France on Wednesday announced the&nbsp;disbandment of&nbsp;Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves for inciting ''hatred''.

The cabinet decision came after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced at the weekend with graffiti including the name of the&nbsp;Grey&nbsp;Wolves.

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Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said in a tweet announcing the group's dissolution that it "incites discrimination and hatred and is implicated in violent actions".

The&nbsp;Grey&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;are seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been feuding with&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron on a number of geopolitical flashpoints and recently also France's fight against radical Islam.

"We stress the need to protect the freedom of assembly and expression of Turks in France... and will respond in the firmest way possible to this decision," the Turkish foreign minister said in a statement.

The weekend's incident and&nbsp;Grey&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;ban come against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-calls-for-boycott-of-french-goods-over-macrons-stance-against-radical-islam-338069">Erdogan calls for boycott of French goods over Macron's stance against radical Islam</a>

Turkey has strongly backed its ally Azerbaijan in the conflict over the region that is part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian separatists since a 1990s war as the Soviet Union broke up.

Four people were wounded outside Lyon last week in clashes between suspected Turkish nationalists and Armenians protesting against Azerbaijan's military offensive.

Armenians have long campaigned for the mass killings of their ancestors in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to be recognised as genocide.

In Turkey, the&nbsp;Grey&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Devlet Bahceli which is allied with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Analysts see the MHP as critical to Erdogan's continued domination of Turkey, with the support of Bahceli a key factor behind his victory in 2018's presidential election.

The&nbsp;Grey&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists.

&nbsp;

France on Wednesday announced the disbandment of Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves for inciting ''hatred''. The cabinet decision came after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced at the weekend with graffiti including the name of the Grey Wolves.

France on Wednesday announced the disbandment of Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves for inciting ''hatred''. The cabinet decision came after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced at the weekend with graffiti including the name of the Grey Wolves. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said in a tweet announcing the group's dissolution that it "incites discrimination and hatred and is implicated in violent actions". The Grey Wolves are seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been feuding with French President Emmanuel Macron on a number of geopolitical flashpoints and recently also France's fight against radical Islam. "We stress the need to protect the freedom of assembly and expression of Turks in France... and will respond in the firmest way possible to this decision," the Turkish foreign minister said in a statement. The weekend's incident and Grey Wolves ban come against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Also read: Erdogan calls for boycott of French goods over Macron's stance against radical Islam Turkey has strongly backed its ally Azerbaijan in the conflict over the region that is part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian separatists since a 1990s war as the Soviet Union broke up. Four people were wounded outside Lyon last week in clashes between suspected Turkish nationalists and Armenians protesting against Azerbaijan's military offensive. Armenians have long campaigned for the mass killings of their ancestors in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to be recognised as genocide. In Turkey, the Grey Wolves are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Devlet Bahceli which is allied with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP). Analysts see the MHP as critical to Erdogan's continued domination of Turkey, with the support of Bahceli a key factor behind his victory in 2018's presidential election. The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists.

France disbands Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves for inciting 'hatred'

State prosecutors in Rio de Janeiro said late on Tuesday they have formally pressed charges against Flavio&nbsp;Bolsonaro, President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro's eldest son, over his alleged participation in a scheme to siphon off public funds.

The charges are the first to be brought in a series of investigations involving the president's family and could prove damaging for the far-right leader, who ran on an anti-corruption platform.

Rio state prosecutors accuse Flavio Bolsonaro, 39, of embezzlement, money laundering and operating a criminal enterprise from 2007 to 2018.

His former driver and fixer, Fabricio Queiroz, is also accused in the alleged scheme.

Queiroz, a former police officer, was arrested in June, leading to speculation he could cut a plea deal with prosecutors in exchange for information on his former boss' role.

Fifteen other people are also accused.

"I did nothing illegal. The Rio state prosecutor's office made a series of strange mistakes in its 'accusation,' which just happens to come on the eve of local elections" on November 15, Flavio Bolsonaro wrote on Instagram.

"I don't even think (the court) will accept the charges."

The case began in 2018, when auditors identified a series of unusual transfers to an account held by Queiroz for a total of 1.2 million reais (around $375,000 at the time).

Investigators say they detected a scheme commonly known in Brazil as "rachadinha," in which politicians pack their public payrolls with fake staff and pocket or otherwise divert part of the money.

Prosecutors accuse Flavio Bolsonaro, who was elected to the Senate in the same election that swept his father to power in 2018,&nbsp;of embezzling 2.7 million reais in all.

He denies the accusations and says he is the victim of "political persecution."

The case drew intense scrutiny when reports emerged in August that First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro had received 21 unexplained bank deposits from Queiroz from 2011 to 2016.

Asked about those allegations by a journalist, the president replied, "I so want to pound your mouth with punches."

State prosecutors in Rio de Janeiro said late on Tuesday they have formally pressed charges against Flavio Bolsonaro, President Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son, over his alleged participation in a scheme to siphon off public funds.

State prosecutors in Rio de Janeiro said late on Tuesday they have formally pressed charges against Flavio Bolsonaro, President Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son, over his alleged participation in a scheme to siphon off public funds. The charges are the first to be brought in a series of investigations involving the president's family and could prove damaging for the far-right leader, who ran on an anti-corruption platform. Rio state prosecutors accuse Flavio Bolsonaro, 39, of embezzlement, money laundering and operating a criminal enterprise from 2007 to 2018. His former driver and fixer, Fabricio Queiroz, is also accused in the alleged scheme. Queiroz, a former police officer, was arrested in June, leading to speculation he could cut a plea deal with prosecutors in exchange for information on his former boss' role. Fifteen other people are also accused. "I did nothing illegal. The Rio state prosecutor's office made a series of strange mistakes in its 'accusation,' which just happens to come on the eve of local elections" on November 15, Flavio Bolsonaro wrote on Instagram. "I don't even think (the court) will accept the charges." The case began in 2018, when auditors identified a series of unusual transfers to an account held by Queiroz for a total of 1.2 million reais (around $375,000 at the time). Investigators say they detected a scheme commonly known in Brazil as "rachadinha," in which politicians pack their public payrolls with fake staff and pocket or otherwise divert part of the money. Prosecutors accuse Flavio Bolsonaro, who was elected to the Senate in the same election that swept his father to power in 2018, of embezzling 2.7 million reais in all. He denies the accusations and says he is the victim of "political persecution." The case drew intense scrutiny when reports emerged in August that First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro had received 21 unexplained bank deposits from Queiroz from 2011 to 2016. Asked about those allegations by a journalist, the president replied, "I so want to pound your mouth with punches."

