Up to 150 people are feared to have died in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, while another 150 were rescued and are being returned to Libya, a spokesman for the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Thursday.

Libya is a hub for migrants, many of whom try to reach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-coastguards-rescue-11-migrants-headed-for-britain-in-channel-238221">Europe in unseaworthy boats</a>.

The latest shipwreck takes the death toll of Mediterranean migrants to over 600 this year, putting 2019 on track to be the sixth year in a row with more than 1,000 deaths, UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said.

UNHCR and other UN agencies have repeatedly called for survivors not to be returned to Libya, a conflict zone where rescued migrants and refugees are routinely jailed in inhumane conditions.

"We understand that around 300 people left Libya from Al Khoms and came into trouble off the coast of Libya. They were initially rescued, some of them by local fishermen, who were then joined by the Libyan coastguard," UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said.

"Together, they were able to save around 150 people, but from what we understand, another 150 people have tragically lost their lives at sea," he added. &nbsp;

The ship left Libya from Al Khoms, a town 120 km east of Tripoli. There were around 300 people traveling, according to the first available accounts from survivors, but it was unclear if one or two vessels were involved.

The survivors were picked up by local fishermen and then returned to the coast by Libyan coastguard, Yaxley said.

If confirmed, the number of dead would be the highest for a shipwreck in the Mediterranean this year.&nbsp;

"We need more rescue boats on the Mediterranean to prevent lives from being lost," the UNHCR spokesman asserted.

Up to 150 people are feared to have died in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, while another 150 were rescued and are being returned to Libya, a spokesman for the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Thursday.

Up to 150 people are feared to have died in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, while another 150 were rescued and are being returned to Libya, a spokesman for the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Thursday. Libya is a hub for migrants, many of whom try to reach Europe in unseaworthy boats. The latest shipwreck takes the death toll of Mediterranean migrants to over 600 this year, putting 2019 on track to be the sixth year in a row with more than 1,000 deaths, UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said. UNHCR and other UN agencies have repeatedly called for survivors not to be returned to Libya, a conflict zone where rescued migrants and refugees are routinely jailed in inhumane conditions. "We understand that around 300 people left Libya from Al Khoms and came into trouble off the coast of Libya. They were initially rescued, some of them by local fishermen, who were then joined by the Libyan coastguard," UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said. "Together, they were able to save around 150 people, but from what we understand, another 150 people have tragically lost their lives at sea," he added. The ship left Libya from Al Khoms, a town 120 km east of Tripoli. There were around 300 people traveling, according to the first available accounts from survivors, but it was unclear if one or two vessels were involved. The survivors were picked up by local fishermen and then returned to the coast by Libyan coastguard, Yaxley said. If confirmed, the number of dead would be the highest for a shipwreck in the Mediterranean this year. "We need more rescue boats on the Mediterranean to prevent lives from being lost," the UNHCR spokesman asserted.

At least 150 people feared dead in shipwreck off Libya: UNHCR

The president of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnsons-backstop-elimination-unacceptable-eu-chief-brexit-negotiator-michel-barnier-238484">European Commission</a> Jean-Claude Juncker told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday that EU officials have no mandate to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

The pair spoke on the telephone for the first time since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/committed-to-leaving-eu-on-october-31-whatever-the-circumstances-pm-boris-johnson-in-parliament-238407">Johnson took power</a> on a platform of taking Britain out of the EU on October 31 with or without a formal divorce accord.

"President Juncker listened to what Prime Minister Johnson had to say, reiterating the EU's position that the Withdrawal Agreement is the best and only agreement possible -&nbsp;in line with the European Council guidelines," Juncker's spokeswoman said after the call.

Juncker also repeated the EU's offer to consider inclusion of any new demands from the UK into a non-binding political declaration that was negotiated to accompany the divorce deal.

EU negotiators would "analyse any ideas put forward by the United Kingdom, providing they are compatible with the Withdrawal Agreement," the former prime minister from Luxembourg told Johnson.

Juncker's spokeswoman said "the two exchanged mobile phone numbers and agreed to remain in touch."&nbsp;

"President Juncker reiterated that the Commission remains available over the coming weeks should the United Kingdom wish to hold talks and clarify its position in more detail," she said. 
&nbsp;

The president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday that EU officials have no mandate to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

The president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday that EU officials have no mandate to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal agreement. The pair spoke on the telephone for the first time since Johnson took power on a platform of taking Britain out of the EU on October 31 with or without a formal divorce accord. "President Juncker listened to what Prime Minister Johnson had to say, reiterating the EU's position that the Withdrawal Agreement is the best and only agreement possible - in line with the European Council guidelines," Juncker's spokeswoman said after the call. Juncker also repeated the EU's offer to consider inclusion of any new demands from the UK into a non-binding political declaration that was negotiated to accompany the divorce deal. EU negotiators would "analyse any ideas put forward by the United Kingdom, providing they are compatible with the Withdrawal Agreement," the former prime minister from Luxembourg told Johnson. Juncker's spokeswoman said "the two exchanged mobile phone numbers and agreed to remain in touch." "President Juncker reiterated that the Commission remains available over the coming weeks should the United Kingdom wish to hold talks and clarify its position in more detail," she said.

Cannot renegotiate Brexit withdrawal agreement: European Commission president Juncker to PM Johnson

Shares of Tesla Inc sank 11 per cent on Thursday, on course to knock more than $5 billion off the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-drops-cheapest-model-x-s-variants-cuts-prices-to-simplify-lineup-236346"> electric carmaker's market value</a>, a day after it disappointed Wall Street by softening its language on turning a profit this year.

Only two Wall Street brokerage reduced their existing share price target for the firm but a batch of downbeat research notes from analysts focused on concern over shrinking margins for the Elon Musk-led firm, as it strives to find a path to sustainable profitability.

The outlook given with second quarter numbers after markets closed on Wednesday said the firm would still aim to be profitable in the third and fourth quarter but put the emphasis on volume growth, increasing production capacity and generating cash.

That contrasted with Musk's promises this time last year that the company would be profitable and cash flow positive "henceforth".

"For Tesla to be more than niche, one of the core challenges will be for Tesla to improve its gross margin profile," a Credit Suisse analyst wrote in a research note.

