian Ocean.

Then on September 14, drone strikes targeted two key Saudi oil facilities onshore, causing catastrophic damage and temporarily knocking out half of the kingdom's oil production.

The attacks were claimed by Yemen's Huthi rebels who are battling a Saudi-led coalition, but Washington and Riyadh blamed Iran, saying the strikes were carried out with advanced missiles and drones.

A US-led naval coalition officially launched operations in Bahrain Thursday to protect shipping in the troubled waters of the Gulf, after a string of attacks that Washington and its allies blamed on Iran.

A US-led naval coalition officially launched operations in Bahrain Thursday to protect shipping in the troubled waters of the Gulf, after a string of attacks that Washington and its allies blamed on Iran. The coalition, aimed at warding off the perceived threat to the world's oil supply, has been in the making since June. Iran, which has denied any responsibility for the mystery attacks, has put forward its own proposals for boosting Gulf security that pointedly excludes outside powers. Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, joined the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in August. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates followed suit in September. Australia and Britain are the main Western countries to have agreed to send warships to escort Gulf shipping. The newest member, Albania, joined on Friday. Vessels will be escorted through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic chokepoint at the head of the Gulf and the main artery for the transport of Middle East oil. Vice Admiral Jim Malloy, commander of US Naval Forces in the Middle East, said Operation Sentinel is a defensive measure aimed at protecting Gulf waters. "While Sentinel's operational design is threat-based, it does not threaten," he said during a ceremony at the IMSC's command centre. "We employ capable warships on patrol, but there is no offensive line of effort in this construct, other than a commitment to defend each other if attacked. "Our commitment to the region isn't short-lived, it is enduring, and we will operate as part of Sentinel for as long as it's needed -- as long as the threat looms." Most European governments have declined to participate in the naval coalition, fearful of undermining their efforts to save a landmark 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, which was badly weakened by Washington's withdrawal last year. Animosity between Tehran and Washington has soared since President Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned the deal and reimposed crippling US sanctions. On May 12, the UAE said four commercial oil tankers -- two Saudi, one Emirati and one Norwegian -- had been targeted by "acts of sabotage" in waters off its coast. Washington and Riyadh blamed Tehran, which denied involvement. A month later, the Kokuka Courageous was hit and around the same time another tanker in the area, the Norwegian-owned Front Altair, was damaged by three explosions, according to the Norwegian Maritime Authority. They were transiting through the Strait of Hormuz towards the Indian Ocean. Then on September 14, drone strikes targeted two key Saudi oil facilities onshore, causing catastrophic damage and temporarily knocking out half of the kingdom's oil production. The attacks were claimed by Yemen's Huthi rebels who are battling a Saudi-led coalition, but Washington and Riyadh blamed Iran, saying the strikes were carried out with advanced missiles and drones.

US-led coalition launches operation to protect Gulf waters

French President&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron says he believes NATO is undergoing "brain death," lamenting a lack of coordination between Europe and the United States and unilateral actions in Syria by key member Turkey, in an interview published Thursday.

"What we are currently experiencing is the brain death of NATO," Macron told The Economist magazine in an interview.

"You have no coordination whatsoever of strategic decision-making between the United States and its NATO allies. None. You have an uncoordinated aggressive action by another NATO ally, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-not-distancing-itself-from-nato-with-russian-missiles-deal-minister-215689">Turkey</a>, in an area where our interests are at stake," he added, according to an English transcript released by The Economist.

Macron's comments questioning the effectiveness of NATO threaten to send shock waves through the alliance ahead of a summit meeting Britain next month.

NATO has already been hit by Turkey's latest military operation against Kurdish militia in northern Syria -- which was staunchly opposed by fellow members like France -- and President Donald Trump's lack of enthusiasm for the organisation.

"There has been no NATO planning, nor any coordination. There hasn't even been any NATO deconfliction," Macron said.&nbsp;

And while NATO works well in communicating between armies and commanding operations, "strategically and politically, we need to recognise that we have a problem," he said.

"We should reassess the reality of what NATO is in the light of the commitment of the United States," he warned, adding that "In my opinion, Europe has the capacity to defend itself."

Macron argued that Europe could do this if "it accelerates the development of European defence."

'Head off on their own'&nbsp;

He expressed frustration that the United States under Trump had effectively allowed Turkey to go ahead with its operation in Syria by pulling back American forces.

"NATO as a system doesn't regulate its members," he said.

"So as soon as you have a member who feels they have a right to head off on their own, granted by the USA, they do it," he said.

"It's not in our interest" to push Turkey out of NATO "but perhaps to reconsider what NATO is."

The French president, seen by analysts as Europe's most prominent leader amid Brexit and the looming exit of <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/germany-commits-to-nato-spending-goal-by-2031-for-first-time-260572">German Chancellor</a> Angela Merkel in 2021, has sought to stand tall on the foreign policy stage and implement a vision of reforming Europe.

