China's public security minister, Zhao Kezhi, visiting Guangdong province near Hong Kong, said China will<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-violence-becoming-more-serious-but-government-in-control-carrie-lam-245949"> crackdown on violent terrorist activities</a> and firmly safeguard its political security.

Zhao, in a statement issued by his ministry, was quoted as saying China would rigorously fend off and crackdown on all subversive and terrorism activities to ensure the security and stability of the country.

Hong Kong has seen weeks of at times violent protests, the city's biggest crisis since its handover from colonial ruler Britain to China in 1997.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam speaking in public for the first time since demonstrations escalated on Sunday, said she would not give up on building a platform for dialogue, although the time was not right to set up an independent inquiry into the crisis, one of the cornerstone demands of protesters.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-tensions-intensify-245866/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"We should prepare for reconciliation in society by communicating with different people ... We want to put an end to the chaotic situation in Hong Kong," Lam said, adding she did not believe her government had lost control.

More demonstrations are planned over coming days and weeks, posing a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1.

Beijing warned again on Tuesday against foreign governments interfering in the Hong Kong protests, after the G7 summit of leaders of seven industrialised nations called for violence to be avoided.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed" to the G7 "making thoughtless remarks and gesticulating" about Hong Kong matters.

China's public security minister, Zhao Kezhi, visiting Guangdong province near Hong Kong, said China will crackdown on violent terrorist activities and firmly safeguard its political security.

China's public security minister, Zhao Kezhi, visiting Guangdong province near Hong Kong, said China will crackdown on violent terrorist activities and firmly safeguard its political security. Zhao, in a statement issued by his ministry, was quoted as saying China would rigorously fend off and crackdown on all subversive and terrorism activities to ensure the security and stability of the country. Hong Kong has seen weeks of at times violent protests, the city's biggest crisis since its handover from colonial ruler Britain to China in 1997. Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam speaking in public for the first time since demonstrations escalated on Sunday, said she would not give up on building a platform for dialogue, although the time was not right to set up an independent inquiry into the crisis, one of the cornerstone demands of protesters. "We should prepare for reconciliation in society by communicating with different people ... We want to put an end to the chaotic situation in Hong Kong," Lam said, adding she did not believe her government had lost control. More demonstrations are planned over coming days and weeks, posing a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1. Beijing warned again on Tuesday against foreign governments interfering in the Hong Kong protests, after the G7 summit of leaders of seven industrialised nations called for violence to be avoided. Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed" to the G7 "making thoughtless remarks and gesticulating" about Hong Kong matters.

Will rigorously fend off & crackdown on terrorist activities: China minister

India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale while briefing the media on PM Modi's engagement at the G7 summit said that Prime Minister Johnson and the Indian prime minister discussed climate change.

"The meeting with UK PM Johnson and&nbsp;PM Modi went well," Vijay Gokhale informed reporters.

PM Modi had held bilateral talks with Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the G7 Summit on Sunday.

It was the first engagement between the two leaders ever since Boris Johnson took charge as the British PM.&nbsp;

On Monday, PM Modi met President Trump as the two leaders exchanged views on trade and energy.

PM Modi had a forty-minute long meeting with President Trump, India's foreign secretary added.

As the two leaders met, Trump said he had spoken to PM Modi on Kashmir while stating that "PM Modi felt he had it under control".

Gokhale also said that the PM Modi met UN chief on the sidelines of the G7 summit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale while briefing the media on PM Modi's engagement at the G7 summit said that Prime Minister Johnson and the Indian prime minister discussed climate change.

India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale while briefing the media on PM Modi's engagement at the G7 summit said that Prime Minister Johnson and the Indian prime minister discussed climate change. "The meeting with UK PM Johnson and PM Modi went well," Vijay Gokhale informed reporters. PM Modi had held bilateral talks with Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the G7 Summit on Sunday. It was the first engagement between the two leaders ever since Boris Johnson took charge as the British PM. On Monday, PM Modi met President Trump as the two leaders exchanged views on trade and energy. PM Modi had a forty-minute long meeting with President Trump, India's foreign secretary added. As the two leaders met, Trump said he had spoken to PM Modi on Kashmir while stating that "PM Modi felt he had it under control". Gokhale also said that the PM Modi met UN chief on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

Johnson, Modi spoke on climate change at G7: Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale

PM Modi met US President Trump today at the sidelines of the G-7 summit after their dinner meeting on Sunday night.

"We spoke about common values," PM Modi said with President Trump by his side while adding that they were in touch on trade issues.

"We spoke last night about Kashmir, Prime Minister really feels he has it under control, the US President said, adding, "they speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good."&nbsp;

"All issues between India and&nbsp;Pakistan are bilateral in nature, that is why we don't bother any other country regarding them," PM Modi told President Trump during the meeting.

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Happening Now | PM Modi meets US President Trump on the sidelines of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G7Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G7Summit</a>. Trade talks high on agenda.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiAtG7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiAtG7</a> 
 
Catch live visuals from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Biarritz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Biarritz</a>, France: <a href="https://t.co/iSR65rv97J">https://t.co/iSR65rv97J</a> <a href="https://t.co/baqDGJk92j">pic.twitter.com/baqDGJk92j</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1165936713316720640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We are talking about trade, we're talking about military and many different things. We had some great discussions, we were together last night for dinner and I learned a lot about India," Trump said.

After briefing reporters, PM Modi and President Trump began their bilateral meeting. This is PM Modi's first bilateral meeting of the day.