Wedbush Securities cut its price target on the stock from $230 to $220, citing the softer margin profile.

The stock was down 11.34 per cent at $234.84 in trading before the opening bell, still 3 per cent&nbsp;above analysts' median price target of $227.5.

Prices of its $1.8 billion junk bond, which debuted just shy of two years ago, also fell more than 2 full points in price in European trading, pushing its yield, which moves in the opposite direction, back above 8 per cent&nbsp;for the first time since July 1.

The spread of its yield over Treasuries, a key measure of the added risk investors assume for holding Tesla's speculative-grade rated debt over safer US&nbsp;government securities, widened by nearly 50 basis points.

In all, it was the bond's biggest loss since early last September when its chief accounting officer quit after just a month on the job and Musk was filmed smoking marijuana and wielding a sword on a webcast.

A number of analysts were also concerned by the resignation as chief technology officer of the pioneer of the company's electric batteries, J.B. Straubel, the last of the company's old guard left in its top echelons outside Musk himself.

"Straubel has been at the forefront of the company's technology leadership, which we believe will increasingly be called into question as competitors catch up," Cowen analysts said.

Shares of Tesla Inc sank 11 per cent on Thursday, on course to knock more than $5 billion off the electric carmaker's market value, a day after it disappointed Wall Street by softening its language on turning a profit this year.

Shares of Tesla Inc sank 11 per cent on Thursday, on course to knock more than $5 billion off the electric carmaker's market value, a day after it disappointed Wall Street by softening its language on turning a profit this year. Only two Wall Street brokerage reduced their existing share price target for the firm but a batch of downbeat research notes from analysts focused on concern over shrinking margins for the Elon Musk-led firm, as it strives to find a path to sustainable profitability. The outlook given with second quarter numbers after markets closed on Wednesday said the firm would still aim to be profitable in the third and fourth quarter but put the emphasis on volume growth, increasing production capacity and generating cash. That contrasted with Musk's promises this time last year that the company would be profitable and cash flow positive "henceforth". "For Tesla to be more than niche, one of the core challenges will be for Tesla to improve its gross margin profile," a Credit Suisse analyst wrote in a research note. Wedbush Securities cut its price target on the stock from $230 to $220, citing the softer margin profile. The stock was down 11.34 per cent at $234.84 in trading before the opening bell, still 3 per cent above analysts' median price target of $227.5. Prices of its $1.8 billion junk bond, which debuted just shy of two years ago, also fell more than 2 full points in price in European trading, pushing its yield, which moves in the opposite direction, back above 8 per cent for the first time since July 1. The spread of its yield over Treasuries, a key measure of the added risk investors assume for holding Tesla's speculative-grade rated debt over safer US government securities, widened by nearly 50 basis points. In all, it was the bond's biggest loss since early last September when its chief accounting officer quit after just a month on the job and Musk was filmed smoking marijuana and wielding a sword on a webcast. A number of analysts were also concerned by the resignation as chief technology officer of the pioneer of the company's electric batteries, J.B. Straubel, the last of the company's old guard left in its top echelons outside Musk himself. "Straubel has been at the forefront of the company's technology leadership, which we believe will increasingly be called into question as competitors catch up," Cowen analysts said.

Tesla shares slide over weak profits call

Four major automakers said on Thursday they have reached a voluntary agreement with the state of California on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/raw-materials-behind-half-of-global-emissions-united-nations-202865">fuel efficiency rules</a>, bypassing a Trump administration effort to strip the state of the right to fight climate change by setting its own standards.

California and other states had vowed to enforce stricter emissions standards put in place by the Obama administration after President Donald Trump proposed rolling back the federal rules. Automakers had worried that years of court battles between the state and federal governments could create uncertainty for manufacturers.

The California compromise proposal is more stringent than Trump's proposal but looser than the Obama-era rule. California, the most populous US&nbsp;state, accounts for about 12 per cent&nbsp;of US&nbsp;vehicle sales, and if the administration recognizes the deal it would allow automakers to operate under one set of national rules.

"Ensuring that America’s vehicles are efficient, safe and affordable is a priority for us all," Ford Motor Co, BMW AG, Volkswagen AG and Honda Motor Co said in a joint statement. They said the accord could help maintain a nationwide set of fuel efficiency requirements.

The automakers "didn't want to face the expense, distraction and the bad publicity that comes from being part of a big rollback on clean cars," Mary Nichols, who chairs the California Air Resources Board, told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday. She said the companies sought regulatory certainty and had agreed not to legally challenge California's vehicle regulatory authority.

Nichols said other automakers could also adopt the compromise if they choose. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said in a statement the deal demonstrates the Obama era rules needed revising but added it "looked forward to reviewing the details of this agreement."

The Trump administration in August 2018 proposed revoking California's right to impose state emissions standards or require more electric vehicles. The administration argued that federal law preempts states from setting their owns rules.

Under Trump, federal regulators backed freezing emissions requirements for new cars and trucks at 2020 levels through 2026. The proposal by the US.Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is not expected to go to the White House for final review for at least several more weeks, people briefed on the matter said.

Nichols said that if the administration moves forward with that plan, California "will continue to enforce our regulations and pursue legal challenges to the federal rule."

The White House did not immediately comment on the California deal with the automakers. NHTSA said in a statement it will keep working to finalize the regulation, and that its proposal "contained no language that would prevent any auto manufacturer from designing and building next-generation highly fuel-efficient vehicles."

The Obama-era rules adopted in 2012 called for a fleetwide fuel efficiency average of 46.7 miles per gallon by 2025, with average annual increases of about 5 percent, compared with 37 mpg by 2026 under the Trump administration’s preferred option.

California's compromise with the automakers would increase stringency of the requirements at a nationwide average annual rate of 3.7% starting in the 2022 model year through 2026, and 1% of that annual improvement could be covered by credits awarded for building electrified vehicles.

The deal extends credits for building electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel vehicles and also hikes the cap for winning credits for fuel efficiency improvements not captured by traditional testing. California agreed to remove a requirement to account for upstream emissions of fuels.

"A 50-state solution has always been our preferred path forward and we understand that any deal involves compromise," the automakers' statement said. They said the deal gives "regulatory certainty by allowing us to meet both federal and state requirements with a single national fleet, avoiding a patchwork of regulations while continuing to ensure meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions."

