British Prime Minister Boris Johnson named former interior minister Sajid Javid to take over from Philip Hammond <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-sacks-jeremy-hunt-as-foreign-secretary-several-ministers-resign-238269">as finance minister </a>in his first cabinet appointment, the government said in a statement on Wednesday.

Javid, a former banker from a modest background, was a contender for the premiership but endorsed Johnson when he failed to get enough support from fellow Conservative MPs.

Before he took office, several pro-European ministers quit in protest at his threat of a "no deal" Brexit, fearing the economic consequences among them were de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers.

Johnson sacked Jeremy Hunt who challenged him to the prime minister's&nbsp;office.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn challenged Johnson to call a general election, saying he "has no mandate from the people".

In a speech in Downing Street, Johnson repeated that he would prepare <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">to leave the EU</a> without an agreement with Brussels but suggested this was a "remote possibility".

In typically upbeat fashion, Johnson insisted he could find a way through and unite the country.

"We are going to fulfil the repeated promises of parliament to the people and come out of the EU on October 31, no ifs or buts," he declared.

Watched by his girlfriend Carrie Symonds, the former London mayor said "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters are going to get it wrong again".

But he added: "It is of course vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate and we are forced to come out with no-deal."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson named former interior minister Sajid Javid to take over from Philip Hammond as finance minister in his first cabinet appointment, the government said in a statement on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson named former interior minister Sajid Javid to take over from Philip Hammond as finance minister in his first cabinet appointment, the government said in a statement on Wednesday. Javid, a former banker from a modest background, was a contender for the premiership but endorsed Johnson when he failed to get enough support from fellow Conservative MPs. Before he took office, several pro-European ministers quit in protest at his threat of a "no deal" Brexit, fearing the economic consequences among them were de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers. Johnson sacked Jeremy Hunt who challenged him to the prime minister's office. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn challenged Johnson to call a general election, saying he "has no mandate from the people". In a speech in Downing Street, Johnson repeated that he would prepare to leave the EU without an agreement with Brussels but suggested this was a "remote possibility". In typically upbeat fashion, Johnson insisted he could find a way through and unite the country. "We are going to fulfil the repeated promises of parliament to the people and come out of the EU on October 31, no ifs or buts," he declared. Watched by his girlfriend Carrie Symonds, the former London mayor said "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters are going to get it wrong again". But he added: "It is of course vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate and we are forced to come out with no-deal."

PM Johnson names Sajid Javid as Britain's new finance minister

New British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">Boris Johnson sacked</a> foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday, as he prepared to replace most of the cabinet.

Hunt, who had been Johnson's rival for the top job, tweeted that he was "kindly" offered another role but turned it down to become one of more than a dozen cabinet ministers heading out the door, some of them voluntarily.

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1/4 I would have been honoured to carry on my work at the FCO but understand the need for a new PM to choose his team. BJ kindly offered me another role but after 9 yrs in Cabinet &amp; over 300 cab mtgs now is the time to return 2 backbenches from where PM will have my full support
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt/status/1154073618244128768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Britain's de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington also resigned from the government ahead of Boris Johnson being appointed prime minister.

"I wrote to @BorisJohnson yesterday to congratulate him on his election, to wish him well &amp; to say I've decided that after 20 yrs on the front bench it's the right moment to move on," Lidington said on Twitter.

He joins the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, international development secretary Rory Stewart and justice minister David Gauke in resigning from the cabinet.

Meanwhile, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers.

"I'm heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support," Mordaunt, a Brexit supporter who backed Johnson's opponent Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race, said on Twitter. She had also been serving as Women and Equalities minister.

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I’m heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support, as will my successors at <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceHQ</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/WomenEqualities?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WomenEqualities</a> 
Thank you to everyone who’s helped me get things done, especially our Armed Forces and civilians in defence for the last 85 days. We achieved much🇬🇧
— Penny Mordaunt MP (@PennyMordaunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/PennyMordaunt/status/1154054783835107328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday, as he prepared to replace most of the cabinet. Hunt, who had been Johnson's rival for the top job, tweeted that he was "kindly" offered another role but turned it down to become one of more than a dozen cabinet ministers heading out the door, some of them voluntarily.

