Boeing&nbsp;on Tuesday ousted the top executive of its commercial airplanes division, Kevin McAllister, marking the first high-level departure since two fatal crashes of its 737 MAX jets.

The company named veteran Boeing executive Stan Deal to succeed McAllister effective immediately as president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA). The deal had led Boeing's recently formed Global Services division.

The world's largest planemaker faces a growing crisis over the eight-month safety ban on its best-selling single-aisle jet prompted by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-pilot-reported-difficulties-had-asked-to-return-202389">crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia</a> that killed 346 people.

Tuesday's announcement, a day before Boeing was due to report quarterly results, shocked some Boeing employees, with one insider calling McAllister a "scapegoat" and noting he came to the helm of BCA late in the 737 MAX development.

It ends a relatively unusual experiment at Boeing of handing an outsider a prominent position, and places the crucial commercial airplanes division in the hands of a long-serving Boeing insider who has relationships with important customers such as Singapore Airlines.

McAllister, a regular figure at industry conclaves, had championed an analytical, data-based approach forged in his previous position selling services for General Electric.

He was credited in part with boosting Boeing sales as part of a roving double act with sales chief Ihssane Mounir with whom he regularly toured the world clinching deals at the expense of European rival Airbus.

That sales momentum slumped to a record nine-month low after the MAX was grounded in March.

McAllister also struggled to claw back a series of industrial delays or production quality problems including delays to a military tanker and the new 777X, analysts said.

McAllister could not be reached for comment.

One person familiar with the matter said McAllister's departure had been described to staff as a "separation," a clear indication that he had been fired.

Another person said Boeing had asked McAllister to leave, giving no explanation other than saying it was the right move at the right time for the company's leadership. He added that the decision was not purely related to the MAX.

Deal joined Boeing in 1986 and in 2017 was tapped to lead the company's new Boeing Global Services unit, which sells analytics, parts and training services for airline customers.

Deal's major challenge is to get the MAX back into service while simultaneously handling deliveries of new aircraft and boosting production of the money-making single-aisle jets. That is seen as one of the most formidable logistical challenges in the industry's history. He must also get the larger, twin-aisled 777X back on track.

Beyond that, Deal will have to make decisions about a potential new mid-market jetliner code named NMA, which has been eclipsed by the MAX crisis and whose prospects now look unclear.

The management change was announced after Boeing's board met in San Antonio.

Earlier on Tuesday, Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Steve Dickson said Boeing was making progress towards winning approval to resume flights, but would need "several weeks" before a key certification test flight can take place.

Next week, Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg, who was stripped of his title as chairman by the board this month, will testify before Congress for two days.

"We're committed to delivering on our commitments and regaining trust with our regulators, customers and other stakeholders," Muilenburg said.

A deliberate decision was made soon after the MAX crashes to make Muilenburg the public face of the company during the crisis, sources said, although he has faced criticism for what some in the industry have characterized as a wooden and lawyer-driven response to concerns raised from the crashes.

Senior industry officials said McAllister's departure leaves Muilenburg, recently stripped of his chairman title,&nbsp;squarely in the firing line in the event of further unexpected revelations or if the company fails to recover from the crisis.

"It removes one of the sandbags around him," said Nick Cunningham, aerospace analyst at UK-based Agency Partners.

New Chairman David Calhoun said the board backed the decisions. "Boeing will emerge stronger than ever from its current challenges and the changes we're making throughout Boeing will benefit the flying public well into the future," he said in a statement.

Boeing on Tuesday ousted the top executive of its commercial airplanes division, Kevin McAllister, marking the first high-level departure since two fatal crashes of its 737 MAX jets.

Boeing on Tuesday ousted the top executive of its commercial airplanes division, Kevin McAllister, marking the first high-level departure since two fatal crashes of its 737 MAX jets. The company named veteran Boeing executive Stan Deal to succeed McAllister effective immediately as president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA). The deal had led Boeing's recently formed Global Services division. The world's largest planemaker faces a growing crisis over the eight-month safety ban on its best-selling single-aisle jet prompted by crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia that killed 346 people. Tuesday's announcement, a day before Boeing was due to report quarterly results, shocked some Boeing employees, with one insider calling McAllister a "scapegoat" and noting he came to the helm of BCA late in the 737 MAX development. It ends a relatively unusual experiment at Boeing of handing an outsider a prominent position, and places the crucial commercial airplanes division in the hands of a long-serving Boeing insider who has relationships with important customers such as Singapore Airlines. McAllister, a regular figure at industry conclaves, had championed an analytical, data-based approach forged in his previous position selling services for General Electric. He was credited in part with boosting Boeing sales as part of a roving double act with sales chief Ihssane Mounir with whom he regularly toured the world clinching deals at the expense of European rival Airbus. That sales momentum slumped to a record nine-month low after the MAX was grounded in March. McAllister also struggled to claw back a series of industrial delays or production quality problems including delays to a military tanker and the new 777X, analysts said. McAllister could not be reached for comment. One person familiar with the matter said McAllister's departure had been described to staff as a "separation," a clear indication that he had been fired. Another person said Boeing had asked McAllister to leave, giving no explanation other than saying it was the right move at the right time for the company's leadership. He added that the decision was not purely related to the MAX. Deal joined Boeing in 1986 and in 2017 was tapped to lead the company's new Boeing Global Services unit, which sells analytics, parts and training services for airline customers. Deal's major challenge is to get the MAX back into service while simultaneously handling deliveries of new aircraft and boosting production of the money-making single-aisle jets. That is seen as one of the most formidable logistical challenges in the industry's history. He must also get the larger, twin-aisled 777X back on track. Beyond that, Deal will have to make decisions about a potential new mid-market jetliner code named NMA, which has been eclipsed by the MAX crisis and whose prospects now look unclear. The management change was announced after Boeing's board met in San Antonio. Earlier on Tuesday, Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Steve Dickson said Boeing was making progress towards winning approval to resume flights, but would need "several weeks" before a key certification test flight can take place. Next week, Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg, who was stripped of his title as chairman by the board this month, will testify before Congress for two days. "We're committed to delivering on our commitments and regaining trust with our regulators, customers and other stakeholders," Muilenburg said. A deliberate decision was made soon after the MAX crashes to make Muilenburg the public face of the company during the crisis, sources said, although he has faced criticism for what some in the industry have characterized as a wooden and lawyer-driven response to concerns raised from the crashes. Senior industry officials said McAllister's departure leaves Muilenburg, recently stripped of his chairman title, squarely in the firing line in the event of further unexpected revelations or if the company fails to recover from the crisis. "It removes one of the sandbags around him," said Nick Cunningham, aerospace analyst at UK-based Agency Partners. New Chairman David Calhoun said the board backed the decisions. "Boeing will emerge stronger than ever from its current challenges and the changes we're making throughout Boeing will benefit the flying public well into the future," he said in a statement.