But he said Europe had been brought "to the edge of a precipice" by reducing the political scope of the European Union project since the mid-1990s.

"Europe has forgotten that it is a community, by increasingly thinking of itself as a market, with expansion as its end purpose," said Macron, who recently blocked expanding the EU further to include two more Balkan states.

Macron said it was a time of turmoil with Europe losing track of history, the US aligning more closely with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russias-resurgence-and-chinas-rise-will-test-nato-219295">China</a> and authoritarian powers emerging in its neighbourhood.

"All this has led to the exceptional fragility of Europe which, if it can’t think of itself as a global power, will disappear, because it will take a hard knock," he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron says he believes NATO is undergoing "brain death," lamenting a lack of coordination between Europe and the United States and unilateral actions in Syria by key member Turkey, in an interview published Thursday.

French President Emmanuel Macron says he believes NATO is undergoing "brain death," lamenting a lack of coordination between Europe and the United States and unilateral actions in Syria by key member Turkey, in an interview published Thursday. "What we are currently experiencing is the brain death of NATO," Macron told The Economist magazine in an interview. "You have no coordination whatsoever of strategic decision-making between the United States and its NATO allies. None. You have an uncoordinated aggressive action by another NATO ally, Turkey, in an area where our interests are at stake," he added, according to an English transcript released by The Economist. Macron's comments questioning the effectiveness of NATO threaten to send shock waves through the alliance ahead of a summit meeting Britain next month. NATO has already been hit by Turkey's latest military operation against Kurdish militia in northern Syria -- which was staunchly opposed by fellow members like France -- and President Donald Trump's lack of enthusiasm for the organisation. "There has been no NATO planning, nor any coordination. There hasn't even been any NATO deconfliction," Macron said. And while NATO works well in communicating between armies and commanding operations, "strategically and politically, we need to recognise that we have a problem," he said. "We should reassess the reality of what NATO is in the light of the commitment of the United States," he warned, adding that "In my opinion, Europe has the capacity to defend itself." Macron argued that Europe could do this if "it accelerates the development of European defence." 'Head off on their own' He expressed frustration that the United States under Trump had effectively allowed Turkey to go ahead with its operation in Syria by pulling back American forces. "NATO as a system doesn't regulate its members," he said. "So as soon as you have a member who feels they have a right to head off on their own, granted by the USA, they do it," he said. "It's not in our interest" to push Turkey out of NATO "but perhaps to reconsider what NATO is." The French president, seen by analysts as Europe's most prominent leader amid Brexit and the looming exit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2021, has sought to stand tall on the foreign policy stage and implement a vision of reforming Europe. But he said Europe had been brought "to the edge of a precipice" by reducing the political scope of the European Union project since the mid-1990s. "Europe has forgotten that it is a community, by increasingly thinking of itself as a market, with expansion as its end purpose," said Macron, who recently blocked expanding the EU further to include two more Balkan states. Macron said it was a time of turmoil with Europe losing track of history, the US aligning more closely with China and authoritarian powers emerging in its neighbourhood. "All this has led to the exceptional fragility of Europe which, if it can’t think of itself as a global power, will disappear, because it will take a hard knock," he said.

NATO experiencing 'brain death': President Macron

Germany will reach a NATO defence spending target by 2031, its defence minister said, missing a 2024 deadline agreed by the allies who are under heavy US&nbsp;pressure to beef up their military budgets.

Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Germany would spend 2&nbsp;percent of its economic output on defence by 2031, belatedly reaching the goal set by NATO leaders at a 2014 summit, months after Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.

"NATO is and will remain the anchor of European security. But it is also clear that Europe must increase its own complementary ability to act," Kramp-Karrenbauer told a private event to honour NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday night.

"This starts with the defence budget. We need (to spend) 1.5 percent by&nbsp;2024 and 2&nbsp;percent &nbsp;by 2031 at the latest," she said, according to quotes of the speech provided by her office, the first time she has publicly committed to the target to an international audience and weeks before the next NATO summit on December 4.

However, she said the target was not because "others are calling for it but because it is in the interest of our own security".

Only seven NATO countries currently meet or exceed the 2&nbsp;percent&nbsp;target - the United States, Britain, Greece, Poland and the three Baltic states, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Germany is Europe's biggest economy and the second biggest in the NATO alliance after the United States.

Before Kramp-Karrenbauer, seen as a potential successor to Chancellor Angela Merkel, took up her post this year, Germany's fiscal plans saw defence spending falling slightly to 1.24&nbsp;percent&nbsp;in 2023, but the minister said she was determined to increase spending, as polls show a shift in German public support for the move.

"OFFENSIVE"

Years of defence cuts after the end of the Cold War have left Europeans without vital capabilities, including in Germany, which is one of the last NATO allies to fly ageing Tornado fighter planes that are becoming harder to repair as spare parts become scarce.

Kramp-Karrenbauer's comments came after she expressed a willingness for Germany to contribute more of NATO's running costs, taking some of the burden off the United States.

