India and the Philippines on Friday `strongly condemned` terrorism in all manifestations and expressed commitment to continue their cooperation in fighting the global menace.

"India and Philippines strongly condemn terrorism and commit to continue their cooperation in fighting this global menace! Defence and Maritime security emerge as a new focus area!" External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind has said that India and Philippines have been victims of terrorism and both the countries were committed to working together closely to defeat it in all forms and manifestations.

"Both our countries have been victims of terrorism. As you know, India has been the target of cross-border terrorism for decades. We are committed to working closely together to defeat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," President Kovind said during his ongoing five-day visit to the Philippines.

The President also emphasised that the "two vibrant democracies" believe in "rules-based international order." "As two vibrant democracies that believe in a rules-based international order, respect for international law and sovereign equality of nations, the Philippines and India are natural partners in the pursuit of their respective national development and security objectives," President Kovind said.

The President recalled that the bilateral relationship between the two countries has `intensified` after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017.

"Our relations have grown from strength to strength. We have strong cooperation in political, defence and security, counter-terrorism, trade and investment as well as in agriculture, science and technology and health fields," he said.

Asserting that there is potential to further deepen the Philippines-India economic ties, the President said he is looking forward to addressing the India-Philippines Business Conclave and the 4th ASEAN-India Business Summit tomorrow.&nbsp;

India and the Philippines on Friday `strongly condemned` terrorism in all manifestations and expressed commitment to continue their cooperation in fighting the global menace.

India and the Philippines on Friday `strongly condemned` terrorism in all manifestations and expressed commitment to continue their cooperation in fighting the global menace. "India and Philippines strongly condemn terrorism and commit to continue their cooperation in fighting this global menace! Defence and Maritime security emerge as a new focus area!" External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind has said that India and Philippines have been victims of terrorism and both the countries were committed to working together closely to defeat it in all forms and manifestations. "Both our countries have been victims of terrorism. As you know, India has been the target of cross-border terrorism for decades. We are committed to working closely together to defeat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," President Kovind said during his ongoing five-day visit to the Philippines. The President also emphasised that the "two vibrant democracies" believe in "rules-based international order." "As two vibrant democracies that believe in a rules-based international order, respect for international law and sovereign equality of nations, the Philippines and India are natural partners in the pursuit of their respective national development and security objectives," President Kovind said. The President recalled that the bilateral relationship between the two countries has `intensified` after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017. "Our relations have grown from strength to strength. We have strong cooperation in political, defence and security, counter-terrorism, trade and investment as well as in agriculture, science and technology and health fields," he said. Asserting that there is potential to further deepen the Philippines-India economic ties, the President said he is looking forward to addressing the India-Philippines Business Conclave and the 4th ASEAN-India Business Summit tomorrow.

India, Philippines to bolster cooperation for fighting terrorism

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that heavy rainfall is likely to occur over South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal today.

The weather forecast agency further predicted that some isolated places over Chhattisgarh, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathawada and Konkan are likely to witness heavy downpour throughout the day.

The thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh.

The low-pressure area lies over the east-central Arabian Sea. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 4.5 km above mean sea level. It is likely to become more marked over the east-central Arabian Sea and neighbourhood during the next 24 hours.

A trough of low at mean sea level lies over southwest Bay of Bengal off Sri Lanka coast and extends up to 0.9 km above mean sea level, the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

The squally weather, with the wind speed of 45-55 kilometres is likely over the East-central Arabian Sea and adjoining MaharashtraKarnataka-Kerala coasts. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that heavy rainfall is likely to occur over South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal today.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that heavy rainfall is likely to occur over South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal today. The weather forecast agency further predicted that some isolated places over Chhattisgarh, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathawada and Konkan are likely to witness heavy downpour throughout the day. The thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh. The low-pressure area lies over the east-central Arabian Sea. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 4.5 km above mean sea level. It is likely to become more marked over the east-central Arabian Sea and neighbourhood during the next 24 hours. A trough of low at mean sea level lies over southwest Bay of Bengal off Sri Lanka coast and extends up to 0.9 km above mean sea level, the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. The squally weather, with the wind speed of 45-55 kilometres is likely over the East-central Arabian Sea and adjoining MaharashtraKarnataka-Kerala coasts. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry to receive heavy rainfall today: IMD

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo will kick off a fresh term Sunday, facing a wave of crises and with Jakarta under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-president-tightens-security-for-ministers-after-attack-255189">heavy security</a> days after Islamist militants tried to assassinate his top security minister.

More than 30,000 security personnel were deployed in the capital amid fears of another attack during an inauguration ceremony for Widodo, 58, and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, 76, attended by foreign delegations and heads of state, which is scheduled to start at around 2:30 pm (0730 GMT).

Celebrations are expected to be muted after mass demonstrations were banned Sunday over fears the inauguration might be used as a cover for another attack as militancy continues to plague the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation.

Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, was meeting with several visiting leaders including Singapore's Lee Hsien Loong and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison before the swearing-in.

Jokowi -- a popular, heavy metal-loving former businessman from outside the political and military elite -- was hailed as Indonesia's answer to Barack Obama when he was first elected in 2014 to lead the world's third-biggest democracy.

But his leadership is under mounting criticism after a string of challenges in recent months, from nationwide anti-government demonstrations in which three students died and smog-belching forest fires that sparked diplomatic tensions with Indonesia's neighbours to deadly unrest in Papua and an economic slowdown.

"This is the weakest point in Jokowi's political leadership," said Arya Fernandes, a researcher at the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

"It's a test for the president in critical times."

Protests across the archipelago of 260 million were among the biggest student rallies since mass demonstrations toppled the Suharto dictatorship in 1998.

The headwinds threaten to cast a shadow over Jokowi's second and final term, a stark reversal of fortune just months after he scored a thumping re-election victory against a former military general.

Now, all eyes are on who Indonesia's leader selects for his new cabinet, an announcement that could come as early as Sunday.

Sunday's inauguration also comes a little over a week after his chief security minister was stabbed in an attack by two members of a local extremist outfit allied to the Islamic State group.