Boeing ousts top executive over 737 MAX crisis

China's foreign ministry denied reports which claimed Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam was set to be replaced, just hours after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-legislature-officially-kills-controversial-extradition-bill-257668">controversial extradition bill</a> was officially withdrawn.

On the issue of replacing Carrie Lam, China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said: "It is political rumour with ulterior motives behind it." The spokesman said the central government would continue to "firmly support Lam&nbsp;and Hong Kong government's efforts to stop the violence and restore order as soon as possible."&nbsp;

London's Financial Times newspaper had reported that Beijing planned to remove Lam after five months of protests in Hong Kong which had paralysed the city. The FT report quoting unnamed figures had said that Chinese authorities were drawing up plans to replace&nbsp;Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive.

Watch Video:

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Protesters in Hong Kong had continually called for Lam's resignation even as Chinese authorities backed her as violence spread in the city over the extradition bill. Carrie Lam had said for months that the bill was as good as dead while adding that other demands, including universal suffrage and amnesty for all those charged with rioting, were beyond her control.

The Financial Times newspaper said the plan was dependent on the situation stabilising so that Beijing is not seen as giving in to violence. The report came on the same day as Hong Kong officially decided to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-taiwan-authorities-clash-as-murder-suspect-walks-free-257724">withdraw the extradition bill</a> which had led to five months of street protests leading to largescale violence.

The leading candidates to succeed Lam include Norman Chan, the former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory's financial secretary and chief secretary for administration, the report claimed. 
&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry denied reports which claimed Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam was set to be replaced, just hours after the controversial extradition bill was officially withdrawn.

China's foreign ministry denied reports which claimed Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam was set to be replaced, just hours after the controversial extradition bill was officially withdrawn. On the issue of replacing Carrie Lam, China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said: "It is political rumour with ulterior motives behind it." The spokesman said the central government would continue to "firmly support Lam and Hong Kong government's efforts to stop the violence and restore order as soon as possible." London's Financial Times newspaper had reported that Beijing planned to remove Lam after five months of protests in Hong Kong which had paralysed the city. The FT report quoting unnamed figures had said that Chinese authorities were drawing up plans to replace Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive. Watch Video: Protesters in Hong Kong had continually called for Lam's resignation even as Chinese authorities backed her as violence spread in the city over the extradition bill. Carrie Lam had said for months that the bill was as good as dead while adding that other demands, including universal suffrage and amnesty for all those charged with rioting, were beyond her control. The Financial Times newspaper said the plan was dependent on the situation stabilising so that Beijing is not seen as giving in to violence. The report came on the same day as Hong Kong officially decided to withdraw the extradition bill which had led to five months of street protests leading to largescale violence. The leading candidates to succeed Lam include Norman Chan, the former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory's financial secretary and chief secretary for administration, the report claimed.

Firmly support Carrie Lam and Hong Kong government's effort to stop violence: Chinese foreign ministry

The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Washington of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-after-sealing-russia-deal-says-us-has-not-kept-promises-on-syria-257646">betraying the Kurds </a>by withdrawing its forces from northern Syria and leaving allies alone in the face of a Turkish offensive.

US President Donald Trump had announced in early October that American forces would withdraw from Syria, paving the way for Turkey to push into the border area against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia it considers "terrorists".

"The US were the closest allies for the Kurds for several years. In the end, the US abandoned the Kurds, effectively betraying them," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

"They prefer to leave the Kurds at the border and practically force them to fight the Turks," he said.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-agree-kurdish-ypg-withdrawal-257604/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Turkey paused its offensive into Syria on October 17. On Tuesday evening, it announced that the offensive would be halted following a retreat of Kurdish forces from border zones.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, both involved in the conflict from opposite sides, struck a deal on northern Syria on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, state media reported that Russian forces crossed the Euphrates River in Syria and headed for the border with Turkey under a deal for the withdrawal of Kurdish forces.

The Rossiya-24 television channel and TASS news agency quoted the defence ministry as saying the convoy of Russian military police had crossed the river at noon (0900 GMT) and "advanced towards the Syrian-Turkish border".

 
The agreement will see Russian military police and Syrian border guards "facilitate the removal" of Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters and their weapons from within 30 kilometres (18 miles) of the Turkish-Syrian border.

This withdrawal must be finalised within 150 hours.

It was reached after marathon talks between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Vladimir Putin in Russia on Tuesday.&nbsp;

It will also see Turkey preserve a "safe zone" inside Syria about 120 kilometres long (75 miles) and 32 kilometres deep. Russia and Turkey will eventually launch joint patrols along the zone.