Last week both Trump and PM Modi had spoken to each other during which the Indian prime minister had raised the rhetoric from Islamabad over the Indian Parliament's decision to abrogate article 370 of the constitution which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: US President Donald Trump during bilateral meet with PM Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G7Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G7Summit</a> says,"We spoke last night about Kashmir, Prime Minister really feels he has it under control. They speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good." <a href="https://t.co/FhydcW4uK1">pic.twitter.com/FhydcW4uK1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1165939861607669760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It is after a gap of more than ten&nbsp;years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles Summit.&nbsp;

India is not a member country of the G-7, and the invitation to participate in the summit was extended by France.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

PM Modi met US President Trump today at the sidelines of the G-7 summit after their dinner meeting on Sunday night. "We spoke about common values," PM Modi said with President Trump by his side while adding that they were in touch on trade issues.

PM Modi met US President Trump today at the sidelines of the G-7 summit after their dinner meeting on Sunday night. "We spoke about common values," PM Modi said with President Trump by his side while adding that they were in touch on trade issues. "We spoke last night about Kashmir, Prime Minister really feels he has it under control, the US President said, adding, "they speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good." "All issues between India and Pakistan are bilateral in nature, that is why we don't bother any other country regarding them," PM Modi told President Trump during the meeting. Happening Now | PM Modi meets US President Trump on the sidelines of #G7Summit. Trade talks high on agenda.#ModiAtG7 Catch live visuals from #Biarritz, France: https://t.co/iSR65rv97J pic.twitter.com/baqDGJk92j — WION (@WIONews) August 26, 2019 × "We are talking about trade, we're talking about military and many different things. We had some great discussions, we were together last night for dinner and I learned a lot about India," Trump said. After briefing reporters, PM Modi and President Trump began their bilateral meeting. This is PM Modi's first bilateral meeting of the day. Last week both Trump and PM Modi had spoken to each other during which the Indian prime minister had raised the rhetoric from Islamabad over the Indian Parliament's decision to abrogate article 370 of the constitution which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. #WATCH: US President Donald Trump during bilateral meet with PM Modi at #G7Summit says,"We spoke last night about Kashmir, Prime Minister really feels he has it under control. They speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good." pic.twitter.com/FhydcW4uK1 — ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2019 × It is after a gap of more than ten years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles Summit. India is not a member country of the G-7, and the invitation to participate in the summit was extended by France.

All issues between India, Pak bilateral in nature, says PM Modi while meeting Trump at G7 meeting

Iran has sold the oil from a tanker released by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-request-from-iran-tanker-to-dock-in-greece-minister-244412">Gibraltar after weeks</a> in the custody of British Royal Marines and the vessel's owner will decide on its next destination, IRIB news agency quoted an Iranian government spokesman as saying on Monday.

Separately, Tehran - embroiled in a spiraling confrontation with Washington over US sanctions meant to strangle Iranian oil exports - announced that it had deployed a naval destroyer with cruise missiles to help secure Iranian ships.

The Iranian government spokesman did not identify the recipient of the oil carried by the Adrian Darya tanker. After Gibraltar freed the vessel on August 18, the United States said it would take every action it could to prevent it delivering oil to Syria in contravention of US sanctions.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has sold the oil of this ship and now the owner and purchaser of this oil will decide the destination of the cargo," government spokesman Ali Rabiei said.

Refinitiv Eikon shipping data showed on Monday that the tanker was no longer recorded as bound for Turkey, its indicated destination at the weekend. No new destination was given.

The tanker's location is currently south of mainland Greece, west of the island of Crete, the data showed.

The vessel, laden with two million barrels of oil, had previously been heading to the port of Kalamata in southern Greece after its release by Gibraltar. But Greece said it would not offer any facilities to the vessel.

The ship, whose name was changed from Grace 1 during its detention off Gibraltar, was released after a five-week standoff over whether it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions.

Soon after the detention order was lifted, a US federal court ordered the seizure of the vessel on different grounds, but that petition was rejected by Gibraltar.

Iran said any US move to seize the vessel again would have "heavy consequences". The US government said it wanted the tanker detained anew on the grounds that it had links to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which Washington has designated a terrorist organization.

US President Donald Trump's administration has sought to bar all Iranian oil sales since withdrawing from world powers' 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, saying the pact was flawed and must be renegotiated to impose stricter limits on Tehran.

Tensions have since escalated in the Gulf region, with explosions that damaged six tankers in May and June, Iran's shooting-down of a US surveillance drone and its seizure of a tanker flying the flag of US ally Britain last month.

Iran's state-run Press TV said the newly deployed destroyer was equipped with long-range cruise missile systems and had been dispatched to the Gulf of Aden to provide security for Iranian ships travelling through the region.

Press TV said the ship, which it described as Iran's most advanced destroyer, would be accompanied by a logistical vessel and a helicopter carrier.

Iran has sold the oil from a tanker released by Gibraltar after weeks in the custody of British Royal Marines and the vessel's owner will decide on its next destination, IRIB news agency quoted an Iranian government spokesman as saying on Monday.