Brazilian President Bolsonaro's son charged over corruption scheme

Denmark, the world's biggest producer of mink fur, said Wednesday it would cull all of the country's minks after a mutated version of the new coronavirus was detected at its mink farms and had spread to people.

The mutation "could pose a risk that future (coronavirus) vaccines won't work the way they should," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told a press conference, adding: "It is necessary to cull all the minks."

Outbreaks at mink farms have persisted in the Nordic country, the world's largest producer of mink skins, despite repeated efforts to cull infected herds since June.

Health authorities found virus strains in humans and in mink which showed decreased sensitivity against antibodies, potentially lowering the efficacy of future vaccines, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at a press conference.

Minks have also been culled in the Netherlands and Spain after finding infections.

Denmark's health minister said around half of 783 infected Danes in Northern Denmark, home to a large number of mink farms, had been infected with a virus strain stemming from the farms.

Authorities had registered five cases of the new strain on mink farms and 12 cases in humans.

The mink herd in Denmark totals between 15 million and 17 million, authorities said.

Denmark, the world's biggest producer of mink fur, said Wednesday it would cull all of the country's minks after a mutated version of the new coronavirus was detected at its mink farms and had spread to people.

Denmark, the world's biggest producer of mink fur, said Wednesday it would cull all of the country's minks after a mutated version of the new coronavirus was detected at its mink farms and had spread to people. The mutation "could pose a risk that future (coronavirus) vaccines won't work the way they should," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told a press conference, adding: "It is necessary to cull all the minks." Outbreaks at mink farms have persisted in the Nordic country, the world's largest producer of mink skins, despite repeated efforts to cull infected herds since June. Health authorities found virus strains in humans and in mink which showed decreased sensitivity against antibodies, potentially lowering the efficacy of future vaccines, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at a press conference. Minks have also been culled in the Netherlands and Spain after finding infections. Denmark's health minister said around half of 783 infected Danes in Northern Denmark, home to a large number of mink farms, had been infected with a virus strain stemming from the farms. Authorities had registered five cases of the new strain on mink farms and 12 cases in humans. The mink herd in Denmark totals between 15 million and 17 million, authorities said.

Denmark to cull millions of minks amid mutation fears for coronavirus vaccine

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused ''surprise ballot dumps'' in key states where he was leading as the reason why he is lagging behind his rival Joe Biden in the US election 2020.

The Republican candidate shared a post on Twitter claiming that although he was leading in many key states last night, however, after the ''surprise ballot dumps'' were counted, his votes started to ''magically disappear''.

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Last night I was leading, often solidly, in many key States, in almost all instances Democrat run &amp; controlled. Then, one by one, they started to magically disappear as surprise ballot dumps were counted. VERY STRANGE, and the “pollsters” got it completely &amp; historically wrong!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1324004491612618752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-dismisses-fake-polls-joe-biden-urges-americans-to-end-chaos-339967">US election 2020: Donald Trump dismisses 'fake' polls, Joe Biden urges Americans to end 'chaos'</a>

Twitter&nbsp;labeled the tweet&nbsp;claiming ballot irregularities as "misleading". It&nbsp;had also taken similar action against an earlier tweet by the president.

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d28d456f-3d6c-4e1f-b20a-d3659f8f0289" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%2010.PNG" />

Users were able to read the tweets after clicking through a warning that "some or all of the content shared in this Tweet is disputed and might be misleading."

As it stands, Biden has won 238 electoral votes and Trump a maximum of 213, based on the states they've so far won.

The leads in numerous states have shifted back-and-forth between the candidates as votes are counted.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election</a>&nbsp;was plunged into chaos&nbsp;as President Donald Trump prematurely declared victory and sought Supreme Court intervention to stop vote-counting, even as his Democratic rival Joe Biden voiced confidence in his own chances.

In a divisive election cast under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed more than 230,000 lives in the United States, Trump appeared to have avoided a Democratic wave predicted by some polls but he still needs key states to secure another four-year term. 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/counting-will-not-stop-joe-bidens-campaign-reacts-after-donald-trump-calls-us-election-results-fraud-340474">'Counting will not stop': Joe Biden's campaign reacts after Donald Trump calls US election results fraud</a>

The campaign manager of the former Vice President and&nbsp;Democratic nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;had&nbsp;slammed Trump calling his statements "outrageous".

"We won't rest until everyone's vote is counted," Biden said on Twitter.

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We won't rest until everyone's vote is counted. Tune in as my campaign manager <a href="https://twitter.com/jomalleydillon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jomalleydillon</a> and campaign adviser Bob Bauer give an update on where the race stands. <a href="https://t.co/Rwz4iR25B3">https://t.co/Rwz4iR25B3</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1324006410745569282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump has often accused national polls that showed him trailing behind Biden of ''bias'' and called them ''fake''.

US media outlets have projected wins for the Republican incumbent in 23 states including big prizes Florida and Texas, as well as Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio -- all states he won in 2016.