The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Washington of betraying the Kurds by withdrawing its forces from northern Syria and leaving allies alone in the face of a Turkish offensive.

The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Washington of betraying the Kurds by withdrawing its forces from northern Syria and leaving allies alone in the face of a Turkish offensive. US President Donald Trump had announced in early October that American forces would withdraw from Syria, paving the way for Turkey to push into the border area against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia it considers "terrorists". "The US were the closest allies for the Kurds for several years. In the end, the US abandoned the Kurds, effectively betraying them," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies. "They prefer to leave the Kurds at the border and practically force them to fight the Turks," he said. Watch Video: Turkey paused its offensive into Syria on October 17. On Tuesday evening, it announced that the offensive would be halted following a retreat of Kurdish forces from border zones. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, both involved in the conflict from opposite sides, struck a deal on northern Syria on Tuesday. Meanwhile, state media reported that Russian forces crossed the Euphrates River in Syria and headed for the border with Turkey under a deal for the withdrawal of Kurdish forces. The Rossiya-24 television channel and TASS news agency quoted the defence ministry as saying the convoy of Russian military police had crossed the river at noon (0900 GMT) and "advanced towards the Syrian-Turkish border". The agreement will see Russian military police and Syrian border guards "facilitate the removal" of Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters and their weapons from within 30 kilometres (18 miles) of the Turkish-Syrian border. This withdrawal must be finalised within 150 hours. It was reached after marathon talks between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Vladimir Putin in Russia on Tuesday. It will also see Turkey preserve a "safe zone" inside Syria about 120 kilometres long (75 miles) and 32 kilometres deep. Russia and Turkey will eventually launch joint patrols along the zone.

Russian forces heading to Turkey border after Putin-Erdogan agreement: Report

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong and Taiwan engaged in a rare squabble on Wednesday over a Hong Kong man accused of murder in Taiwan whose case was used by Hong Kong to promote a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-legislature-officially-kills-controversial-extradition-bill-257668"> now-withdrawn extradition bill</a>.

Self-ruled Taiwan, which China considers its own, wants an extradition, not a voluntary surrender, of the suspected murderer from a Chinese-ruled territory, reinforcing its status as self-ruled and separate to China.

Chan Tong-kai was accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to Hong Kong where he was sentenced to 29 months in jail on money-laundering charges.

He was given an early release on Wednesday, coincidentally the same day that Hong Kong's legislature formally killed the extradition bill, the original trigger for months of often violent unrest in the former British colony.

The Hong Kong government had seized on the case to justify the need for an extradition law that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China, comprising the mainland, Taiwan and Macau.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement it was "unbelievable" that Chan could be expected to take a flight to Taiwan by himself, "completely ignoring the safety of passengers on the same flights in order to serve the political arrangement of a 'surrender'".

It said Taiwan had repeatedly asked for legal cooperation.

"We are solemnly telling the Hong Kong government that you have to take full responsibility for all bitter consequences," the council statement said.

Taiwan has also said it wanted to send officers to Hong Kong to escort Chan back, a move the Hong Kong government has described as a disrespectful and unacceptable attempt to cross legal jurisdictions.

President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan would "take care of the matter" adding there was no "such thing as surrender, only arrest".

Hong Kong Secretary for Security John Lee said that Taiwan was obstructing the case for "political reasons" and Chan should be free to go to Taiwan and surrender himself, as he has offered.

Chan, wearing a navy blue shirt and red backpack, bowed and apologised to the family of his ex-girlfriend and the public as he left prison.

He was arrested by Hong Kong police in March 2018, but authorities there were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

Chan said he had made an "unforgivable mistake" and was willing to plead guilty and turn himself in to Taiwan for trial. It was not immediately clear to what charge he planned to plead guilty.

"I hope her family can be relieved a bit and let her rest in peace," he said, declining to say when he would turn himself in.

"For the society, for Hong Kongers, I can only be sorry. I hope you can all forgive me ... let me be a new person and give me the opportunity to return to society." 
&nbsp;

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong and Taiwan engaged in a rare squabble on Wednesday over a Hong Kong man accused of murder in Taiwan whose case was used by Hong Kong to promote a now-withdrawn extradition bill.

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong and Taiwan engaged in a rare squabble on Wednesday over a Hong Kong man accused of murder in Taiwan whose case was used by Hong Kong to promote a now-withdrawn extradition bill. Self-ruled Taiwan, which China considers its own, wants an extradition, not a voluntary surrender, of the suspected murderer from a Chinese-ruled territory, reinforcing its status as self-ruled and separate to China. Chan Tong-kai was accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to Hong Kong where he was sentenced to 29 months in jail on money-laundering charges. He was given an early release on Wednesday, coincidentally the same day that Hong Kong's legislature formally killed the extradition bill, the original trigger for months of often violent unrest in the former British colony. The Hong Kong government had seized on the case to justify the need for an extradition law that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China, comprising the mainland, Taiwan and Macau. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement it was "unbelievable" that Chan could be expected to take a flight to Taiwan by himself, "completely ignoring the safety of passengers on the same flights in order to serve the political arrangement of a 'surrender'". It said Taiwan had repeatedly asked for legal cooperation. "We are solemnly telling the Hong Kong government that you have to take full responsibility for all bitter consequences," the council statement said. Taiwan has also said it wanted to send officers to Hong Kong to escort Chan back, a move the Hong Kong government has described as a disrespectful and unacceptable attempt to cross legal jurisdictions. President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan would "take care of the matter" adding there was no "such thing as surrender, only arrest". Hong Kong Secretary for Security John Lee said that Taiwan was obstructing the case for "political reasons" and Chan should be free to go to Taiwan and surrender himself, as he has offered. Chan, wearing a navy blue shirt and red backpack, bowed and apologised to the family of his ex-girlfriend and the public as he left prison. He was arrested by Hong Kong police in March 2018, but authorities there were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering. Chan said he had made an "unforgivable mistake" and was willing to plead guilty and turn himself in to Taiwan for trial. It was not immediately clear to what charge he planned to plead guilty. "I hope her family can be relieved a bit and let her rest in peace," he said, declining to say when he would turn himself in. "For the society, for Hong Kongers, I can only be sorry. I hope you can all forgive me ... let me be a new person and give me the opportunity to return to society."

