Two days after US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-donald-trump-calls-off-peace-talks-secret-summit-with-taliban-over-terror-attacks-248340">Trump called off negotiations</a> with the Taliban, a seventeen-member US delegation met Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa in Islamabad.

The US delegation discussed regional security and the Afghan peace process, according to sources.

The US team left for Afghanistan after meeting the Pakistan Army chief, the sources added.

In a tweet on late on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-says-real-peace-will-come-when-taliban-stop-violence-hold-direct-talks-248392">President Trump </a>had said that major Taliban leaders were set to meet him at Camp David, with Afghan President Ghani due to meet him separately, an announcement which surprised many in Washington with the anniversary of September 11 approaching.

However, the US president added that he had "cancelled the meeting and called off the peace negotiations" after the Kabul attack in which 12 people were killed including one US solider and a Romanian service member which was claimed by the Taliban.

"What kind of people would kill so many in order to seemingly strengthen their bargaining position? They didn’t, they only made it worse!" he said. "If they cannot agree to a ceasefire during these very important peace talks, and would even kill 12 innocent people, then they probably don’t have the power to negotiate a meaningful agreement anyway," Trump added.

President Ashraf Ghani in a statement said, "The Afghan government, in relation to the peace, appreciates the sincere efforts of its allies and is committed to working together with the United States and other allies to bring lasting peace."

The peace talks fell apart months of closed-door meetings between Taliban officials and the US in Doha spearheaded by US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad. The US recalled its special envoy as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a television channel that Taliban had "overreached" with the car bomb attack which led President Trump to pull out of talks with the Taliban.

"Taliban demonstrated either that they weren't willing to or couldn't live up to the commitment they needed to...reduce violence there," Pompeo said.

Two days after US President Trump called off negotiations with the Taliban, a seventeen-member US delegation met Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa in Islamabad. The US delegation discussed regional security and the Afghan peace process, according to sources.

Two days after US President Trump called off negotiations with the Taliban, a seventeen-member US delegation met Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa in Islamabad. The US delegation discussed regional security and the Afghan peace process, according to sources. The US team left for Afghanistan after meeting the Pakistan Army chief, the sources added. In a tweet on late on Saturday, President Trump had said that major Taliban leaders were set to meet him at Camp David, with Afghan President Ghani due to meet him separately, an announcement which surprised many in Washington with the anniversary of September 11 approaching. However, the US president added that he had "cancelled the meeting and called off the peace negotiations" after the Kabul attack in which 12 people were killed including one US solider and a Romanian service member which was claimed by the Taliban. "What kind of people would kill so many in order to seemingly strengthen their bargaining position? They didn’t, they only made it worse!" he said. "If they cannot agree to a ceasefire during these very important peace talks, and would even kill 12 innocent people, then they probably don’t have the power to negotiate a meaningful agreement anyway," Trump added. President Ashraf Ghani in a statement said, "The Afghan government, in relation to the peace, appreciates the sincere efforts of its allies and is committed to working together with the United States and other allies to bring lasting peace." The peace talks fell apart months of closed-door meetings between Taliban officials and the US in Doha spearheaded by US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad. The US recalled its special envoy as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a television channel that Taliban had "overreached" with the car bomb attack which led President Trump to pull out of talks with the Taliban. "Taliban demonstrated either that they weren't willing to or couldn't live up to the commitment they needed to...reduce violence there," Pompeo said.

US delegation meets Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa; discuss Afghanistan, regional security: Sources

China's burgeoning internet data sector will increase its power consumption by two-thirds by 2023, putting further pressure on the country's plans to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-unveils-17-trillion-climate-plan-to-end-us-carbon-emissions-by-2050-224374"> curb smog and carbon emissions</a>, according to a study published on Monday.

China, the world's biggest energy consumer and producer of climate-warming greenhouse gas, is in the middle of a programme aimed at upgrading its economy, easing its dependence on old polluting sectors like steel, and cleaning up its mostly coal-fired energy system.

Big data is set to play an increasing role in supplying cleaner electricity, especially in the creation of decentralised "smart grid" systems, but it is also becoming one of the biggest consumers of power in China and elsewhere.

According to the study by environmental group Greenpeace and the North China Electric Power University, soaring power consumption from internet data centres is expected to result in higher carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the country's coal-fired power plants.

The sector was responsible for around 99 million tonnes of CO2 last year, and extra efforts need to be made to encourage firms to source power from renewable sources to prevent that figure from spiralling higher, the study said.

"Power market reforms and rapid growth in wind and solar power have created unprecedented opportunities for China's internet giants to procure clean energy," said Greenpeace East Asia climate and energy campaigner Ye Ruiqi.

Power consumption from data centres reached 161 terawatt-hours (TWh) last year, 2.35 per cent of China's total, and it is set to rise to 267 TWh in the next five years, more than Australia's total consumption from all sources in 2018, the study forecast.

The study said China was home to 2.7 million server racks, with the sector expanding at a rate of around 30 per cent a year. The sector's CO2 emissions could reach 163 million tonnes by the end of 2023, but that could be cut by 16 million tonnes if its renewable intake is increased from 23 per cent to 30 per cent.

"Twenty years from now, it is possible that data centres and big data will account for a third of power consumption, three times as much as electric vehicles," said Emmanuel Lagarrigue, Chief Innovation Officer of Schneider Electric, which works with big internet and technology companies in the United States and China.

"It is going to consume a lot of electricity but that doesn't mean it will be less sustainable - many of the players are thinking about how to innovate," he said.

China's burgeoning internet data sector will increase its power consumption by two-thirds by 2023, putting further pressure on the country's plans to curb smog and carbon emissions, according to a study published on Monday.