Biden has captured 20 states including his home state Delaware and big prizes California and New York, as well as the US capital. The former vice president has flipped one state won by Trump in 2016 -- Arizona, in the southwest.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused ''surprise ballot dumps'' in key states where he was leading as the reason why he is lagging behind his rival Joe Biden in the US election 2020.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused ''surprise ballot dumps'' in key states where he was leading as the reason why he is lagging behind his rival Joe Biden in the US election 2020. The Republican candidate shared a post on Twitter claiming that although he was leading in many key states last night, however, after the ''surprise ballot dumps'' were counted, his votes started to ''magically disappear''. Last night I was leading, often solidly, in many key States, in almost all instances Democrat run & controlled. Then, one by one, they started to magically disappear as surprise ballot dumps were counted. VERY STRANGE, and the “pollsters” got it completely & historically wrong! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 4, 2020 × Also read| US election 2020: Donald Trump dismisses 'fake' polls, Joe Biden urges Americans to end 'chaos' Twitter labeled the tweet claiming ballot irregularities as "misleading". It had also taken similar action against an earlier tweet by the president. Users were able to read the tweets after clicking through a warning that "some or all of the content shared in this Tweet is disputed and might be misleading." As it stands, Biden has won 238 electoral votes and Trump a maximum of 213, based on the states they've so far won. The leads in numerous states have shifted back-and-forth between the candidates as votes are counted. The US election was plunged into chaos as President Donald Trump prematurely declared victory and sought Supreme Court intervention to stop vote-counting, even as his Democratic rival Joe Biden voiced confidence in his own chances. In a divisive election cast under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed more than 230,000 lives in the United States, Trump appeared to have avoided a Democratic wave predicted by some polls but he still needs key states to secure another four-year term. Also read: 'Counting will not stop': Joe Biden's campaign reacts after Donald Trump calls US election results fraud The campaign manager of the former Vice President and Democratic nominee Joe Biden had slammed Trump calling his statements "outrageous". "We won't rest until everyone's vote is counted," Biden said on Twitter. We won't rest until everyone's vote is counted. Tune in as my campaign manager @jomalleydillon and campaign adviser Bob Bauer give an update on where the race stands. https://t.co/Rwz4iR25B3 — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 4, 2020 × Trump has often accused national polls that showed him trailing behind Biden of ''bias'' and called them ''fake''. US media outlets have projected wins for the Republican incumbent in 23 states including big prizes Florida and Texas, as well as Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio -- all states he won in 2016. Biden has captured 20 states including his home state Delaware and big prizes California and New York, as well as the US capital. The former vice president has flipped one state won by Trump in 2016 -- Arizona, in the southwest.

US election 2020: Donald Trump criticises 'surprise ballot dumps' for lagging behind Joe Biden

German Defence Minister on Wednesday disapproved of US President Donald Trump's assertion saying that he had already won US presidential Elections 2020.

Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said that the US was facing a "very explosive situation" as a result of President Donald Trump's assertion.&nbsp;

"This election has not been decided... votes are still being counted," Kramp-Karrenbauer told public broadcaster ZDF. She further said that Trump could create a constitutional crisis in the USA.

She said Trump could create "a constitutional crisis in the USA", calling such a scenario "something that must deeply concern us".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-election-2020-historical-firsts-in-the-presidential-election-340498" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Historical firsts in the presidential election</a>

The minister, who is also head of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union party, said it appeared "the battle over the legitimacy of the result, however, it turns out, has begun".

She admitted that the German-US relationship had faced "a tough test in the past four years" with fierce Trump criticism of Berlin over trade and military spending.

However, she said, "this friendship is more than a question of which administration is currently in the White House", saying she dismissed calls in Germany to "decouple ourselves from the United States".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-2020-results-update-trump-democrats-are-trying-to-steal-a-win-will-move-sc-340461/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, France's finance chief asserted Wednesday that the&nbsp;outcome of the presidential&nbsp;vote&nbsp;will have little impact on US-Europe trade relations.

"Let's not kid ourselves. The United States has not been a friendly partner to European states for several years now," Bruno Le Maire told Radio Classique.

"Whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump is elected by Americans tonight or tomorrow, nothing changes this strategic fact," he said. "The American continent has detached itself from the European continent."

The US administration has inflicted billions of dollars' worth of tariffs on European imports over the past four years, with Trump claiming unfair barriers against American firms trying to compete on continental markets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-minister-warns-of-explosive-situation-after-trumps-declaration-of-victory-340518" hreflang="en">German minister warns of 'explosive situation' after Trump's declaration of victory</a>

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday refrained from commenting on a potential U.S. election victor, but reiterated his support for Donald Trump, and suggested Joe Biden would interfere on issues like protecting the Amazon rainforest if elected.

"You know my position, it is clear... I have a good policy with Trump, I hope he will be reelected," he told supporters in Brasilia. "The Democratic candidate on two occasions talked about the Amazon. Is that what you want for Brazil? Interference from outside?"

Demonstrators burned US flags and marched through Portland armed with protest songs and assault rifles as a confusing&nbsp;election&nbsp;night unfolded to high tension but without violence in the northwestern city.

The liberal enclave in the state of Oregon had braced for possible armed clashes after months of divisive rallies involving left-wing activists, right-wing militias, and federal officers deployed by the Trump administration.

As President Donald Trump claimed he won the US&nbsp;election&nbsp;early Wednesday, despite key states still counting ballots, activists gathered outside the Portland federal courthouse -- the epicenter of the summer's fraught anti-racism protests.&nbsp;

Many at the courthouse shouted slogans against Trump as well as Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, a bogeyman for anti-police protesters who won re-election&nbsp;Tuesday, while others danced and twerked to loud hip-hop music.

The FBI has warned of the potential for armed clashes in Portland linked to the polls, but there were no signs of&nbsp;election&nbsp;night activity from right-wing groups such as the Proud Boys.

Slovenia's conservative Prime Minister Janez&nbsp;Jansa&nbsp;congratulated US President Donald Trump on Wednesday for winning re-election even though neither Trump nor challenger Joe Biden has yet won an outright victory.

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It’s pretty clear that American people have elected ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mike_Pence</a>⁩ for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4moreyears?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#4moreyears</a>. More delays and facts denying from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSM</a>, bigger the final triumph for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/POTUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#POTUS</a>. Congratulations ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/GOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOP</a>⁩ for strong results across the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/idualliance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@idualliance</a>⁩ ⁦ <a href="https://t.co/vzSwt9TBeF">pic.twitter.com/vzSwt9TBeF</a>
— Janez Janša (@JJansaSDS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJansaSDS/status/1323913419200864256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

German Defence Minister on Wednesday disapproved of US President Donald Trump's assertion saying that he had already won US presidential Elections 2020. Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said that the US was facing a "very explosive situation" as a result of President Donald Trump's assertion.