New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday, as he prepared to replace most of the cabinet. Hunt, who had been Johnson's rival for the top job, tweeted that he was "kindly" offered another role but turned it down to become one of more than a dozen cabinet ministers heading out the door, some of them voluntarily. 1/4 I would have been honoured to carry on my work at the FCO but understand the need for a new PM to choose his team. BJ kindly offered me another role but after 9 yrs in Cabinet & over 300 cab mtgs now is the time to return 2 backbenches from where PM will have my full support — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 24, 2019 × Britain's de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington also resigned from the government ahead of Boris Johnson being appointed prime minister. "I wrote to @BorisJohnson yesterday to congratulate him on his election, to wish him well & to say I've decided that after 20 yrs on the front bench it's the right moment to move on," Lidington said on Twitter. He joins the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, international development secretary Rory Stewart and justice minister David Gauke in resigning from the cabinet. Meanwhile, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers. "I'm heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support," Mordaunt, a Brexit supporter who backed Johnson's opponent Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race, said on Twitter. She had also been serving as Women and Equalities minister. I’m heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support, as will my successors at @DefenceHQ & @WomenEqualities Thank you to everyone who’s helped me get things done, especially our Armed Forces and civilians in defence for the last 85 days. We achieved much🇬🇧 — Penny Mordaunt MP (@PennyMordaunt) July 24, 2019 ×

PM Johnson sacks Jeremy Hunt as foreign secretary, several ministers resign

Malaysia's former king has divorced a Russian ex-beauty queen just months after news of their wedding emerged and he abdicated in a first for the country, his lawyer said.&nbsp;

The former Miss Moscow, however, says she is still married to Sultan Muhammad V, and has continued to post pictures of the couple on social media.

The sultan stepped aside as Malaysia's monarch in January after just two years on the throne when reports of the marriage surfaced last year while he was officially on medical leave.

His abdication was the first by a monarch in the Muslim-majority country's history.&nbsp;

The sultan "has irrevocably divorced Ms Rihana Oxana Gorbatenko on 22 June 2019 by three talaqs in accordance with Syariah laws", said a statement from his Singapore-based lawyer, Koh Tien Hua.&nbsp;

"Triple talaq" is the practice which sees a Muslim man end his marriage by saying "talaq" ("you are divorced") in Arabic three times.

An Islamic court in the northeastern Malaysian state of Kelantan, where Muhammad is still the sultan, had issued a divorce certificate, the lawyer said earlier this week.

But the former beauty queen denied knowing about the separation, telling news portal Malaysiakini: "I have never heard of any divorce statements made directly to me".

She has continued to post pictures on Instagram with the sultan and of a son she gave birth to in May.

Lawyer Koh told Singapore's Straits Times newspaper there was "no objective evidence as yet as to the biological father of the child".

After Muhammad's abdication, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah -- a keen athlete who holds a string of positions on sporting bodies -- was chosen as Malaysia's new king during a special meeting of the country's Islamic royalty.

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a unique arrangement where the national throne changes hands every five years between the Islamic royal rulers of the country's nine states.

Malaysia's former king has divorced a Russian ex-beauty queen just months after news of their wedding emerged and he abdicated in a first for the country, his lawyer said.

Malaysia's former king has divorced a Russian ex-beauty queen just months after news of their wedding emerged and he abdicated in a first for the country, his lawyer said. The former Miss Moscow, however, says she is still married to Sultan Muhammad V, and has continued to post pictures of the couple on social media. The sultan stepped aside as Malaysia's monarch in January after just two years on the throne when reports of the marriage surfaced last year while he was officially on medical leave. His abdication was the first by a monarch in the Muslim-majority country's history. The sultan "has irrevocably divorced Ms Rihana Oxana Gorbatenko on 22 June 2019 by three talaqs in accordance with Syariah laws", said a statement from his Singapore-based lawyer, Koh Tien Hua. "Triple talaq" is the practice which sees a Muslim man end his marriage by saying "talaq" ("you are divorced") in Arabic three times. An Islamic court in the northeastern Malaysian state of Kelantan, where Muhammad is still the sultan, had issued a divorce certificate, the lawyer said earlier this week. But the former beauty queen denied knowing about the separation, telling news portal Malaysiakini: "I have never heard of any divorce statements made directly to me". She has continued to post pictures on Instagram with the sultan and of a son she gave birth to in May. Lawyer Koh told Singapore's Straits Times newspaper there was "no objective evidence as yet as to the biological father of the child". After Muhammad's abdication, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah -- a keen athlete who holds a string of positions on sporting bodies -- was chosen as Malaysia's new king during a special meeting of the country's Islamic royalty. Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a unique arrangement where the national throne changes hands every five years between the Islamic royal rulers of the country's nine states.

Former king of Malaysia divorces ex-Miss Moscow by triple talaq

Newly-installed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-meets-queen-elizabeth-takes-charge-as-new-british-pm-238251">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> on Wednesday promised to deliver Brexit on October 31, "no ifs or buts", and prove wrong "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters".

Speaking outside his new Downing Street office, Johnson -- who spearheaded the "Leave" campaign in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-tenders-her-resignation-to-queen-elizabeth-238237">2016 Brexit referendum</a> -- promised to do a "new deal" with Brussels.