China's burgeoning internet data sector will increase its power consumption by two-thirds by 2023, putting further pressure on the country's plans to curb smog and carbon emissions, according to a study published on Monday. China, the world's biggest energy consumer and producer of climate-warming greenhouse gas, is in the middle of a programme aimed at upgrading its economy, easing its dependence on old polluting sectors like steel, and cleaning up its mostly coal-fired energy system. Big data is set to play an increasing role in supplying cleaner electricity, especially in the creation of decentralised "smart grid" systems, but it is also becoming one of the biggest consumers of power in China and elsewhere. According to the study by environmental group Greenpeace and the North China Electric Power University, soaring power consumption from internet data centres is expected to result in higher carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the country's coal-fired power plants. The sector was responsible for around 99 million tonnes of CO2 last year, and extra efforts need to be made to encourage firms to source power from renewable sources to prevent that figure from spiralling higher, the study said. "Power market reforms and rapid growth in wind and solar power have created unprecedented opportunities for China's internet giants to procure clean energy," said Greenpeace East Asia climate and energy campaigner Ye Ruiqi. Power consumption from data centres reached 161 terawatt-hours (TWh) last year, 2.35 per cent of China's total, and it is set to rise to 267 TWh in the next five years, more than Australia's total consumption from all sources in 2018, the study forecast. The study said China was home to 2.7 million server racks, with the sector expanding at a rate of around 30 per cent a year. The sector's CO2 emissions could reach 163 million tonnes by the end of 2023, but that could be cut by 16 million tonnes if its renewable intake is increased from 23 per cent to 30 per cent. "Twenty years from now, it is possible that data centres and big data will account for a third of power consumption, three times as much as electric vehicles," said Emmanuel Lagarrigue, Chief Innovation Officer of Schneider Electric, which works with big internet and technology companies in the United States and China. "It is going to consume a lot of electricity but that doesn't mean it will be less sustainable - many of the players are thinking about how to innovate," he said.

China's power consumption from internet data may result in higher carbon emissions: Study

PM Modi addressed ISRO scientists on Saturday morning on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-is-proud-of-isro-president-kovind-hails-scientists-for-exemplary-commitment-and-courage-248146">India's Chandrayaan-2 mission</a>.

"There will be a new dawn and a brighter tomorrow very soon. There is no failure in science, only experiment and efforts," PM Modi said after&nbsp;the Vikram Lander lost contact with the ISRO ground station even as it descended as planned.&nbsp;

"I could feel what you were going through few hours back, your eyes were conveying a lot. You live for India's honour, I salute you," he told the&nbsp;scientists.

"For the last few hours the entire nation was worried. Everyone stands in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vikram-hasnt-crashed-communication-channel-between-orbiter-and-lander-is-still-on-former-isro-director-248156">solidarity with our scientists</a>. We are proud of our space program. Today our resolve to touch the Moon has grown even stronger," the prime minister said.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-addresses-the-nation-on-chandrayaan-2-from-isro-centre-in-bengaluru-248171/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

"In our illustrious history, we have faced moments <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-modi-to-address-the-nation-on-chandrayaan-2-248157">that may have slowed us </a>but they have never crushed our spirit.We have bounced back again &amp; gone on to do spectacular things. This is the reason why our civilization stands tall," the PM said.

"We will rise to the occasion and reach even newer heights of success. To our scientists I want to say- India is with you. You are exceptional professionals who have made an incredible contribution to national progress," he told the&nbsp;scientists.

PM Modi addressed ISRO scientists on Saturday morning on India's Chandrayaan-2 mission. "There will be a new dawn and a brighter tomorrow very soon. There is no failure in science, only experiment and efforts," PM Modi said after the Vikram Lander lost contact with the ISRO ground station even as it descended as planned.

PM Modi addressed ISRO scientists on Saturday morning on India's Chandrayaan-2 mission. "There will be a new dawn and a brighter tomorrow very soon. There is no failure in science, only experiment and efforts," PM Modi said after the Vikram Lander lost contact with the ISRO ground station even as it descended as planned. "I could feel what you were going through few hours back, your eyes were conveying a lot. You live for India's honour, I salute you," he told the scientists. "For the last few hours the entire nation was worried. Everyone stands in solidarity with our scientists. We are proud of our space program. Today our resolve to touch the Moon has grown even stronger," the prime minister said. Watch Video: "In our illustrious history, we have faced moments that may have slowed us but they have never crushed our spirit.We have bounced back again & gone on to do spectacular things. This is the reason why our civilization stands tall," the PM said. "We will rise to the occasion and reach even newer heights of success. To our scientists I want to say- India is with you. You are exceptional professionals who have made an incredible contribution to national progress," he told the scientists.

India is with you, you are exceptional, PM Modi to ISRO scientists on Chandrayaan-2 mission

PM Modi during his address on Saturday morning&nbsp;on<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-india-hours-away-from-making-space-history-248111"> India's Chandrayaan-2 mission</a>&nbsp;said that India is proud of its&nbsp;scientists.

"I could feel what you were going through a few hours back, your eyes were conveying a lot. You live for India's honour, I salute you,"&nbsp;PM Modi told the scientists during the address,&nbsp;adding, "you keep India's flag flying high."

"Vikram", the lander of Chandrayaan-2 lost communication with the ground station last night even as the prime minister lauded the achievement of scientists at ISRO.&nbsp;

"Don't lose hope. Be courageous. There are ups and downs in life. What you all have done is not a small thing. You have done a great service to the country, science and mankind. I am with you. I wish you all the best," the Prime Minister told the scientists.&nbsp;

ISRO chairman K Sivan announced that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/communication-with-vikram-lander-lost-announces-isro-chairman-248133">communication with Vikram lander</a> was lost at 2.1 km from Lunar surface even though the descend was normal and planned.

"Communication with Vikram lander was lost. Data is being analyzed," the ISRO chief said.

PM Modi during his address on Saturday morning on India's Chandrayaan-2 mission said that India is proud of its scientists. "I could feel what you were going through a few hours back, your eyes were conveying a lot.

PM Modi during his address on Saturday morning on India's Chandrayaan-2 mission said that India is proud of its scientists. "I could feel what you were going through a few hours back, your eyes were conveying a lot. You live for India's honour, I salute you," PM Modi told the scientists during the address, adding, "you keep India's flag flying high." "Vikram", the lander of Chandrayaan-2 lost communication with the ground station last night even as the prime minister lauded the achievement of scientists at ISRO. "Don't lose hope. Be courageous. There are ups and downs in life. What you all have done is not a small thing. You have done a great service to the country, science and mankind. I am with you. I wish you all the best," the Prime Minister told the scientists. ISRO chairman K Sivan announced that communication with Vikram lander was lost at 2.1 km from Lunar surface even though the descend was normal and planned. "Communication with Vikram lander was lost. Data is being analyzed," the ISRO chief said.