On June 6, 17 major automakers wrote a letter to Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom seeking to revive talks to avoid "an extended period of litigation and instability." The White House rejected that effort and automakers and California launched private talks.

Democrats in Congress hope the agreement could lead to a resolution. Senator Tom Carper urged all automakers "to seize this important opportunity" and added he hoped the "administration will abandon its efforts which are reckless, illegal and bound to send the automotive sector into years of litigation and economic disarray."

Automakers credited Trump with reopening the requirements after the Obama administration in its final weeks had sought to lock them in through 2025. In White House meetings, they have urged Trump officials to reach a deal.

Nichols said the compromise would allow the White House to declare "victory" because it "slowed down the pace" of required fuel economy improvements. She added California is getting "substantially the same results in terms of getting cleaner cars onto the road but it makes it happen a year later."

Newsom said in a statement that the deal will "make the air cleaner and safer for us all... I now call on the rest of the auto industry to join us, and for the Trump administration to abandon its regressive proposal and do what is right for our economy, our people, and our planet."

A dozen US&nbsp;states have adopted California's vehicle emissions rules covering more than a third of all US&nbsp;sales.

Four major automakers said on Thursday they have reached a voluntary agreement with the state of California on fuel efficiency rules, bypassing a Trump administration effort to strip the state of the right to fight climate change by setting its own standards.

Four major automakers said on Thursday they have reached a voluntary agreement with the state of California on fuel efficiency rules, bypassing a Trump administration effort to strip the state of the right to fight climate change by setting its own standards. California and other states had vowed to enforce stricter emissions standards put in place by the Obama administration after President Donald Trump proposed rolling back the federal rules. Automakers had worried that years of court battles between the state and federal governments could create uncertainty for manufacturers. The California compromise proposal is more stringent than Trump's proposal but looser than the Obama-era rule. California, the most populous US state, accounts for about 12 per cent of US vehicle sales, and if the administration recognizes the deal it would allow automakers to operate under one set of national rules. "Ensuring that America’s vehicles are efficient, safe and affordable is a priority for us all," Ford Motor Co, BMW AG, Volkswagen AG and Honda Motor Co said in a joint statement. They said the accord could help maintain a nationwide set of fuel efficiency requirements. The automakers "didn't want to face the expense, distraction and the bad publicity that comes from being part of a big rollback on clean cars," Mary Nichols, who chairs the California Air Resources Board, told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday. She said the companies sought regulatory certainty and had agreed not to legally challenge California's vehicle regulatory authority. Nichols said other automakers could also adopt the compromise if they choose. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said in a statement the deal demonstrates the Obama era rules needed revising but added it "looked forward to reviewing the details of this agreement." The Trump administration in August 2018 proposed revoking California's right to impose state emissions standards or require more electric vehicles. The administration argued that federal law preempts states from setting their owns rules. Under Trump, federal regulators backed freezing emissions requirements for new cars and trucks at 2020 levels through 2026. The proposal by the US.Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is not expected to go to the White House for final review for at least several more weeks, people briefed on the matter said. Nichols said that if the administration moves forward with that plan, California "will continue to enforce our regulations and pursue legal challenges to the federal rule." The White House did not immediately comment on the California deal with the automakers. NHTSA said in a statement it will keep working to finalize the regulation, and that its proposal "contained no language that would prevent any auto manufacturer from designing and building next-generation highly fuel-efficient vehicles." The Obama-era rules adopted in 2012 called for a fleetwide fuel efficiency average of 46.7 miles per gallon by 2025, with average annual increases of about 5 percent, compared with 37 mpg by 2026 under the Trump administration’s preferred option. California's compromise with the automakers would increase stringency of the requirements at a nationwide average annual rate of 3.7% starting in the 2022 model year through 2026, and 1% of that annual improvement could be covered by credits awarded for building electrified vehicles. The deal extends credits for building electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel vehicles and also hikes the cap for winning credits for fuel efficiency improvements not captured by traditional testing. California agreed to remove a requirement to account for upstream emissions of fuels. "A 50-state solution has always been our preferred path forward and we understand that any deal involves compromise," the automakers' statement said. They said the deal gives "regulatory certainty by allowing us to meet both federal and state requirements with a single national fleet, avoiding a patchwork of regulations while continuing to ensure meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions." On June 6, 17 major automakers wrote a letter to Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom seeking to revive talks to avoid "an extended period of litigation and instability." The White House rejected that effort and automakers and California launched private talks. Democrats in Congress hope the agreement could lead to a resolution. Senator Tom Carper urged all automakers "to seize this important opportunity" and added he hoped the "administration will abandon its efforts which are reckless, illegal and bound to send the automotive sector into years of litigation and economic disarray." Automakers credited Trump with reopening the requirements after the Obama administration in its final weeks had sought to lock them in through 2025. In White House meetings, they have urged Trump officials to reach a deal. Nichols said the compromise would allow the White House to declare "victory" because it "slowed down the pace" of required fuel economy improvements. She added California is getting "substantially the same results in terms of getting cleaner cars onto the road but it makes it happen a year later." Newsom said in a statement that the deal will "make the air cleaner and safer for us all... I now call on the rest of the auto industry to join us, and for the Trump administration to abandon its regressive proposal and do what is right for our economy, our people, and our planet." A dozen US states have adopted California's vehicle emissions rules covering more than a third of all US sales.

Bypassing Trump, four major automakers reach agreement on fuel efficiency with California

Britain's new Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/committed-to-leaving-eu-on-october-31-whatever-the-circumstances-pm-boris-johnson-in-parliament-238407">Boris Johnson urged the EU </a>on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels.&nbsp;

In a pugnacious parliamentary debut as leader, the former London mayor warned that the terms of the agreement struck by his predecessor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">Theresa May were "unacceptable"</a> and would "sign away our economic independence".

"I hope that the EU... will rethink their current refusal to make any changes to the withdrawal agreement," Johnson told MPs.

"If they do not, we will of course have to leave the EU without an agreement," he added, vowing to "turbo-charge" preparations ahead of the latest deadline of October 31.