Iran has sold the oil from a tanker released by Gibraltar after weeks in the custody of British Royal Marines and the vessel's owner will decide on its next destination, IRIB news agency quoted an Iranian government spokesman as saying on Monday. Separately, Tehran - embroiled in a spiraling confrontation with Washington over US sanctions meant to strangle Iranian oil exports - announced that it had deployed a naval destroyer with cruise missiles to help secure Iranian ships. The Iranian government spokesman did not identify the recipient of the oil carried by the Adrian Darya tanker. After Gibraltar freed the vessel on August 18, the United States said it would take every action it could to prevent it delivering oil to Syria in contravention of US sanctions. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has sold the oil of this ship and now the owner and purchaser of this oil will decide the destination of the cargo," government spokesman Ali Rabiei said. Refinitiv Eikon shipping data showed on Monday that the tanker was no longer recorded as bound for Turkey, its indicated destination at the weekend. No new destination was given. The tanker's location is currently south of mainland Greece, west of the island of Crete, the data showed. The vessel, laden with two million barrels of oil, had previously been heading to the port of Kalamata in southern Greece after its release by Gibraltar. But Greece said it would not offer any facilities to the vessel. The ship, whose name was changed from Grace 1 during its detention off Gibraltar, was released after a five-week standoff over whether it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. Soon after the detention order was lifted, a US federal court ordered the seizure of the vessel on different grounds, but that petition was rejected by Gibraltar. Iran said any US move to seize the vessel again would have "heavy consequences". The US government said it wanted the tanker detained anew on the grounds that it had links to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which Washington has designated a terrorist organization. US President Donald Trump's administration has sought to bar all Iranian oil sales since withdrawing from world powers' 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, saying the pact was flawed and must be renegotiated to impose stricter limits on Tehran. Tensions have since escalated in the Gulf region, with explosions that damaged six tankers in May and June, Iran's shooting-down of a US surveillance drone and its seizure of a tanker flying the flag of US ally Britain last month. Iran's state-run Press TV said the newly deployed destroyer was equipped with long-range cruise missile systems and had been dispatched to the Gulf of Aden to provide security for Iranian ships travelling through the region. Press TV said the ship, which it described as Iran's most advanced destroyer, would be accompanied by a logistical vessel and a helicopter carrier.

Sold oil from tanker released by Gibraltar: Iran

The Democratic Republic of Congo announced a coalition government Monday, seven months after the inauguration of new President Felix Tshisekedi. "The government is finally here.

The Democratic Republic of Congo announced a coalition government Monday, seven months after the inauguration of new President Felix Tshisekedi. "The government is finally here. The president has signed the decree and we will begin work soon," Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga told reporters before the members of the new government were announced by the president's spokesman. The power-sharing agreement will see the majority of the 66 members drawn from former president Joseph Kabila's Common Front for Congo. Tshisekedi's coalition Direction For Change was expected to account for most of the remainder of the posts. Kabila presided over sub-Saharan Africa's biggest country for nearly two decades and still commands widespread support. Forming the coalition had taken time as both sides had to "remove everything that could be an obstacle to the functioning of the government", said Ilunga. The executive will have a female vice prime minister, minister for foreign affairs and minister for planning, Ilunga said. There are a total of five vice prime ministers. "Eighty-three per cent of men and 17 per cent of women" make up the government," Ilunga said. "This percentage is still feeble but it is balanced by the importance of the portfolios attributed to women." Around three-quarters of members were serving in government for the first time, he added, hailing this as an "important innovation". Tshisekedi emerged victorious in elections that marked the Democratic Republic of Congo's first peaceful transition of power since the mineral-rich nation gained independence from Belgium in 1960. The unstable country's politics remain overshadowed by Kabila, who amassed extensive clout after 18 years in power.

Democratic Republic of Congo unveils new government after seven-month delay

Interpol on Thursday issued a red notice for a fugitive Colombian lawmaker and former FARC rebel commander who the United States wants extradited for alleged conspiracy to export 10 tonnes of cocaine.

Seuxis Paucias Hernandez - known best by his guerrilla name&nbsp;Jesus Santrich - was indicted in 2017 by a U.S. grand jury, setting off a legal saga that has seen him twice arrested and released.

Hernandez has denied the US&nbsp;allegations.

Colombian President Ivan Duque has said Hernandez may have fled to neighbouring Venezuela. Duque accuses Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of sheltering leftist rebels and crime gangs, while Maduro has said former commanders are welcome in his country.

"I've said it for a long time - this citizen has behaved like a mafioso and his attitude of going to seek refuge in a country that promotes and defends terrorism - the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro - confirms that," Duque told journalists in coastal Cartagena.

"I hope this red notice serves to capture this criminal."

Red notices ask authorities worldwide to provisionally detain people pending possible extradition or other legal actions.

Hernandez was one of 10 former FARC commanders who took up positions in congress after the group, now a legal political party, demobilized under a 2016 peace deal.

Another former commander-turned-lawmaker, Luciano Marin - alias Ivan Marquez - also went missing last year after his nephew was arrested and taken to the United States to cooperate with drug-trafficking investigators.

Interpol on Thursday issued a red notice for a fugitive Colombian lawmaker and former FARC rebel commander who the United States wants extradited for alleged conspiracy to export 10 tonnes of cocaine.

Interpol on Thursday issued a red notice for a fugitive Colombian lawmaker and former FARC rebel commander who the United States wants extradited for alleged conspiracy to export 10 tonnes of cocaine. Seuxis Paucias Hernandez - known best by his guerrilla name Jesus Santrich - was indicted in 2017 by a U.S. grand jury, setting off a legal saga that has seen him twice arrested and released. Hernandez has denied the US allegations. Colombian President Ivan Duque has said Hernandez may have fled to neighbouring Venezuela. Duque accuses Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of sheltering leftist rebels and crime gangs, while Maduro has said former commanders are welcome in his country. "I've said it for a long time - this citizen has behaved like a mafioso and his attitude of going to seek refuge in a country that promotes and defends terrorism - the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro - confirms that," Duque told journalists in coastal Cartagena. "I hope this red notice serves to capture this criminal." Red notices ask authorities worldwide to provisionally detain people pending possible extradition or other legal actions. Hernandez was one of 10 former FARC commanders who took up positions in congress after the group, now a legal political party, demobilized under a 2016 peace deal. Another former commander-turned-lawmaker, Luciano Marin - alias Ivan Marquez - also went missing last year after his nephew was arrested and taken to the United States to cooperate with drug-trafficking investigators.