German Defence Minister on Wednesday disapproved of US President Donald Trump's assertion saying that he had already won US presidential Elections 2020. Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said that the US was facing a "very explosive situation" as a result of President Donald Trump's assertion. "This election has not been decided... votes are still being counted," Kramp-Karrenbauer told public broadcaster ZDF. She further said that Trump could create a constitutional crisis in the USA. She said Trump could create "a constitutional crisis in the USA", calling such a scenario "something that must deeply concern us". Also read| US election 2020: Historical firsts in the presidential election The minister, who is also head of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union party, said it appeared "the battle over the legitimacy of the result, however, it turns out, has begun". She admitted that the German-US relationship had faced "a tough test in the past four years" with fierce Trump criticism of Berlin over trade and military spending. However, she said, "this friendship is more than a question of which administration is currently in the White House", saying she dismissed calls in Germany to "decouple ourselves from the United States". Meanwhile, France's finance chief asserted Wednesday that the outcome of the presidential vote will have little impact on US-Europe trade relations. "Let's not kid ourselves. The United States has not been a friendly partner to European states for several years now," Bruno Le Maire told Radio Classique. "Whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump is elected by Americans tonight or tomorrow, nothing changes this strategic fact," he said. "The American continent has detached itself from the European continent." The US administration has inflicted billions of dollars' worth of tariffs on European imports over the past four years, with Trump claiming unfair barriers against American firms trying to compete on continental markets. Also read: German minister warns of 'explosive situation' after Trump's declaration of victory Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday refrained from commenting on a potential U.S. election victor, but reiterated his support for Donald Trump, and suggested Joe Biden would interfere on issues like protecting the Amazon rainforest if elected. "You know my position, it is clear... I have a good policy with Trump, I hope he will be reelected," he told supporters in Brasilia. "The Democratic candidate on two occasions talked about the Amazon. Is that what you want for Brazil? Interference from outside?" Demonstrators burned US flags and marched through Portland armed with protest songs and assault rifles as a confusing election night unfolded to high tension but without violence in the northwestern city. The liberal enclave in the state of Oregon had braced for possible armed clashes after months of divisive rallies involving left-wing activists, right-wing militias, and federal officers deployed by the Trump administration. As President Donald Trump claimed he won the US election early Wednesday, despite key states still counting ballots, activists gathered outside the Portland federal courthouse -- the epicenter of the summer's fraught anti-racism protests. Many at the courthouse shouted slogans against Trump as well as Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, a bogeyman for anti-police protesters who won re-election Tuesday, while others danced and twerked to loud hip-hop music. The FBI has warned of the potential for armed clashes in Portland linked to the polls, but there were no signs of election night activity from right-wing groups such as the Proud Boys. Slovenia's conservative Prime Minister Janez Jansa congratulated US President Donald Trump on Wednesday for winning re-election even though neither Trump nor challenger Joe Biden has yet won an outright victory. It’s pretty clear that American people have elected ⁦@realDonaldTrump⁩ ⁦@Mike_Pence⁩ for #4moreyears. More delays and facts denying from #MSM, bigger the final triumph for #POTUS. Congratulations ⁦@GOP⁩ for strong results across the #US ⁦@idualliance⁩ ⁦ pic.twitter.com/vzSwt9TBeF — Janez Janša (@JJansaSDS) November 4, 2020 ×

US election 2020: World leaders react on the presidential election

The EU on Wednesday launched a procedure to sanction Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, his son Viktor and 13 others held responsible for a post-election crackdown in the former Soviet state, diplomatic sources in Brussels said.

The green light to ban visas and freeze the assets of Lukashenko and the 14 others was given by envoys from the EU's 27 member states and should be confirmed in the bloc's official journal by Friday, they said.

The EU has already imposed travel bans and asset freezes on 40 Lukashenko allies for rigging an election in August that returned him to power and for orchestrating a crackdown on mass protests that have rocked the country since the vote.

The bloc had held back from penalising Lukashenko, hoping to persuade him to engage in dialogue with opposition forces to resolve the crisis.

However, this hope was not fulfilled and in mid-October, EU foreign ministers gave the go-ahead in principle to take action against the leader.&nbsp;

Lukashenko is "responsible for the violent repression by the state apparatus before and after the 2020 presidential elections", said the sanctions decision seen by AFP.&nbsp;

It also handed him responsibility for the exclusion of important opposition candidates in the election, "arbitrary arrests and the ill-treatment of peaceful demonstrators, as well as intimidation and violence against journalists".&nbsp;

The EU is also targeting Lukashenko's son Viktor, who is an acting national security advisor in Belarus.&nbsp;

Among the other persons involved are the Lukashenko's chief of staff, Igor Sergeenko, the head of the KGB secret service, Ivan Tertel, and the leader's press officer.

The EU rejected the results of the August 9 election and said it did not regard Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

The EU on Wednesday launched a procedure to sanction Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, his son Viktor and 13 others held responsible for a post-election crackdown in the former Soviet state, diplomatic sources in Brussels said.

The EU on Wednesday launched a procedure to sanction Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, his son Viktor and 13 others held responsible for a post-election crackdown in the former Soviet state, diplomatic sources in Brussels said. The green light to ban visas and freeze the assets of Lukashenko and the 14 others was given by envoys from the EU's 27 member states and should be confirmed in the bloc's official journal by Friday, they said. The EU has already imposed travel bans and asset freezes on 40 Lukashenko allies for rigging an election in August that returned him to power and for orchestrating a crackdown on mass protests that have rocked the country since the vote. The bloc had held back from penalising Lukashenko, hoping to persuade him to engage in dialogue with opposition forces to resolve the crisis. However, this hope was not fulfilled and in mid-October, EU foreign ministers gave the go-ahead in principle to take action against the leader. Lukashenko is "responsible for the violent repression by the state apparatus before and after the 2020 presidential elections", said the sanctions decision seen by AFP. It also handed him responsibility for the exclusion of important opposition candidates in the election, "arbitrary arrests and the ill-treatment of peaceful demonstrators, as well as intimidation and violence against journalists". The EU is also targeting Lukashenko's son Viktor, who is an acting national security advisor in Belarus. Among the other persons involved are the Lukashenko's chief of staff, Igor Sergeenko, the head of the KGB secret service, Ivan Tertel, and the leader's press officer. The EU rejected the results of the August 9 election and said it did not regard Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

European Union launches sanctions against Belarus leader Lukashenko

Swiss authorities confirmed on Wednesday that two men arrested near Zurich were "obviously friends" of a gunman who killed four people in a shooting rampage in Vienna and said police were investigating the full extent of their relationship with him.