The two suspects were arrested at the scene, while dozens of other suspected militants have since been detained in a nationwide dragnet following the assassination attempt on Wiranto, a former general who goes by one name.

The 72-year-old is recovering in hospital.

"Jokowi really listens to the people," Wiranto told reporters on Saturday in his first public appearance since the attack.

"A good government is one that is responsive to the aspirations of its people."

Jokowi's new term comes against the backdrop of fears that Indonesia's two-decades of democratic reforms are being eroded under the watch of a man once lauded by Time magazine as "A New Hope".

He has been accused of creeping authoritarianism and his rights record was criticised over an uptick in discriminatory attacks on religious and other minorities.

Choosing conservative cleric Amin as his vice president has also thrown Indonesia's reputation for tolerant Islam into question as religious hardliners become increasingly vocal.

Jokowi's administration appeared caught off guard when thousands of students hit the streets in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-across-indonesia-in-fresh-legal-reform-protests-252836"> protests last month</a> against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning premarital sex and what critics said would weaken the anti-graft agency.

Several students died in the unrest and hundreds more were injured, sparking police brutality allegations.

The criminal code reforms were delayed after the backlash, while Jokowi has so far held off moving on an earlier pledge to consider revising new changes to Indonesia's corruption buster, known as the KPK.

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo will kick off a fresh term Sunday, facing a wave of crises and with Jakarta under heavy security days after Islamist militants tried to assassinate his top security minister.

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo will kick off a fresh term Sunday, facing a wave of crises and with Jakarta under heavy security days after Islamist militants tried to assassinate his top security minister. More than 30,000 security personnel were deployed in the capital amid fears of another attack during an inauguration ceremony for Widodo, 58, and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, 76, attended by foreign delegations and heads of state, which is scheduled to start at around 2:30 pm (0730 GMT). Celebrations are expected to be muted after mass demonstrations were banned Sunday over fears the inauguration might be used as a cover for another attack as militancy continues to plague the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation. Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, was meeting with several visiting leaders including Singapore's Lee Hsien Loong and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison before the swearing-in. Jokowi -- a popular, heavy metal-loving former businessman from outside the political and military elite -- was hailed as Indonesia's answer to Barack Obama when he was first elected in 2014 to lead the world's third-biggest democracy. But his leadership is under mounting criticism after a string of challenges in recent months, from nationwide anti-government demonstrations in which three students died and smog-belching forest fires that sparked diplomatic tensions with Indonesia's neighbours to deadly unrest in Papua and an economic slowdown. "This is the weakest point in Jokowi's political leadership," said Arya Fernandes, a researcher at the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies. "It's a test for the president in critical times." Protests across the archipelago of 260 million were among the biggest student rallies since mass demonstrations toppled the Suharto dictatorship in 1998. The headwinds threaten to cast a shadow over Jokowi's second and final term, a stark reversal of fortune just months after he scored a thumping re-election victory against a former military general. Now, all eyes are on who Indonesia's leader selects for his new cabinet, an announcement that could come as early as Sunday. Sunday's inauguration also comes a little over a week after his chief security minister was stabbed in an attack by two members of a local extremist outfit allied to the Islamic State group. The two suspects were arrested at the scene, while dozens of other suspected militants have since been detained in a nationwide dragnet following the assassination attempt on Wiranto, a former general who goes by one name. The 72-year-old is recovering in hospital. "Jokowi really listens to the people," Wiranto told reporters on Saturday in his first public appearance since the attack. "A good government is one that is responsive to the aspirations of its people." Jokowi's new term comes against the backdrop of fears that Indonesia's two-decades of democratic reforms are being eroded under the watch of a man once lauded by Time magazine as "A New Hope". He has been accused of creeping authoritarianism and his rights record was criticised over an uptick in discriminatory attacks on religious and other minorities. Choosing conservative cleric Amin as his vice president has also thrown Indonesia's reputation for tolerant Islam into question as religious hardliners become increasingly vocal. Jokowi's administration appeared caught off guard when thousands of students hit the streets in protests last month against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning premarital sex and what critics said would weaken the anti-graft agency. Several students died in the unrest and hundreds more were injured, sparking police brutality allegations. The criminal code reforms were delayed after the backlash, while Jokowi has so far held off moving on an earlier pledge to consider revising new changes to Indonesia's corruption buster, known as the KPK.

Indonesia's Jokowi kicks off fresh term after wave of crises

Turkey on Saturday urged the United States to use its "leverage" over Syrian Kurdish forces to ensure an orderly pullout under an agreement reached with Washington, the presidency spokesman said.

"We are committed to this agreement: Within five days they are supposed to leave and we have told our American colleagues to use their leverage, their connections to make sure that they leave without any incidents," spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told AFP in an interview in Istanbul.

Turkey and Kurdish forces on Saturday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-kurds-trade-accusations-even-as-syria-truce-takes-hold-256922">traded accusations</a> of breaching the truce deal in northeastern Syria which is aimed at halting a Turkish-led offensive on condition that the militants retreat from a "safe zone" along the border.

The deal brokered by the United States gives Kurdish forces five days for a complete withdrawal - a deadline which expires Tuesday night. &nbsp;

Kalin said Turkey was sticking to its end of the deal.

"Since we <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-agrees-to-pause-military-operations-in-northern-syria-256755">reached this agreement</a> with the American delegation, we have been committed to this deal," he said.

"Our president has ordered our troops to maintain their positions and not engage anybody."

Kalin accused Kurdish forces of perpetrating 16 attacks in the border towns of Ras al-Ain and Tal Abyad. &nbsp;

"All the incidents that have happened were caused by the YPG terrorists there but our military people are in touch with their (American) counterparts to make sure that they leave without any fighting."

Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984.

The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara, the US and the European Union.

The commander of Kurdish forces in Syria, Mazloum Abdi, earlier Saturday accused Ankara of sabotaging the agreement with Washington by blocking the withdrawal of his forces from a flashpoint border town in northeastern Syria, a claim Turkey denied.

Turkey on Saturday urged the United States to use its "leverage" over Syrian Kurdish forces to ensure an orderly pullout under an agreement reached with Washington, the presidency spokesman said.