Live: PM Modi address ISRO scientists on Chandrayaan-2

US defense secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday he was "not surprised" Iran had turned on advanced centrifuges to increase uranium stockpiles, a further breach of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-capacity-to-raise-uranium-enrichment-beyond-20-iranian-nuclear-agency-spokesperson-248247">2015 nuclear deal </a>which Washington pulled out of last year.

"I'm not surprised that Iran has announced that it's going to violate the JCPOA," Esper said in Paris, using the official name of the accord signed in Vienna four years ago.

"They had been violating it, they had violated the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-up-advanced-centrifuges-in-latest-nuclear-step-248221">nuclear non-proliferation</a> treaty for many years, so it's no surprise that the Iranians are going to pursue what the Iranians have always intended to pursue," he added, following talks with his French counterpart Florence Parly.

Esper was in France after visits to London and Stuttgart, Germany, to meet with NATO allies since taking up his post in July.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-to-develop-centrifuges-from-friday-247655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Parly reiterated France's calls for Tehran to "respect the Vienna accord", adding, "we will continue with all our diplomatic efforts in this direction. We have to continue."

France and other EU nations have been trying to ease tensions in the Gulf region since President Donald Trump abandoned the nuclear deal and re-imposed sanctions that have hit the Iranian economy hard.

President Emmanuel Macron has overseen recent talks between French and Iranian officials, and even secured a potential opening with Trump at last month's G7 summit, when he said he would be willing to meet with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani.

Esper said he had "productive discussions" with Parly, though neither indicated any progress had been made on de-escalating the conflict.

They also agreed to disagree on the US's new "maritime security mission" in the Gulf, aimed at ensuring open passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after a series of incidents, including ship seizures by Iranian forces.

France has declined to join the US initiative and instead sought out like-minded partners for its own surveillance of the strategic waterway.

"The goal is to rally as many partners and means of surveillance as possible to improve security in the Gulf, and there's absolutely no competition between these initiatives," Parly said.

Esper said the US effort "is about deterring bad behaviour."

"Obviously our preference is that all countries join underneath this broader umbrella," he said.

"But the key thing is that we all work together to defend those common values, those common rights, that we have set up in the wake of World War-II and defend those around the world, whether it's from Iran trying to violate them, or it's China in the South China Sea." 
&nbsp;

US defense secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday he was "not surprised" Iran had turned on advanced centrifuges to increase uranium stockpiles, a further breach of the 2015 nuclear deal which Washington pulled out of last year.

US defense secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday he was "not surprised" Iran had turned on advanced centrifuges to increase uranium stockpiles, a further breach of the 2015 nuclear deal which Washington pulled out of last year. "I'm not surprised that Iran has announced that it's going to violate the JCPOA," Esper said in Paris, using the official name of the accord signed in Vienna four years ago. "They had been violating it, they had violated the nuclear non-proliferation treaty for many years, so it's no surprise that the Iranians are going to pursue what the Iranians have always intended to pursue," he added, following talks with his French counterpart Florence Parly. Esper was in France after visits to London and Stuttgart, Germany, to meet with NATO allies since taking up his post in July. Watch Video: Parly reiterated France's calls for Tehran to "respect the Vienna accord", adding, "we will continue with all our diplomatic efforts in this direction. We have to continue." France and other EU nations have been trying to ease tensions in the Gulf region since President Donald Trump abandoned the nuclear deal and re-imposed sanctions that have hit the Iranian economy hard. President Emmanuel Macron has overseen recent talks between French and Iranian officials, and even secured a potential opening with Trump at last month's G7 summit, when he said he would be willing to meet with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani. Esper said he had "productive discussions" with Parly, though neither indicated any progress had been made on de-escalating the conflict. They also agreed to disagree on the US's new "maritime security mission" in the Gulf, aimed at ensuring open passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after a series of incidents, including ship seizures by Iranian forces. France has declined to join the US initiative and instead sought out like-minded partners for its own surveillance of the strategic waterway. "The goal is to rally as many partners and means of surveillance as possible to improve security in the Gulf, and there's absolutely no competition between these initiatives," Parly said. Esper said the US effort "is about deterring bad behaviour." "Obviously our preference is that all countries join underneath this broader umbrella," he said. "But the key thing is that we all work together to defend those common values, those common rights, that we have set up in the wake of World War-II and defend those around the world, whether it's from Iran trying to violate them, or it's China in the South China Sea."

Not surprised Iran going to violate nuclear deal: US defence secretary Mark Esper

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday dressed down space officials on a visit to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-soyuz-spacecraft-carrying-humanoid-robot-fails-to-dock-with-space-station-245272">Russia's long-delayed</a> and corruption-tainted cosmodrome in the Far East.

The Vostochny cosmodrome was originally supposed to be running manned launches from last year but the grand project has been consistently behind schedule.

At a meeting with the head of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-france-to-assist-india-in-its-manned-space-mission-gaganyaan-244913">country's space agency </a>Dmitry Rogozin and others, Putin asked for details on how close the spaceport is to completion. &nbsp;

"I expect a more responsible attitude from you and a dynamic pace when organising work," Putin said in televised comments.

The cosmodrome in the Amur region is one of Russia's most important space projects, designed to reduce its reliance on the Baikonur launch site it rents from Kazakhstan to ferry astronauts.

Russia hopes the facility will restore its Soviet-era supremacy.

While five unmanned launches have already taken place from the cosmodrome, "Vostochny's capacities can &nbsp;- and I want to stress, should - be used more seriously," Putin warned.

Ahead of the visit, Putin said he was going because "there are a lot of questions there needing a solution and needing my intervention in this process."

The budget for Vostochny's construction was estimated at $4.5 billion to $6 billion.

Last year, Russia jailed four construction contractors for embezzling state funding worth some $23 million.

Putin visited accompanied by deputy prime minister Yury Borisov who last week sharply criticised the project and suggested bringing in the army to finish the job.

Often outspoken space agency chief Rogozin responded on Twitter: "That's always the way: some are building, others are criticising."

The space port was set to open in December 2015, with the first manned launch in 2018.