Hong Kong, Taiwan authorities clash as murder suspect walks free

A weakened Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set out Tuesday to secure the support of smaller parties he will need to form a government after winning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-election-pm-justin-trudeau-returns-to-power-says-voters-rejected-negativity-257453">Canada's nail-biter general</a> election but falling short of a majority.

Trudeau's Liberals took 157 seats in the 338-member House of Commons, down from a comfortable majority of 177 in the last one, official results showed.

Trudeau will thus have to seek some kind of accommodation with the Bloc Quebecois or the New Democratic Party.

Before launching talks with these parties Trudeau greeted people at a subway station in Montreal and posed smiling for selfies.

Trudeau received congratulations Monday evening from US President Donald Trump and on Tuesday from European Council president Donald Tusk.

"From coast to coast to coast, tonight Canadians rejected division and negativity," Trudeau said in his victory speech Monday night. "And they rejected cuts and austerity and voted in favor of a progressive agenda and strong action on climate change."

Even though he came out weakened, Trudeau did better than expected. Up until election day polls had him neck and neck with Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer.

The Conservatives won 121 seats but beat the Liberals in the popular vote, taking 34.4 percent to their 33.1 percent. Scheer issued a warning to Trudeau.

"Canadians have passed judgement on (Trudeau's) Liberal government," noting that the Liberals shed more than 20 seats.

"We have put him on notice, his leadership is damaged and his government will end soon and when that time comes, the Conservatives will be ready and we will win!"

The first test of Trudeau’s future government will follow in the coming weeks with a speech to parliament outlining his legislative priorities and a confidence vote.

For now he faces the tough task of forming a government, for which he will have to take into account the demands of minority parties.

Yves-Francois Blanchet, head of the Bloc Quebecois, a down and out party that scored a big comeback on Monday, said he can work with the new government if the interests of French-speaking Quebec are preserved.

- 'Open minds' - 
"If what is proposed is good for Quebec, you can count on us," said Blanchet, whose party will have 32 seats in the next legislature.

Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic party, promised to be constructive.

The leftist former criminal defense lawyer is the first non-white leader of a federal political party in Canada, and is now a kingmaker.

"In the days ahead, I’ll be meeting with my new caucus, to talk about how we will deliver for people," Singh said in a statement.&nbsp;

"We’ll approach building the new parliament with open minds and open hearts," he added.

He added: "The real winner of this election is not a party or a leader. Canadians sent a clear message: they want a government that works for them, and they are not satisfied with the old ways of doing politics."

Trudeau, a 47-year-old former school teacher, dominated Canadian politics over the four years of his first term, but faced a grilling during the 40-day election campaign, which he described as one of the "dirtiest and nastiest" in Canadian history.

Trudeau and Scheer exchanged barbs as attack ads and misinformation multiplied.&nbsp;

Trudeau evoked the bogeymen of past and current Tory parties fostering "politics of fear and division" while Scheer called the prime minister a "compulsive liar," "a phony and a fraud."

Going into the election Trudeau's golden boy image had already been damaged by ethics lapses in the handling of the bribery prosecution of engineering giant SNC-Lavalin. His popularity took a further hit with the emergence during the campaign of old photographs of him in blackface makeup.

Some 27.4 million Canadians were eligible to vote in the election, and the turnout was reported to have been large, at almost 65 percent.

A record 97 women were elected to parliament, including Canada's first indigenous attorney general, Jody Wilson-Raybould, who ran as an independent candidate after Trudeau kicked her out of his caucus.

A weakened Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set out Tuesday to secure the support of smaller parties he will need to form a government after winning Canada's nail-biter general election but falling short of a majority.

A weakened Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set out Tuesday to secure the support of smaller parties he will need to form a government after winning Canada's nail-biter general election but falling short of a majority. Trudeau's Liberals took 157 seats in the 338-member House of Commons, down from a comfortable majority of 177 in the last one, official results showed. Trudeau will thus have to seek some kind of accommodation with the Bloc Quebecois or the New Democratic Party. Before launching talks with these parties Trudeau greeted people at a subway station in Montreal and posed smiling for selfies. Trudeau received congratulations Monday evening from US President Donald Trump and on Tuesday from European Council president Donald Tusk. "From coast to coast to coast, tonight Canadians rejected division and negativity," Trudeau said in his victory speech Monday night. "And they rejected cuts and austerity and voted in favor of a progressive agenda and strong action on climate change." Even though he came out weakened, Trudeau did better than expected. Up until election day polls had him neck and neck with Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer. The Conservatives won 121 seats but beat the Liberals in the popular vote, taking 34.4 percent to their 33.1 percent. Scheer issued a warning to Trudeau. "Canadians have passed judgement on (Trudeau's) Liberal government," noting that the Liberals shed more than 20 seats. "We have put him on notice, his leadership is damaged and his government will end soon and when that time comes, the Conservatives will be ready and we will win!" The first test of Trudeau’s future government will follow in the coming weeks with a speech to parliament outlining his legislative priorities and a confidence vote. For now he faces the tough task of forming a government, for which he will have to take into account the demands of minority parties. Yves-Francois Blanchet, head of the Bloc Quebecois, a down and out party that scored a big comeback on Monday, said he can work with the new government if the interests of French-speaking Quebec are preserved. - 'Open minds' - "If what is proposed is good for Quebec, you can count on us," said Blanchet, whose party will have 32 seats in the next legislature. Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic party, promised to be constructive. The leftist former criminal defense lawyer is the first non-white leader of a federal political party in Canada, and is now a kingmaker. "In the days ahead, I’ll be meeting with my new caucus, to talk about how we will deliver for people," Singh said in a statement. "We’ll approach building the new parliament with open minds and open hearts," he added. He added: "The real winner of this election is not a party or a leader. Canadians sent a clear message: they want a government that works for them, and they are not satisfied with the old ways of doing politics." Trudeau, a 47-year-old former school teacher, dominated Canadian politics over the four years of his first term, but faced a grilling during the 40-day election campaign, which he described as one of the "dirtiest and nastiest" in Canadian history. Trudeau and Scheer exchanged barbs as attack ads and misinformation multiplied. Trudeau evoked the bogeymen of past and current Tory parties fostering "politics of fear and division" while Scheer called the prime minister a "compulsive liar," "a phony and a fraud." Going into the election Trudeau's golden boy image had already been damaged by ethics lapses in the handling of the bribery prosecution of engineering giant SNC-Lavalin. His popularity took a further hit with the emergence during the campaign of old photographs of him in blackface makeup. Some 27.4 million Canadians were eligible to vote in the election, and the turnout was reported to have been large, at almost 65 percent. A record 97 women were elected to parliament, including Canada's first indigenous attorney general, Jody Wilson-Raybould, who ran as an independent candidate after Trudeau kicked her out of his caucus.