The former foreign secretary also threatened to withhold the £39 billion ($49 billion) divorce bill that Britain has previously said it owes the European Union and spend it instead on preparing for a no-deal outcome.

Just hours later, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned that Johnson's demands were "unacceptable", in an email to member state ambassadors seen by AFP that described his speech as "rather combative".

"PM Johnson has stated that if an agreement is to be reached it goes by way of eliminating the backstop," Barnier wrote, referring to a contentious element of the current deal to keep the Irish border open under all scenarios.&nbsp;

"This is, of course, unacceptable and not within the mandate of the European Council."

With Britain's position appearing to harden, Johnson will talk by telephone with the president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker later on Thursday.

A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on Barnier's comments, adding: "It's day one."

Johnson addressed a raucous session of parliament, in which he was repeatedly shouted down by opposition MPs, a day after initiating a radical overhaul of the cabinet.

Purging more than half the ministers in May's team, he installed what some have described as the most right-wing British government in decades.

The 55-year-old has assembled a team of social conservatives and Brexit hardliners who argue that leaving the EU after 46 years without an agreement will be less painful than economists warn.

The markets were relieved by the appointment of former Deutsche Bank Sajid Javid as finance chief.

The pound held steady against the dollar and euro as traders waited for Johnson's first policy moves.

Other appointments were more divisive.

Brexit hardliner Dominic Raab became foreign secretary and Jacob Rees-Mogg -- leader of a right-wing faction of Conservatives who helped bring about May's demise -- as the government's parliament representative.

New interior minister Priti Patel has previously expressed support for the death penalty and voted against same-sex marriage.

Johnson argues that his threat of a chaotic end to Britain's EU involvement will force Brussels to relent and give London better terms that would let it pursue trade deals with powers such as China and the United States.

Brexit backers in Parliament had accused May of ignoring voters' wishes by promising to keep the UK tied to the bloc's economic rules if necessary to preserve a free-flowing border between EU member Ireland and Britain's Northern Ireland.

Johnson's solution for the frontier revolves around proposals that have been rejected as either unworkable or insufficient by both EU and Irish leaders.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar -- his heavily trade-dependent nation standing to lose most from a messy EU-UK split -- reiterated Thursday his call for compromise.

"I hope that the new UK prime minister hasn't chosen no deal," he said.

Johnson will have the backing of his governing Conservative party but not the nation in his first days in office.

He beat the now-former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt by a two-to-one margin in a vote held by fewer than 160,000 paying members of the Conservatives.

But a YouGov survey found his approval rating in Britain as a whole at just 31 per cent.&nbsp;Johnson is also immediately confronted by issues beyond Brexit.

Iran's seizure last Friday of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf thrusts him into the middle of the Islamic republic's escalating standoff with US President Donald Trump.

Johnson boasts a friendship with Trump that his doubters criticise but supporters say could boost Britain's chances of clinching a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the EU on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels.

Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the EU on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels. In a pugnacious parliamentary debut as leader, the former London mayor warned that the terms of the agreement struck by his predecessor Theresa May were "unacceptable" and would "sign away our economic independence". "I hope that the EU... will rethink their current refusal to make any changes to the withdrawal agreement," Johnson told MPs. "If they do not, we will of course have to leave the EU without an agreement," he added, vowing to "turbo-charge" preparations ahead of the latest deadline of October 31. The former foreign secretary also threatened to withhold the £39 billion ($49 billion) divorce bill that Britain has previously said it owes the European Union and spend it instead on preparing for a no-deal outcome. Just hours later, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned that Johnson's demands were "unacceptable", in an email to member state ambassadors seen by AFP that described his speech as "rather combative". "PM Johnson has stated that if an agreement is to be reached it goes by way of eliminating the backstop," Barnier wrote, referring to a contentious element of the current deal to keep the Irish border open under all scenarios. "This is, of course, unacceptable and not within the mandate of the European Council." With Britain's position appearing to harden, Johnson will talk by telephone with the president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker later on Thursday. A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on Barnier's comments, adding: "It's day one." Johnson addressed a raucous session of parliament, in which he was repeatedly shouted down by opposition MPs, a day after initiating a radical overhaul of the cabinet. Purging more than half the ministers in May's team, he installed what some have described as the most right-wing British government in decades. The 55-year-old has assembled a team of social conservatives and Brexit hardliners who argue that leaving the EU after 46 years without an agreement will be less painful than economists warn. The markets were relieved by the appointment of former Deutsche Bank Sajid Javid as finance chief. The pound held steady against the dollar and euro as traders waited for Johnson's first policy moves. Other appointments were more divisive. Brexit hardliner Dominic Raab became foreign secretary and Jacob Rees-Mogg -- leader of a right-wing faction of Conservatives who helped bring about May's demise -- as the government's parliament representative. New interior minister Priti Patel has previously expressed support for the death penalty and voted against same-sex marriage. Johnson argues that his threat of a chaotic end to Britain's EU involvement will force Brussels to relent and give London better terms that would let it pursue trade deals with powers such as China and the United States. Brexit backers in Parliament had accused May of ignoring voters' wishes by promising to keep the UK tied to the bloc's economic rules if necessary to preserve a free-flowing border between EU member Ireland and Britain's Northern Ireland. Johnson's solution for the frontier revolves around proposals that have been rejected as either unworkable or insufficient by both EU and Irish leaders. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar -- his heavily trade-dependent nation standing to lose most from a messy EU-UK split -- reiterated Thursday his call for compromise. "I hope that the new UK prime minister hasn't chosen no deal," he said. Johnson will have the backing of his governing Conservative party but not the nation in his first days in office. He beat the now-former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt by a two-to-one margin in a vote held by fewer than 160,000 paying members of the Conservatives. But a YouGov survey found his approval rating in Britain as a whole at just 31 per cent. Johnson is also immediately confronted by issues beyond Brexit. Iran's seizure last Friday of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf thrusts him into the middle of the Islamic republic's escalating standoff with US President Donald Trump. Johnson boasts a friendship with Trump that his doubters criticise but supporters say could boost Britain's chances of clinching a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

PM Johnson's backstop elimination unacceptable: EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier

Ukraine on Thursday seized a Russian tanker for its alleged involvement in the capture of three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-walks-out-of-europe-rights-body-as-russia-returns-230295">Ukrainian navy vessels by Russia</a>, prompting Moscow to warn of consequences if any Russian citizens were "taken hostage".