Putin publicly scolded officials when the first unmanned launch took place in 2016. The second unmanned launch in 2017 ended in losing contact with a string of satellites.

The national space programme has suffered a series of setbacks in recent years including a manned launch failure &nbsp;- the first of its kind in the history of Russian space travel, although the astronauts ejected safely. 
&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday dressed down space officials on a visit to Russia's long-delayed and corruption-tainted cosmodrome in the Far East. The Vostochny cosmodrome was originally supposed to be running manned launches from last year but the grand project has been consistently behind schedule.

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday dressed down space officials on a visit to Russia's long-delayed and corruption-tainted cosmodrome in the Far East. The Vostochny cosmodrome was originally supposed to be running manned launches from last year but the grand project has been consistently behind schedule. At a meeting with the head of the country's space agency Dmitry Rogozin and others, Putin asked for details on how close the spaceport is to completion. "I expect a more responsible attitude from you and a dynamic pace when organising work," Putin said in televised comments. The cosmodrome in the Amur region is one of Russia's most important space projects, designed to reduce its reliance on the Baikonur launch site it rents from Kazakhstan to ferry astronauts. Russia hopes the facility will restore its Soviet-era supremacy. While five unmanned launches have already taken place from the cosmodrome, "Vostochny's capacities can - and I want to stress, should - be used more seriously," Putin warned. Ahead of the visit, Putin said he was going because "there are a lot of questions there needing a solution and needing my intervention in this process." The budget for Vostochny's construction was estimated at $4.5 billion to $6 billion. Last year, Russia jailed four construction contractors for embezzling state funding worth some $23 million. Putin visited accompanied by deputy prime minister Yury Borisov who last week sharply criticised the project and suggested bringing in the army to finish the job. Often outspoken space agency chief Rogozin responded on Twitter: "That's always the way: some are building, others are criticising." The space port was set to open in December 2015, with the first manned launch in 2018. Putin publicly scolded officials when the first unmanned launch took place in 2016. The second unmanned launch in 2017 ended in losing contact with a string of satellites. The national space programme has suffered a series of setbacks in recent years including a manned launch failure - the first of its kind in the history of Russian space travel, although the astronauts ejected safely.

I expect more responsible attitude: Putin to Russian space officials

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Friday that talks between American and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cuts-banks-reserve-ratios-frees-up-126-billion-for-loans-as-economy-slows-248027">Chinese trade negotiators</a> could "heat up" during meetings in October, though he said he could not predict the outcome of the talks.

"The principals will meet in early October. The deputies will meet in a couple of weeks. So I can't predict an outcome, not here to do that. All I'm saying is the talks are continuing. You might say they're now going to heat up when the Chinese team comes here," Kudlow said in an interview with CNBC.

But Kudlow later told Bloomberg TV that the precise date for the October negotiations had not yet been set.

China's commerce ministry said earlier this week that high-level trade talks between the two countries would take place in early October in Washington.

October's talks would be the first in-person, high-level discussions since a failed US-China trade meeting in July spurred US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to move forward with fresh tariffs on virtually all Chinese imports that had been untouched by the trade war between the two countries.

Kudlow said there were no conditions for the October talks.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Friday that talks between American and Chinese trade negotiators could "heat up" during meetings in October, though he said he could not predict the outcome of the talks.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Friday that talks between American and Chinese trade negotiators could "heat up" during meetings in October, though he said he could not predict the outcome of the talks. "The principals will meet in early October. The deputies will meet in a couple of weeks. So I can't predict an outcome, not here to do that. All I'm saying is the talks are continuing. You might say they're now going to heat up when the Chinese team comes here," Kudlow said in an interview with CNBC. But Kudlow later told Bloomberg TV that the precise date for the October negotiations had not yet been set. China's commerce ministry said earlier this week that high-level trade talks between the two countries would take place in early October in Washington. October's talks would be the first in-person, high-level discussions since a failed US-China trade meeting in July spurred US President Donald Trump to move forward with fresh tariffs on virtually all Chinese imports that had been untouched by the trade war between the two countries. Kudlow said there were no conditions for the October talks.

China, US talks likely to 'heat up' in October meeting: Kudlow

Americans are piling power generators, bottled water, and other critical supplies into well-meaning mountains of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-dorian-skirts-us-carolinas-coast-with-high-winds-and-rain-248039">Bahamas hurricane</a> relief, but disaster response leaders say gathering goods complicates emergency aid and is not the best way to help.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez by Thursday afternoon had collected roughly 70 pallets of sanitizers, blankets, clothes and other necessities to ship to victims of Hurricane Dorian, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dorian-weakens-to-category-1-hurricane-tropical-storm-conditions-spreading-247954">monster Category 5 storm</a> that ravaged the Bahamas, killing at least 30 people, a figure official said was sure to rise.

Storm surge swamped Bahamian airports, leaving them underwater and unapproachable, so Suarez worked with Norwegian Cruise Line to transport the donations. Its ship "Breakaway" was set to depart Florida for the Bahamas at 8 p.m. (0000 GMT) on Thursday.

But sometimes the best intentions are not the best response, say, emergency responders.

"Decades of experience in disaster relief and recovery have shown that the best way to help people affected by disaster is to make cash donations to reputable relief and charitable organizations," Tom Babington, spokesman for United States Agency for International Development, said in an email.

"Cash donations also allow relief supplies to be purchased in markets close to the disaster site, which stimulates the local economy by providing employment and generating cash flow," he added.

The United Nations has estimated more than 76,000 people need humanitarian relief after the most damaging storm ever to hit the island nation.

Materials like canned food, tents and batteries typically require transportation costs, shipping delays, or customs fees, and force relief organizations to spend time managing goods rather than providing aid said Babington and American Red Cross spokeswoman Stephanie Rendon.

"In reality, donations like supplies could take a long time to process, clean, and sort, diverting time and attention away from people who need it most," Rendon said.

Shawn Marshall, an official with the Bahamas Consulate General Miami, said the diplomatic mission had set up drop-off points for goods to help the beleaguered islands. Boats ferrying supplies can dock at ports on hard-hit Abaco Island and Grand Bahamas, he said.

On the central Florida coast, Paul Berube gathered donated baby items, dog food, and other supplies at his boat dealership. He was working to have relief goods flown or shipped duty-free and without transport fees after a resort owner on Grand Bahama provided permits.