Germany's earlier reluctance to spend more on defence, in a country that is home to US&nbsp;troops in Europe, has been a sore point for US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who has openly questioned NATO's continued value to Washington.

His envoy to Berlin, Richard Grenell, said in August that it was "offensive to assume that the US&nbsp;taxpayers continue to pay for more than 50,000 Americans in Germany but the Germans get to spend their (budget) surplus on domestic programmes".

Poland and the Baltic states, fearful of a more assertive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russias-resurgence-and-chinas-rise-will-test-nato-219295">Russia</a> after it annexed Crimea, have raised their military spending to the 2 percent&nbsp;target, drawing praise from Trump.

US&nbsp;complaints about Germany's defence spending pre-date <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-changes-tone-in-merkel-meeting-after-earlier-slamming-germany-150889/amp">Trump</a> but bilateral relations have deteriorated since he became president. The two allies disagree on a range of issues, including Iran, trade tariffs and the NordStream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

Germany will reach a NATO defence spending target by 2031, its defence minister said, missing a 2024 deadline agreed by the allies who are under heavy US pressure to beef up their military budgets.

Germany will reach a NATO defence spending target by 2031, its defence minister said, missing a 2024 deadline agreed by the allies who are under heavy US pressure to beef up their military budgets. Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Germany would spend 2 percent of its economic output on defence by 2031, belatedly reaching the goal set by NATO leaders at a 2014 summit, months after Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula. "NATO is and will remain the anchor of European security. But it is also clear that Europe must increase its own complementary ability to act," Kramp-Karrenbauer told a private event to honour NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday night. "This starts with the defence budget. We need (to spend) 1.5 percent by 2024 and 2 percent by 2031 at the latest," she said, according to quotes of the speech provided by her office, the first time she has publicly committed to the target to an international audience and weeks before the next NATO summit on December 4. However, she said the target was not because "others are calling for it but because it is in the interest of our own security". Only seven NATO countries currently meet or exceed the 2 percent target - the United States, Britain, Greece, Poland and the three Baltic states, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Germany is Europe's biggest economy and the second biggest in the NATO alliance after the United States. Before Kramp-Karrenbauer, seen as a potential successor to Chancellor Angela Merkel, took up her post this year, Germany's fiscal plans saw defence spending falling slightly to 1.24 percent in 2023, but the minister said she was determined to increase spending, as polls show a shift in German public support for the move. "OFFENSIVE" Years of defence cuts after the end of the Cold War have left Europeans without vital capabilities, including in Germany, which is one of the last NATO allies to fly ageing Tornado fighter planes that are becoming harder to repair as spare parts become scarce. Kramp-Karrenbauer's comments came after she expressed a willingness for Germany to contribute more of NATO's running costs, taking some of the burden off the United States. Germany's earlier reluctance to spend more on defence, in a country that is home to US troops in Europe, has been a sore point for US President Donald Trump, who has openly questioned NATO's continued value to Washington. His envoy to Berlin, Richard Grenell, said in August that it was "offensive to assume that the US taxpayers continue to pay for more than 50,000 Americans in Germany but the Germans get to spend their (budget) surplus on domestic programmes". Poland and the Baltic states, fearful of a more assertive Russia after it annexed Crimea, have raised their military spending to the 2 percent target, drawing praise from Trump. US complaints about Germany's defence spending pre-date Trump but bilateral relations have deteriorated since he became president. The two allies disagree on a range of issues, including Iran, trade tariffs and the NordStream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

Germany commits to NATO spending goal by 2031 for first time

Six people, including four civilians, were killed in an attack by Yemeni rebels on a military base in the Red Sea coastal town of Mokha, medical sources said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The strike also damaged a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and forced its operations to be suspended.

The attack comes after weeks of relative calm in Yemen, which together with the signing of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-government-separatists-to-sign-power-sharing-deal-on-tuesday-259499">peace deal</a> between the government and southern separatists, had created a sliver of optimism over ending the years of conflict.

The Iran-backed rebels, who have been battling the internationally recognised government, launched four ballistic missiles and drones towards a military position in Mokha, a Yemeni military official told AFP.

Medics said six people, including four civilians, were killed and 26 wounded.&nbsp;

"The Patriot air defence system intercepted three missiles, while a fourth landed in the military base," said the military source, who declined to be identified.

The source said the attack destroyed a weapons storage facility used by pro-government forces.

The rebels have made no claim of responsibility.&nbsp;

MSF said there were no casualties among their staff or patients.

"The hospital in Mokha was damaged as a result of an attack on a nearby facility, and work there has been suspended for the time being," a representative told AFP.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, have been killed since Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in March 2015 in support of the beleaguered government.

The fighting has also displaced millions and left 24.1 million -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in&nbsp;need of aid.

The United Nations has described Yemen as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Six people, including four civilians, were killed in an attack by Yemeni rebels on a military base in the Red Sea coastal town of Mokha, medical sources said on Thursday.