Investigators are trying to&nbsp;piece together more information about the gunman's circle after detaining 14 people in the wake of Monday's shooting, the first major attack in Austria for decades and the first blamed on a jihadist.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-terror-strikes-vienna-army-called-in-340232/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The assailant, named as 20-year-old dual Austrian-Macedonian national Kujtim Fejzulai, had been convicted and sentenced to prison in April last year for trying to travel to Syria and join IS.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-cctv-witness-footage-show-terrorist-suspect-open-fire-in-vienna-340048">Watch: CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna</a>

Swiss police arrested two men, aged 18 and 24, on Tuesday in the town of Winterthur, which has become a focus of concern about Islamist radicalism in recent years.&nbsp;

Swiss Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter, in a panel discussion shown on the St. Galler Tagblatt newspaper's website, said the two arrested men were "obviously friends" of the gunman. She said they had met "in person" but did not say when.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-islamic-leaders-incite-vienna-terror-attack-340239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Both men, whose names have not been released, are already the subject of two criminal cases being prosecuted by the Swiss attorney general's office (OAG) and which were opened in 2018 and 2019, the Swiss attorney general's told Reuters in an email. The older man is a suspect in one of those cases.

The Islamic State group,&nbsp;which has claimed numerous attacks in Europe,&nbsp;said Tuesday a "soldier of the caliphate" was responsible for the shooting, which killed four people and left more wounded.

The gunman opened fire indiscriminately in the historic centre of the city just hours before Austria imposed a coronavirus lockdown, when people were out in bars and restaurants enjoying a final night of relative freedom.

ISLAMIST PREACHERS

Winterthur, once a prominent industrial centre about 20 kilometres from the border with Germany, was the site of a now-shuttered mosque that officials said had attracted preachers who espoused "hate speech".

Several young people from the Winterthur area who were linked to the mosque travelled to Syria to fight with Islamic State. Membership and support of the militant group is outlawed in Switzerland.

In September, a man Swiss media dubbed the "Emir of Winterthur" and described as a leading Islamist militant in Switzerland, was sentenced to 50 months in prison for ties to Islamic State.

Switzerland has largely been spared Islamist violence, but authorities are concerned that the kind of attacks seen in neighbouring France, Germany and now Austria could also occur on Swiss territory.

The OAG said on Wednesday that a fatal stabbing of a Portuguese man in September in the town of Morges, in western Switzerland, was still being investigated for a possible "terrorist motive".

A Swiss-Turkish national has been arrested.

Swiss authorities confirmed on Wednesday that two men arrested near Zurich were "obviously friends" of a gunman who killed four people in a shooting rampage in Vienna and said police were investigating the full extent of their relationship with him.

Swiss authorities confirmed on Wednesday that two men arrested near Zurich were "obviously friends" of a gunman who killed four people in a shooting rampage in Vienna and said police were investigating the full extent of their relationship with him. Investigators are trying to piece together more information about the gunman's circle after detaining 14 people in the wake of Monday's shooting, the first major attack in Austria for decades and the first blamed on a jihadist. The assailant, named as 20-year-old dual Austrian-Macedonian national Kujtim Fejzulai, had been convicted and sentenced to prison in April last year for trying to travel to Syria and join IS. Watch: CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna Swiss police arrested two men, aged 18 and 24, on Tuesday in the town of Winterthur, which has become a focus of concern about Islamist radicalism in recent years. Swiss Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter, in a panel discussion shown on the St. Galler Tagblatt newspaper's website, said the two arrested men were "obviously friends" of the gunman. She said they had met "in person" but did not say when. Both men, whose names have not been released, are already the subject of two criminal cases being prosecuted by the Swiss attorney general's office (OAG) and which were opened in 2018 and 2019, the Swiss attorney general's told Reuters in an email. The older man is a suspect in one of those cases. The Islamic State group, which has claimed numerous attacks in Europe, said Tuesday a "soldier of the caliphate" was responsible for the shooting, which killed four people and left more wounded. The gunman opened fire indiscriminately in the historic centre of the city just hours before Austria imposed a coronavirus lockdown, when people were out in bars and restaurants enjoying a final night of relative freedom. ISLAMIST PREACHERS Winterthur, once a prominent industrial centre about 20 kilometres from the border with Germany, was the site of a now-shuttered mosque that officials said had attracted preachers who espoused "hate speech". Several young people from the Winterthur area who were linked to the mosque travelled to Syria to fight with Islamic State. Membership and support of the militant group is outlawed in Switzerland. In September, a man Swiss media dubbed the "Emir of Winterthur" and described as a leading Islamist militant in Switzerland, was sentenced to 50 months in prison for ties to Islamic State. Switzerland has largely been spared Islamist violence, but authorities are concerned that the kind of attacks seen in neighbouring France, Germany and now Austria could also occur on Swiss territory. The OAG said on Wednesday that a fatal stabbing of a Portuguese man in September in the town of Morges, in western Switzerland, was still being investigated for a possible "terrorist motive". A Swiss-Turkish national has been arrested.

Vienna terror attack: Swiss authorities confirm two arrested men were friends of gunman

Students were gunned down "one by one" as they leapt from the windows of Kabul University classrooms when militants stormed the campus earlier this week, a survivor told AFP Wednesday.

At least 22 people, mostly students, were killed and another 27 wounded when three gunmen stormed the university on Monday, spraying classrooms with bullets in an assault claimed by the jihadist Islamic State group.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-strongly-condemns-cowardly-terrorist-attack-at-kabul-university-339946">PM Narendra Modi strongly condemns 'cowardly' terrorist attack at Kabul University</a>

Mohammad Qasim Kohistani, 22, a student of public policy at Kabul University, one of Afghanistan's main educational institutions, described how the seven-hour attack unfolded.