"I've had three different pilots call me and say, 'Hey, I see you're involved, I've got a plane, I'd like to transport'," Berube said.

Americans are piling power generators, bottled water, and other critical supplies into well-meaning mountains of Bahamas hurricane relief, but disaster response leaders say gathering goods complicates emergency aid and is not the best way to help.

Americans are piling power generators, bottled water, and other critical supplies into well-meaning mountains of Bahamas hurricane relief, but disaster response leaders say gathering goods complicates emergency aid and is not the best way to help. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez by Thursday afternoon had collected roughly 70 pallets of sanitizers, blankets, clothes and other necessities to ship to victims of Hurricane Dorian, the monster Category 5 storm that ravaged the Bahamas, killing at least 30 people, a figure official said was sure to rise. Storm surge swamped Bahamian airports, leaving them underwater and unapproachable, so Suarez worked with Norwegian Cruise Line to transport the donations. Its ship "Breakaway" was set to depart Florida for the Bahamas at 8 p.m. (0000 GMT) on Thursday. But sometimes the best intentions are not the best response, say, emergency responders. "Decades of experience in disaster relief and recovery have shown that the best way to help people affected by disaster is to make cash donations to reputable relief and charitable organizations," Tom Babington, spokesman for United States Agency for International Development, said in an email. "Cash donations also allow relief supplies to be purchased in markets close to the disaster site, which stimulates the local economy by providing employment and generating cash flow," he added. The United Nations has estimated more than 76,000 people need humanitarian relief after the most damaging storm ever to hit the island nation. Materials like canned food, tents and batteries typically require transportation costs, shipping delays, or customs fees, and force relief organizations to spend time managing goods rather than providing aid said Babington and American Red Cross spokeswoman Stephanie Rendon. "In reality, donations like supplies could take a long time to process, clean, and sort, diverting time and attention away from people who need it most," Rendon said. Shawn Marshall, an official with the Bahamas Consulate General Miami, said the diplomatic mission had set up drop-off points for goods to help the beleaguered islands. Boats ferrying supplies can dock at ports on hard-hit Abaco Island and Grand Bahamas, he said. On the central Florida coast, Paul Berube gathered donated baby items, dog food, and other supplies at his boat dealership. He was working to have relief goods flown or shipped duty-free and without transport fees after a resort owner on Grand Bahama provided permits. "I've had three different pilots call me and say, 'Hey, I see you're involved, I've got a plane, I'd like to transport'," Berube said.

Mosquito spray, diapers, flashlights cannot beat cash for Dorian relief

Britain should delay <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-a-hypothesis-im-willing-to-contemplate-johnson-on-resignation-over-brexit-248022">Brexit beyond October 31</a> rather than leave the European Union without a deal, which would be particularly harmful to large carmakers, the head of the sector's industry body told Reuters on Friday.

As Britain spins towards an election, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-opposition-parties-discuss-pm-johnsons-brexit-election-gamble-247990">Brexit remains up in the air </a>more than three years after Britons voted to leave the world's biggest trading bloc in a 2016 referendum leading to the country's biggest political crisis in decades.

The autos sector, the country's biggest exporter of goods, has been one of the most vocal opponents of a no-deal Brexit, warning that production would be hit with tariffs, border delays and new bureaucracy, ruining the viability of many plants.

"Leaving without a deal would be the worst outcome," the Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers of Traders (SMMT) Mike Hawes told Reuters. "If it takes an extra couple of months to get that deal, I think the industry would put up with that," he said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been urging companies to ramp up their efforts to prepare for a no-deal Brexit but not everyone can repeat plans in place for the original March exit date.

Ministers have said they could help sectors hit by a disorderly exit and Brexiteers have long argued that Europe's biggest economy, Germany, which exports hundreds of thousands of cars to Britain each year, would protect that trade.

Whilst some preparations, such as new IT systems, can be carried over, others, including building additional component stocks have to be redone, and some plans, such as temporarily shutting plants to cope with no-deal, cannot be repeated by all.

BMW, which moved its annual summertime shutdown at its Mini and Rolls-Royce factories to April to mitigate the effects of a disorderly exit, has said it cannot do the same again this time.

"Some may have a degree of flexibility, others won't," said Hawes.

A series of new models, the key to firms already hit by a collapse in diesel demand, the dented Chinese market and electrification, are due to roll off British production lines over the next few months.

Nissan, which operates Britain's largest car factory, will be producing the new Juke from October, BMW's electric Mini is due in the autumn and Aston Martin's first sport-utility vehicle will be built at a new plant in Wales.

The uncertainty over Brexit leaves the future of Peugeot's British car plant, which builds the Vauxhall/Opel Astra, in question as the firm has committed to keeping the site open "conditional on the final terms of the UK's exit from the European Union."

Meanwhile, Britain's biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, whose parent company posted record losses earlier this year, has said its Brexit planning costs were more than 100 million pounds ($123 million) between April and June.

All the main car companies in Britain are foreign-owned but the case for investing in the country as a gateway into Europe is at risk, Ian Henry, Professor in Automotive Business Strategy at Birmingham City University's Centre for Brexit Studies told Reuters.

"When you're talking about adding billions of pounds to the cost structure of an industry which either makes very low margins or no money at all, that can only undermine the viability of producing vehicles in this country," he said.

Britain should delay Brexit beyond October 31 rather than leave the European Union without a deal, which would be particularly harmful to large carmakers, the head of the sector's industry body told Reuters on Friday.