After being formally appointed by Queen Elizabeth II, Johnson set out his mission statement, insisting that the vote to leave the European Union must be respected.

Watch Video:

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"We will do a new deal. A better deal that will maximise the opportunities of Brexit," the 55-year-old said.

"I have every confidence that in 99 days' time we will have cracked it.

"The British people have had enough of waiting."

The new Conservative Party leader also made a raft of domestic policy announcements in a nearly 12-minute address.

"I will take personal responsibility for the change I want to see," he said, with his girlfriend Carrie Symonds watching with his team of aides.

"Never mind the backstop: the buck stops here," he said.&nbsp;

"If there is one thing that has really sapped the confidence of business, it is not the decisions we have taken -- it is our refusal to take decisions.

"Brexit was a fundamental decision by the British people that they wanted their laws made by people that they elected and that they can remove from office.

"We must now respect that decision," he said.

The EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the divorce deal it struck with his predecessor Theresa May, which has been rejected by MPs three times.

In typically upbeat fashion, Johnson insisted he could find a way through and unite the country.

But he added: "It is, of course, vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate and we are forced to come out with no-deal."

European Council president Donald Tusk was quick to congratulate Johnson, adding: "I look forward to meeting you to discuss -&nbsp;in detail -&nbsp;our cooperation."

Newly-installed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday promised to deliver Brexit on October 31, "no ifs or buts", and prove wrong "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters".

Newly-installed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday promised to deliver Brexit on October 31, "no ifs or buts", and prove wrong "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters". Speaking outside his new Downing Street office, Johnson -- who spearheaded the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 Brexit referendum -- promised to do a "new deal" with Brussels. After being formally appointed by Queen Elizabeth II, Johnson set out his mission statement, insisting that the vote to leave the European Union must be respected. Watch Video: "We will do a new deal. A better deal that will maximise the opportunities of Brexit," the 55-year-old said. "I have every confidence that in 99 days' time we will have cracked it. "The British people have had enough of waiting." The new Conservative Party leader also made a raft of domestic policy announcements in a nearly 12-minute address. "I will take personal responsibility for the change I want to see," he said, with his girlfriend Carrie Symonds watching with his team of aides. "Never mind the backstop: the buck stops here," he said. "If there is one thing that has really sapped the confidence of business, it is not the decisions we have taken -- it is our refusal to take decisions. "Brexit was a fundamental decision by the British people that they wanted their laws made by people that they elected and that they can remove from office. "We must now respect that decision," he said. The EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the divorce deal it struck with his predecessor Theresa May, which has been rejected by MPs three times. In typically upbeat fashion, Johnson insisted he could find a way through and unite the country. But he added: "It is, of course, vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate and we are forced to come out with no-deal." European Council president Donald Tusk was quick to congratulate Johnson, adding: "I look forward to meeting you to discuss - in detail - our cooperation."

'Buck stops here': Prime Minister Boris Johnson promises 'new deal' to maximise opportunities of Brexit

Soon after outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May submitted her<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-tenders-her-resignation-to-queen-elizabeth-238237"> resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth</a>, Boris Johnson arrived at Buckingham Palace to take over as the new prime minister of Britain.

Boris Johnson, 55, officially became Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday after a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

A picture released by the Palace showed Johnson shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth II and bowing.

Johnson is the 14th British prime minister to serve under Queen Elizabeth II.

Boris Johnson began putting together his top team as he prepared to take over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, on a mission to deliver Brexit by October 31 by any means necessary.

The former London mayor, a divisive figure best known for his gaffes and rhetorical flourishes, was elected on Tuesday by members of the governing Conservative party to be their next leader.

Ahead of May's resignation, a raft of her pro-EU ministers stepped down before Johnson takes over.

Finance minister Philip Hammond, who has promised to resist any attempts to force through a no-deal Brexit, said the new prime minister should be free to choose someone who was "fully aligned" with his views.

Justice secretary David Gauke and international development secretary Rory Stewart also stepped down. 
&nbsp;

Soon after outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May submitted her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth, Boris Johnson arrived at Buckingham Palace to take over as the new prime minister of Britain.

Soon after outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May submitted her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth, Boris Johnson arrived at Buckingham Palace to take over as the new prime minister of Britain. Boris Johnson, 55, officially became Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday after a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace said in a statement. A picture released by the Palace showed Johnson shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth II and bowing. Johnson is the 14th British prime minister to serve under Queen Elizabeth II. Boris Johnson began putting together his top team as he prepared to take over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, on a mission to deliver Brexit by October 31 by any means necessary. The former London mayor, a divisive figure best known for his gaffes and rhetorical flourishes, was elected on Tuesday by members of the governing Conservative party to be their next leader. Ahead of May's resignation, a raft of her pro-EU ministers stepped down before Johnson takes over. Finance minister Philip Hammond, who has promised to resist any attempts to force through a no-deal Brexit, said the new prime minister should be free to choose someone who was "fully aligned" with his views. Justice secretary David Gauke and international development secretary Rory Stewart also stepped down.