Turkey on Saturday urged the United States to use its "leverage" over Syrian Kurdish forces to ensure an orderly pullout under an agreement reached with Washington, the presidency spokesman said. "We are committed to this agreement: Within five days they are supposed to leave and we have told our American colleagues to use their leverage, their connections to make sure that they leave without any incidents," spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told AFP in an interview in Istanbul. Turkey and Kurdish forces on Saturday traded accusations of breaching the truce deal in northeastern Syria which is aimed at halting a Turkish-led offensive on condition that the militants retreat from a "safe zone" along the border. The deal brokered by the United States gives Kurdish forces five days for a complete withdrawal - a deadline which expires Tuesday night. Kalin said Turkey was sticking to its end of the deal. "Since we reached this agreement with the American delegation, we have been committed to this deal," he said. "Our president has ordered our troops to maintain their positions and not engage anybody." Kalin accused Kurdish forces of perpetrating 16 attacks in the border towns of Ras al-Ain and Tal Abyad. "All the incidents that have happened were caused by the YPG terrorists there but our military people are in touch with their (American) counterparts to make sure that they leave without any fighting." Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984. The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara, the US and the European Union. The commander of Kurdish forces in Syria, Mazloum Abdi, earlier Saturday accused Ankara of sabotaging the agreement with Washington by blocking the withdrawal of his forces from a flashpoint border town in northeastern Syria, a claim Turkey denied.

Turkey urges United States to use 'leverage' to ensure Kurdish force pullout: Report

On September 12, Boeing started putting out 30-second videos in which employees tout its planes' safety, hoping to reassure travelers about the 737 MAX that's been grounded worldwide since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-to-give-100-million-to-families-affected-by-two-737-max-crashes-232883">two crashes</a> that killed 346 people.

"Safety is at the core of our business. We have put hundreds of engineers to work to ensure that this airplane is 100 per cent ready," says Jennifer Henderson, Chief test pilot for the 737, in one of the clips.

"When the 737 MAX returns to service I will absolutely put my family on this airplane," she stressed.

But on a Facebook page for Boeing enthusiasts where the clip was posted, the response is negative.

"Well, I think she could not say it would be unsafe," one member quipped, as Boeing faces the Herculean task of trying to regain the confidence of civil aviation authorities and the public, seven months after the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines MAX that killed 157 people.

That came after the downing of a Lion Air MAX in Indonesia in October 2018, killing 189, with the plane's MCAS anti-stall system being blamed in both accidents.

It's not known when the MAX will return to service. Boeing, which still has not submitted a modified version of the MCAS system to regulators, hopes it will be before the end of the year.

"The 737 Max is, for now, an 'airplane non grata' -- a plane passengers do not want to fly," said Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group in San Francisco.

"Travelers aren't merely scared of the 737 MAX, they're terrified of it."

Just 19 per cent of business travelers and 14 per cent of leisure travelers would willingly take the 737 MAX within six months of returning to the sky, according to an Atmosphere survey.

Nearly half of the 2,000 respondents said they would pay more to avoid the MAX.

Faced with this distrust, airlines are adapting.

"We will be transparent -- and communicate in advance -- with our customers who are booked to fly on a MAX aircraft, will rebook those who do not want to fly on a MAX at no charge, and for some time will not swap aircraft to a MAX if a change of aircraft is required," said a spokesperson at United Airlines, which owns 14 MAX aircraft.

American Airlines, which has 24 MAX planes, has said its company brass and employees will be the first to fly on the aircraft once it's cleared to return to the sky.

The MAX's setbacks have cast a shadow over a century of history at Boeing, a highlight of which was the success of its 747 jumbo jet, nicknamed the "Queen of the skies."

According to Harteveldt, half of the business passengers and 55 per cent of leisure passengers consider Boeing to be "irresponsible," "arrogant" and "unsafe."

Boeing's management has addressed the trust issue.

"We know that trust has been damaged over the last few months and we own that and we are working hard to re-earn that trust going forward," CEO Dennis Muilenburg said in August.

The trust may have been tested again on Friday when it emerged that some potentially significant documents at Boeing were held back from investigators for months.

Boeing says it has conducted 1,447 flight test hours as of October 13 with the modified MCAS, and Muilenburg personally took part in two tests.

From late September to mid-October, the company also invited airline pilots to simulator training and information sessions in Miami, London, Istanbul, Shanghai and Singapore.

"Boeing has no choice but to get it right this time, however uncomfortable that maybe for now," said Tracy Stewart, an editor at&nbsp;airfarewatchdog.com.

If Boeing can take comfort in anything, it may be that most travelers do not look up which jet they will fly when booking tickets.

Most commercial passengers are "worried about getting an aisle seat, and hoping the overhead bin will still have space for a carry-on," said John Dekker of online travel agency Surf City Travel.

Some experts said one of the best ways for Boeing to regain credibility is to release a video explaining the changes to the 737 MAX to make it safer.

They must "make sure they have informed the consumer that it won't happen again... PERIOD!" said Dekker.

On September 12, Boeing started putting out 30-second videos in which employees tout its planes' safety, hoping to reassure travelers about the 737 MAX that's been grounded worldwide since two crashes that killed 346 people.