The crew members were later freed by Ukraine and were on their way home, but the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-objects-to-ukraine-sea-dispute-case-in-the-hague-226002">tanker remained in Ukrainian</a> custody in the Danube river port of Izmail, a spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Kiev said by telephone.

The seizure threatens to upset delicate negotiations on a possible prisoner swap between the two countries and came weeks after Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine's new president, spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time.

The incident is also certain to further sour relations between Kiev and Moscow, which remain blighted by Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and its backing for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The Ukrainian prosecutor's office said 10 Russian crew were detained for questioning. Russian news agencies said around 15 Russians had been on board at the time of the seizure.

Ukraine's security service alleged that the tanker, the "Nika Spirit", used to be called "NEYMA" and was placed beneath a bridge near Crimea in November in order to block three Ukrainian navy ships from entering the Sea of Azov.

Russia seized the Ukrainian ships after opening fire on them and is still holding 24 Ukrainian sailors who were on board at the time, accusing them of illegally entering its territorial waters, a charge they deny.

"The Ukrainian security service and military prosecutors' office detained a Russian tanker, the Neyma, which blocked Ukrainian warships in the Kerch Strait," Ukraine's SBU security service said in a statement.

The SBU published footage of the tanker being searched. It showed two crew members, introduced as the captain and a senior crew member. They were not handcuffed and their faces were blurred.

The same footage showed the name of the detained ship, the Nika Spirit, on the vessel's bow next to a darker patch of paint that apparently covered up its old name. Two men in camouflaged uniforms with Ukrainian insignia were shown walking through the Russian-flagged vessel.

Russia's Foreign Ministry warned Ukraine "there will soon be consequences" if any Russian crew members were "taken hostage", the RIA news agency reported.

The SBU said the Russian vessel had entered Ukraine under its new name, the Nika Spirit, "to cover its involvement in illegal actions", but that it had identified the ship from its unique International Maritime Organization number (IMO).

"The above named vessel is considered to be a piece of material evidence, (and) a petition to a court for its seizure is being prepared," the security service said in its statement.

The Ukrainian president's office and the foreign ministry declined to comment.

In Moscow, senior Russian lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov described Ukraine's actions as "absolutely illegal" and detrimental to relations between the two countries, RIA said.

In Kiev, Ukraine's ombudswoman said negotiations on the release of the 24 Ukrainian sailors being held by Russia from the November incident had intensified after Russian and Ukrainian leaders spoke by phone earlier this month.

Ukraine on Thursday seized a Russian tanker for its alleged involvement in the capture of three Ukrainian navy vessels by Russia, prompting Moscow to warn of consequences if any Russian citizens were "taken hostage".

Ukraine on Thursday seized a Russian tanker for its alleged involvement in the capture of three Ukrainian navy vessels by Russia, prompting Moscow to warn of consequences if any Russian citizens were "taken hostage". The crew members were later freed by Ukraine and were on their way home, but the tanker remained in Ukrainian custody in the Danube river port of Izmail, a spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Kiev said by telephone. The seizure threatens to upset delicate negotiations on a possible prisoner swap between the two countries and came weeks after Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine's new president, spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time. The incident is also certain to further sour relations between Kiev and Moscow, which remain blighted by Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and its backing for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian prosecutor's office said 10 Russian crew were detained for questioning. Russian news agencies said around 15 Russians had been on board at the time of the seizure. Ukraine's security service alleged that the tanker, the "Nika Spirit", used to be called "NEYMA" and was placed beneath a bridge near Crimea in November in order to block three Ukrainian navy ships from entering the Sea of Azov. Russia seized the Ukrainian ships after opening fire on them and is still holding 24 Ukrainian sailors who were on board at the time, accusing them of illegally entering its territorial waters, a charge they deny. "The Ukrainian security service and military prosecutors' office detained a Russian tanker, the Neyma, which blocked Ukrainian warships in the Kerch Strait," Ukraine's SBU security service said in a statement. The SBU published footage of the tanker being searched. It showed two crew members, introduced as the captain and a senior crew member. They were not handcuffed and their faces were blurred. The same footage showed the name of the detained ship, the Nika Spirit, on the vessel's bow next to a darker patch of paint that apparently covered up its old name. Two men in camouflaged uniforms with Ukrainian insignia were shown walking through the Russian-flagged vessel. Russia's Foreign Ministry warned Ukraine "there will soon be consequences" if any Russian crew members were "taken hostage", the RIA news agency reported. The SBU said the Russian vessel had entered Ukraine under its new name, the Nika Spirit, "to cover its involvement in illegal actions", but that it had identified the ship from its unique International Maritime Organization number (IMO). "The above named vessel is considered to be a piece of material evidence, (and) a petition to a court for its seizure is being prepared," the security service said in its statement. The Ukrainian president's office and the foreign ministry declined to comment. In Moscow, senior Russian lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov described Ukraine's actions as "absolutely illegal" and detrimental to relations between the two countries, RIA said. In Kiev, Ukraine's ombudswoman said negotiations on the release of the 24 Ukrainian sailors being held by Russia from the November incident had intensified after Russian and Ukrainian leaders spoke by phone earlier this month.

Ukraine seizes Russian tanker, frees crew after Moscow warns of 'consequences'

The United States <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-plans-to-divert-40-million-in-aid-to-venezuelas-opposition-236654">imposed sanctions on Thursday </a>on 10 people and 13 groups in a Venezuelan food subsidy scheme that lined the pockets of President Nicolas Maduro, his stepsons and others while ordinary Venezuelans suffer food shortages, the US&nbsp;Treasury said.

The department said Colombian national Alex Nain Saab orchestrated a vast corruption network for food imports and distribution in Venezuela. He profited from overvalued contracts, including the government's food subsidy program.

Saab bribed Maduro's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-administration-targets-nicolas-maduros-son-nicolasito-with-sanctions-231342">three stepsons to win no-bid</a>, overvalued government contracts, said Sigal P. Mandelker, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.