Canadians voted for progressive agenda and strong action on climate change: Trudeau

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday likened the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-exhorts-republicans-to-get-tougher-against-impeachment-enquiry-257396"> impeachment investigation</a> against him to a "lynching," a racially charged word from the darkest days of America's slavery legacy.

There was an immediate backlash to Trump's tweet in which he claimed that impeachment was unfair and stripping him of his legal rights, although a senior Republican senator backed up the president.

"All Republicans must remember what they are witnessing here -- a lynching. But we will WIN!," Trump tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So some day, if a Democrat becomes President and the Republicans win the House, even by a tiny margin, they can impeach the President, without due process or fairness or any legal rights. All Republicans must remember what they are witnessing here - a lynching. But we will WIN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1186611272231636992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said she was "sickened to see Trump's gross misappropriation of this term today."

Clarke said that 4,743 people were lynched in the United States between 1882 and 1968, of which 3,446 were African Americans.

"Lynchings were crimes against humanity and an ugly part of our nation's history of racial violence," she said.

"It's beyond shameful to use the word 'lynching' to describe being held accountable for your actions," said Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro.

Trump is being investigated for possible impeachment in the Democratic-led House of Representatives over his alleged abuse of office. He is counting on the Republican-dominated Senate to acquit him if the House does vote to impeach.

Senator Lindsey Graham, an influential Republican, however, said he fully agreed with Trump's complaint.

"Yes this is a lynching in every sense. This is un-American," he told reporters.

Graham said that the impeachment probe failed to give Trump the ability to defend himself and is a "complete sham."

"I will do everything I can to make sure it doesn't live very long in the Senate," he said. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday likened the impeachment investigation against him to a "lynching," a racially charged word from the darkest days of America's slavery legacy.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday likened the impeachment investigation against him to a "lynching," a racially charged word from the darkest days of America's slavery legacy. There was an immediate backlash to Trump's tweet in which he claimed that impeachment was unfair and stripping him of his legal rights, although a senior Republican senator backed up the president. "All Republicans must remember what they are witnessing here -- a lynching. But we will WIN!," Trump tweeted. So some day, if a Democrat becomes President and the Republicans win the House, even by a tiny margin, they can impeach the President, without due process or fairness or any legal rights. All Republicans must remember what they are witnessing here - a lynching. But we will WIN! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 22, 2019 × Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said she was "sickened to see Trump's gross misappropriation of this term today." Clarke said that 4,743 people were lynched in the United States between 1882 and 1968, of which 3,446 were African Americans. "Lynchings were crimes against humanity and an ugly part of our nation's history of racial violence," she said. "It's beyond shameful to use the word 'lynching' to describe being held accountable for your actions," said Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro. Trump is being investigated for possible impeachment in the Democratic-led House of Representatives over his alleged abuse of office. He is counting on the Republican-dominated Senate to acquit him if the House does vote to impeach. Senator Lindsey Graham, an influential Republican, however, said he fully agreed with Trump's complaint. "Yes this is a lynching in every sense. This is un-American," he told reporters. Graham said that the impeachment probe failed to give Trump the ability to defend himself and is a "complete sham." "I will do everything I can to make sure it doesn't live very long in the Senate," he said.

Trump compares impeachment to 'lynching', faces backlash

Did China steal US F-35 fighter jet design to make J-20, FC-31?

India&nbsp;strengthened its position in the ICC World Test Championship with a comprehensive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-south-africa-3rd-test-day-4-india-win-ranchi-test-by-an-innings-and-202-runs-clinch-series-3-0-over-south-africa-257413">3-0 victory over South Africa</a>&nbsp;in the three-match series on Tuesday.

India have continued from their early success of a 2-0 win in the West Indies and are now on 240 points after wresting the maximum of 120 points in both their series.

They will get a chance to build their lead further in an upcoming two-Test home series against Bangladesh from November 14.

India gained a maximum of 120 points with each Test worth 40 points since points are evenly distributed over the number of matches in a series.

The points range from 60 points for each match of a two-Test series to 24 for each match of a five-Test series.

Sri Lanka and New Zealand are on 60 points each in the points table after drawing their two-match series 1-1 while England and Australia are on 56 each after their five-match Ashes series ended 2-2.