On September 12, Boeing started putting out 30-second videos in which employees tout its planes' safety, hoping to reassure travelers about the 737 MAX that's been grounded worldwide since two crashes that killed 346 people. "Safety is at the core of our business. We have put hundreds of engineers to work to ensure that this airplane is 100 per cent ready," says Jennifer Henderson, Chief test pilot for the 737, in one of the clips. "When the 737 MAX returns to service I will absolutely put my family on this airplane," she stressed. But on a Facebook page for Boeing enthusiasts where the clip was posted, the response is negative. "Well, I think she could not say it would be unsafe," one member quipped, as Boeing faces the Herculean task of trying to regain the confidence of civil aviation authorities and the public, seven months after the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines MAX that killed 157 people. That came after the downing of a Lion Air MAX in Indonesia in October 2018, killing 189, with the plane's MCAS anti-stall system being blamed in both accidents. It's not known when the MAX will return to service. Boeing, which still has not submitted a modified version of the MCAS system to regulators, hopes it will be before the end of the year. "The 737 Max is, for now, an 'airplane non grata' -- a plane passengers do not want to fly," said Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group in San Francisco. "Travelers aren't merely scared of the 737 MAX, they're terrified of it." Just 19 per cent of business travelers and 14 per cent of leisure travelers would willingly take the 737 MAX within six months of returning to the sky, according to an Atmosphere survey. Nearly half of the 2,000 respondents said they would pay more to avoid the MAX. Faced with this distrust, airlines are adapting. "We will be transparent -- and communicate in advance -- with our customers who are booked to fly on a MAX aircraft, will rebook those who do not want to fly on a MAX at no charge, and for some time will not swap aircraft to a MAX if a change of aircraft is required," said a spokesperson at United Airlines, which owns 14 MAX aircraft. American Airlines, which has 24 MAX planes, has said its company brass and employees will be the first to fly on the aircraft once it's cleared to return to the sky. The MAX's setbacks have cast a shadow over a century of history at Boeing, a highlight of which was the success of its 747 jumbo jet, nicknamed the "Queen of the skies." According to Harteveldt, half of the business passengers and 55 per cent of leisure passengers consider Boeing to be "irresponsible," "arrogant" and "unsafe." Boeing's management has addressed the trust issue. "We know that trust has been damaged over the last few months and we own that and we are working hard to re-earn that trust going forward," CEO Dennis Muilenburg said in August. The trust may have been tested again on Friday when it emerged that some potentially significant documents at Boeing were held back from investigators for months. Boeing says it has conducted 1,447 flight test hours as of October 13 with the modified MCAS, and Muilenburg personally took part in two tests. From late September to mid-October, the company also invited airline pilots to simulator training and information sessions in Miami, London, Istanbul, Shanghai and Singapore. "Boeing has no choice but to get it right this time, however uncomfortable that maybe for now," said Tracy Stewart, an editor at airfarewatchdog.com. If Boeing can take comfort in anything, it may be that most travelers do not look up which jet they will fly when booking tickets. Most commercial passengers are "worried about getting an aisle seat, and hoping the overhead bin will still have space for a carry-on," said John Dekker of online travel agency Surf City Travel. Some experts said one of the best ways for Boeing to regain credibility is to release a video explaining the changes to the 737 MAX to make it safer. They must "make sure they have informed the consumer that it won't happen again... PERIOD!" said Dekker.

Boeing wants it to fly, but travelers fear the 737 MAX

Former middle-order batsman Mike Hussey has been drafted in by Australian coach Justin Langer to help mentor the side during their upcoming Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

He is the latest great to be brought into the fold after Ricky Ponting joined the backroom staff at the one-day World Cup this year and Steve Waugh helped out during the Ashes series in England.

"I'm very excited actually. I'm really looking forward to getting back in around the Aussie team," Hussey, who is nicknamed "Mr Cricket", told the Sydney Daily Telegraph on Sunday.

"They are going to be trying to get strategies in place, develop a style of play and what players they want and I love all that stuff -- planning for a big event.

"They have floated the possibility of being involved closer to the T20 World Cup (in Australia next year) as well but it's all pretty loose at the moment."

Australia plays back-to-back three-game T20 series against Sri Lanka and then Pakistan starting next Sunday in Adelaide to kick off their summer season.

Langer has also made former Test speedster Ryan Harris bowling coach for the series.

He told the newspaper the presence of Ponting, Waugh and now Hussey was enormous for his team.

"I can't tell you how influential these guys can be on the group," said Langer.

"It's nice to have different voices and different eyes and see guys of that calibre giving us feedback on what they see."

<hr />

Former middle-order batsman Mike Hussey has been drafted in by Australian coach Justin Langer to help mentor the side during their upcoming Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Former middle-order batsman Mike Hussey has been drafted in by Australian coach Justin Langer to help mentor the side during their upcoming Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He is the latest great to be brought into the fold after Ricky Ponting joined the backroom staff at the one-day World Cup this year and Steve Waugh helped out during the Ashes series in England. "I'm very excited actually. I'm really looking forward to getting back in around the Aussie team," Hussey, who is nicknamed "Mr Cricket", told the Sydney Daily Telegraph on Sunday. "They are going to be trying to get strategies in place, develop a style of play and what players they want and I love all that stuff -- planning for a big event. "They have floated the possibility of being involved closer to the T20 World Cup (in Australia next year) as well but it's all pretty loose at the moment." Australia plays back-to-back three-game T20 series against Sri Lanka and then Pakistan starting next Sunday in Adelaide to kick off their summer season. Langer has also made former Test speedster Ryan Harris bowling coach for the series. He told the newspaper the presence of Ponting, Waugh and now Hussey was enormous for his team. "I can't tell you how influential these guys can be on the group," said Langer. "It's nice to have different voices and different eyes and see guys of that calibre giving us feedback on what they see."

Mike Hussey joins Australia staff for Sri Lanka, Pakistan series

Andy Murray battled past Romanian qualifier Marius Copil 6-3 6-7(7) 6-4 at the European Open in Antwerp on Friday to reach his first singles semi-final in two years.

The Briton, back on the ATP Tour after a career-saving hip resurfacing operation in January, was on course for a straight-sets victory but Copil was determined to test his opponent's resolve and clawed his way back to force a third set.

Murray came through with flying colours, converting five out of 14 breakpoints and winning 87 per cent&nbsp;of points on his first serve in the match that lasted two hours and 35 minutes to reach his first singles semi-finals since the French Open in 2017.

Up next for the 32-year-old is Guido Pella or Ugo Humbert who were in action in the other quarter-final.

After cruising through the first set, three-times Grand Slam champion Murray raced ahead 3-1 in the second before suffering a lapse in concentration while serving for the match at 5-3.

A double fault by the Briton handed Copil the break and the Romanian took full advantage to drag the contest into a decider after edging the second set in a tiebreak.

The pair were locked at 4-4 in the final set before Murray switched gears to close out the victory in style, finishing it off with his ninth ace.

"I haven't played loads of matches the past few years, so when you get to the end of the match, it's always difficult to serve it out," Murray said in a courtside interview.