Interpol issues red notice for former Colombian guerrilla leader Jesus Santrich

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-airways-suspends-flights-to-cairo-for-seven-days-237378">British Airways pilots </a>on Friday said they will strike for three days in September in a dispute over pay, in a move that could affect tens of thousands of travellers.

The strikes on September 9, 10 and 27 were announced by the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), which said there had been a 93-per cent vote in favour of industrial action.

"It is completely unacceptable that Balpa is destroying the travel plans of tens of thousands of our customers with this unjustifiable strike action," said the airline.

"We are extremely sorry that after many months of negotiations, based on a very fair offer, Balpa has decided on this reckless course of action," it said.

British Airways said it would change schedules to try and ensure as many people as possible can take their flights but warned that "many" customers will not be able to travel.

"We will be offering refunds and re-bookings for passengers booked on cancelled flights," it said.

Balpa said the strikes were "a last resort" but added that pilots had made "sacrifice after sacrifice" in recent years.

Balpa estimated each day of strike action would cost the company around $49 million. 
&nbsp;

British Airways pilots on Friday said they will strike for three days in September in a dispute over pay, in a move that could affect tens of thousands of travellers.

British Airways pilots on Friday said they will strike for three days in September in a dispute over pay, in a move that could affect tens of thousands of travellers. The strikes on September 9, 10 and 27 were announced by the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), which said there had been a 93-per cent vote in favour of industrial action. "It is completely unacceptable that Balpa is destroying the travel plans of tens of thousands of our customers with this unjustifiable strike action," said the airline. "We are extremely sorry that after many months of negotiations, based on a very fair offer, Balpa has decided on this reckless course of action," it said. British Airways said it would change schedules to try and ensure as many people as possible can take their flights but warned that "many" customers will not be able to travel. "We will be offering refunds and re-bookings for passengers booked on cancelled flights," it said. Balpa said the strikes were "a last resort" but added that pilots had made "sacrifice after sacrifice" in recent years. Balpa estimated each day of strike action would cost the company around $49 million.

British Airway pilots to strike for three days in September

French prosecutors said Friday they had opened an inquiry into the suspected rape and sexual abuse of minors linked to the scandal surrounding disgraced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-wrote-will-two-days-before-death-puts-578-million-in-assets-into-trust-with-unnamed-beneficiaries-report-244262">US multimillionaire&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein</a>.

The move came after growing calls for French investigators to look into allegations of abuse at Epstein's sumptuous apartment near the Champs-Elysees in Paris.&nbsp;

"The investigations... will focus on potential crimes against French victims committed on national territory as well as abroad, and on perpetrators who are French citizens," Paris Prosecutor Remy Heitz said in a statement.

The potential charges could include the rape and sexual assault of minors aged 15 and over, the prosecutors said.

It will also investigate claims Epstein and others participated for years in a vast child sex trafficking ring.

The move came after US investigators turned up links in France in their probe into the disgraced financier, who was found hanged at his New York jail cell on August 10 while awaiting trial on new sex trafficking charges.

He had been arrested five weeks earlier after flying back to the United States after a trip to Paris.&nbsp;

Earlier this week Innocence in Danger, a French charity working to protect children against sexual violence, said it had collected 10 witness statements involving alleged sexual crimes involving minors that took place in France.&nbsp;

The testimonies were from both victims and those who had witnessed alleged abuse, "probably at the hands of French people," the NGO's head Homayra Sellier told AFP.&nbsp;

Some but not all of the victims were French.&nbsp;

Investigators are likely to be asking questions about a formerly powerful French modelling tycoon in his 70s named Jean-Luc Brunel, a close friend of Epstein.

Four years ago, Brunel was named in a civil lawsuit in which he was accused of rape and procuring young girls for the US financier.&nbsp;

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who filed the suit, accused Epstein of using her as a "sex slave" and said she had been forced to have sex with well-known politicians and businessmen, including Brunel.&nbsp;

She also alleged that Brunel would bring girls as young as 12 to the United States and pass them on to his friends, including Epstein.

Shortly afterwards, Brunel issued a rare statement that itself broke years of silence in which he vehemently denied involvement, "directly or indirectly", in Epstein's crimes.

Like various other former allies of the late billionaire, Brunel has not been heard of since Epstein was charged in early July.

Earlier this month, Innocence in Danger urged French investigators to "shed light on" what went on behind the walls of Epstein's Paris apartment, where Brunel was a regular visitor.&nbsp;

Two French government ministers have also demanded action, saying the US inquiry had exposed links with France that needed investigating.&nbsp;

"The verifications and cross-checking undertaken on the basis of elements submitted to prosecutors and exchanges with the American authorities in the context of the Epstein affair have prompted the Paris prosecutor's office to open a preliminary inquiry," Friday's statement said.&nbsp;

Epstein, who at one time counted Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Britain's Prince Andrew among his friends, has been linked to a string of sordid abuses involving underage girls at his Palm Beach home and on his private Caribbean island.&nbsp;

He has been accused of recruiting young girls to administer massages which frequently led to abuse and even rape.&nbsp;

His address book, which was made public in 2015 through the Gawker website, included dozens of names listed under "massages", some 30 of which were in France.