The top two teams at the end of the league will play the final in the UK in June 2021 with the winners crowned as the World Test Champions.

India strengthened its position in the ICC World Test Championship with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over South Africa in the three-match series on Tuesday. India have continued from their early success of a 2-0 win in the West Indies and are now on 240 points after wresting the maximum of 120 points in both their series.

India strengthened its position in the ICC World Test Championship with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over South Africa in the three-match series on Tuesday. India have continued from their early success of a 2-0 win in the West Indies and are now on 240 points after wresting the maximum of 120 points in both their series. They will get a chance to build their lead further in an upcoming two-Test home series against Bangladesh from November 14. India gained a maximum of 120 points with each Test worth 40 points since points are evenly distributed over the number of matches in a series. The points range from 60 points for each match of a two-Test series to 24 for each match of a five-Test series. Sri Lanka and New Zealand are on 60 points each in the points table after drawing their two-match series 1-1 while England and Australia are on 56 each after their five-match Ashes series ended 2-2. The top two teams at the end of the league will play the final in the UK in June 2021 with the winners crowned as the World Test Champions.

India consolidates top position in ICC World Test Championship

US&nbsp;forces that crossed into Iraq as part of a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-to-find-answers-to-all-complicated-questions-putin-after-meeting-erdogan-in-sochi-257563"> pullout from Syria </a>do not have permission to stay and can only be there in transit, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday.

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said, however, that Washington aimed eventually to bring the troops withdrawing from Syria back to the United States.

The Iraqi military statement contradicted the Pentagon's announcement that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq".

"All US&nbsp;forces that withdrew from Syria received approval to enter the Kurdistan Region so that they may be transported outside Iraq. There is no permission granted for these forces to stay inside Iraq," the Iraqi military said.

Esper said Washington's objective was for the troops not to remain in Iraq.

"The aim isn't to stay in Iraq interminably, the aim is to pull our soldiers out and eventually get them back home," Esper said at the Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Esper said the details had not yet been worked out on how long the US&nbsp;troops would stay in Iraq and he would be having discussions with his Iraqi counterpart on Wednesday.

It is unclear whether the US troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out air strikes against Islamic State militants.

The additional US&nbsp;troops would add to the more than 5,000 American troops already based in the country, training Iraqi forces and helping to ensure that Islamic State militants do not make a comeback.

"Not&nbsp;a mercenary&nbsp;force"

Esper, speaking in front of a Patriot missile battery where he was meeting US&nbsp;troops, said Saudi Arabia had agreed to help underwrite the deployment to the kingdom. He did not provide details on what specifically Saudi Arabia had agreed to pay for.

The United States has deployed thousands of additional military forces in recent months to bolster Saudi defences, including an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel.

That includes radar systems, Patriot missiles and support personnel to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom’s oil facilities on Sept. 14.

Some experts have criticized President Donald Trump's administration for saying that Saudi Arabia will pay for the deployment of US&nbsp;troops to the Kingdom, suggesting it makes the US&nbsp;military a mercenary force.

Trump has repeatedly said that Saudi Arabia would pay for the recent US&nbsp;deployments.

"We are not a mercenary force," Esper said.

"Mercenary forces do things for the pay, we are doing this (to).. help defend our allies, second to deter Iran so we don't have increasingly bad behavior, and third defend the international rules-based order," he added.

US forces that crossed into Iraq as part of a pullout from Syria do not have permission to stay and can only be there in transit, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday.

US forces that crossed into Iraq as part of a pullout from Syria do not have permission to stay and can only be there in transit, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said, however, that Washington aimed eventually to bring the troops withdrawing from Syria back to the United States. The Iraqi military statement contradicted the Pentagon's announcement that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq". "All US forces that withdrew from Syria received approval to enter the Kurdistan Region so that they may be transported outside Iraq. There is no permission granted for these forces to stay inside Iraq," the Iraqi military said. Esper said Washington's objective was for the troops not to remain in Iraq. "The aim isn't to stay in Iraq interminably, the aim is to pull our soldiers out and eventually get them back home," Esper said at the Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Esper said the details had not yet been worked out on how long the US troops would stay in Iraq and he would be having discussions with his Iraqi counterpart on Wednesday. It is unclear whether the US troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out air strikes against Islamic State militants. The additional US troops would add to the more than 5,000 American troops already based in the country, training Iraqi forces and helping to ensure that Islamic State militants do not make a comeback. "Not a mercenary force" Esper, speaking in front of a Patriot missile battery where he was meeting US troops, said Saudi Arabia had agreed to help underwrite the deployment to the kingdom. He did not provide details on what specifically Saudi Arabia had agreed to pay for. The United States has deployed thousands of additional military forces in recent months to bolster Saudi defences, including an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel. That includes radar systems, Patriot missiles and support personnel to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom’s oil facilities on Sept. 14. Some experts have criticized President Donald Trump's administration for saying that Saudi Arabia will pay for the deployment of US troops to the Kingdom, suggesting it makes the US military a mercenary force. Trump has repeatedly said that Saudi Arabia would pay for the recent US deployments. "We are not a mercenary force," Esper said. "Mercenary forces do things for the pay, we are doing this (to).. help defend our allies, second to deter Iran so we don't have increasingly bad behavior, and third defend the international rules-based order," he added.

US forces withdrawing from Syria have no approval to stay: Iraq

British PM Johnson told the Parliament on Tuesday that he will withdraw the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-brexit-vote-eu-says-done-all-in-our-power-for-orderly-departure-257542"> Brexit deal and call for general elections </a>if the Parliament does not pass the government's timetable.

Johnson has set October 31 as the deadline to pull Britain out of the European Union as British lawmakers vote today on two crucial Brexit bills, if the lawmakers fail to pass any of the bill it would be a huge setback for Conservative prime minister who has promised to take his country out of the 28-nation European body.