"I played a bad game at 5-3 in the second set and after that, I think he gained a lot of confidence. He served extremely well.

"He was being a lot more aggressive at the end of the second set and in the third, but thankfully I managed to get the break right at the end. It was a tough one to get through."

Earlier, Swiss Stan Wawrinka wasted a match point in the second set before outlasting Gilles Simon 6-3 6-7(6) 6-2 to reach his first semi-final since February.

In the last hour, he plays Italian Jannik Sinner in a rematch of their US&nbsp;Open first-round meeting earlier this year after the talented 18-year-old defeated American Frances Tiafoe 6-4 3-6 6-3.

Andy Murray battled past Romanian qualifier Marius Copil 6-3 6-7(7) 6-4 at the European Open in Antwerp on Friday to reach his first singles semi-final in two years.

Andy Murray battled past Romanian qualifier Marius Copil 6-3 6-7(7) 6-4 at the European Open in Antwerp on Friday to reach his first singles semi-final in two years. The Briton, back on the ATP Tour after a career-saving hip resurfacing operation in January, was on course for a straight-sets victory but Copil was determined to test his opponent's resolve and clawed his way back to force a third set. Murray came through with flying colours, converting five out of 14 breakpoints and winning 87 per cent of points on his first serve in the match that lasted two hours and 35 minutes to reach his first singles semi-finals since the French Open in 2017. Up next for the 32-year-old is Guido Pella or Ugo Humbert who were in action in the other quarter-final. After cruising through the first set, three-times Grand Slam champion Murray raced ahead 3-1 in the second before suffering a lapse in concentration while serving for the match at 5-3. A double fault by the Briton handed Copil the break and the Romanian took full advantage to drag the contest into a decider after edging the second set in a tiebreak. The pair were locked at 4-4 in the final set before Murray switched gears to close out the victory in style, finishing it off with his ninth ace. "I haven't played loads of matches the past few years, so when you get to the end of the match, it's always difficult to serve it out," Murray said in a courtside interview. "I played a bad game at 5-3 in the second set and after that, I think he gained a lot of confidence. He served extremely well. "He was being a lot more aggressive at the end of the second set and in the third, but thankfully I managed to get the break right at the end. It was a tough one to get through." Earlier, Swiss Stan Wawrinka wasted a match point in the second set before outlasting Gilles Simon 6-3 6-7(6) 6-2 to reach his first semi-final since February. In the last hour, he plays Italian Jannik Sinner in a rematch of their US Open first-round meeting earlier this year after the talented 18-year-old defeated American Frances Tiafoe 6-4 3-6 6-3.

Andy Murray shines in Antwerp to reach first semi-final in two years

Angel Di Maria once again proved his worth with a double that earned Paris St Germain a 4-1 win at Nice and a five-point lead in the Ligue 1 standings on Friday.

The result put PSG on 24 points from 10 games as Nice, who reduced the arrears in the second half through Ignatius Ganago, finished with nine men after Wylan Cyprien and Christophe Herelle were sent off during the last 20 minutes.

Kylian Mbappe came off the bench in the closing stages to round off the win to mark his return from injury.

Nice are&nbsp;ninth on 13 points.

Nantes, who are second on 19 points, will play Metz on Saturday with Olympique Lyonnais new coach Rudi Garcia making his debut at home against Dijon in the day’s opening match.

With Mbappe and Edinson Cavani on the bench and Neymar injured, Mauro Icardi started up front but it was Di Maria who got PSG going.

Icardi flicked the ball into the path of Di Maria, who raced into the area and beat Walter Benitez from close range to put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute.

Benitez was beaten again six minutes later when Di Maria was played through on the right flank by Leandro Paredes and found the back of the net with a lovely angled lob.

PSG comfortably held off Nice, until Ganago, set up by Kasper Dolberg, unleashed a fierce strike that went under the bar in the 67th minute.

But their hopes of levelling were dashed in the 74th minute when Cyprien was shown a second yellow card for protesting to referee Francois Letexier, who three minutes later handed Herelle a straight red card for elbowing Paredes.

“There was a foul against him and he got upset, there’s no logic there,” Ganago said of Cyprien’s red card.

Mbappe made his return from a thigh injury in the 82nd minute as he replaced Pablo Sarabia, scoring with a low shot from inside the box six minutes later.

One minute into added time, Icardi netted for the third match in a row when he tapped in from Mbappe’s cross.

Angel Di Maria once again proved his worth with a double that earned Paris St Germain a 4-1 win at Nice and a five-point lead in the Ligue 1 standings on Friday.

Angel Di Maria once again proved his worth with a double that earned Paris St Germain a 4-1 win at Nice and a five-point lead in the Ligue 1 standings on Friday. The result put PSG on 24 points from 10 games as Nice, who reduced the arrears in the second half through Ignatius Ganago, finished with nine men after Wylan Cyprien and Christophe Herelle were sent off during the last 20 minutes. Kylian Mbappe came off the bench in the closing stages to round off the win to mark his return from injury. Nice are ninth on 13 points. Nantes, who are second on 19 points, will play Metz on Saturday with Olympique Lyonnais new coach Rudi Garcia making his debut at home against Dijon in the day’s opening match. With Mbappe and Edinson Cavani on the bench and Neymar injured, Mauro Icardi started up front but it was Di Maria who got PSG going. Icardi flicked the ball into the path of Di Maria, who raced into the area and beat Walter Benitez from close range to put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute. Benitez was beaten again six minutes later when Di Maria was played through on the right flank by Leandro Paredes and found the back of the net with a lovely angled lob. PSG comfortably held off Nice, until Ganago, set up by Kasper Dolberg, unleashed a fierce strike that went under the bar in the 67th minute. But their hopes of levelling were dashed in the 74th minute when Cyprien was shown a second yellow card for protesting to referee Francois Letexier, who three minutes later handed Herelle a straight red card for elbowing Paredes. “There was a foul against him and he got upset, there’s no logic there,” Ganago said of Cyprien’s red card. Mbappe made his return from a thigh injury in the 82nd minute as he replaced Pablo Sarabia, scoring with a low shot from inside the box six minutes later. One minute into added time, Icardi netted for the third match in a row when he tapped in from Mbappe’s cross.