Boris Johnson meets Queen Elizabeth, takes charge as new British PM

Sri Lanka's Easter attacks that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-police-chief-arrested-over-easter-attacks-failures-232461"> killed 258 people </a>were carried out by local terrorists&nbsp;who drew inspiration from but were not linked to the Islamic State(IS) group, a top investigator said Wednesday.

Ravi Seneviratne, the head of the Criminal Investigations Department, said the suicide bombers who targeted three churches and three hotels had no direct link to the foreign jihadi group.

"They followed the IS ideology, but our investigations have not shown any link between them," Seneviratne told a parliamentary panel probing security and intelligence lapses leading to the April 21 bombings.

He noted that remnants the local group identified as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-court-rejects-easter-bomb-murder-charge-against-officials-234430">National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ)</a> had persuaded IS to claim the attack two days after the deadly events in Sri Lanka.

NTJ leader Zahran Hashim had made a video with his fellow suicide bombers pledging allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr Al-Bagdadi. The video was released by the IS two days later.

Within five days of the attack, police raided the location where the NTJ recorded the video and recovered the IS flag they used as a backdrop.

The NTJ had also used the same type of explosives that IS was known to have used in its attacks.

Sri Lanka was tipped off of an impending attack by Indian authorities based on information from an Islamic extremist in their custody.

Sri Lanka's police chief Pujith Jayasundara and the top defence ministry bureaucrat Hemasiri Fernando are currently facing criminal charges over their alleged negligence to prevent an attack.

Several NTJ operatives were known to have travelled to India to meet with fellow extremists there, according to the Sri Lankan military.

They have said that the NTJ may have received foreign expertise in assembling what is known as "Mother of Satan" bombs which contain triacetone triperoxide, or TATP.

Another investigator, Shani Abeysekara, told the same parliamentary panel Wednesday that the CID had found 105 kilograms (230 pounds) of explosives from an NTJ hideout earlier this year.

"If not for this discovery, they would have been able to cause much more damage," Abeysekara said adding that they were already investigating the NTJ when the attacks took place.

President Maithripala Sirisena had said earlier that the attacks were the work of international drug dealers to sabotage his anti-narcotics drive.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's Easter attacks that killed 258 people were carried out by local terrorists who drew inspiration from but were not linked to the Islamic State(IS) group, a top investigator said Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's Easter attacks that killed 258 people were carried out by local terrorists who drew inspiration from but were not linked to the Islamic State(IS) group, a top investigator said Wednesday. Ravi Seneviratne, the head of the Criminal Investigations Department, said the suicide bombers who targeted three churches and three hotels had no direct link to the foreign jihadi group. "They followed the IS ideology, but our investigations have not shown any link between them," Seneviratne told a parliamentary panel probing security and intelligence lapses leading to the April 21 bombings. He noted that remnants the local group identified as National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) had persuaded IS to claim the attack two days after the deadly events in Sri Lanka. NTJ leader Zahran Hashim had made a video with his fellow suicide bombers pledging allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr Al-Bagdadi. The video was released by the IS two days later. Within five days of the attack, police raided the location where the NTJ recorded the video and recovered the IS flag they used as a backdrop. The NTJ had also used the same type of explosives that IS was known to have used in its attacks. Sri Lanka was tipped off of an impending attack by Indian authorities based on information from an Islamic extremist in their custody. Sri Lanka's police chief Pujith Jayasundara and the top defence ministry bureaucrat Hemasiri Fernando are currently facing criminal charges over their alleged negligence to prevent an attack. Several NTJ operatives were known to have travelled to India to meet with fellow extremists there, according to the Sri Lankan military. They have said that the NTJ may have received foreign expertise in assembling what is known as "Mother of Satan" bombs which contain triacetone triperoxide, or TATP. Another investigator, Shani Abeysekara, told the same parliamentary panel Wednesday that the CID had found 105 kilograms (230 pounds) of explosives from an NTJ hideout earlier this year. "If not for this discovery, they would have been able to cause much more damage," Abeysekara said adding that they were already investigating the NTJ when the attacks took place. President Maithripala Sirisena had said earlier that the attacks were the work of international drug dealers to sabotage his anti-narcotics drive.

Easter attack bombers not linked Islamic State, NTJ persuaded terror group to claim blasts: Sri Lanka investigators

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that he was looking forward to working with incoming prime minister Boris Johnson to agree Britain's orderly departure.