Long before the Epstein scandal broke, Brunel was accused of rape by several models in a CBS television documentary released in 1988.&nbsp;

And last week, the French investigative website Mediapart released testimony from a former Dutch model, Thysia Huisman, alleging she was "drugged and raped" by Brunel in the early 1990s. At the time she was 18.

French prosecutors said Friday they had opened an inquiry into the suspected rape and sexual abuse of minors linked to the scandal surrounding disgraced US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

French prosecutors said Friday they had opened an inquiry into the suspected rape and sexual abuse of minors linked to the scandal surrounding disgraced US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein. The move came after growing calls for French investigators to look into allegations of abuse at Epstein's sumptuous apartment near the Champs-Elysees in Paris. "The investigations... will focus on potential crimes against French victims committed on national territory as well as abroad, and on perpetrators who are French citizens," Paris Prosecutor Remy Heitz said in a statement. The potential charges could include the rape and sexual assault of minors aged 15 and over, the prosecutors said. It will also investigate claims Epstein and others participated for years in a vast child sex trafficking ring. The move came after US investigators turned up links in France in their probe into the disgraced financier, who was found hanged at his New York jail cell on August 10 while awaiting trial on new sex trafficking charges. He had been arrested five weeks earlier after flying back to the United States after a trip to Paris. Earlier this week Innocence in Danger, a French charity working to protect children against sexual violence, said it had collected 10 witness statements involving alleged sexual crimes involving minors that took place in France. The testimonies were from both victims and those who had witnessed alleged abuse, "probably at the hands of French people," the NGO's head Homayra Sellier told AFP. Some but not all of the victims were French. Investigators are likely to be asking questions about a formerly powerful French modelling tycoon in his 70s named Jean-Luc Brunel, a close friend of Epstein. Four years ago, Brunel was named in a civil lawsuit in which he was accused of rape and procuring young girls for the US financier. Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who filed the suit, accused Epstein of using her as a "sex slave" and said she had been forced to have sex with well-known politicians and businessmen, including Brunel. She also alleged that Brunel would bring girls as young as 12 to the United States and pass them on to his friends, including Epstein. Shortly afterwards, Brunel issued a rare statement that itself broke years of silence in which he vehemently denied involvement, "directly or indirectly", in Epstein's crimes. Like various other former allies of the late billionaire, Brunel has not been heard of since Epstein was charged in early July. Earlier this month, Innocence in Danger urged French investigators to "shed light on" what went on behind the walls of Epstein's Paris apartment, where Brunel was a regular visitor. Two French government ministers have also demanded action, saying the US inquiry had exposed links with France that needed investigating. "The verifications and cross-checking undertaken on the basis of elements submitted to prosecutors and exchanges with the American authorities in the context of the Epstein affair have prompted the Paris prosecutor's office to open a preliminary inquiry," Friday's statement said. Epstein, who at one time counted Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Britain's Prince Andrew among his friends, has been linked to a string of sordid abuses involving underage girls at his Palm Beach home and on his private Caribbean island. He has been accused of recruiting young girls to administer massages which frequently led to abuse and even rape. His address book, which was made public in 2015 through the Gawker website, included dozens of names listed under "massages", some 30 of which were in France. Long before the Epstein scandal broke, Brunel was accused of rape by several models in a CBS television documentary released in 1988. And last week, the French investigative website Mediapart released testimony from a former Dutch model, Thysia Huisman, alleging she was "drugged and raped" by Brunel in the early 1990s. At the time she was 18.

France opens Epstein-linked rape, abuse probe

David Koch, a billionaire American libertarian and influential donor to conservative causes, has died at age 79 after a long battle with cancer, his brother Charles said Friday.

Koch retired last year as executive vice president of Koch Industries, the conglomerate he co-owned with his older brother and built into the second-largest family-owned company in the United States.

"We wish for all to celebrate the life and impact of this most generous and kind man," Charles Koch said in a statement.&nbsp;

"He believed he had a responsibility to a world that had given him so many opportunities to succeed."

Both brothers were a force behind the scenes in Republican politics, donating heavily to candidates and causes that reflected their conservative economic positions.&nbsp;

But David was socially liberal -- a supporter of abortion rights and same-sex marriage as well as a non-interventionist foreign policy.

Both brothers were recognised in 2015 for bipartisan work on prison reform in the United States.

Among those offering condolences was Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who, like the Koch brothers, is from Kansas.

David Koch ran as the Libertarian Party's vice presidential candidate in 1980, but later broke with it and swung to the Republicans.

He joined his brother Charles in financing a network of conservative organizations, in particular, Americans for Prosperity, centered on demands for low taxes and deregulation with the aim of influencing US elections.

Those organizations helped fuel the rise of the Tea Party movement in 2010, mounting a frontal Republican challenge to former Democratic president Barack Obama.

The Kochs' power was such that in the next presidential elections, Republican candidates vied for their endorsement, attending exclusive conferences the brothers organized.

Donald Trump, whose conservative credentials the brothers viewed with suspicion and who in turn often mocked them, was the exception.

Of the two, Charles has been most involved in the political networks while David had been more active in philanthropic endeavours, mainly in New York.

He was remembered as an important financial contributor to cultural organizations and medical research.