Di Maria sends PSG five points clear as Nice see red

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that his forces would "crush the heads" of Syrian Kurdish forces in northern Syria if they did not complete a pullout from the border area within the stipulated time.

"Today is the second day [of the ceasefire]. This process will end on Tuesday night. If the promises given to Turkey are not fulfilled, we will not wait, as before. We will continue the operation we started and will continue to destroy terrorists," Erdogan was quoted as saying by Sputnik on Saturday.

US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo flew to Ankara on Thursday, to attend a meeting with the Turkish President and brokering a 120-hour long ceasefire deal aimed at allowing Syrian Kurdish forces to retreat to a distance of about 30 km from the Syrian-Turkish border.

The president added that Ankara would "implement its own plans" if Ankara could not reach a solution with Russia on the Syrian forces deployed in the country's north.

In addition, Erdogan once again reiterated that he has planned to discuss the deployment of Syrian forces in a 'safe zone'&nbsp;in Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week.

"Yesterday I held talks with US President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, we will continue the dialogue with Mr. Putin. In the area where the operation is taking place, the troops of the regime [of Syrian President Bashar Assad] are under the protection of Russia. We will discuss this with Mr. Putin," he said.

Last Sunday, after Turkey began a military operation in northern Syria it said was aimed at the Syrian Kurdish 'terrorists', local Kurdish forces reached an agreement with Damascus allowing Syrian Army troops to take up positions along the entirety of the Syrian-Turkish border to try to prevent a Turkish assault.

Turkey began its operation on October 9, days after the pullout of US troops from northern Syria. Unlike its US and NATO allies, which saw the Kurds as a key ally in the coalition's fight against the jihadists of Islamic State, Ankara classifies them as a terrorist group with links to the PKK, a Turkish Kurdish political and militia group which has waged a guerilla war against the Turkish state over the course of several decades.

Syria has decried Turkey's operations, and accused Ankara of "aggressive intentions."Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Friday called for an immediate halt to Turkish aggression in northern Syria and demanded a full-fledged withdrawal of all foreign forces from Syria.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that his forces would "crush the heads" of Syrian Kurdish forces in northern Syria if they did not complete a pullout from the border area within the stipulated time.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that his forces would "crush the heads" of Syrian Kurdish forces in northern Syria if they did not complete a pullout from the border area within the stipulated time. "Today is the second day [of the ceasefire]. This process will end on Tuesday night. If the promises given to Turkey are not fulfilled, we will not wait, as before. We will continue the operation we started and will continue to destroy terrorists," Erdogan was quoted as saying by Sputnik on Saturday. US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo flew to Ankara on Thursday, to attend a meeting with the Turkish President and brokering a 120-hour long ceasefire deal aimed at allowing Syrian Kurdish forces to retreat to a distance of about 30 km from the Syrian-Turkish border. The president added that Ankara would "implement its own plans" if Ankara could not reach a solution with Russia on the Syrian forces deployed in the country's north. In addition, Erdogan once again reiterated that he has planned to discuss the deployment of Syrian forces in a 'safe zone' in Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week. "Yesterday I held talks with US President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, we will continue the dialogue with Mr. Putin. In the area where the operation is taking place, the troops of the regime [of Syrian President Bashar Assad] are under the protection of Russia. We will discuss this with Mr. Putin," he said. Last Sunday, after Turkey began a military operation in northern Syria it said was aimed at the Syrian Kurdish 'terrorists', local Kurdish forces reached an agreement with Damascus allowing Syrian Army troops to take up positions along the entirety of the Syrian-Turkish border to try to prevent a Turkish assault. Turkey began its operation on October 9, days after the pullout of US troops from northern Syria. Unlike its US and NATO allies, which saw the Kurds as a key ally in the coalition's fight against the jihadists of Islamic State, Ankara classifies them as a terrorist group with links to the PKK, a Turkish Kurdish political and militia group which has waged a guerilla war against the Turkish state over the course of several decades. Syria has decried Turkey's operations, and accused Ankara of "aggressive intentions."Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Friday called for an immediate halt to Turkish aggression in northern Syria and demanded a full-fledged withdrawal of all foreign forces from Syria.

Turkey threatens to 'crush' Kurds in case they fail to withdraw before Tuesday

Two Indian soldiers lost their lives in a ceasefire violation from Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara, sources in the Army said on Sunday.

The ceasefire violation from Pakistan Army was started to push infiltrators into the Indian side, according to the sources.

Indian Army is retaliating strongly to the unprovoked violation from across the border.

Further details are awaited. Earlier on October 13 too, an Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir`s Baramulla district.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Two Indian soldiers lost their lives in a ceasefire violation from Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara, sources in the Army said on Sunday.

Two Indian soldiers lost their lives in a ceasefire violation from Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara, sources in the Army said on Sunday. The ceasefire violation from Pakistan Army was started to push infiltrators into the Indian side, according to the sources. Indian Army is retaliating strongly to the unprovoked violation from across the border. Further details are awaited. Earlier on October 13 too, an Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir`s Baramulla district.

2 Indian soldiers killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Tangdhar sector

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday warned that Ankara would restart its operation against Kurdish forces in Syria on Tuesday evening if they did not withdraw from a "safe zone".

Turkey has agreed to suspend its offensive for five days in northern Syria while Kurdish fighters withdraw from the area, after high stake talks with US Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara.

"If the promises are kept until Tuesday evening, the safe zone issue will be resolved. If it fails, the operation... will start the minute 120 hours are over," Erdogan told reporters during a foreign media briefing in Istanbul.

He said Turkish armed forces would remain in the region "because the security there requires this", adding that the agreement was holding and there had been no issues so far.

But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Friday there had been Turkish air strikes on the village of Bab al-Kheir, east of Ras al-Ain on the border. The war monitor said 14 civilians were killed.

Turkey launched the cross-border incursion on October 9 after repeatedly threatening to clear the border area from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia.

The Turkish forces are supporting Syrian rebel fighters under the "Syrian National Army" banner but the proxies have been accused by Amnesty International of committing "war crimes" including summary executions.