Six people, including four civilians, were killed in an attack by Yemeni rebels on a military base in the Red Sea coastal town of Mokha, medical sources said on Thursday. The strike also damaged a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and forced its operations to be suspended. The attack comes after weeks of relative calm in Yemen, which together with the signing of a peace deal between the government and southern separatists, had created a sliver of optimism over ending the years of conflict. The Iran-backed rebels, who have been battling the internationally recognised government, launched four ballistic missiles and drones towards a military position in Mokha, a Yemeni military official told AFP. Medics said six people, including four civilians, were killed and 26 wounded. "The Patriot air defence system intercepted three missiles, while a fourth landed in the military base," said the military source, who declined to be identified. The source said the attack destroyed a weapons storage facility used by pro-government forces. The rebels have made no claim of responsibility. MSF said there were no casualties among their staff or patients. "The hospital in Mokha was damaged as a result of an attack on a nearby facility, and work there has been suspended for the time being," a representative told AFP. Tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, have been killed since Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in March 2015 in support of the beleaguered government. The fighting has also displaced millions and left 24.1 million -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in need of aid. The United Nations has described Yemen as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Six killed in rebel attack in Yemen's Mokha: officials

The International Criminal Court sentenced former Congolese military leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terminator-warlord-guilty-of-congo-atrocities-234054">Bosco Ntaganda</a> on Thursday to 30 years in prison for atrocities including murder, rape and conscripting child soldiers.

Ntaganda, 46, was found guilty in July on 18 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity for acts committed when he was military operations chief at the Union of Congolese Patriots(UPC) militia in east Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002-2003.

At Thursday's sentencing, Judge Robert Fremr said there were no real mitigating circumstances and issued the 30-year sentence, the longest handed down by the Hague court to date.

The International Criminal Court sentenced former Congolese military leader Bosco Ntaganda on Thursday to 30 years in prison for atrocities including murder, rape and conscripting child soldiers.

The International Criminal Court sentenced former Congolese military leader Bosco Ntaganda on Thursday to 30 years in prison for atrocities including murder, rape and conscripting child soldiers. Ntaganda, 46, was found guilty in July on 18 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity for acts committed when he was military operations chief at the Union of Congolese Patriots(UPC) militia in east Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002-2003. At Thursday's sentencing, Judge Robert Fremr said there were no real mitigating circumstances and issued the 30-year sentence, the longest handed down by the Hague court to date.

War crimes judges sentence Congolese warlord Ntaganda to 30 years in prison

Emirates, one of the world's biggest international airlines, said on Thursday profit nearly quadrupled in the first half of the year, bouncing back from a decade low half-year profit a year ago.

The dubai-based Emirates, which is owned by the state, benefited from a decline in global fuel prices although it said it was hit by unfavourable currency movements.

The airline, which said last month its profits would be considerably better, made 862 million dirhams&nbsp;in the six months to September 30, compared to the 226 million dirhams it made a year ago.

Revenue fell 3 per cent&nbsp;to 47.3 billion dirhams with operating costs cut by 8 per cent, helped by the decline in fuel costs.

Emirates carried 29.6 million passengers, a 2 per cent&nbsp;decline after the airline reduced the number of seats it offered by 5% in part due to a 45-day closure of a runway at its Dubai hub.

The amount of cargo it carried declined by 8 per cent&nbsp;to 1.2 million tonnes.

"The global outlook is difficult to predict, but we expect the airline and travel industry to continue facing headwinds over the next six months with stiff competition adding downward pressure on margins," said Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum.

Emirates Group, which includes the airline and airport services unit dnta, made 1.2 billion dirhams, up 8 per cent. Revenue shrank 2 per cent&nbsp;to 53.3 billion.

Sheikh Ahmed said the fuel bill was 2 billion dirhams cheaper than a year ago but said unfavourable currency fluctuations cost it 1.2 billion in profit.

Dnata, which operates at airports around the world, suffered a 64% fall in profit to 311 million dirhams. It booked an 84 million dirhams impairment on amounts it was owed following the collapse of Thomas Cook in September.

Thomas Cook's bankruptcy has had a broad impact, affecting hotel owners across Europe, holiday booking sites in Asia and airline support services around the world.

Emirates, one of the world's biggest international airlines, said on Thursday profit nearly quadrupled in the first half of the year, bouncing back from a decade low half-year profit a year ago.