"We were waiting for our teacher to come... suddenly, we heard loud sounds coming from the first floor," Kohistani, who was in a classroom on the second floor, told AFP.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-kabul-university-attack-340121/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We knew something was wrong, we started jumping from the windows."

Kohistani took refuge under a window ledge with his friends, a bloody scene unravelling above him as the attackers went room to room searching out victims.

"After a gunman took over our class he started shooting fleeing students from the window," he said.

"The (other two) gunmen were shooting students one by one from a close range," he added.

Hundreds of students fled, some by scrambling over perimeter walls and onto the streets, others by barricading themselves inside rooms until they were rescued by Afghan special forces.&nbsp;

Best friend killed

Among those killed was Kohistani's best friend, Ahmad Ali, who stopped to help another friend, Roqia.&nbsp;

"He didn't jump from the window because Roqia had fainted," he explained.

"He wanted to save her but the gunman shot both of them in the head and killed them."

Kohistani, who sprained a leg when he jumped, stayed hidden for hours on campus.

"It was the most horrible moment of my life," he said.&nbsp;

"All through the day we were hearing their wails and cries for help but we were helpless."

After the attack ended, Kohistani came to learn that the attackers had killed everyone inside one of the classrooms below his.

"I am still in trauma. Yesterday, I was not even able to talk," he said.&nbsp;

Officials said two attackers were shot dead by security forces, while the third blew himself up during the assault.

The attack was claimed by IS, the second such assault the group had carried out on an educational centre in less than two weeks in the capital.

However, Vice President Amrullah Saleh has blamed the Taliban and their allies in Pakistan for the attack.

The Taliban have denied it was involved.

Afghan security forces have been grappling with surging violence that has only worsened in recent months despite the government holding peace talks with the Taliban in Qatar.

Afghanistan held a national day of mourning on Tuesday, while students demonstrated outside Kabul University, holding banners which read "Stop killing us".

Students were gunned down "one by one" as they leapt from the windows of Kabul University classrooms when militants stormed the campus earlier this week, a survivor told AFP Wednesday.

Students were gunned down "one by one" as they leapt from the windows of Kabul University classrooms when militants stormed the campus earlier this week, a survivor told AFP Wednesday. At least 22 people, mostly students, were killed and another 27 wounded when three gunmen stormed the university on Monday, spraying classrooms with bullets in an assault claimed by the jihadist Islamic State group. Also read: PM Narendra Modi strongly condemns 'cowardly' terrorist attack at Kabul University Mohammad Qasim Kohistani, 22, a student of public policy at Kabul University, one of Afghanistan's main educational institutions, described how the seven-hour attack unfolded. "We were waiting for our teacher to come... suddenly, we heard loud sounds coming from the first floor," Kohistani, who was in a classroom on the second floor, told AFP. "We knew something was wrong, we started jumping from the windows." Kohistani took refuge under a window ledge with his friends, a bloody scene unravelling above him as the attackers went room to room searching out victims. "After a gunman took over our class he started shooting fleeing students from the window," he said. "The (other two) gunmen were shooting students one by one from a close range," he added. Hundreds of students fled, some by scrambling over perimeter walls and onto the streets, others by barricading themselves inside rooms until they were rescued by Afghan special forces. Best friend killed Among those killed was Kohistani's best friend, Ahmad Ali, who stopped to help another friend, Roqia. "He didn't jump from the window because Roqia had fainted," he explained. "He wanted to save her but the gunman shot both of them in the head and killed them." Kohistani, who sprained a leg when he jumped, stayed hidden for hours on campus. "It was the most horrible moment of my life," he said. "All through the day we were hearing their wails and cries for help but we were helpless." After the attack ended, Kohistani came to learn that the attackers had killed everyone inside one of the classrooms below his. "I am still in trauma. Yesterday, I was not even able to talk," he said. Officials said two attackers were shot dead by security forces, while the third blew himself up during the assault. The attack was claimed by IS, the second such assault the group had carried out on an educational centre in less than two weeks in the capital. However, Vice President Amrullah Saleh has blamed the Taliban and their allies in Pakistan for the attack. The Taliban have denied it was involved. Afghan security forces have been grappling with surging violence that has only worsened in recent months despite the government holding peace talks with the Taliban in Qatar. Afghanistan held a national day of mourning on Tuesday, while students demonstrated outside Kabul University, holding banners which read "Stop killing us".

Terrorists shot students 'one by one' in Afghan university attack: Survivor

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday his government would roll out new types of COVID-19 testing "on a scale never seen before" to stem the growing pandemic when a new lockdown in England expires on December&nbsp;2.

"At the expiry of this period on December 2 ... we will be rolling out across this country new types of testing on a scale never seen before," Johnson told parliament.

He also promised to support British businesses and help them bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

"We will do whatever it takes to back British business, because I know that when the recovery comes, and it will come, it will happen entirely thanks to the efforts of the people who are watching me now," he said in a pre-recorded video address to the Confederation of British Industry annual conference.

After persisting for weeks with local and regional restrictions,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;announced at the weekend that a new nationwide lockdown would come into force from Thursday and end on December 2, bringing England into line with other parts of the UK and Europe.

Scientific models show that, without immediate action, the number of deaths over the winter months could double those in the first wave earlier this year, and hospitals would soon be overwhelmed,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told the House of Commons.

"I am truly sorry for the anguish these measures will impose, particularly for businesses that had just got back on their feet," he said.

"But it's now clear that we must do more together."

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of a "catastrophic failure of leadership", but&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;vowed "no apologies" for resisting an earlier national lockdown, given the impact on lives, mental health and livelihoods.

"I believe it was right to try every possible option to get this virus under control at a local level," he said.

The ramped-up response came as Britain surpassed one million cases, while its number of coronavirus-related deaths is nearing 47,000, the worst toll in Europe.