Erdogan also condemned the abuses that some Syrian proxies are accused of having committed during the offensive.&nbsp;

"Whoever commits such an act is no different from (the Islamic State group). We cannot accept such a thing," he said, adding that the army was investigating the claims.

Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria also accused Turkey of resorting to banned weapons such as napalm and white phosphorus munitions, a charge Erdogan denied.

"There are certainly no chemical weapons in the inventory of our armed forces. This is all slander against our armed forces," he added.

He accused the YPG of freeing nearly 750 IS extremists including 150 Turks but said 195 of them had been caught.

Erdogan said Ankara was not bothered by the Syrian regime's control of the areas cleared from the Kurdish fighters.

"The regime's control is not a source of concern to us. What matters to us is that terror groups leave the safe zone."

'No intention to stay'

While US President Donald Trump appeared to initially greenlight the offensive, he made repeated threats against Turkey, often in tweets, following international outrage.

He then sent Pence and the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with other US officials to Ankara to thrash out a deal, which was announced on Thursday after hours of talks.

Erdogan said the proposed "safe zone" would be 32 kilometres (20 miles) deep, and 444 kilometres in length, and patrolled by Turkey.

He added that the region between the border towns of Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ain had been cleared, "but this is not over. The process is ongoing".

Pointing to a map, he said 12 observation posts would be set up to monitor the zone.

But, he said, "We have no intention to stay there. This is out of the question."

Just hours before the US-Turkey talks, a letter seen by many as bizarre appeared in the US media from Trump to Erdogan, in which the US leader urged Erdogan not to be a "fool" and warned his Turkish counterpart that history risked branding him a "devil."

Erdogan said Friday the letter was not in line with "political and diplomatic courtesy... but our mutual love and respect does not allow us to keep it on the agenda".

He also said he hoped the deal would become a "milestone" and "new beginning" in Turkish-US relations fraught by a series of issues including American support for the Kurdish militants in Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday warned that Ankara would restart its operation against Kurdish forces in Syria on Tuesday evening if they did not withdraw from a "safe zone".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday warned that Ankara would restart its operation against Kurdish forces in Syria on Tuesday evening if they did not withdraw from a "safe zone". Turkey has agreed to suspend its offensive for five days in northern Syria while Kurdish fighters withdraw from the area, after high stake talks with US Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara. "If the promises are kept until Tuesday evening, the safe zone issue will be resolved. If it fails, the operation... will start the minute 120 hours are over," Erdogan told reporters during a foreign media briefing in Istanbul. He said Turkish armed forces would remain in the region "because the security there requires this", adding that the agreement was holding and there had been no issues so far. But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Friday there had been Turkish air strikes on the village of Bab al-Kheir, east of Ras al-Ain on the border. The war monitor said 14 civilians were killed. Turkey launched the cross-border incursion on October 9 after repeatedly threatening to clear the border area from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. The Turkish forces are supporting Syrian rebel fighters under the "Syrian National Army" banner but the proxies have been accused by Amnesty International of committing "war crimes" including summary executions. Erdogan also condemned the abuses that some Syrian proxies are accused of having committed during the offensive. "Whoever commits such an act is no different from (the Islamic State group). We cannot accept such a thing," he said, adding that the army was investigating the claims. Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria also accused Turkey of resorting to banned weapons such as napalm and white phosphorus munitions, a charge Erdogan denied. "There are certainly no chemical weapons in the inventory of our armed forces. This is all slander against our armed forces," he added. He accused the YPG of freeing nearly 750 IS extremists including 150 Turks but said 195 of them had been caught. Erdogan said Ankara was not bothered by the Syrian regime's control of the areas cleared from the Kurdish fighters. "The regime's control is not a source of concern to us. What matters to us is that terror groups leave the safe zone." 'No intention to stay' While US President Donald Trump appeared to initially greenlight the offensive, he made repeated threats against Turkey, often in tweets, following international outrage. He then sent Pence and the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with other US officials to Ankara to thrash out a deal, which was announced on Thursday after hours of talks. Erdogan said the proposed "safe zone" would be 32 kilometres (20 miles) deep, and 444 kilometres in length, and patrolled by Turkey. He added that the region between the border towns of Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ain had been cleared, "but this is not over. The process is ongoing". Pointing to a map, he said 12 observation posts would be set up to monitor the zone. But, he said, "We have no intention to stay there. This is out of the question." Just hours before the US-Turkey talks, a letter seen by many as bizarre appeared in the US media from Trump to Erdogan, in which the US leader urged Erdogan not to be a "fool" and warned his Turkish counterpart that history risked branding him a "devil." Erdogan said Friday the letter was not in line with "political and diplomatic courtesy... but our mutual love and respect does not allow us to keep it on the agenda". He also said he hoped the deal would become a "milestone" and "new beginning" in Turkish-US relations fraught by a series of issues including American support for the Kurdish militants in Syria.

Erdogan threatens to restart Syria operation Tuesday if deal not respected

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-urges-united-kingdom-to-explain-brexit-plan-as-soon-as-possible-256956">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> reluctantly wrote to Brussels late Saturday asking for a Brexit extension after MPs voted to force him into seeking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-delay-brexit-deal-decision-256944">a delay beyond October 31</a>.

But Johnson, who has pinned his premiership on getting Britain out of the European Union on time, refused to sign the letter he sent to European Council President Donald Tusk.

The Conservative leader also sent a second signed letter insisting he was not seeking an extension to the Brexit deadline, which has already been postponed twice.

In a day of high drama in the House of Commons, MPs declined to give their backing to the revised withdrawal agreement Johnson struck with the EU this week until the legislation needed to ratify it has passed.

Having failed to back a divorce deal, they triggered a law requiring Johnson to write to EU leaders by the end of the day asking to delay Brexit, to avoid the risk that Britain crashes out in less than a fortnight.

Johnson sent a photocopy of the letter that was contained in the law requiring him to ask for the delay, but did not sign it, showed a copy released by his Downing Street office early Sunday.

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He wrote and signed another letter which made clear he does not want to delay Brexit beyond the end of this month.