He was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer 27 years ago but through "a combination of brilliant doctors, state-of-the-art medications and his own stubbornness kept&nbsp;cancer at bay," Charles said.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, Koch studied chemical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before joining Koch Industries.

Forbes estimated his wealth at the end of his life at $42.4 billion, making him one of the world's richest people.

David Koch, a billionaire American libertarian and influential donor to conservative causes, has died at age 79 after a long battle with cancer, his brother Charles said Friday.

David Koch, a billionaire American libertarian and influential donor to conservative causes, has died at age 79 after a long battle with cancer, his brother Charles said Friday. Koch retired last year as executive vice president of Koch Industries, the conglomerate he co-owned with his older brother and built into the second-largest family-owned company in the United States. "We wish for all to celebrate the life and impact of this most generous and kind man," Charles Koch said in a statement. "He believed he had a responsibility to a world that had given him so many opportunities to succeed." Both brothers were a force behind the scenes in Republican politics, donating heavily to candidates and causes that reflected their conservative economic positions. But David was socially liberal -- a supporter of abortion rights and same-sex marriage as well as a non-interventionist foreign policy. Both brothers were recognised in 2015 for bipartisan work on prison reform in the United States. Among those offering condolences was Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who, like the Koch brothers, is from Kansas. David Koch ran as the Libertarian Party's vice presidential candidate in 1980, but later broke with it and swung to the Republicans. He joined his brother Charles in financing a network of conservative organizations, in particular, Americans for Prosperity, centered on demands for low taxes and deregulation with the aim of influencing US elections. Those organizations helped fuel the rise of the Tea Party movement in 2010, mounting a frontal Republican challenge to former Democratic president Barack Obama. The Kochs' power was such that in the next presidential elections, Republican candidates vied for their endorsement, attending exclusive conferences the brothers organized. Donald Trump, whose conservative credentials the brothers viewed with suspicion and who in turn often mocked them, was the exception. Of the two, Charles has been most involved in the political networks while David had been more active in philanthropic endeavours, mainly in New York. He was remembered as an important financial contributor to cultural organizations and medical research. He was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer 27 years ago but through "a combination of brilliant doctors, state-of-the-art medications and his own stubbornness kept cancer at bay," Charles said. Born in Wichita, Kansas, Koch studied chemical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before joining Koch Industries. Forbes estimated his wealth at the end of his life at $42.4 billion, making him one of the world's richest people.

Billionaire industrialist David Koch dies at age 79

Just hours after China hit US imports with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-impose-new-tariffs-on-75-billion-us-imports-china-245127">$75 billion worth of tariffs</a>, President Trump lashed out ordering "US companies to start looking for an alternative to China.

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....all deliveries of Fentanyl from China (or anywhere else!). Fentanyl kills 100,000 Americans a year. President Xi said this would stop - it didn’t. Our Economy, because of our gains in the last 2 1/2 years, is MUCH larger than that of China. We will keep it that way!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1164914963766546435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Our great American companies are hereby ordered to immediately start looking for an alternative to China, including bringing your companies home and making your products in the USA," the US president said.

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....your companies HOME and making your products in the USA. I will be responding to China’s Tariffs this afternoon. This is a GREAT opportunity for the United States. Also, I am ordering all carriers, including Fed Ex, Amazon, UPS and the Post Office, to SEARCH FOR &amp; REFUSE,....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1164914962529247232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I will be responding to China’s tariffs this afternoon. This is a great opportunity for the United States," Trump added.

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....better off without them. The vast amounts of money made and stolen by China from the United States, year after year, for decades, will and must STOP. Our great American companies are hereby ordered to immediately start looking for an alternative to China, including bringing..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1164914960046133249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, China said it would impose punitive tariffs which will range from 5 per cent to 10 per cent on 5,078 items from the US.

Beijing also announced it will impose a 25 per cent tariff on US autos and a 5 per cent tariff on auto parts starting December 15.

While hitting out at China, Trump said: "I am ordering all carriers, including Fed Ex, Amazon, UPS and the Post Office, to search for and refuse all deliveries of Fentanyl from China (or anywhere else!). Fentanyl kills 100,000 Americans a year."

"President Xi said this would stop - it didn’t. Our economy, because of our gains in the last 2 1/2 years, is much larger than that of China. We will keep it that way!"

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Our Country has lost, stupidly, Trillions of Dollars with China over many years. They have stolen our Intellectual Property at a rate of Hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year, &amp; they want to continue. I won’t let that happen! We don’t need China and, frankly, would be far....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1164914959131848705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Our country has lost, stupidly, trillions of dollars with China over many years. They have stolen our intellectual property at a rate of hundreds of billions of dollars a year and they want to continue. I won't let that happen! We don’t need China," the US president said in a heated Twitter blast.

The renewed trade tensions let the US stocks to open lower on Friday. About 15 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was at 26,149.07, down 0.4 per cent. The broad-based S&amp;P 500 also slid 0.5 per cent to 2,909.84, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index fell 0.6 per cent to 7,944.74.

 
&nbsp;

Just hours after China hit US imports with $75 billion worth of tariffs, President Trump lashed out ordering "US companies to start looking for an alternative to China.