"Alex Saab engaged with Maduro insiders to run a wide-scale corruption network they callously used to exploit Venezuela’s starving population," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Treasury is targeting those behind Maduro's sophisticated corruption schemes, as well as the global network of shell companies that profit from" the country's military-controlled food distribution program, he said.

The department said Saab became involved with the food subsidy program in 2016, when he set up a corporate structure to acquire food outside the country and ship it to Venezuela.

Saab reaped profits and imported only a fraction of the food needed for the subsidy program, it said.

Treasury alleged the individuals hit by sanctions had enriched themselves through government contracts, including Maduro's stepsons Walter, Yosser and Yoswal Gavidia.

Saab also began in 2018 to help the Venezuelan government liquidate gold mined in Venezuela and convert it into foreign currency, Treasury said. The gold was then flown to destinations including Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, it said.

The United States imposed sanctions on the Venezuelan gold sector last year. U.S. envoy to Venezuela Elliott Abrams estimated on Wednesday that Maduro's government had sold roughly $1 billion in gold in 2019.

The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on 10 people and 13 groups in a Venezuelan food subsidy scheme that lined the pockets of President Nicolas Maduro, his stepsons and others while ordinary Venezuelans suffer food shortages, the US Treasury said.

The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on 10 people and 13 groups in a Venezuelan food subsidy scheme that lined the pockets of President Nicolas Maduro, his stepsons and others while ordinary Venezuelans suffer food shortages, the US Treasury said. The department said Colombian national Alex Nain Saab orchestrated a vast corruption network for food imports and distribution in Venezuela. He profited from overvalued contracts, including the government's food subsidy program. Saab bribed Maduro's three stepsons to win no-bid, overvalued government contracts, said Sigal P. Mandelker, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. "Alex Saab engaged with Maduro insiders to run a wide-scale corruption network they callously used to exploit Venezuela’s starving population," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. "Treasury is targeting those behind Maduro's sophisticated corruption schemes, as well as the global network of shell companies that profit from" the country's military-controlled food distribution program, he said. The department said Saab became involved with the food subsidy program in 2016, when he set up a corporate structure to acquire food outside the country and ship it to Venezuela. Saab reaped profits and imported only a fraction of the food needed for the subsidy program, it said. Treasury alleged the individuals hit by sanctions had enriched themselves through government contracts, including Maduro's stepsons Walter, Yosser and Yoswal Gavidia. Saab also began in 2018 to help the Venezuelan government liquidate gold mined in Venezuela and convert it into foreign currency, Treasury said. The gold was then flown to destinations including Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, it said. The United States imposed sanctions on the Venezuelan gold sector last year. U.S. envoy to Venezuela Elliott Abrams estimated on Wednesday that Maduro's government had sold roughly $1 billion in gold in 2019.

US imposes sanctions on people, groups linked to Venezuelan food subsidy scam

Paris on Thursday baked in an all-time high temperature over 42 degrees Celsius as a ferocious heatwave smashed records <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-record-setting-heatwave-to-spike-even-higher-238310">across northern Europe</a>, sparking concerns about public health and new misery for rail travellers.

Records also tumbled in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany while Paris saw its highest ever temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius (108.7 Fahrenheit), beating the previous top of 40.4C (104.7F) set in July 1947.

Paris recorded its hottest temperature since records began, Meteo France said, as a heatwave spread across Europe.&nbsp;Meteo France said a temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit) had been recorded in the capital at around 1:40 p.m.

That beat the previous record, which was the 40.4 degrees Celsius recorded in July 1947.

Trains have been slowed in several European countries to avoid damage to the railway networks and French national operator SNCF urged travellers to delay journeys planned for Thursday.

In the sweltering French capital, tourists and locals alike made a beeline for fountains and even pools laid on by the authorities next to the Ourcq canal in the north of the city.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-heatwave-20-administrative-areas-in-france-put-on-red-alert-238329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities have warned people to keep an eye on those living alone and also to beware of taking the plunge to cool down after a spike in drownings.

The scorching weather spelled misery for millions of commuters on public transport.&nbsp;

"It's so hot in the metro, it's unbearable. There are so many people, no air conditioning and everyone is on top of each other," said Paris commuter Petra Ulm, 34, a clinical researcher.

The heatwave, which was expected to ease up on Friday as rain and thunderstorms move in, had again focused public attention on the problems caused by climate change.

In Britain, temperatures reached 36.9C (98.4F) at Heathrow, a record for July but still below the UK's all time high of 38.5C.

Those lucky enough to be by the sea could still enjoy the weather.&nbsp;

"It's obviously not so good for some people, but if you've got the day off and young kids then it's great for a day on the beach," said Graham Clarke, 50, an insurance agent, enjoying the sands of Broadstairs in southeast England.

The Netherlands, which broke a record dating back to 1944 on Wednesday, hit a new high Thursday of 40.4C in the south.

On Thursday, Germany again hit a national record of 41.5 C (106.7F) in Lingen, western Germany.

Belgium on Thursday also reached a new record high of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105F), on the Kleine-Brogel military base, in northeastern Belgium.

Two suspected drug smugglers had to call police in the Belgian port city of Antwerp after becoming trapped in a shipping container filled with cocaine, prosecutors said.

Hundreds of travellers were stuck on trains in sweltering conditions outside Paris for several hours late Wednesday after an electrical fire halted traffic in and out of the Gare de l'Est station in Paris.

Eurostar and Thalys services from Brussels to London and Paris also experienced major delays and cancellations after cable failure the day earlier.

"I ask everyone who can avoid or delay their journeys to do so," said French Environment Minister Elisabeth Borne, advising workers who could do their jobs at home not go to their offices.

The northern third of France, including Paris, was under a red alert while the rest of the country had a yellow warning and water-use restrictions were in force.

In Austria, a three-year-old child died of dehydration after going to sleep in a car parked in full sunshine at the family farm, local authorities said.

France remains haunted by the early summer of 2003 when 15,000 deaths were blamed on the heat and the authorities were bitterly criticised for not mobilising fast enough.

"We need to take care of ourselves but above all others especially those who are alone, and be able to detect the first symptoms of heatstroke," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.

Local authorities have placed restrictions on water usage in many areas due to drought-like conditions that have seen ground and river water levels fall dramatically.