Britain should delay Brexit beyond October 31 rather than leave the European Union without a deal, which would be particularly harmful to large carmakers, the head of the sector's industry body told Reuters on Friday. As Britain spins towards an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the world's biggest trading bloc in a 2016 referendum leading to the country's biggest political crisis in decades. The autos sector, the country's biggest exporter of goods, has been one of the most vocal opponents of a no-deal Brexit, warning that production would be hit with tariffs, border delays and new bureaucracy, ruining the viability of many plants. "Leaving without a deal would be the worst outcome," the Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers of Traders (SMMT) Mike Hawes told Reuters. "If it takes an extra couple of months to get that deal, I think the industry would put up with that," he said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been urging companies to ramp up their efforts to prepare for a no-deal Brexit but not everyone can repeat plans in place for the original March exit date. Ministers have said they could help sectors hit by a disorderly exit and Brexiteers have long argued that Europe's biggest economy, Germany, which exports hundreds of thousands of cars to Britain each year, would protect that trade. Whilst some preparations, such as new IT systems, can be carried over, others, including building additional component stocks have to be redone, and some plans, such as temporarily shutting plants to cope with no-deal, cannot be repeated by all. BMW, which moved its annual summertime shutdown at its Mini and Rolls-Royce factories to April to mitigate the effects of a disorderly exit, has said it cannot do the same again this time. "Some may have a degree of flexibility, others won't," said Hawes. A series of new models, the key to firms already hit by a collapse in diesel demand, the dented Chinese market and electrification, are due to roll off British production lines over the next few months. Nissan, which operates Britain's largest car factory, will be producing the new Juke from October, BMW's electric Mini is due in the autumn and Aston Martin's first sport-utility vehicle will be built at a new plant in Wales. The uncertainty over Brexit leaves the future of Peugeot's British car plant, which builds the Vauxhall/Opel Astra, in question as the firm has committed to keeping the site open "conditional on the final terms of the UK's exit from the European Union." Meanwhile, Britain's biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, whose parent company posted record losses earlier this year, has said its Brexit planning costs were more than 100 million pounds ($123 million) between April and June. All the main car companies in Britain are foreign-owned but the case for investing in the country as a gateway into Europe is at risk, Ian Henry, Professor in Automotive Business Strategy at Birmingham City University's Centre for Brexit Studies told Reuters. "When you're talking about adding billions of pounds to the cost structure of an industry which either makes very low margins or no money at all, that can only undermine the viability of producing vehicles in this country," he said.

Leaving without a deal would be the worst outcome: UK carmakers on no-deal Brexit

Hurricane Dorian, downgraded to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dorian-weakens-to-category-1-hurricane-tropical-storm-conditions-spreading-247954">Category 1 but still packing </a>90 mph (150 kph) winds, crawled north on Friday, skirting the Carolinas and flooding coastal towns a couple of days after it reduced parts of the Bahamas to rubble.

The eyewall of the weakening Hurricane Dorian was scraping the edge of Cape Lookout, N.C., just 30 miles (50 km) west-southwest of the state's Outer Banks islands at 7 a.m. EDT on Friday.

The hurricane does not officially make landfall until at least half of its eye crosses land, the National Hurricane Center said. It could still make landfall later Friday morning, forecasters said.

It lashed the Outer Banks with hurricane-force winds as far as 45 miles from the centre of the hurricane and sent tropical storm winds farther than 200 miles from its centre, National Hurricane Center in Miami said in an advisory.

It has already dumped up to 10 inches (25 cm) of rain along the coast between Charleston, S.C., to Wilmington, N.C., about 170 miles away, forecasters said.

"The rain is moving up north," said NWS forecaster Alex Lamers early on Friday. "Even the Raleigh-Durham area inland will get 3 inches today."

Dorian is expected to push out to sea later on Friday and bring tropical storm winds to Nantucket Island and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts early on Saturday.

But it will likely spare much of the rest of the east coast of the worst of its rain and wind, before likely making landfall in Nova Scotia that night, the NHC said.

"It's in the process of moving out, going north," Lamers said.

The howling west flank of Dorian has soaked the Carolinas since early Thursday, flooding coastal towns, whipping up more than a dozen tornadoes and cutting power to hundreds of thousands of people.

Floodwaters rose to a foot (30 cm) or more in parts of the historic South Carolina city of Charleston, where more than 7 inches (18 cm) of rain fell in some areas, officials said. Another half-inch or more was expected overnight Friday.

More than 330,000 homes and businesses were without power in North Carolina and South Carolina on Friday morning. Power had mostly been restored to thousands of people in Georgia, tracking site poweroutage.us showed.

But as Dorian is expected to pick up speed from its 14 mph (22 kph) crawl on Friday, life-threatening storm surges and dangerous winds remain a threat for much of the area and Virginia, the NHC said.

Governors in the region declared states of emergency, shut schools, opened shelters, readied national guard troops and urged residents to heed warnings, as media circulated fresh images of the storm's devastation in the Bahamas.

At least 70,000 Bahamians needed immediate humanitarian relief after Dorian became the most damaging storm ever to hit the island nation. 
In the Carolinas alone, more than 900,000 people had been ordered to evacuate their homes. It was unclear how many did so.

In Kill Devil Hills in the Outer Banks, Mark Jennings decided to ignore the order, lining his garage door with sandbags and boarding up his home with plywood.

The retired firefighter planned to stay put with his wife and two dogs, saying: "We are ready to go. If something happens, we can still get out of here."

Dorian whipped up at least three tornadoes in the region, officials said. One in North Carolina damaged scores of trailers at a campground in Emerald Isle, but no one was injured, the News &amp; Observer said.

Of at least four storm-related deaths reported in the United States, three were in Orange County, Florida, during storm preparations or evacuation, the mayor's office said.

In North Carolina, an 85-year-old man fell off a ladder while barricading his home for Dorian, the governor said.

Hurricane Dorian, downgraded to a Category 1 but still packing 90 mph (150 kph) winds, crawled north on Friday, skirting the Carolinas and flooding coastal towns a couple of days after it reduced parts of the Bahamas to rubble.