“I will in no way allow months more of this. If parliament refuses to allow Brexit to happen and instead gets its way and decides to delay everything until January or possibly longer, in no circumstances can the government continue. And with great regret, I must say the bill will have to be pulled and we will have to go forward to a general election,” Johnson told British parliamentarians.

Johnson's government hopes to get the legislation through Britain's lower house the House of Commons by the end of Thursday.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-brexit-the-tale-of-three-letters-257382/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"I believe that if we do this deal, if we pass this deal and the legislation that enables it, we can turn the page and allow this parliament and this country to begin to heal and unite," he said.

Meanwhile, Jean-Claude Juncker told the European Parliament that everything had been done to make sure UK's departure is "orderly" as UK lawmakers prepared to vote today on the 115-page Withdrawal Agreement Bill and then vote on the government's extremely tight timetable for approving the legislation.

In his speech in Parliament, Johnson said that Brexit can be done which could also "de-escalate those no-deal preparations".

"We can get Brexit done and move our country on and we can de-escalate those no-deal preparations immediately and turn them off next week and instead concentrate on the great enterprise of building a new relationship of the closest cooperation and friendship, as I said on Saturday, with our European neighbour." 
&nbsp;

British PM Johnson told the Parliament on Tuesday that he will withdraw the Brexit deal and call for general elections if the Parliament does not pass the government's timetable.

British PM Johnson told the Parliament on Tuesday that he will withdraw the Brexit deal and call for general elections if the Parliament does not pass the government's timetable. Johnson has set October 31 as the deadline to pull Britain out of the European Union as British lawmakers vote today on two crucial Brexit bills, if the lawmakers fail to pass any of the bill it would be a huge setback for Conservative prime minister who has promised to take his country out of the 28-nation European body. “I will in no way allow months more of this. If parliament refuses to allow Brexit to happen and instead gets its way and decides to delay everything until January or possibly longer, in no circumstances can the government continue. And with great regret, I must say the bill will have to be pulled and we will have to go forward to a general election,” Johnson told British parliamentarians. Johnson's government hopes to get the legislation through Britain's lower house the House of Commons by the end of Thursday. Watch Video: "I believe that if we do this deal, if we pass this deal and the legislation that enables it, we can turn the page and allow this parliament and this country to begin to heal and unite," he said. Meanwhile, Jean-Claude Juncker told the European Parliament that everything had been done to make sure UK's departure is "orderly" as UK lawmakers prepared to vote today on the 115-page Withdrawal Agreement Bill and then vote on the government's extremely tight timetable for approving the legislation. In his speech in Parliament, Johnson said that Brexit can be done which could also "de-escalate those no-deal preparations". "We can get Brexit done and move our country on and we can de-escalate those no-deal preparations immediately and turn them off next week and instead concentrate on the great enterprise of building a new relationship of the closest cooperation and friendship, as I said on Saturday, with our European neighbour."

Will go for general elections if Parliament refuses to allow Brexit to happen: Johnson

The British pound fell Tuesday awaiting key Brexit votes on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-prepares-fresh-brexit-push-257303"> withdrawal agreement bill</a>.

Europe and Asian stock markets rose on growing expectations that China and the United States will sign a partial trade deal next month, dealers said.

Sterling fell further from Monday's five-month peaks, struck after parliament forced Johnson to request <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-sends-unsigned-letter-seeking-brexit-delay-256989">another extension</a> to Britain's scheduled exit from the European Union.

The pound switched hands at $1.2936 Tuesday, down from $1.2960 late in New York on Monday.

Sterling had earlier Monday spiked $1.3013, the highest level since May.&nbsp;

Johnson published his hotly-awaited withdrawal agreement bill (WAB) late on Monday, with just over a week to go until Brexit on October 31.

"The Brexit saga rumbles on today as MPs debate and vote on the WAB in what is likely to be the first of a few excruciating and long sessions in parliament," said Oanda analyst Craig Erlam.

Johnson faces two crucial Brexit votes that could decide if he still has a reasonable shot at securing his EU divorce by next week's deadline.

Firstly, the Conservative leader hopes parliament gives initial support to a Brexit bill that translates the revised withdrawal agreement he struck with Brussels last week into UK law.

Secondly, he also hopes the lower House of Commons will vote in favour of a speedy timescale to pass the entire legislation in just three days.

The rapid timetable, a big ask for a 110-page text designed to unwind 46 years of intricate EU-UK ties,&nbsp;has sparked outcry from opposition lawmakers.

"The main events of the day will likely come this evening, after the stock market here in London has closed, with parliament set for two key votes on Brexit," said XTB analyst David Cheetham.

Even if the withdrawal bill "passes there’s a fair chance that a vote on the timetable shortly afterwards will fail.

"Several MPs have already voiced their displeasure at the lack of time to scrutinise the bill," he added.

At the same time, Johnson has been forced by parliament to request a three-month extension that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-considers-brexit-extension-boris-johnson-battles-to-save-deal-257370">European leaders will consider</a> once they get a clearer picture of this week's parliamentary votes.

Elsewhere Tuesday, global stock markets gained on modest gains on easing trade war concerns.

US President Donald Trump reinforced hopes Monday that he and Xi Jinping will be able to put pen to paper on a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-phase-1-china-trade-pact-on-track-for-november-257404"> mini pact</a>, saying China had already started promised purchases of farm goods, and that the first part of a wider commitment was almost complete.

"We'll be able to, we think, sign a completed document with China on phase one," Trump said at the White House, adding they would then move on to the next phases.

Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said efforts were being made for it to be ready when the leaders meet at the APEC summit next month in Chile.

Trump's economics adviser Larry Kudlow indicated tariffs planned to go into effect in December could be cancelled if the talks go well.