Emirates, one of the world's biggest international airlines, said on Thursday profit nearly quadrupled in the first half of the year, bouncing back from a decade low half-year profit a year ago. The dubai-based Emirates, which is owned by the state, benefited from a decline in global fuel prices although it said it was hit by unfavourable currency movements. The airline, which said last month its profits would be considerably better, made 862 million dirhams in the six months to September 30, compared to the 226 million dirhams it made a year ago. Revenue fell 3 per cent to 47.3 billion dirhams with operating costs cut by 8 per cent, helped by the decline in fuel costs. Emirates carried 29.6 million passengers, a 2 per cent decline after the airline reduced the number of seats it offered by 5% in part due to a 45-day closure of a runway at its Dubai hub. The amount of cargo it carried declined by 8 per cent to 1.2 million tonnes. "The global outlook is difficult to predict, but we expect the airline and travel industry to continue facing headwinds over the next six months with stiff competition adding downward pressure on margins," said Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum. Emirates Group, which includes the airline and airport services unit dnta, made 1.2 billion dirhams, up 8 per cent. Revenue shrank 2 per cent to 53.3 billion. Sheikh Ahmed said the fuel bill was 2 billion dirhams cheaper than a year ago but said unfavourable currency fluctuations cost it 1.2 billion in profit. Dnata, which operates at airports around the world, suffered a 64% fall in profit to 311 million dirhams. It booked an 84 million dirhams impairment on amounts it was owed following the collapse of Thomas Cook in September. Thomas Cook's bankruptcy has had a broad impact, affecting hotel owners across Europe, holiday booking sites in Asia and airline support services around the world.

Emirates airlines first half profit surges on cheaper fuel, cost cuts

Chinese government bodies have jointly called for a ban on consuming e-cigarettes in public, as the country gradually works to regulate its fast-growing vaping industry.

In a document dated October&nbsp;29 and published online on Thursday, China's National Health Bureau, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the domestic tobacco monopoly China Tobacco, and five other bureaus urged local governments to curb both tobacco consumption among young people, as well as e-cigarette consumption.

The regulators state that e-cigarette use in China "has shown a clear upward trend among the youth population", and add that the composition of e-cigarette liquid and its second-hand smoke are "unsafe".

"There is no conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes can help to effectively quit smoking," the regulators state.

The agencies add that China "must actively promote the prohibition of electronic smoking in public places".

China produces an overwhelming majority of the e-cigarettes sold on the global market, though only a tiny fraction are purchased by domestic buyers.

That is changing quickly as dozens of Chinese start-ups, inspired by the potent e-cigarette made by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/special-report-juul-disregarded-early-evidence-it-was-hooking-teens-260137">Juul Labs Inc </a>that grew popular in the United States, have flooded the market with products of their own targeting local consumers.

At present there are no national-level regulations providing standards for the manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes in China. Industry insiders expect that such regulations will be released in the near future.

China's tobacco industry is controlled by China Tobacco, a state monopoly that doubles as the tobacco market's regulator. In 2018, China Tobacco generated 5.45 per cent&nbsp;of China's tax revenue, amounting to 10.8 trillion yuan.

Chinese government bodies have jointly called for a ban on consuming e-cigarettes in public, as the country gradually works to regulate its fast-growing vaping industry.

Chinese government bodies have jointly called for a ban on consuming e-cigarettes in public, as the country gradually works to regulate its fast-growing vaping industry. In a document dated October 29 and published online on Thursday, China's National Health Bureau, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the domestic tobacco monopoly China Tobacco, and five other bureaus urged local governments to curb both tobacco consumption among young people, as well as e-cigarette consumption. The regulators state that e-cigarette use in China "has shown a clear upward trend among the youth population", and add that the composition of e-cigarette liquid and its second-hand smoke are "unsafe". "There is no conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes can help to effectively quit smoking," the regulators state. The agencies add that China "must actively promote the prohibition of electronic smoking in public places". China produces an overwhelming majority of the e-cigarettes sold on the global market, though only a tiny fraction are purchased by domestic buyers. That is changing quickly as dozens of Chinese start-ups, inspired by the potent e-cigarette made by Juul Labs Inc that grew popular in the United States, have flooded the market with products of their own targeting local consumers. At present there are no national-level regulations providing standards for the manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes in China. Industry insiders expect that such regulations will be released in the near future. China's tobacco industry is controlled by China Tobacco, a state monopoly that doubles as the tobacco market's regulator. In 2018, China Tobacco generated 5.45 per cent of China's tax revenue, amounting to 10.8 trillion yuan.

Chinese government bodies call for prohibition on vaping in public

Pakistan, just days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, has taken another U-turn over passports being issued to&nbsp;Sikh pilgrims visiting Guru Nanak Dev's shrine in Pakistan.

Major Gen Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of Pakistan Army said on Thursday that Sikh pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Gurudwara will be required to hold a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-chief-says-passport-must-for-indian-pilgrims-in-major-u-turn-on-kartarpur-corridor-260491">passport</a>. The latest development from Pakistan comes days after Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Kartarpur pilgrims from India will not require&nbsp;a visa.&nbsp;

Only two days are left for the inauguration of the historic&nbsp;corridor, but it seems that the confusion over passport issue still prevails in Pakistan as the country has backtracked multiple times from its stance.