"Regrettably, parliament missed the opportunity to inject momentum into the ratification process," Johnson wrote in the signed letter, regretting that EU leaders would now have to spend yet more time on Brexit.

"A further extension would damage the interests of the UK and our EU partners, and the relationship between us. We must bring this process to a conclusion."

Johnson nonetheless said he remained "confident" of completing the ratification process by October 31.

A third cover letter written by Britain's EU ambassador Tim Barrow made clear that the Brexit delay request letter was only being sent to comply with the law.

Tusk consults EU chiefs

"I will now start consulting EU leaders on how to react," Tusk said on Twitter.

An EU source told AFP that the process "may take a few days" and declined to comment on the non-signature.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said the prime minister had spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Tusk.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he had discussed the situation with Johnson and "wished him success in the next stages" in the Commons.

Being forced to send the letter after Saturday's defeat was a blow to Johnson, who has previously said he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than prolong the tortuous process of ending Britain's 46-year-old membership of the EU.

Brussels urged Britain to explain its plan as soon as possible, while Macron's office said a new delay to Brexit was "in nobody's interest".

Johnson beaten 322-306

Securing the new divorce treaty at Thursday's EU summit had been a personal victory for the prime minister, a figurehead in the Leave campaign in Britain's 2016 EU membership referendum.

He had spent 48 hours frantically trying to persuade MPs to back it, and won support from many of the eurosceptic Conservatives who had three times rejected a previous divorce agreement secured by his predecessor Theresa May.

But parliament -- like the frustrated public -- is still bitterly divided over how and even whether Britain should end decades of integration with its closest trading partner.

MPs voted by 322 to 306 to back a motion by former Conservative minister Oliver Letwin that "withholds approval (of the deal) unless and until implementing legislation is passed".

They were meeting on a Saturday for the first time since the 1982 Falklands War.

While MPs voted inside parliament, outside, more than 100,000 people marched to demand a new referendum that could reverse Brexit.

Demonstrators erupted into cheers at the news from inside the Commons.

"That's really good, that's one step away from Brexit," demonstrator Philip Dobson told AFP.

"Reject Brexit", "Put It To The People" and "Stop This Madness" read some of the placards at the mass march, where many protesters also waved EU flags.

Legislation next week

The British government will introduce legislation next week to implement the divorce deal, with a first vote as soon as Tuesday.

The government also wants another vote on the deal on Monday, which may not be possible.

There is a chance the deal could pass, and Britain could still leave the EU on October 31, but there remains strong opposition to the agreement among MPs.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reluctantly wrote to Brussels late Saturday asking for a Brexit extension after MPs voted to force him into seeking a delay beyond October 31.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reluctantly wrote to Brussels late Saturday asking for a Brexit extension after MPs voted to force him into seeking a delay beyond October 31. But Johnson, who has pinned his premiership on getting Britain out of the European Union on time, refused to sign the letter he sent to European Council President Donald Tusk. The Conservative leader also sent a second signed letter insisting he was not seeking an extension to the Brexit deadline, which has already been postponed twice. In a day of high drama in the House of Commons, MPs declined to give their backing to the revised withdrawal agreement Johnson struck with the EU this week until the legislation needed to ratify it has passed. Having failed to back a divorce deal, they triggered a law requiring Johnson to write to EU leaders by the end of the day asking to delay Brexit, to avoid the risk that Britain crashes out in less than a fortnight. Johnson sent a photocopy of the letter that was contained in the law requiring him to ask for the delay, but did not sign it, showed a copy released by his Downing Street office early Sunday. × He wrote and signed another letter which made clear he does not want to delay Brexit beyond the end of this month. "Regrettably, parliament missed the opportunity to inject momentum into the ratification process," Johnson wrote in the signed letter, regretting that EU leaders would now have to spend yet more time on Brexit. "A further extension would damage the interests of the UK and our EU partners, and the relationship between us. We must bring this process to a conclusion." Johnson nonetheless said he remained "confident" of completing the ratification process by October 31. A third cover letter written by Britain's EU ambassador Tim Barrow made clear that the Brexit delay request letter was only being sent to comply with the law. Tusk consults EU chiefs "I will now start consulting EU leaders on how to react," Tusk said on Twitter. An EU source told AFP that the process "may take a few days" and declined to comment on the non-signature. A Downing Street spokeswoman said the prime minister had spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Tusk. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he had discussed the situation with Johnson and "wished him success in the next stages" in the Commons. Being forced to send the letter after Saturday's defeat was a blow to Johnson, who has previously said he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than prolong the tortuous process of ending Britain's 46-year-old membership of the EU. Brussels urged Britain to explain its plan as soon as possible, while Macron's office said a new delay to Brexit was "in nobody's interest". Johnson beaten 322-306 Securing the new divorce treaty at Thursday's EU summit had been a personal victory for the prime minister, a figurehead in the Leave campaign in Britain's 2016 EU membership referendum. He had spent 48 hours frantically trying to persuade MPs to back it, and won support from many of the eurosceptic Conservatives who had three times rejected a previous divorce agreement secured by his predecessor Theresa May. But parliament -- like the frustrated public -- is still bitterly divided over how and even whether Britain should end decades of integration with its closest trading partner. MPs voted by 322 to 306 to back a motion by former Conservative minister Oliver Letwin that "withholds approval (of the deal) unless and until implementing legislation is passed". They were meeting on a Saturday for the first time since the 1982 Falklands War. While MPs voted inside parliament, outside, more than 100,000 people marched to demand a new referendum that could reverse Brexit. Demonstrators erupted into cheers at the news from inside the Commons. "That's really good, that's one step away from Brexit," demonstrator Philip Dobson told AFP. "Reject Brexit", "Put It To The People" and "Stop This Madness" read some of the placards at the mass march, where many protesters also waved EU flags. Legislation next week The British government will introduce legislation next week to implement the divorce deal, with a first vote as soon as Tuesday. The government also wants another vote on the deal on Monday, which may not be possible. There is a chance the deal could pass, and Britain could still leave the EU on October 31, but there remains strong opposition to the agreement among MPs.

British PM Boris Johnson sends unsigned letter seeking Brexit delay

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