This summer's second heatwave has amplified concerns in Europe that human activity is heating the planet at a dangerous rate.

The June 26-28 blast of heat in France was four degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than an equally rare June heatwave would have been in 1900, the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team said this month. &nbsp;

One study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said the deadly, weeks-long heatwave across northern Europe in 2018 would have been statistically impossible without climate change.

(Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

Paris on Thursday baked in an all-time high temperature over 42 degrees Celsius as a ferocious heatwave smashed records across northern Europe, sparking concerns about public health and new misery for rail travellers.

Paris on Thursday baked in an all-time high temperature over 42 degrees Celsius as a ferocious heatwave smashed records across northern Europe, sparking concerns about public health and new misery for rail travellers. Records also tumbled in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany while Paris saw its highest ever temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius (108.7 Fahrenheit), beating the previous top of 40.4C (104.7F) set in July 1947. Paris recorded its hottest temperature since records began, Meteo France said, as a heatwave spread across Europe. Meteo France said a temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit) had been recorded in the capital at around 1:40 p.m. That beat the previous record, which was the 40.4 degrees Celsius recorded in July 1947. Trains have been slowed in several European countries to avoid damage to the railway networks and French national operator SNCF urged travellers to delay journeys planned for Thursday. In the sweltering French capital, tourists and locals alike made a beeline for fountains and even pools laid on by the authorities next to the Ourcq canal in the north of the city. Watch Video: Authorities have warned people to keep an eye on those living alone and also to beware of taking the plunge to cool down after a spike in drownings. The scorching weather spelled misery for millions of commuters on public transport. "It's so hot in the metro, it's unbearable. There are so many people, no air conditioning and everyone is on top of each other," said Paris commuter Petra Ulm, 34, a clinical researcher. The heatwave, which was expected to ease up on Friday as rain and thunderstorms move in, had again focused public attention on the problems caused by climate change. In Britain, temperatures reached 36.9C (98.4F) at Heathrow, a record for July but still below the UK's all time high of 38.5C. Those lucky enough to be by the sea could still enjoy the weather. "It's obviously not so good for some people, but if you've got the day off and young kids then it's great for a day on the beach," said Graham Clarke, 50, an insurance agent, enjoying the sands of Broadstairs in southeast England. The Netherlands, which broke a record dating back to 1944 on Wednesday, hit a new high Thursday of 40.4C in the south. On Thursday, Germany again hit a national record of 41.5 C (106.7F) in Lingen, western Germany. Belgium on Thursday also reached a new record high of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105F), on the Kleine-Brogel military base, in northeastern Belgium. Two suspected drug smugglers had to call police in the Belgian port city of Antwerp after becoming trapped in a shipping container filled with cocaine, prosecutors said. Hundreds of travellers were stuck on trains in sweltering conditions outside Paris for several hours late Wednesday after an electrical fire halted traffic in and out of the Gare de l'Est station in Paris. Eurostar and Thalys services from Brussels to London and Paris also experienced major delays and cancellations after cable failure the day earlier. "I ask everyone who can avoid or delay their journeys to do so," said French Environment Minister Elisabeth Borne, advising workers who could do their jobs at home not go to their offices. The northern third of France, including Paris, was under a red alert while the rest of the country had a yellow warning and water-use restrictions were in force. In Austria, a three-year-old child died of dehydration after going to sleep in a car parked in full sunshine at the family farm, local authorities said. France remains haunted by the early summer of 2003 when 15,000 deaths were blamed on the heat and the authorities were bitterly criticised for not mobilising fast enough. "We need to take care of ourselves but above all others especially those who are alone, and be able to detect the first symptoms of heatstroke," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. Local authorities have placed restrictions on water usage in many areas due to drought-like conditions that have seen ground and river water levels fall dramatically. This summer's second heatwave has amplified concerns in Europe that human activity is heating the planet at a dangerous rate. The June 26-28 blast of heat in France was four degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than an equally rare June heatwave would have been in 1900, the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team said this month. One study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said the deadly, weeks-long heatwave across northern Europe in 2018 would have been statistically impossible without climate change. (Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

Paris records hottest temperature since records began

The US Justice Department announced on Thursday it was reinstating a two-decades long dormant policy to resume the federal government's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-for-man-involved-in-calculated-murder-of-chinese-student-234135">use of capital punishment</a> and immediately scheduled the executions for five death row federal inmates.

"Congress has expressly authorised the death penalty through legislation adopted by the people’s representatives in both houses of Congress and signed by the President," Attorney General William Barr said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The Justice Department upholds the rule of law - and we owe it to the victims and their families to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system."

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has called for increasing use of the death penalty for drug traffickers and mass shooters.

The Justice Department said it has scheduled executions for five federal inmates who have been convicted of horrific murders and sex crimes.

Those inmates include Daniel Lewis Lee, a white supremacist who was convicted in Arkansas for murdering a family of three, including an eight-year-old girl.

Another one of the five is Lezmond Mitchell, who was found guilty by a jury in Arizona of stabbing a 63-year-old grandmother and forcing her young granddaughter to sit next to her lifeless body on a car journey before slitting the girl's throat.

"Each of these inmates has exhausted their appellate and post-conviction remedies," the department said, adding that all five executions will take place at the US&nbsp;Penitentiary Terre Haute in Indiana.

The US Justice Department announced on Thursday it was reinstating a two-decades long dormant policy to resume the federal government's use of capital punishment and immediately scheduled the executions for five death row federal inmates.

The US Justice Department announced on Thursday it was reinstating a two-decades long dormant policy to resume the federal government's use of capital punishment and immediately scheduled the executions for five death row federal inmates. "Congress has expressly authorised the death penalty through legislation adopted by the people’s representatives in both houses of Congress and signed by the President," Attorney General William Barr said in a statement. "The Justice Department upholds the rule of law - and we owe it to the victims and their families to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system." US President Donald Trump has called for increasing use of the death penalty for drug traffickers and mass shooters. The Justice Department said it has scheduled executions for five federal inmates who have been convicted of horrific murders and sex crimes. Those inmates include Daniel Lewis Lee, a white supremacist who was convicted in Arkansas for murdering a family of three, including an eight-year-old girl. Another one of the five is Lezmond Mitchell, who was found guilty by a jury in Arizona of stabbing a 63-year-old grandmother and forcing her young granddaughter to sit next to her lifeless body on a car journey before slitting the girl's throat. "Each of these inmates has exhausted their appellate and post-conviction remedies," the department said, adding that all five executions will take place at the US Penitentiary Terre Haute in Indiana.