Here's a timeline on the conflicting statements made by Pakistan on the requirement of passport by Sikh pilgrims&nbsp;visiting Kartarpur Gurudwara.&nbsp;

October 24: Mohammed Faisal, Pakistan's spokesperson of foreign affairs, said that the pilgrims visiting India will have to carry passport which will be scanned but not stamped. He, however, said that visa will not be needed for the Indian pilgrims.&nbsp;

October 31: In a tweet, Pakistan PM had said that the country has waived off two requirements&nbsp;which includes allowing Sikh pilgrims to come without a passport. He added that the pilgrims will require to carry only a valid ID. Imran also said that pilgrims are no longer&nbsp;required to register for the visit 10 days in advance.

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For Sikhs coming for pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived off 2 requirements: i) they wont need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on day of inauguration &amp; on Guruji's 550th birthday
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1190087955588755456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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November 7: &nbsp;Major Gen Asif Ghafoor, Pakistan Army's spokesperson told a private TV channel that the entry to the country for Kartarpur pilgrims will be visa-based. He added that the country cannot compromise on its security and sovereignty.&nbsp;

Earlier, diplomatic sources from Pakistan had said that Indian pilgrims have been exempted of all passport and visa requirements. They also added that the Indian side have been informed through official channels about the decision.

The Kartarpur Corridor connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur (India) to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur (India). Last year, both India and Pakistan agreed to inaugurate the&nbsp;corridor on 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The Guru Nanak shrine in Kartarpur is significant for Sikhs as their first Guru spent his last years there.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan, just days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, has taken another U-turn over passports being issued to Sikh pilgrims visiting Guru Nanak Dev's shrine in Pakistan.

Pakistan, just days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, has taken another U-turn over passports being issued to Sikh pilgrims visiting Guru Nanak Dev's shrine in Pakistan. Major Gen Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of Pakistan Army said on Thursday that Sikh pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Gurudwara will be required to hold a passport. The latest development from Pakistan comes days after Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Kartarpur pilgrims from India will not require a visa. Only two days are left for the inauguration of the historic corridor, but it seems that the confusion over passport issue still prevails in Pakistan as the country has backtracked multiple times from its stance. Here's a timeline on the conflicting statements made by Pakistan on the requirement of passport by Sikh pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Gurudwara. October 24: Mohammed Faisal, Pakistan's spokesperson of foreign affairs, said that the pilgrims visiting India will have to carry passport which will be scanned but not stamped. He, however, said that visa will not be needed for the Indian pilgrims. October 31: In a tweet, Pakistan PM had said that the country has waived off two requirements which includes allowing Sikh pilgrims to come without a passport. He added that the pilgrims will require to carry only a valid ID. Imran also said that pilgrims are no longer required to register for the visit 10 days in advance. For Sikhs coming for pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived off 2 requirements: i) they wont need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on day of inauguration & on Guruji's 550th birthday — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 1, 2019 × November 7: Major Gen Asif Ghafoor, Pakistan Army's spokesperson told a private TV channel that the entry to the country for Kartarpur pilgrims will be visa-based. He added that the country cannot compromise on its security and sovereignty. Earlier, diplomatic sources from Pakistan had said that Indian pilgrims have been exempted of all passport and visa requirements. They also added that the Indian side have been informed through official channels about the decision. The Kartarpur Corridor connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur (India) to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur (India). Last year, both India and Pakistan agreed to inaugurate the corridor on 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The Guru Nanak shrine in Kartarpur is significant for Sikhs as their first Guru spent his last years there.

Timeline: Pakistan's flip-flop over passport requirement for Kartarpur corridor pilgrims

Police in the UK said today that bodies found in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-police-step-up-appeals-over-migrant-lorry-deaths-259320">refrigerated truck</a> last month in Essex were from Vietnam.

The Essex police worked with Vietnamese police officials to verify the identity of &nbsp;39 people discovered at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/easy-money-and-a-better-life-vietnamese-undeterred-by-uk-truck-tragedy-258963">Grays in Essex</a>&nbsp;on October 23. The lorry trailer was travelling from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Grays, Essex.

The victims included eight women and 31 men.

The Vietnamese embassy in London said it was "in deep sorrow, we would like to convey our profound condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families."

The Vietnamese embassy said it would&nbsp;"provide consular protection and support for the bereaved families in order to bring their loved ones home at the earliest time".

The driver of the lorry, a 25-year-old man who was arrested was charged with 39 offences of manslaughter, money laundering, human trafficking and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

The Essex police also worked with National Crime Agency and European law enforcement officials to identify the bodies in the lorry.

The police had earlier urged Ronan Hughes, 40 and his brother Christopher Hughes, 34 from Northern Ireland on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking in connection with the deaths of 39 people.

The police later said Eamon Harrison, 23, from Northern Ireland, was accused of manslaughter and human trafficking and immigration offences. &nbsp;Harrison was remanded in custody until November 11.

The investigation is also underway in Vietnam after police said had held eleven people and summoned others for questioning.

Reports said most of the victims were from central Vietnam who travelled abroad illegally to Europe via Russia.