Just hours after China hit US imports with $75 billion worth of tariffs, President Trump lashed out ordering "US companies to start looking for an alternative to China. ....all deliveries of Fentanyl from China (or anywhere else!). Fentanyl kills 100,000 Americans a year. President Xi said this would stop - it didn’t. Our Economy, because of our gains in the last 2 1/2 years, is MUCH larger than that of China. We will keep it that way! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2019 × "Our great American companies are hereby ordered to immediately start looking for an alternative to China, including bringing your companies home and making your products in the USA," the US president said. ....your companies HOME and making your products in the USA. I will be responding to China’s Tariffs this afternoon. This is a GREAT opportunity for the United States. Also, I am ordering all carriers, including Fed Ex, Amazon, UPS and the Post Office, to SEARCH FOR & REFUSE,.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2019 × "I will be responding to China’s tariffs this afternoon. This is a great opportunity for the United States," Trump added. ....better off without them. The vast amounts of money made and stolen by China from the United States, year after year, for decades, will and must STOP. Our great American companies are hereby ordered to immediately start looking for an alternative to China, including bringing.. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2019 × On Friday, China said it would impose punitive tariffs which will range from 5 per cent to 10 per cent on 5,078 items from the US. Beijing also announced it will impose a 25 per cent tariff on US autos and a 5 per cent tariff on auto parts starting December 15. While hitting out at China, Trump said: "I am ordering all carriers, including Fed Ex, Amazon, UPS and the Post Office, to search for and refuse all deliveries of Fentanyl from China (or anywhere else!). Fentanyl kills 100,000 Americans a year." "President Xi said this would stop - it didn’t. Our economy, because of our gains in the last 2 1/2 years, is much larger than that of China. We will keep it that way!" Our Country has lost, stupidly, Trillions of Dollars with China over many years. They have stolen our Intellectual Property at a rate of Hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year, & they want to continue. I won’t let that happen! We don’t need China and, frankly, would be far.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2019 × "Our country has lost, stupidly, trillions of dollars with China over many years. They have stolen our intellectual property at a rate of hundreds of billions of dollars a year and they want to continue. I won't let that happen! We don’t need China," the US president said in a heated Twitter blast. The renewed trade tensions let the US stocks to open lower on Friday. About 15 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was at 26,149.07, down 0.4 per cent. The broad-based S&P 500 also slid 0.5 per cent to 2,909.84, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index fell 0.6 per cent to 7,944.74.

I order US companies to immediately look for an alternative to China: Trump

Ireland may vote to block a trade deal between the EU and South American nations if Brazil fails to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-calls-for-protection-of-amazon-rainforest-says-cant-afford-more-damage-to-source-of-oxygen-245080"> curb record fires </a>ravaging the Amazon, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Friday.

"I am very concerned that this year has seen record levels of destruction of Amazonian forests by fire," he said in a statement.

"There is no way that Ireland will vote for the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement if Brazil does not honour its environmental commitments."&nbsp;

Varadkar added Ireland "will monitor closely Brazil's environmental actions" over the next two years ahead of European Union ratification of the Mercosur deal.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amazon-rainforests-are-on-fire-destroying-the-lungs-of-the-earth-244927/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Once in force, it will cover markets of 780 million consumers representing a quarter of global gross domestic product.

He also criticised the "Orwellian" stance of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of laying the blame for the fires on environmental campaign groups and NGOs.

Bolsonaro has also claimed activist groups are whipping up an "environmental psychosis" in a bid to harm Brazil's economic interests.

Official figures have recorded nearly 73,000 forest fires in Brazil over the first eight months of the year -- the highest number for any year since 2013.&nbsp;

The majority of the fires were in the Amazon.

Environmental experts say the fires have accompanied a rapid rate of deforestation in the Amazon region.

According to data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), the process of deforestation quadrupled this July in comparison to the same month in 2018.

Varadkar's warning came as other world leaders voiced concerns over the fires.

French President Emmanuel Macron labelled it "an international crisis" and called on the G7 to address the matter at their weekend summit, while UN chief Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply concerned".

"Our house is on fire. Literally. The Amazon, the lung of our planet which produces 20 per cent of our oxygen is burning," Macron said on Twitter.&nbsp;

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Our house is burning. Literally. The Amazon rain forest - the lungs which produces 20% of our planet’s oxygen - is on fire. It is an international crisis. Members of the G7 Summit, let's discuss this emergency first order in two days! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ActForTheAmazon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ActForTheAmazon</a> <a href="https://t.co/dogOJj9big">pic.twitter.com/dogOJj9big</a>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1164617008962527232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In Ireland, Varadkar is already facing pressure over the Mercosur deal from the agriculture industry, particularly beef farmers.

They fear their sector -&nbsp;already experiencing turbulence due to Brexit -&nbsp;will be undercut by opening EU markets to 99,000 tonnes of South American beef imports each year under the terms of the pact. 
&nbsp;

Ireland may vote to block a trade deal between the EU and South American nations if Brazil fails to curb record fires ravaging the Amazon, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Friday.