Hurricane Dorian, downgraded to a Category 1 but still packing 90 mph (150 kph) winds, crawled north on Friday, skirting the Carolinas and flooding coastal towns a couple of days after it reduced parts of the Bahamas to rubble. The eyewall of the weakening Hurricane Dorian was scraping the edge of Cape Lookout, N.C., just 30 miles (50 km) west-southwest of the state's Outer Banks islands at 7 a.m. EDT on Friday. The hurricane does not officially make landfall until at least half of its eye crosses land, the National Hurricane Center said. It could still make landfall later Friday morning, forecasters said. It lashed the Outer Banks with hurricane-force winds as far as 45 miles from the centre of the hurricane and sent tropical storm winds farther than 200 miles from its centre, National Hurricane Center in Miami said in an advisory. It has already dumped up to 10 inches (25 cm) of rain along the coast between Charleston, S.C., to Wilmington, N.C., about 170 miles away, forecasters said. "The rain is moving up north," said NWS forecaster Alex Lamers early on Friday. "Even the Raleigh-Durham area inland will get 3 inches today." Dorian is expected to push out to sea later on Friday and bring tropical storm winds to Nantucket Island and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts early on Saturday. But it will likely spare much of the rest of the east coast of the worst of its rain and wind, before likely making landfall in Nova Scotia that night, the NHC said. "It's in the process of moving out, going north," Lamers said. The howling west flank of Dorian has soaked the Carolinas since early Thursday, flooding coastal towns, whipping up more than a dozen tornadoes and cutting power to hundreds of thousands of people. Floodwaters rose to a foot (30 cm) or more in parts of the historic South Carolina city of Charleston, where more than 7 inches (18 cm) of rain fell in some areas, officials said. Another half-inch or more was expected overnight Friday. More than 330,000 homes and businesses were without power in North Carolina and South Carolina on Friday morning. Power had mostly been restored to thousands of people in Georgia, tracking site poweroutage.us showed. But as Dorian is expected to pick up speed from its 14 mph (22 kph) crawl on Friday, life-threatening storm surges and dangerous winds remain a threat for much of the area and Virginia, the NHC said. Governors in the region declared states of emergency, shut schools, opened shelters, readied national guard troops and urged residents to heed warnings, as media circulated fresh images of the storm's devastation in the Bahamas. At least 70,000 Bahamians needed immediate humanitarian relief after Dorian became the most damaging storm ever to hit the island nation. In the Carolinas alone, more than 900,000 people had been ordered to evacuate their homes. It was unclear how many did so. In Kill Devil Hills in the Outer Banks, Mark Jennings decided to ignore the order, lining his garage door with sandbags and boarding up his home with plywood. The retired firefighter planned to stay put with his wife and two dogs, saying: "We are ready to go. If something happens, we can still get out of here." Dorian whipped up at least three tornadoes in the region, officials said. One in North Carolina damaged scores of trailers at a campground in Emerald Isle, but no one was injured, the News & Observer said. Of at least four storm-related deaths reported in the United States, three were in Orange County, Florida, during storm preparations or evacuation, the mayor's office said. In North Carolina, an 85-year-old man fell off a ladder while barricading his home for Dorian, the governor said.

Hurricane Dorian skirts US Carolinas' coast with high winds and rain

China's central bank said on Friday it was cutting the amount of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-war-to-knock-05-points-off-global-growth-french-finance-minister-247859">cash that banks must</a> hold as reserves for the third time this year, releasing $126.35 billion&nbsp;in liquidity to shore up the flagging economy.

Analysts had expected China to announce more policy easing measures soon as the world's second-largest economy comes under growing pressure from escalating US&nbsp;tariffs and sluggish domestic demand.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) said it would cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by 50 basis points (bps) for all banks, with an additional 100 bps cut for qualified city commercial banks. The RRR for large banks will be lowered to 13.0 per cent.

The PBOC has now slashed the ratio seven times since early 2018. The size of the latest move was at the upper end of market expectations, and the number of funds released will be the largest so far in the current easing cycle.

The broad-based cut, which will release 800 billion yuan in liquidity, is effective September&nbsp;16. The additional targeted cut will release 100 billion yuan, in two phases effective October 15 and November 15.

"The move shows policymakers are increasingly worried but it’s far from enough to stabilise the economy," said Larry Hu, head of Greater China economics at Macquarie Group in Hong Kong.

"The key constraint is that everything is slowing down corporates are not willing to invest because of the trade war, a global slowdown, and weak infrastructure and property sector growth."

The latest move to spur bank lending followed a cabinet meeting on September 4 that pledged to implement both broad and targeted cuts in the RRR "in a timely manner".

The PBOC said it will maintain a prudent monetary policy and avoid a flood-like stimulus while increasing counter-cyclical adjustments and maintaining reasonable and abundant liquidity.

Analysts say China's economic growth has likely cooled further this quarter from a near 30-year low of 6.2 per cent in April-June. Morgan Stanley says it is now tracking the lower end of the government's full-year target range of around 6-6.5 per cent. 
&nbsp; 
With Washington imposing new tariffs from September 1 and threatening more measures from October 1 and December 15, some economists have recently cut their China growth estimates for next year to below 6 per cent, which would breach Beijing's longer-term development goal.

The central bank is also widely expected to cut one or more of its key policy interest rates in mid-September for the first time in four years as it works to reduce corporate funding costs.

"I think it's very likely they will cut the LPR (loan prime rate) by about 5-10 bps later this month. I also expect another RRR cut of 50 bps by the end of this year,” Macquarie's Hu said.

Despite a slew of support measures and policy easing since last year, China's economy is still struggling to get back on a firm footing.

July's data showed growth stumbled more sharply than expected as the intensifying trade war with the United States took a heavier toll, and August factory surveys pointed to continued weakness.

Prior to the latest RRR cut, the central bank had pumped out 3.63 trillion yuan in net liquidity through reserve cuts since early 2018, according to Reuters calculations based on PBOC data and analyst estimates.

The PBOC's hefty injections have helped bring down companies' borrowing costs, which had jumped early last year as regulators clamped down on riskier types of financing and debt.

But analysts have cautioned that some companies may be merely refinancing existing debt at better rates, rather than borrowing to fund fresh investments.

Analysts say the problem is not a lack of credit the PBOC has injected generous amounts of liquidity but weakening business and consumer confidence as the trade war drag on. That has weighed on activity from manufacturing and investment to retail sales.

In the latest escalation in the protracted trade dispute, the United States began imposing 15 per cent&nbsp;tariffs on a variety of Chinese goods on September&nbsp;1&nbsp;including footwear, smartwatches, and flat-panel televisions and China began imposing new duties on US crude.

The next high-level trade talks are slated for early October, but a lasting peace seems more elusive than ever.

The government has repeatedly said it will not resort to "flood-like" stimulus as it did in past economic downturns, which left a mountain of debt and sparked fears of property market bubbles.

Instead, Beijing has relied more on fiscal stimuli such as increased infrastructure spending and tax cuts, though the boost has been milder than expected so far.