But Michel Barnier made it clear that Brussels has no plans to renegotiate the divorce deal it signed with Johnson's predecessor <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pleased-to-hand-over-charge-to-boris-johnson-says-theresa-may-in-british-parliament-238188&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy6pLQ0s3jAhUfTI8KHf_NDzkQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3LcJNVgJS908UB58BjSmTf">Theresa May</a> in November last year.

"It's a very important moment for the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy6pLQ0s3jAhUfTI8KHf_NDzkQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1nKzV0cGQqoP_TqmQkzmPM">Brexit</a>. We look forward to hearing what the new prime minister Boris Johnson wants. What are the choices of the UK? Is it an orderly Brexit?" Barnier told the BBC.

"The 'no deal' will never be the choice of the EU, but we are prepared... we will work all along the next few weeks or months with the new UK government in the best possible way, in a very constructive spirit to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement."

Asked what he thinks of Johnson, who has demanded the deal be reopened, Barnier said he had only met him once, at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, and added: "We will work with him. I think he is clever."&nbsp;

Earlier, Barnier had briefed the European Parliament's Brexit steering group, under former Belgian premier Guy Verhofstadt. The MEPs also stuck to Brussels' line that the withdrawal agreement will not be renegotiated.

"This is our position it is impossible to change our position," group member Antonio Tajani told reporters.

But the MEPS reiterated that they would support EU leaders if they decide to rewrite an accompanying non-binding political declaration to seek "a more ambitious future EU-UK partnership".

WATCH:&nbsp;What drove Boris Johnson to the top?

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A closer future relation could ensure "the Irish backstop would not be necessary", the group's statement said. Johnson insists the backstop must be removed from the withdrawal agreement, an idea rejected by EU capitals.

The group congratulated Johnson but warned that recent statements, not least those made during the Conservative Party leadership campaign, have greatly increased the risk of a disorderly exit of the UK.

And they warned that a disorderly or no-deal Brexit -&nbsp;which Johnson has said he will pursue if the deal is not rewritten before October 31 - would be "very damaging".

"Such an exit will not be mitigated by any form of arrangements or mini deals between the EU and the UK."

The Brexit Steering Group "recalls that there is no transition period without a withdrawal agreement," it said.

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that he was looking forward to working with incoming prime minister Boris Johnson to agree Britain's orderly departure.

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that he was looking forward to working with incoming prime minister Boris Johnson to agree Britain's orderly departure. But Michel Barnier made it clear that Brussels has no plans to renegotiate the divorce deal it signed with Johnson's predecessor Theresa May in November last year. "It's a very important moment for the Brexit. We look forward to hearing what the new prime minister Boris Johnson wants. What are the choices of the UK? Is it an orderly Brexit?" Barnier told the BBC. "The 'no deal' will never be the choice of the EU, but we are prepared... we will work all along the next few weeks or months with the new UK government in the best possible way, in a very constructive spirit to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement." Asked what he thinks of Johnson, who has demanded the deal be reopened, Barnier said he had only met him once, at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, and added: "We will work with him. I think he is clever." Earlier, Barnier had briefed the European Parliament's Brexit steering group, under former Belgian premier Guy Verhofstadt. The MEPs also stuck to Brussels' line that the withdrawal agreement will not be renegotiated. "This is our position it is impossible to change our position," group member Antonio Tajani told reporters. But the MEPS reiterated that they would support EU leaders if they decide to rewrite an accompanying non-binding political declaration to seek "a more ambitious future EU-UK partnership". WATCH: What drove Boris Johnson to the top? × A closer future relation could ensure "the Irish backstop would not be necessary", the group's statement said. Johnson insists the backstop must be removed from the withdrawal agreement, an idea rejected by EU capitals. The group congratulated Johnson but warned that recent statements, not least those made during the Conservative Party leadership campaign, have greatly increased the risk of a disorderly exit of the UK. And they warned that a disorderly or no-deal Brexit - which Johnson has said he will pursue if the deal is not rewritten before October 31 - would be "very damaging". "Such an exit will not be mitigated by any form of arrangements or mini deals between the EU and the UK." The Brexit Steering Group "recalls that there is no transition period without a withdrawal agreement," it said.

European Union will work with 'clever' Johnson: Barnier

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/french-submarine-lost-in-1968-located-in-mediterranean-237670&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiTv4HDz83jAhWKsI8KHRFQB5EQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zsnytPea_NwIasCtp9EJO">French</a> coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said.

The migrants themselves signalled to emergency services they were in distress off Calais and the coastguard mobilised a rescue vessel backed by a helicopter, the local maritime authorities said in a statement.