Vietnam said it "strongly condemns human trafficking and considers it a serious crime", while calling upon other countries in the region and around the world to step up cooperation in combating human trafficking.

British officials had earlier claimed that the migrants may have been from China linking it to another case in 2000 in which 8 Chinese were found dead in a tomato truck at the port of Dover, however, today officials confirmed all the migrants were from in fact from Vietnam.

Police in the UK said today that bodies found in a refrigerated truck last month in Essex were from Vietnam. The Essex police worked with Vietnamese police officials to verify the identity of 39 people discovered at Grays in Essex on October 23.

Police in the UK said today that bodies found in a refrigerated truck last month in Essex were from Vietnam. The Essex police worked with Vietnamese police officials to verify the identity of 39 people discovered at Grays in Essex on October 23. The lorry trailer was travelling from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Grays, Essex. The victims included eight women and 31 men. The Vietnamese embassy in London said it was "in deep sorrow, we would like to convey our profound condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families." The Vietnamese embassy said it would "provide consular protection and support for the bereaved families in order to bring their loved ones home at the earliest time". The driver of the lorry, a 25-year-old man who was arrested was charged with 39 offences of manslaughter, money laundering, human trafficking and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. The Essex police also worked with National Crime Agency and European law enforcement officials to identify the bodies in the lorry. The police had earlier urged Ronan Hughes, 40 and his brother Christopher Hughes, 34 from Northern Ireland on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking in connection with the deaths of 39 people. The police later said Eamon Harrison, 23, from Northern Ireland, was accused of manslaughter and human trafficking and immigration offences. Harrison was remanded in custody until November 11. The investigation is also underway in Vietnam after police said had held eleven people and summoned others for questioning. Reports said most of the victims were from central Vietnam who travelled abroad illegally to Europe via Russia. Vietnam said it "strongly condemns human trafficking and considers it a serious crime", while calling upon other countries in the region and around the world to step up cooperation in combating human trafficking. British officials had earlier claimed that the migrants may have been from China linking it to another case in 2000 in which 8 Chinese were found dead in a tomato truck at the port of Dover, however, today officials confirmed all the migrants were from in fact from Vietnam.

39 bodies found in lorry in Essex were Vietnam nationals: UK Police

As Iran announced it was resuming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-irans-decision-to-deny-accreditation-to-iaea-inspector-eu-260590">uranium enrichment</a> at its underground facility at the Fordow plant, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran is "positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout".

"Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, adding,"it is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure."

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Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout. It is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1192416399102238723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Iran said today that engineers had begun feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into the plant in "the first minutes of Thursday".&nbsp;

France which is one of the signatories of the nuclear deal termed it a "grave" decision with President Macron saying the resumption of uranium enrichment was a "profound change" from Tehran's previous position.

The next few weeks will be dedicated to increasing pressure on Iran to return within the framework of the pact, the French president said.

"A return to normal can only take place if the United States and Iran agree to reopen a sort of trust agenda" and dialogue, Macron added.

Meanwhile, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab had said that a "way forward" was needed "through constructive international dialogue". &nbsp;

"Iran needs to stand by the commitments it made and urgently return to full compliance," Dominic Raab said.

German foreign minister Heiko Maas had said Iran must "rollback" its decision to resume uranium enrichment.

"We call on Iran to reverse all steps taken since July and return to full compliance with its commitments," Maas said, adding, "Our aim is to maintain the nuclear agreement."

"We have always fully implemented our commitments and Iran must now urgently relent in order to ease tensions," Mass added.

On May 8, 2018, President Donald Trump had announced that the United States will quit the 2015 pact and reinstate sanctions against Iran. From August to November last year, the Trump administration reimposed sanctions targeting Iran's oil and finance sectors.&nbsp;

In May this year, Iran had announced it will suspend commitments on limiting the amount of heavy water and enriched uranium it possesses even as the US imposed sanctions on Iran's steel and minining sectors. &nbsp;

As Iran announced it was resuming uranium enrichment at its underground facility at the Fordow plant, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran is "positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout".

As Iran announced it was resuming uranium enrichment at its underground facility at the Fordow plant, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran is "positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout". "Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, adding,"it is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure." Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout. It is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) November 7, 2019 × Iran said today that engineers had begun feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into the plant in "the first minutes of Thursday". France which is one of the signatories of the nuclear deal termed it a "grave" decision with President Macron saying the resumption of uranium enrichment was a "profound change" from Tehran's previous position. The next few weeks will be dedicated to increasing pressure on Iran to return within the framework of the pact, the French president said. "A return to normal can only take place if the United States and Iran agree to reopen a sort of trust agenda" and dialogue, Macron added. Meanwhile, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab had said that a "way forward" was needed "through constructive international dialogue". "Iran needs to stand by the commitments it made and urgently return to full compliance," Dominic Raab said. German foreign minister Heiko Maas had said Iran must "rollback" its decision to resume uranium enrichment. "We call on Iran to reverse all steps taken since July and return to full compliance with its commitments," Maas said, adding, "Our aim is to maintain the nuclear agreement." "We have always fully implemented our commitments and Iran must now urgently relent in order to ease tensions," Mass added. On May 8, 2018, President Donald Trump had announced that the United States will quit the 2015 pact and reinstate sanctions against Iran. From August to November last year, the Trump administration reimposed sanctions targeting Iran's oil and finance sectors. In May this year, Iran had announced it will suspend commitments on limiting the amount of heavy water and enriched uranium it possesses even as the US imposed sanctions on Iran's steel and minining sectors.