The government is extending a UK-wide furlough scheme to support staff wages in shut-down businesses that was due to expire on October 31.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday his government would roll out new types of COVID-19 testing "on a scale never seen before" to stem the growing pandemic when a new lockdown in England expires on December 2.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday his government would roll out new types of COVID-19 testing "on a scale never seen before" to stem the growing pandemic when a new lockdown in England expires on December 2. "At the expiry of this period on December 2 ... we will be rolling out across this country new types of testing on a scale never seen before," Johnson told parliament. He also promised to support British businesses and help them bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. "We will do whatever it takes to back British business, because I know that when the recovery comes, and it will come, it will happen entirely thanks to the efforts of the people who are watching me now," he said in a pre-recorded video address to the Confederation of British Industry annual conference. After persisting for weeks with local and regional restrictions, Johnson announced at the weekend that a new nationwide lockdown would come into force from Thursday and end on December 2, bringing England into line with other parts of the UK and Europe. Scientific models show that, without immediate action, the number of deaths over the winter months could double those in the first wave earlier this year, and hospitals would soon be overwhelmed, Johnson told the House of Commons. "I am truly sorry for the anguish these measures will impose, particularly for businesses that had just got back on their feet," he said. "But it's now clear that we must do more together." Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of a "catastrophic failure of leadership", but Johnson vowed "no apologies" for resisting an earlier national lockdown, given the impact on lives, mental health and livelihoods. "I believe it was right to try every possible option to get this virus under control at a local level," he said. The ramped-up response came as Britain surpassed one million cases, while its number of coronavirus-related deaths is nearing 47,000, the worst toll in Europe. The government is extending a UK-wide furlough scheme to support staff wages in shut-down businesses that was due to expire on October 31.

'Whatever it takes': Britain to roll out COVID-19 tests on scale never seen before

Ethiopia's government Wednesday declared a state of emergency in Tigray after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military response to a deadly attack by the ruling party of the restive region on a federal troop camp.

A statement issued by Abiy's office said the Federal Council of Ministers made the declaration "recognising that illegal and violent activities within the National Regional State of Tigray are endangering the constitution and constitutional order."

In September, Tigray held regional elections in defiance of the federal government, which called the vote "illegal". The row has escalated in recent days with both sides accusing each other of plotting a military conflict.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office said that early on Wednesday, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) tried to steal artillery and other equipment from federal forces stationed there.

"The last red line has been crossed with this morning's attacks and the federal government is therefore forced into a military confrontation," it said, adding that the aim was to prevent instability engulfing the country and region.

The prime minister's spokesman Billene Seyoum told Reuters later that military operations in Tigray had commenced, without elaborating.

Two diplomatic sources in Addis Ababa said heavy fighting, including artillery fire, had broken out in the northern region, which borders Eritrea.

Tigray's local government said the Northern Command of the federal military, which is stationed in the region, had defected to its side, a statement which Billene described as "false information".

The prime minister's office said the federal government had declared a six-month state of emergency in Tigray to be overseen by the chief of staff of the armed forces.

The internet was shut down in the region, internet access monitor NetBlocks said, confirming reports that authorities had shut down telephone and internet services.

Tigrayans dominated&nbsp;Ethiopian politics after guerrilla fighters ousted a Marxist dictator in 1991, but their influence has waned under Abiy. Last year, the TPLF quit his ruling coalition.

Since Abiy came to power in 2018, many senior Tigrayan officials have been detained, fired or sidelined, in what the federal government describes as a clamp-down on corruption but Tigrayans see as a means to quell dissent.

Tigray's population makes up 5% of&nbsp;Ethiopia's 109 million people, but it is wealthier and more influential than many other, larger regions.

Ethiopia's government Wednesday declared a state of emergency in Tigray after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military response to a deadly attack by the ruling party of the restive region on a federal troop camp.

Ethiopia's government Wednesday declared a state of emergency in Tigray after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military response to a deadly attack by the ruling party of the restive region on a federal troop camp. A statement issued by Abiy's office said the Federal Council of Ministers made the declaration "recognising that illegal and violent activities within the National Regional State of Tigray are endangering the constitution and constitutional order." In September, Tigray held regional elections in defiance of the federal government, which called the vote "illegal". The row has escalated in recent days with both sides accusing each other of plotting a military conflict. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office said that early on Wednesday, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) tried to steal artillery and other equipment from federal forces stationed there. "The last red line has been crossed with this morning's attacks and the federal government is therefore forced into a military confrontation," it said, adding that the aim was to prevent instability engulfing the country and region. The prime minister's spokesman Billene Seyoum told Reuters later that military operations in Tigray had commenced, without elaborating. Two diplomatic sources in Addis Ababa said heavy fighting, including artillery fire, had broken out in the northern region, which borders Eritrea. Tigray's local government said the Northern Command of the federal military, which is stationed in the region, had defected to its side, a statement which Billene described as "false information". The prime minister's office said the federal government had declared a six-month state of emergency in Tigray to be overseen by the chief of staff of the armed forces. The internet was shut down in the region, internet access monitor NetBlocks said, confirming reports that authorities had shut down telephone and internet services. Tigrayans dominated Ethiopian politics after guerrilla fighters ousted a Marxist dictator in 1991, but their influence has waned under Abiy. Last year, the TPLF quit his ruling coalition. Since Abiy came to power in 2018, many senior Tigrayan officials have been detained, fired or sidelined, in what the federal government describes as a clamp-down on corruption but Tigrayans see as a means to quell dissent. Tigray's population makes up 5% of Ethiopia's 109 million people, but it is wealthier and more influential than many other, larger regions.

Ethiopia declares state of emergency in Tigray region

Myanmar’s army chief said on Tuesday the civilian government was making "unacceptable mistakes" in the run-up to a pivotal general election on Sunday, the second democratic vote since the end of strict military rule.

Issuing the second warning in as many days about potential bias in the vote, commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing told a local news outlet that the military was the "guardian" of the country and was watching preparations closely.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-expert-airs-human-rights-concerns-ahead-of-myanmar-vote-340405" hreflang="en">UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote</a>

The rare interview in the Popular News Journal followed similar comments in a military statement on Monday that accused the election commission of "widespread violation of the laws and procedures of the pre-voting process".

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy is widely expected to win Sunday's vote, in a Facebook post late on Tuesday called for calm and urged voters not to be intimidated.

"People are aware of attempts to disturb the holding of a successful election... They are intentionally inciting anger," she wrote, without elaborating.