The migrants were safely returned to the port of Dunkirk and handed over to border police.

Migrants in northern France are increasingly willing to take greater risks to reach Britain due to hardline policing and increased security at ports in the area.

French authorities strongly warn against such attempts, noting that the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The first months of this year saw a spike in Channel crossings by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-police-pull-back-from-isolated-outposts-as-losses-mount-238143&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjrid3Xz83jAhWBknAKHftjCXkQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kOU8tf-giMAngvnpwP7o6">Afghan</a>, Iranian, Iraqi and African migrants trying to reach England, prompting stepped-up patrols by British and French police.

The French boss of a second-hand boat firm was sentenced to prison in May for selling dozens of vessels to migrants who used them to cross the Channel.

French coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said.

French coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said. The migrants themselves signalled to emergency services they were in distress off Calais and the coastguard mobilised a rescue vessel backed by a helicopter, the local maritime authorities said in a statement. The migrants were safely returned to the port of Dunkirk and handed over to border police. Migrants in northern France are increasingly willing to take greater risks to reach Britain due to hardline policing and increased security at ports in the area. French authorities strongly warn against such attempts, noting that the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The first months of this year saw a spike in Channel crossings by Afghan, Iranian, Iraqi and African migrants trying to reach England, prompting stepped-up patrols by British and French police. The French boss of a second-hand boat firm was sentenced to prison in May for selling dozens of vessels to migrants who used them to cross the Channel.

French coastguards rescue 11 migrants headed for Britain in Channel

Nissan said Wednesday that a reported 90 per cent plunge in its first-quarter operating profit was "broadly accurate".

The auto giant confirmed the Nikkei business daily story amid separate reports that it was also planning to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nissan-to-cut-10000-jobs-worldwide-report-238084">slash more than 10,000 jobs worldwide</a>.

"While the financial results are still being reviewed, the operating profit reported in the Nikkei Shimbun article was broadly accurate," Nissan said in a press release.

The Nikkei reported that the plunge was due to declines in US sales, and costs for developing electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies weighed on profits.

But Nissan added no official confirmation can be made before the announcement of results on Thursday.

In May, it reported net profit fell to a near-decade low and warned of "a difficult business environment" for the next 12 months.

The company has struggled in the US and Europe as it works to turn its fortunes around after former chief Carlos Ghosn was arrested for alleged financial misconduct.&nbsp;

Nissan said Wednesday that a reported 90 per cent plunge in its first-quarter operating profit was "broadly accurate". The auto giant confirmed the Nikkei business daily story amid separate reports that it was also planning to slash more than 10,000 jobs worldwide.

Nissan said Wednesday that a reported 90 per cent plunge in its first-quarter operating profit was "broadly accurate". The auto giant confirmed the Nikkei business daily story amid separate reports that it was also planning to slash more than 10,000 jobs worldwide. "While the financial results are still being reviewed, the operating profit reported in the Nikkei Shimbun article was broadly accurate," Nissan said in a press release. The Nikkei reported that the plunge was due to declines in US sales, and costs for developing electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies weighed on profits. But Nissan added no official confirmation can be made before the announcement of results on Thursday. In May, it reported net profit fell to a near-decade low and warned of "a difficult business environment" for the next 12 months. The company has struggled in the US and Europe as it works to turn its fortunes around after former chief Carlos Ghosn was arrested for alleged financial misconduct.

Nissan confirms Q1 operating profit plunge

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russia-in-africa-can-it-offer-an-alternative-to-the-us-and-china-223760">US and Chinese officials</a> will hold two days of talks in Shanghai next week to try to make progress on their year-long trade dispute, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday.

It will be the first face-to-face meeting since talks collapsed in May after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-attacks-robert-mueller-ahead-of-testimony-on-russia-probe-237817">President Donald Trump</a> accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments.

Mnuchin said he and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead the US delegation.

Mnuchin said on CNBC he hopes to make progress but added there are "a lot of issues" pending so he expects another round of talks would follow in Washington.

Senior officials have spoken by phone twice in the last two weeks in the bid to jump-start the negotiations.

At a meeting in Japan last month, US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to cease further hostilities in the year-long trade war while the two sides worked to revive negotiations.

The countries have imposed tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade and Trump has threatened even more punishing duties on Chinese goods.

Mnuchin implied that the national security concerns that have led Washington to impose tough sanctions on Chinese telecom giant Huawei are on a separate track from the trade talks.

But he downplayed concerns about links between Google and Beijing.

"We're not aware of Google working with the Chinese government in a way that raises concerns," Mnuchin said.

"They assured us that there is very, very limited work. The only work they're doing is some minimal open source work."

