China's foreign ministry said on Thursday&nbsp;it was totally within its rights as a sovereign power to ban two Australian scholars.

China firmly opposes actions that harm the country's security and spread misinformation under the pretext of scholarly work, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a press briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-constructed-400-internment-camps-in-xinjiang-study-329842" hreflang="en">China constructed 400 internment camps in Xinjiang: Study</a>

The Global Times newspaper said earlier on Thursday, citing unnamed sources, that China had barred entry to two "anti-China" Australian scholars.

The paper, published by the ruling Chinese Communist Party's official People's Daily, said the decision to bar Clive Hamilton and Alex Joske came after Australia revoked the visas of two Chinese scholars over "alleged infiltration" in early September.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-and-china-spat-over-coronavirus-inquiry-gets-uglier-299755">Australia and China spat over coronavirus inquiry gets uglier</a>

Ties have become strained over issues from trade disputes to Australia's call for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus that first emerged in China late last year, and by accusations of Chinese meddling in domestic affairs.

"This ban is quite unexpected, although I have been on Beijing's enemy list for some years," Hamilton said in an email to Reuters.

He added that the ban against him and Joske was "retaliation" for the Australian government's actions against Chinese scholars and that he had already decided "two or three years ago" it would be too dangerous to travel to China.

"Only when Beijing decides to stop interfering in Australian politics and attempting to bully the Australian government will relations improve. I hope that happens soon," he said.

In a 2018 book, Hamilton, a professor of public ethics at Australia's Charles Sturt University, accused China's Communist Party of a campaign to exert influence in Australia's domestic politics.

Joske is an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, which the Global Times called "infamous for churning out anti-China propaganda and fabricating anti-China issues."

He said on Twitter that the ban is the "latest in a series of attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to punish those who shine a light on its activities" and that he had also judged the risk of travelling to China to be "too high."

China's foreign ministry said on Thursday it was totally within its rights as a sovereign power to ban two Australian scholars. China firmly opposes actions that harm the country's security and spread misinformation under the pretext of scholarly work, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a press briefing.

China's foreign ministry said on Thursday it was totally within its rights as a sovereign power to ban two Australian scholars. China firmly opposes actions that harm the country's security and spread misinformation under the pretext of scholarly work, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a press briefing. Also read: China constructed 400 internment camps in Xinjiang: Study The Global Times newspaper said earlier on Thursday, citing unnamed sources, that China had barred entry to two "anti-China" Australian scholars. The paper, published by the ruling Chinese Communist Party's official People's Daily, said the decision to bar Clive Hamilton and Alex Joske came after Australia revoked the visas of two Chinese scholars over "alleged infiltration" in early September. Also read: Australia and China spat over coronavirus inquiry gets uglier Ties have become strained over issues from trade disputes to Australia's call for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus that first emerged in China late last year, and by accusations of Chinese meddling in domestic affairs. "This ban is quite unexpected, although I have been on Beijing's enemy list for some years," Hamilton said in an email to Reuters. He added that the ban against him and Joske was "retaliation" for the Australian government's actions against Chinese scholars and that he had already decided "two or three years ago" it would be too dangerous to travel to China. "Only when Beijing decides to stop interfering in Australian politics and attempting to bully the Australian government will relations improve. I hope that happens soon," he said. In a 2018 book, Hamilton, a professor of public ethics at Australia's Charles Sturt University, accused China's Communist Party of a campaign to exert influence in Australia's domestic politics. Joske is an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, which the Global Times called "infamous for churning out anti-China propaganda and fabricating anti-China issues." He said on Twitter that the ban is the "latest in a series of attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to punish those who shine a light on its activities" and that he had also judged the risk of travelling to China to be "too high."

China says banning Australian scholars within its sovereign remit

TikTok's owner ByteDance&nbsp;said Thursday it has applied for a Chinese technology export license as it tries to complete a deal with Oracle and Walmart to keep the popular video app operating in the United States.&nbsp;

The Chinese&nbsp;firm submitted the application to Beijing's municipal commerce bureau and is awaiting a decision.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-asks-court-to-block-trumps-ban-claiming-it-to-be-us-elections-agenda-329813">TikTok asks court to block Trump's ban claiming it to be US elections' agenda</a>

The application comes about a month after China revised its list of technologies subject to export bans or restrictions for the first time in 12 years, in a manner which experts said gave the government a say over any TikTok deal. It can take up to 30 days to obtain preliminary approval to export such technology.