Min Aung Hlaing said some opposition parties had complained about irregularities, citing voter lists riddled with errors with many people excluded. "There is no problem for normal mistakes. But some are unacceptable mistakes. They have a lot of time to do corrections,” he said, urging the election commission to ensure "a free and fair election.”

A spokesman for Myanmar’s election commission did not answer phone calls seeking comment, nor did a government spokesman.

The election commission is controlled by the government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, which came to power after a landslide election win in 2015 that ended half a century of military and military-backed rule.

But the army retains significant powers under the constitution including control of key ministries like Home Affairs. The military and civilian government have been at odds over various issues for months, including constitutional reform.

Myanmar’s army chief said on Tuesday the civilian government was making "unacceptable mistakes" in the run-up to a pivotal general election on Sunday, the second democratic vote since the end of strict military rule.

Myanmar’s army chief said on Tuesday the civilian government was making "unacceptable mistakes" in the run-up to a pivotal general election on Sunday, the second democratic vote since the end of strict military rule. Issuing the second warning in as many days about potential bias in the vote, commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing told a local news outlet that the military was the "guardian" of the country and was watching preparations closely. Also read: UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote The rare interview in the Popular News Journal followed similar comments in a military statement on Monday that accused the election commission of "widespread violation of the laws and procedures of the pre-voting process". Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy is widely expected to win Sunday's vote, in a Facebook post late on Tuesday called for calm and urged voters not to be intimidated. "People are aware of attempts to disturb the holding of a successful election... They are intentionally inciting anger," she wrote, without elaborating. Min Aung Hlaing said some opposition parties had complained about irregularities, citing voter lists riddled with errors with many people excluded. "There is no problem for normal mistakes. But some are unacceptable mistakes. They have a lot of time to do corrections,” he said, urging the election commission to ensure "a free and fair election.” A spokesman for Myanmar’s election commission did not answer phone calls seeking comment, nor did a government spokesman. The election commission is controlled by the government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, which came to power after a landslide election win in 2015 that ended half a century of military and military-backed rule. But the army retains significant powers under the constitution including control of key ministries like Home Affairs. The military and civilian government have been at odds over various issues for months, including constitutional reform.

Myanmar army chief accuses government of 'unacceptable mistakes' ahead of election

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;is building two new submarines, including one capable of firing ballistic missiles, a South&nbsp;Korean lawmaker said on Tuesday, following a closed-door briefing by the South's National Intelligence Service.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has a large submarine fleet but only one known experimental submarine capable of carrying a ballistic missile.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-koreas-explicit-threat-to-us-new-ballistic-missile-unveiled-334586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"One of the submarines&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;is building can carry a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)," Ha Tae-keung, an opposition party lawmaker on parliament’s intelligence committee, told Reuters. "One is a modified Romeo Class and the other is a new medium-large size one."

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has been subject to UN&nbsp;Security Council sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disappointing-us-slams-north-korea-over-icbm-display-in-military-parade-334519">'Disappointing': US slams North Korea over ICBM display in military parade</a>

North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump have met three times since 2018, but failed to make progress on US&nbsp;calls for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's demands for an end to sanctions.

In July 2019 state media showed Kim inspecting a large, newly built submarine. While&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;did not describe the submarine’s weapons systems, analysts said the apparent size of the vessel indicated it was designed to carry missiles.

Later that year&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;said it had successfully test-fired a new SLBM from the sea, and last month it showcased a new SLBM design during a military parade in Pyongyang.

Kim's vow to unveil new strategic weapons this year also led to speculation that&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;could soon deploy an operational ballistic missile submarine.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;showcased a total of 76 missiles in nine different types at a military parade on October&nbsp;10, including the country’s long-range weapons for the first time in two years, Yonhap news agency reported, citing Ha.

After months of speculation over Kim's health, South&nbsp;Korea's spies said there were no signs that the young leader was suffering from health problems, Yonhap reported.

The lawmaker also said there was circumstantial evidence indicating that Kim had ordered an investigation into the&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean troops who shot dead a South&nbsp;Korean fisheries official who went missing in late September, Yonhap reported.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;last week said the shooting of the South&nbsp;Korean man in its waters last month was a self-defensive measure amid concerns about the coronavirus.

North Korea is building two new submarines, including one capable of firing ballistic missiles, a South Korean lawmaker said on Tuesday, following a closed-door briefing by the South's National Intelligence Service.

North Korea is building two new submarines, including one capable of firing ballistic missiles, a South Korean lawmaker said on Tuesday, following a closed-door briefing by the South's National Intelligence Service. North Korea has a large submarine fleet but only one known experimental submarine capable of carrying a ballistic missile. "One of the submarines North Korea is building can carry a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)," Ha Tae-keung, an opposition party lawmaker on parliament’s intelligence committee, told Reuters. "One is a modified Romeo Class and the other is a new medium-large size one." North Korea has been subject to UN Security Council sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Also read| 'Disappointing': US slams North Korea over ICBM display in military parade North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump have met three times since 2018, but failed to make progress on US calls for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons and North Korea's demands for an end to sanctions. In July 2019 state media showed Kim inspecting a large, newly built submarine. While North Korea did not describe the submarine’s weapons systems, analysts said the apparent size of the vessel indicated it was designed to carry missiles. Later that year North Korea said it had successfully test-fired a new SLBM from the sea, and last month it showcased a new SLBM design during a military parade in Pyongyang. Kim's vow to unveil new strategic weapons this year also led to speculation that North Korea could soon deploy an operational ballistic missile submarine. North Korea showcased a total of 76 missiles in nine different types at a military parade on October 10, including the country’s long-range weapons for the first time in two years, Yonhap news agency reported, citing Ha. After months of speculation over Kim's health, South Korea's spies said there were no signs that the young leader was suffering from health problems, Yonhap reported. The lawmaker also said there was circumstantial evidence indicating that Kim had ordered an investigation into the North Korean troops who shot dead a South Korean fisheries official who went missing in late September, Yonhap reported. North Korea last week said the shooting of the South Korean man in its waters last month was a self-defensive measure amid concerns about the coronavirus.

North Korea building two submarines capable of firing ballistic missiles

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