The cabinet said on Wednesday China will allow local governments to issue special-purpose bonds earlier than normal next year to help steady growth, and specified for the first time that about 20 per cent&nbsp;of all special purpose bonds issued by every province could be used as project capital.

Many local governments are facing increasing fiscal strains as tax cuts and the broader economic slowdown reduce revenues, hampering their ability to implement infrastructure projects.

The OECD has estimated that China's fiscal stimulus was equivalent to 4.25 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, up from 2.94 per cent last year.

China's central bank said on Friday it was cutting the amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves for the third time this year, releasing $126.35 billion in liquidity to shore up the flagging economy.

China's central bank said on Friday it was cutting the amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves for the third time this year, releasing $126.35 billion in liquidity to shore up the flagging economy. Analysts had expected China to announce more policy easing measures soon as the world's second-largest economy comes under growing pressure from escalating US tariffs and sluggish domestic demand. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) said it would cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by 50 basis points (bps) for all banks, with an additional 100 bps cut for qualified city commercial banks. The RRR for large banks will be lowered to 13.0 per cent. The PBOC has now slashed the ratio seven times since early 2018. The size of the latest move was at the upper end of market expectations, and the number of funds released will be the largest so far in the current easing cycle. The broad-based cut, which will release 800 billion yuan in liquidity, is effective September 16. The additional targeted cut will release 100 billion yuan, in two phases effective October 15 and November 15. "The move shows policymakers are increasingly worried but it’s far from enough to stabilise the economy," said Larry Hu, head of Greater China economics at Macquarie Group in Hong Kong. "The key constraint is that everything is slowing down corporates are not willing to invest because of the trade war, a global slowdown, and weak infrastructure and property sector growth." The latest move to spur bank lending followed a cabinet meeting on September 4 that pledged to implement both broad and targeted cuts in the RRR "in a timely manner". The PBOC said it will maintain a prudent monetary policy and avoid a flood-like stimulus while increasing counter-cyclical adjustments and maintaining reasonable and abundant liquidity. Analysts say China's economic growth has likely cooled further this quarter from a near 30-year low of 6.2 per cent in April-June. Morgan Stanley says it is now tracking the lower end of the government's full-year target range of around 6-6.5 per cent. With Washington imposing new tariffs from September 1 and threatening more measures from October 1 and December 15, some economists have recently cut their China growth estimates for next year to below 6 per cent, which would breach Beijing's longer-term development goal. The central bank is also widely expected to cut one or more of its key policy interest rates in mid-September for the first time in four years as it works to reduce corporate funding costs. "I think it's very likely they will cut the LPR (loan prime rate) by about 5-10 bps later this month. I also expect another RRR cut of 50 bps by the end of this year,” Macquarie's Hu said. Despite a slew of support measures and policy easing since last year, China's economy is still struggling to get back on a firm footing. July's data showed growth stumbled more sharply than expected as the intensifying trade war with the United States took a heavier toll, and August factory surveys pointed to continued weakness. Prior to the latest RRR cut, the central bank had pumped out 3.63 trillion yuan in net liquidity through reserve cuts since early 2018, according to Reuters calculations based on PBOC data and analyst estimates. The PBOC's hefty injections have helped bring down companies' borrowing costs, which had jumped early last year as regulators clamped down on riskier types of financing and debt. But analysts have cautioned that some companies may be merely refinancing existing debt at better rates, rather than borrowing to fund fresh investments. Analysts say the problem is not a lack of credit the PBOC has injected generous amounts of liquidity but weakening business and consumer confidence as the trade war drag on. That has weighed on activity from manufacturing and investment to retail sales. In the latest escalation in the protracted trade dispute, the United States began imposing 15 per cent tariffs on a variety of Chinese goods on September 1 including footwear, smartwatches, and flat-panel televisions and China began imposing new duties on US crude. The next high-level trade talks are slated for early October, but a lasting peace seems more elusive than ever. The government has repeatedly said it will not resort to "flood-like" stimulus as it did in past economic downturns, which left a mountain of debt and sparked fears of property market bubbles. Instead, Beijing has relied more on fiscal stimuli such as increased infrastructure spending and tax cuts, though the boost has been milder than expected so far. The cabinet said on Wednesday China will allow local governments to issue special-purpose bonds earlier than normal next year to help steady growth, and specified for the first time that about 20 per cent of all special purpose bonds issued by every province could be used as project capital. Many local governments are facing increasing fiscal strains as tax cuts and the broader economic slowdown reduce revenues, hampering their ability to implement infrastructure projects. The OECD has estimated that China's fiscal stimulus was equivalent to 4.25 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, up from 2.94 per cent last year.

China cuts banks' reserve ratios, frees up $126 billion for loans as economy slows

Zimbabwe's former colonial ruler Britain said Zimbabweans had "suffered for too long" under former president Robert Mugabe, who died Friday. "We express our condolences to those who mourn Robert Mugabe's death.

Zimbabwe's former colonial ruler Britain said Zimbabweans had "suffered for too long" under former president Robert Mugabe, who died Friday. "We express our condolences to those who mourn Robert Mugabe's death. However, Zimbabweans suffered for too long as a result of Mugabe's autocratic role," the foreign ministry said in a statement. It noted "mixed emotions" in Zimbabwe at the death of Mugabe, adding, "We hope that in this new era, Zimbabwe can continue to be set on a more democratic and prosperous path." Mugabe won the 1980 elections at the end of a black nationalist guerrilla war against white-minority rule in the rebel colony of Rhodesia. Peter Hain, a leading anti-apartheid campaigner, told AFP he was "elated" at the time. "It was a huge moment in history when he became president in a landslide and all of us cheered him on at the time." But he said Mugabe then "betrayed all of those values of justice and human rights and democracy under the freedom struggle and became a corrupt dictator". In 2000, Mugabe's supporters violently took over white-owned farms a watershed moment in relations between the West and their protege. Zimbabwe was suspended in 2002 from the Commonwealth, a grouping of former British colonies, and pulled out voluntarily in 2003. Last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa applied to rejoin the Commonwealth after ousting Mugabe.

Zimbabweans 'suffered for too long' under Mugabe: UK

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