Trump last week said he wants his administration to "take a look" into whether Google has been working with the Chinese government an allegation swiftly denied by the US internet giant.

US and Chinese officials will hold two days of talks in Shanghai next week to try to make progress on their year-long trade dispute, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday.

US and Chinese officials will hold two days of talks in Shanghai next week to try to make progress on their year-long trade dispute, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday. It will be the first face-to-face meeting since talks collapsed in May after President Donald Trump accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments. Mnuchin said he and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead the US delegation. Mnuchin said on CNBC he hopes to make progress but added there are "a lot of issues" pending so he expects another round of talks would follow in Washington. Senior officials have spoken by phone twice in the last two weeks in the bid to jump-start the negotiations. At a meeting in Japan last month, US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to cease further hostilities in the year-long trade war while the two sides worked to revive negotiations. The countries have imposed tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade and Trump has threatened even more punishing duties on Chinese goods. Mnuchin implied that the national security concerns that have led Washington to impose tough sanctions on Chinese telecom giant Huawei are on a separate track from the trade talks. But he downplayed concerns about links between Google and Beijing. "We're not aware of Google working with the Chinese government in a way that raises concerns," Mnuchin said. "They assured us that there is very, very limited work. The only work they're doing is some minimal open source work." Trump last week said he wants his administration to "take a look" into whether Google has been working with the Chinese government an allegation swiftly denied by the US internet giant.

US, China to hold two days of talks in Shanghai next week: Steven Mnuchin

Taiwan blamed China's "malicious suppression" Wednesday after being stripped of hosting figure skating's Asian Open this year, warning against the interference of politics in sport.

China has ramped up military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan since the Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016.&nbsp;

Taiwan's figure skating union said it was notified by the International Skating Union (ISU) on Monday that the second-tier Challenger level event, which had been due to take place in Taipei from October 30 to November 3, had been moved to the southern Chinese city of Dongguan.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said Wednesday it deeply regretted the ISU cancelling the event in Taiwan due to what it called "political factors" and issued a strong condemnation of China for "again interfering in international NGOs."

"China's malicious suppression of our civil groups' participation in international events will only re-spark the resentment of Taiwanese people on China," it said in a statement.

It is the second cancellation of an international sports event in Taiwan in the past year.&nbsp;

According to Taiwan sports officials, members of the East Asian Olympic Committee (EAOC) voted in a meeting in Beijing last year to revoke the island's right to host the 2019 East Asian Youth Games in Taichung.&nbsp;

Taiwan's government at that time accused China of bullying while the Taichung city government said it had invested around $21 million to build facilities for the games.

Taipei has also been blocked from attending a string of international events following pressure from Beijing since President Tsai came to power.

China sees self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if must.

The ISU said in a statement the change of location was suggested and agreed upon by several members, including Taiwan's skating union.

In May "ISU received indications from several ISU Asian member federations ... that it would be preferable to host this event in another Asian country."

However, Taiwan's skating union expressed regret in a statement issued earlier Wednesday, saying it was "trying to figure out ISU's decision-making process" in preparation for an appeal.

Taiwan blamed China's "malicious suppression" Wednesday after being stripped of hosting figure skating's Asian Open this year, warning against the interference of politics in sport.

Taiwan blamed China's "malicious suppression" Wednesday after being stripped of hosting figure skating's Asian Open this year, warning against the interference of politics in sport. China has ramped up military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan since the Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. Taiwan's figure skating union said it was notified by the International Skating Union (ISU) on Monday that the second-tier Challenger level event, which had been due to take place in Taipei from October 30 to November 3, had been moved to the southern Chinese city of Dongguan. Taiwan's foreign ministry said Wednesday it deeply regretted the ISU cancelling the event in Taiwan due to what it called "political factors" and issued a strong condemnation of China for "again interfering in international NGOs." "China's malicious suppression of our civil groups' participation in international events will only re-spark the resentment of Taiwanese people on China," it said in a statement. It is the second cancellation of an international sports event in Taiwan in the past year. According to Taiwan sports officials, members of the East Asian Olympic Committee (EAOC) voted in a meeting in Beijing last year to revoke the island's right to host the 2019 East Asian Youth Games in Taichung. Taiwan's government at that time accused China of bullying while the Taichung city government said it had invested around $21 million to build facilities for the games. Taipei has also been blocked from attending a string of international events following pressure from Beijing since President Tsai came to power. China sees self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if must. The ISU said in a statement the change of location was suggested and agreed upon by several members, including Taiwan's skating union. In May "ISU received indications from several ISU Asian member federations ... that it would be preferable to host this event in another Asian country." However, Taiwan's skating union expressed regret in a statement issued earlier Wednesday, saying it was "trying to figure out ISU's decision-making process" in preparation for an appeal.