Ireland may vote to block a trade deal between the EU and South American nations if Brazil fails to curb record fires ravaging the Amazon, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Friday. "I am very concerned that this year has seen record levels of destruction of Amazonian forests by fire," he said in a statement. "There is no way that Ireland will vote for the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement if Brazil does not honour its environmental commitments." Varadkar added Ireland "will monitor closely Brazil's environmental actions" over the next two years ahead of European Union ratification of the Mercosur deal. Once in force, it will cover markets of 780 million consumers representing a quarter of global gross domestic product. He also criticised the "Orwellian" stance of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of laying the blame for the fires on environmental campaign groups and NGOs. Bolsonaro has also claimed activist groups are whipping up an "environmental psychosis" in a bid to harm Brazil's economic interests. Official figures have recorded nearly 73,000 forest fires in Brazil over the first eight months of the year -- the highest number for any year since 2013. The majority of the fires were in the Amazon. Environmental experts say the fires have accompanied a rapid rate of deforestation in the Amazon region. According to data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), the process of deforestation quadrupled this July in comparison to the same month in 2018. Varadkar's warning came as other world leaders voiced concerns over the fires. French President Emmanuel Macron labelled it "an international crisis" and called on the G7 to address the matter at their weekend summit, while UN chief Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply concerned". "Our house is on fire. Literally. The Amazon, the lung of our planet which produces 20 per cent of our oxygen is burning," Macron said on Twitter. Our house is burning. Literally. The Amazon rain forest - the lungs which produces 20% of our planet’s oxygen - is on fire. It is an international crisis. Members of the G7 Summit, let's discuss this emergency first order in two days! #ActForTheAmazon pic.twitter.com/dogOJj9big — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 22, 2019 × In Ireland, Varadkar is already facing pressure over the Mercosur deal from the agriculture industry, particularly beef farmers. They fear their sector - already experiencing turbulence due to Brexit - will be undercut by opening EU markets to 99,000 tonnes of South American beef imports each year under the terms of the pact.

Now, Ireland may block EU-Mercosur deal over Amazon fire

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday he is considering deploying the army to help combat fires in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-ireland-may-block-eu-mercosur-deal-over-amazon-fire-245087">Amazon rainforest</a>, amid growing international pressure over the wildfires.

The fires raging in parts of the world's largest rainforest have sparked protests around the world, ignited a war of words between Bolsonaro and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and threatened a blockbuster trade deal with the European Union.

The latest official figures show 76,720 forest fires were recorded in Brazil so far this year - the highest number for any year since 2013. More than half are in the Amazon.

"The tendency is that," Bolsonaro told reporters in Brazil's capital Brasilia when asked if he was considering sending the army to fight the fires.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/amazons-mura-tribe-vows-to-protect-sacred-land-245065/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

A decision would be made Friday morning, he added.

Bolsonaro's remarks come as demonstrations are held around the world over the fires in the Amazon forest, a region considered the "lungs of the planet" and seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check.&nbsp;

Protests are planned in Brazil's major cities later on Friday.&nbsp;

In an escalating public row over the blazes, Macron on Friday accused Bolsonaro of lying to him on Brazil's stance on climate change.&nbsp;

France would now block a trade deal between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur, which includes Brazil, a French presidential official said.&nbsp;

Macron had tweeted Thursday that fires burning in the Amazon amount to an international crisis and should be discussed as a top priority when the G7 countries meet this weekend in France.

Bolsonaro then blasted Macron for having a "colonialist mentality."

Ireland also threatened to block the trade deal if Brazil failed to curb the fires, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Friday.

"The extent of the fires in the Amazon area is shocking and threatening and not only for Brazil and the other affected countries, but also for the whole world," German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said Friday.

Environmental specialists say the fires have accompanied a rapid rate of deforestation in the Amazon region, which in July quadrupled compared to the same month in 2018, according to data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research.

Bolsonaro instead attributes the fires to increased drought, and accuses environmental groups and NGOs of whipping up an "environmental psychosis" to harm Brazil's economic interests.

Neighboring Peru, which contains much of the Amazon basin, announced it was "on alert" for wildfires spreading from neighboring Brazil and Bolivia.

Paraguay and Bolivia are battling separate wildfires that have devastated large areas of their rainforests.

amj/ch

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday he is considering deploying the army to help combat fires in the Amazon rainforest, amid growing international pressure over the wildfires.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday he is considering deploying the army to help combat fires in the Amazon rainforest, amid growing international pressure over the wildfires. The fires raging in parts of the world's largest rainforest have sparked protests around the world, ignited a war of words between Bolsonaro and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and threatened a blockbuster trade deal with the European Union. The latest official figures show 76,720 forest fires were recorded in Brazil so far this year - the highest number for any year since 2013. More than half are in the Amazon. "The tendency is that," Bolsonaro told reporters in Brazil's capital Brasilia when asked if he was considering sending the army to fight the fires. A decision would be made Friday morning, he added. Bolsonaro's remarks come as demonstrations are held around the world over the fires in the Amazon forest, a region considered the "lungs of the planet" and seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check. Protests are planned in Brazil's major cities later on Friday. In an escalating public row over the blazes, Macron on Friday accused Bolsonaro of lying to him on Brazil's stance on climate change. France would now block a trade deal between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur, which includes Brazil, a French presidential official said. Macron had tweeted Thursday that fires burning in the Amazon amount to an international crisis and should be discussed as a top priority when the G7 countries meet this weekend in France. Bolsonaro then blasted Macron for having a "colonialist mentality." Ireland also threatened to block the trade deal if Brazil failed to curb the fires, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Friday. "The extent of the fires in the Amazon area is shocking and threatening and not only for Brazil and the other affected countries, but also for the whole world," German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said Friday. Environmental specialists say the fires have accompanied a rapid rate of deforestation in the Amazon region, which in July quadrupled compared to the same month in 2018, according to data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research. Bolsonaro instead attributes the fires to increased drought, and accuses environmental groups and NGOs of whipping up an "environmental psychosis" to harm Brazil's economic interests. Neighboring Peru, which contains much of the Amazon basin, announced it was "on alert" for wildfires spreading from neighboring Brazil and Bolivia. Paraguay and Bolivia are battling separate wildfires that have devastated large areas of their rainforests. amj/ch

Brazil President Bolsonaro mulls deploying army to combat Amazon fires

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