Iran positioning itself for rapid nuclear breakout: Pompeo

The European Union(EU) today expressed concern over Iran's reported decision to deny accreditation of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-starts-injecting-uranium-gas-into-centrifuges-at-fordow-state-media-260336">UN nuclear inspector</a>.

In a statement, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-iran-of-nuclear-extortion-with-enrichment-step-260207">Iran's Atomic Energy organisation</a> said while entering the gate an "alarm" was triggered which led officials to believe the inspector was carrying a "suspect product".

As a result, she was denied entry, the agency added. "Iran's representative to the IAEA will present a full report on the matter," it said.

However, the Iranian atomic agency did not specify if anything suspicious was found on the inspector. The agency added she was sent back to IAEA in Vienna.

Meanwhile, the EU said it had "full confidence in the inspectorate's professionalism and impartiality."

"The EU is deeply concerned by the incident concerning one IAEA inspector. We understand that the incident was resolved and call upon Iran to ensure that no such incidents occur in the future," it said.

The incident comes even as the Rouhani government had declared that it had resumed uranium enrichment at its underground Fordow plant south of Tehran on Thursday. On Wednesday, Iran had announced that it had resumed enrichment at the Fordow plant from midnight (2030 GMT Wednesday), a move which was seen as a setback for the nuclear deal.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-escalates-the-nuclear-threat-260497/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Russian foreign minister Lavrov had expressed concern about Iran's announcement.

"They are demanding that Iran fulfil all (obligations) without exception but are not giving anything in return," Lavrov said.

The Kremlin has previously called sanctions against Iran "unprecedented and illegal".

"All these activities have been carried out under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency," the Iranian nuclear organisation said.

French President Emmanuel Macron had said Iran had made a "grave" decision as it took steps against the &nbsp;2015 nuclear agreement. Macron added that it was a "profound change" from Iran's earlier stand.

"A return to normal can only take place if the United States and Iran agree to reopen a sort of trust agenda and dialogue," Macron added.&nbsp;

Iran had earlier complained of &nbsp;"undue pressure" from the US and Israel over its nuclear programme after the IAEA had asked for promt reply to the agency's questions.

The European Union(EU) today expressed concern over Iran's reported decision to deny accreditation of a UN nuclear inspector. In a statement, Iran's Atomic Energy organisation said while entering the gate an "alarm" was triggered which led officials to believe the inspector was carrying a "suspect product".

The European Union(EU) today expressed concern over Iran's reported decision to deny accreditation of a UN nuclear inspector. In a statement, Iran's Atomic Energy organisation said while entering the gate an "alarm" was triggered which led officials to believe the inspector was carrying a "suspect product". As a result, she was denied entry, the agency added. "Iran's representative to the IAEA will present a full report on the matter," it said. However, the Iranian atomic agency did not specify if anything suspicious was found on the inspector. The agency added she was sent back to IAEA in Vienna. Meanwhile, the EU said it had "full confidence in the inspectorate's professionalism and impartiality." "The EU is deeply concerned by the incident concerning one IAEA inspector. We understand that the incident was resolved and call upon Iran to ensure that no such incidents occur in the future," it said. The incident comes even as the Rouhani government had declared that it had resumed uranium enrichment at its underground Fordow plant south of Tehran on Thursday. On Wednesday, Iran had announced that it had resumed enrichment at the Fordow plant from midnight (2030 GMT Wednesday), a move which was seen as a setback for the nuclear deal. Watch Video: Russian foreign minister Lavrov had expressed concern about Iran's announcement. "They are demanding that Iran fulfil all (obligations) without exception but are not giving anything in return," Lavrov said. The Kremlin has previously called sanctions against Iran "unprecedented and illegal". "All these activities have been carried out under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency," the Iranian nuclear organisation said. French President Emmanuel Macron had said Iran had made a "grave" decision as it took steps against the 2015 nuclear agreement. Macron added that it was a "profound change" from Iran's earlier stand. "A return to normal can only take place if the United States and Iran agree to reopen a sort of trust agenda and dialogue," Macron added. Iran had earlier complained of "undue pressure" from the US and Israel over its nuclear programme after the IAEA had asked for promt reply to the agency's questions.

'Deeply concerned' over Iran's decision to deny accreditation to IAEA inspector: EU

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