Taiwan blames China for being stripped of skating event

International prosecutors questioned Kosovo's ex-prime minister and wartime guerrilla commander Ramush Haradinaj on Wednesday in the latest in a series of war crimes proceedings against him.

Haradinaj left the hearing at the special court for Kosovo in The Hague along with Jakup Krasniqi, a spokesman for his former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), who was also questioned.

"I responded today to the special tribunal's request, as a suspect," Haradinaj told reporters outside the special court's high-security buildings.

"I used my right to remain silent," he said.

Haradinaj was the commander of the ethnic Albanian guerrillas in the Western Kosovo region of Dukagjin, where heavy fighting and abuse of civilians occurred on both sides during the war.&nbsp;

Observers in Kosovo say he could be held accountable for having failed to prevent crimes committed by KLA members under his command.

Haradinaj said prosecutors did not confront him with "concrete" evidence on Wednesday, as they did not have to divulge any information at this stage according to the law.

"They talked about my role during the war, but they did not give me anything concrete... We asked for explanations but did not receive them," said the former guerrilla.

He said he believed "always to have been in line with what is right."

"We have fulfilled our legal obligation, according to the laws in force," Krasniqi told reporters. He did not say whether he was questioned as a suspect or a witness.

Haradinaj, 51, resigned last week as prime minister after being summoned by the court.

Freedom fighter 
Created in 2015, the tribunal investigates crimes allegedly committed by the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) against Serbs, Roma and ethnic Albanian political opponents during and after the 1998-99 war.

Funded by the European Union and composed of international judges, the special court nonetheless falls under Kosovar law and is based in The Hague to protect witnesses.&nbsp;

Haradinaj has already been tried and acquitted twice for war crimes by another UN tribunal for former Yugoslavia.

"I always responded to (requirements) of national and international laws (but)... I also have my dignity", Haradinaj told AFP in January.

The last conflict in the former Yugoslavia between the KLA and Serbian armed forces claimed more than 13,000 lives, including some 11,000 ethnic Albanians.

It ended when a Western bombing campaign forced Serbian forces to withdraw.

Two decades later Belgrade still does not recognise its former province's independence.

Some thirty former KLA members have been summoned by the special court which has yet to file a single criminal charge. &nbsp;

"Freedom fighters always do what is right and just," Haradinaj wrote on Facebook.

International prosecutors questioned Kosovo's ex-prime minister and wartime guerrilla commander Ramush Haradinaj on Wednesday in the latest in a series of war crimes proceedings against him.

International prosecutors questioned Kosovo's ex-prime minister and wartime guerrilla commander Ramush Haradinaj on Wednesday in the latest in a series of war crimes proceedings against him. Haradinaj left the hearing at the special court for Kosovo in The Hague along with Jakup Krasniqi, a spokesman for his former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), who was also questioned. "I responded today to the special tribunal's request, as a suspect," Haradinaj told reporters outside the special court's high-security buildings. "I used my right to remain silent," he said. Haradinaj was the commander of the ethnic Albanian guerrillas in the Western Kosovo region of Dukagjin, where heavy fighting and abuse of civilians occurred on both sides during the war. Observers in Kosovo say he could be held accountable for having failed to prevent crimes committed by KLA members under his command. Haradinaj said prosecutors did not confront him with "concrete" evidence on Wednesday, as they did not have to divulge any information at this stage according to the law. "They talked about my role during the war, but they did not give me anything concrete... We asked for explanations but did not receive them," said the former guerrilla. He said he believed "always to have been in line with what is right." "We have fulfilled our legal obligation, according to the laws in force," Krasniqi told reporters. He did not say whether he was questioned as a suspect or a witness. Haradinaj, 51, resigned last week as prime minister after being summoned by the court. Freedom fighter Created in 2015, the tribunal investigates crimes allegedly committed by the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) against Serbs, Roma and ethnic Albanian political opponents during and after the 1998-99 war. Funded by the European Union and composed of international judges, the special court nonetheless falls under Kosovar law and is based in The Hague to protect witnesses. Haradinaj has already been tried and acquitted twice for war crimes by another UN tribunal for former Yugoslavia. "I always responded to (requirements) of national and international laws (but)... I also have my dignity", Haradinaj told AFP in January. The last conflict in the former Yugoslavia between the KLA and Serbian armed forces claimed more than 13,000 lives, including some 11,000 ethnic Albanians. It ended when a Western bombing campaign forced Serbian forces to withdraw. Two decades later Belgrade still does not recognise its former province's independence. Some thirty former KLA members have been summoned by the special court which has yet to file a single criminal charge. "Freedom fighters always do what is right and just," Haradinaj wrote on Facebook.

Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj questioned at war crimes court

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