US Justice Department reinstates death penalty after Trump, Congress approval

ASEAN intends to reclaim its position in the Indo-Pacific region, speaking at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/changes-in-the-region-due-to-chinas-aggressive-behavior-indias-ex-ambassador-to-asean-gurjit-singh-at-wion-world-order-238430">WION World Order</a> forum Indonesia's ambassador to India Sidharto Suryodipuro said that ASEAN takes into account the developments in the Indo Ocean region while making connections.

"ASEAN's concept is to bring everybody on the same table and to discuss Indo-Pacific and how to make it beneficial to all from the security, stability and prosperity perspectives," Suryodipuro added.

ASEAN created 50 years ago is a group of 10&nbsp;countries including Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore,&nbsp;Thailand and Brunei Darussalam with headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.&nbsp;

Papua New Guinea is the observer in the group.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-war-like-the-one-going-on-between-us-and-china-foolish-thailand-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238434">Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, Thailand's</a> ambassador to India said: "ASEAN would like to provide a platform where everyone can sit at the table, we are hoping that the East Asia Summit that comes up - the leaders can speak in an informal and open way as we are doing now about the situation in the region.

"The Indo-Pacific is our response to how we can maintain geographical balance in the region, how we can engage all these players in a constructive manner because in the end, what we want is economic development," Thailand's ambassador to India said.

Both ambassadors emphasised that security, stability and connectivity were the key areas which the ASEAN would focus upon while ensuring that every country in the group prospers equally.

The forum members which also included ambassador from Vietnam to India SanhChau Pham and Chargé d'Affaires of Afghanistan in India Tahir Qadiry asserted on the need to keep "geographical balance" in order to keep ASEAN relevant for all stakeholders.

ASEAN intends to reclaim its position in the Indo-Pacific region, speaking at the WION World Order forum Indonesia's ambassador to India Sidharto Suryodipuro said that ASEAN takes into account the developments in the Indo Ocean region while making connections.

ASEAN intends to reclaim its position in the Indo-Pacific region, speaking at the WION World Order forum Indonesia's ambassador to India Sidharto Suryodipuro said that ASEAN takes into account the developments in the Indo Ocean region while making connections. "ASEAN's concept is to bring everybody on the same table and to discuss Indo-Pacific and how to make it beneficial to all from the security, stability and prosperity perspectives," Suryodipuro added. ASEAN created 50 years ago is a group of 10 countries including Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei Darussalam with headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. Papua New Guinea is the observer in the group. Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, Thailand's ambassador to India said: "ASEAN would like to provide a platform where everyone can sit at the table, we are hoping that the East Asia Summit that comes up - the leaders can speak in an informal and open way as we are doing now about the situation in the region. "The Indo-Pacific is our response to how we can maintain geographical balance in the region, how we can engage all these players in a constructive manner because in the end, what we want is economic development," Thailand's ambassador to India said. Both ambassadors emphasised that security, stability and connectivity were the key areas which the ASEAN would focus upon while ensuring that every country in the group prospers equally. The forum members which also included ambassador from Vietnam to India SanhChau Pham and Chargé d'Affaires of Afghanistan in India Tahir Qadiry asserted on the need to keep "geographical balance" in order to keep ASEAN relevant for all stakeholders.

ASEAN would like to provide a platform where everyone can sit at the table: Indonesia's ambassador at WION World Order

Tunisia's parliamentary speaker will be sworn in as interim president, the body's vice head told reporters, just hours after the death of ailing leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-president-dies-at-92-presidency-238400&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjItqTflNDjAhVKrI8KHULDCgEQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PB3Y_oEycL2x2HcNw8gr9">Beji Caid Essebsi</a>.

"Mohamed Ennaceur will take the oath in parliament" at 1500 GMT, Abdelfattah Mourou said, adding that under the constitution he was entitled to serve for up to 90 days.

Essebsi, the North African country's first leader elected in nationwide polls, died Thursday at the age of 92.

Tunisia's parliamentary speaker will be sworn in as interim president, the body's vice head told reporters, just hours after the death of ailing leader Beji Caid Essebsi.

Tunisia's parliamentary speaker will be sworn in as interim president, the body's vice head told reporters, just hours after the death of ailing leader Beji Caid Essebsi. "Mohamed Ennaceur will take the oath in parliament" at 1500 GMT, Abdelfattah Mourou said, adding that under the constitution he was entitled to serve for up to 90 days. Essebsi, the North African country's first leader elected in nationwide polls, died Thursday at the age of 92.

After President's death, Tunisia parliamentary speaker to be interim president

Copa America winners Brazil have leapfrogged World Champions France, climbing to second place in the latest FIFA rankings, released on Thursday.&nbsp;

Brazil beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium earlier this month to collect their ninth continental title.

Belgium still tops the rankings while France slip to number three.

Algeria is the biggest movers, climbing 28 places to number 40 following their victory over Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

In spite of winning their first continental title in 29 years, the Algerians are only the fourth-ranked team in Africa behind Senegal (20), Tunisia (29) and Nigeria (33), another team they beat in the semi-finals.

Copa America winners Brazil have leapfrogged World Champions France, climbing to second place in the latest FIFA rankings, released on Thursday. Brazil beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium earlier this month to collect their ninth continental title.

Copa America winners Brazil have leapfrogged World Champions France, climbing to second place in the latest FIFA rankings, released on Thursday. Brazil beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium earlier this month to collect their ninth continental title. Belgium still tops the rankings while France slip to number three. Algeria is the biggest movers, climbing 28 places to number 40 following their victory over Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. In spite of winning their first continental title in 29 years, the Algerians are only the fourth-ranked team in Africa behind Senegal (20), Tunisia (29) and Nigeria (33), another team they beat in the semi-finals.

Copa America winners Brazil climb to second in FIFA rankings, Belgium on top

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