The British pound fell Tuesday awaiting key Brexit votes on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's withdrawal agreement bill. Europe and Asian stock markets rose on growing expectations that China and the United States will sign a partial trade deal next month, dealers said.

The British pound fell Tuesday awaiting key Brexit votes on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's withdrawal agreement bill. Europe and Asian stock markets rose on growing expectations that China and the United States will sign a partial trade deal next month, dealers said. Sterling fell further from Monday's five-month peaks, struck after parliament forced Johnson to request another extension to Britain's scheduled exit from the European Union. The pound switched hands at $1.2936 Tuesday, down from $1.2960 late in New York on Monday. Sterling had earlier Monday spiked $1.3013, the highest level since May. Johnson published his hotly-awaited withdrawal agreement bill (WAB) late on Monday, with just over a week to go until Brexit on October 31. "The Brexit saga rumbles on today as MPs debate and vote on the WAB in what is likely to be the first of a few excruciating and long sessions in parliament," said Oanda analyst Craig Erlam. Johnson faces two crucial Brexit votes that could decide if he still has a reasonable shot at securing his EU divorce by next week's deadline. Firstly, the Conservative leader hopes parliament gives initial support to a Brexit bill that translates the revised withdrawal agreement he struck with Brussels last week into UK law. Secondly, he also hopes the lower House of Commons will vote in favour of a speedy timescale to pass the entire legislation in just three days. The rapid timetable, a big ask for a 110-page text designed to unwind 46 years of intricate EU-UK ties, has sparked outcry from opposition lawmakers. "The main events of the day will likely come this evening, after the stock market here in London has closed, with parliament set for two key votes on Brexit," said XTB analyst David Cheetham. Even if the withdrawal bill "passes there’s a fair chance that a vote on the timetable shortly afterwards will fail. "Several MPs have already voiced their displeasure at the lack of time to scrutinise the bill," he added. At the same time, Johnson has been forced by parliament to request a three-month extension that European leaders will consider once they get a clearer picture of this week's parliamentary votes. Elsewhere Tuesday, global stock markets gained on modest gains on easing trade war concerns. US President Donald Trump reinforced hopes Monday that he and Xi Jinping will be able to put pen to paper on a mini pact, saying China had already started promised purchases of farm goods, and that the first part of a wider commitment was almost complete. "We'll be able to, we think, sign a completed document with China on phase one," Trump said at the White House, adding they would then move on to the next phases. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said efforts were being made for it to be ready when the leaders meet at the APEC summit next month in Chile. Trump's economics adviser Larry Kudlow indicated tariffs planned to go into effect in December could be cancelled if the talks go well.

British pound falls ahead of Brexit vote

Turkey President Erdogan met Russian President Putin in Sochi today <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-replaces-four-more-pro-kurdish-mayors-as-crackdown-widens-257486">amid growing tensions in Syria </a>as the two leaders hoped to resolve the "complicated issues in the region".

"I would like to express hope that the level of Russian-Turkish relations, which has been recently reached, will play its role in the solution of all complicated issues in the region as of today," Russian President Putin said, adding,"I hope it will help find answers to all, even very complicated questions in favour of Russia, Turkey and all the countries of the region."

The talks between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/turkey-threatens-to-crush-kurds-in-case-they-fail-to-withdraw-before-tuesday-257002">Erodgan and Putin took place</a> even as a five-day truce brokered by the US holds the Turkish forces inside Syria.

"I believe that our meeting will provide real opportunities for peace spring operation," Turkey President Erdogan said.

Turkish forces had entered nothern Syria after President Trump had announced two weeks ago that he was pulling out US troops from the region clearing the way for Turkey to launch a cross-border offensive on October 9 against the Kurdish YPG militia, viewed by Erdogan's regime as "terrorists".

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kurds-accuse-turkey-of-using-chemical-weapons-257381/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Turkey had earlier said Kurdish YPG militia forces must leave a "safe zone" which it intends to establish in Syria.

President Trump had said on Monday that it appeared that the five-day truce was holding, and that it could possibly go beyond Tuesday's expiry, but Erdogan said the fighting may resume.

"If the promises given to us by America are not kept, we will continue our operation from where it left off, this time with a much bigger determination," the Turkey president said.

Turkey President Erdogan met Russian President Putin in Sochi today amid growing tensions in Syria as the two leaders hoped to resolve the "complicated issues in the region".

Turkey President Erdogan met Russian President Putin in Sochi today amid growing tensions in Syria as the two leaders hoped to resolve the "complicated issues in the region". "I would like to express hope that the level of Russian-Turkish relations, which has been recently reached, will play its role in the solution of all complicated issues in the region as of today," Russian President Putin said, adding,"I hope it will help find answers to all, even very complicated questions in favour of Russia, Turkey and all the countries of the region." The talks between Erodgan and Putin took place even as a five-day truce brokered by the US holds the Turkish forces inside Syria. "I believe that our meeting will provide real opportunities for peace spring operation," Turkey President Erdogan said. Turkish forces had entered nothern Syria after President Trump had announced two weeks ago that he was pulling out US troops from the region clearing the way for Turkey to launch a cross-border offensive on October 9 against the Kurdish YPG militia, viewed by Erdogan's regime as "terrorists". Watch Video: Turkey had earlier said Kurdish YPG militia forces must leave a "safe zone" which it intends to establish in Syria. President Trump had said on Monday that it appeared that the five-day truce was holding, and that it could possibly go beyond Tuesday's expiry, but Erdogan said the fighting may resume. "If the promises given to us by America are not kept, we will continue our operation from where it left off, this time with a much bigger determination," the Turkey president said.

Hope to find answers to all complicated questions: Putin after meeting Erdogan in Sochi

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