Chinese commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng told reporters on Thursday that the application has been received and would be handled in accordance with relevant regulations and procedures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-unlikely-to-approve-bytedances-tiktok-deal-with-oracle-report-says-329318/amp">Beijing unlikely to approve ByteDance's TikTok deal with Oracle, report says</a>

ByteDance has said its deal with Oracle and Walmart will see the creation of a standalone US&nbsp;company and does not involve any transfer of technology, though Oracle will be able to inspect TikTok US&nbsp;source code.

It has also said the deal needs approval from both China and the United States.

However, the companies have issued conflicting statements over the terms of the agreement they reached with the White House.

ByteDance said it will establish a US&nbsp;subsidiary called TikTok Global of which it will own 80 per cent.

Oracle and WalMart, however, said majority ownership of TikTok Global would be in American hands, complying with an August&nbsp;14 executive order by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump that ByteDance relinquish ownership of TikTok within 90 days.

Chinese state media outlets China Daily and the Global Times this week said they see no reason for China to approve the deal that Oracle and Walmart said they have struck with ByteDance, calling it based on "bullying and extortion".

TikTok's experience is "a textbook example of the United States' modern-day piracy and tech bullying," Chinese state news agency Xinhua said in an English-language commentary on Thursday, adding that national security concerns that Washington has expressed over TikTok are "nothing but a fig leaf".

"It is time that other countries saw through the outrageous farce of the TikTok drama, knew what is really at stake, and joined hands to oppose such blatant robberies and maintain a fair global business environment," it said.

TikTok asked a US&nbsp;judge on Wednesday to block an order from Trump's administration that would require Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google to remove its short video-sharing app for new downloads from Sunday.

In response to a question on TikTok's request, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Thursday said China supports companies' use of relevant legal weapons to uphold their rights.

TikTok's owner ByteDance said Thursday it has applied for a Chinese technology export license as it tries to complete a deal with Oracle and Walmart to keep the popular video app operating in the United States.

TikTok's owner ByteDance said Thursday it has applied for a Chinese technology export license as it tries to complete a deal with Oracle and Walmart to keep the popular video app operating in the United States. The Chinese firm submitted the application to Beijing's municipal commerce bureau and is awaiting a decision. Also read: TikTok asks court to block Trump's ban claiming it to be US elections' agenda The application comes about a month after China revised its list of technologies subject to export bans or restrictions for the first time in 12 years, in a manner which experts said gave the government a say over any TikTok deal. It can take up to 30 days to obtain preliminary approval to export such technology. Chinese commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng told reporters on Thursday that the application has been received and would be handled in accordance with relevant regulations and procedures. Also read: Beijing unlikely to approve ByteDance's TikTok deal with Oracle, report says ByteDance has said its deal with Oracle and Walmart will see the creation of a standalone US company and does not involve any transfer of technology, though Oracle will be able to inspect TikTok US source code. It has also said the deal needs approval from both China and the United States. However, the companies have issued conflicting statements over the terms of the agreement they reached with the White House. ByteDance said it will establish a US subsidiary called TikTok Global of which it will own 80 per cent. Oracle and WalMart, however, said majority ownership of TikTok Global would be in American hands, complying with an August 14 executive order by US President Donald Trump that ByteDance relinquish ownership of TikTok within 90 days. Chinese state media outlets China Daily and the Global Times this week said they see no reason for China to approve the deal that Oracle and Walmart said they have struck with ByteDance, calling it based on "bullying and extortion". TikTok's experience is "a textbook example of the United States' modern-day piracy and tech bullying," Chinese state news agency Xinhua said in an English-language commentary on Thursday, adding that national security concerns that Washington has expressed over TikTok are "nothing but a fig leaf". "It is time that other countries saw through the outrageous farce of the TikTok drama, knew what is really at stake, and joined hands to oppose such blatant robberies and maintain a fair global business environment," it said. TikTok asked a US judge on Wednesday to block an order from Trump's administration that would require Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google to remove its short video-sharing app for new downloads from Sunday. In response to a question on TikTok's request, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Thursday said China supports companies' use of relevant legal weapons to uphold their rights.

TikTok's owner ByteDance applies for Chinese license to close US deal

Several Indian students are among over 200 overseas student signatories of a letter delivered to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street in London on Thursday, seeking justice in the wake of being accused of cheating in a compulsory English language test six years ago.

The scandal, believed to have impacted around 34,000 international students, relates to the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), a compulsory requirement in some student visa cases.

Many of the students caught up in the row are Indian and have consistently maintained their innocence and have been lobbying the government for a chance to prove their innocence.

''We were innocent but our visas were refused or revoked and the government gave us no way to defend ourselves. Our futures were destroyed and we were left to fight a years-long legal battle costing each of us tens of thousands of pounds,''&nbsp;reads the letter.

''We write to you because it is within your power to right this wrong, to put an end to our detention, deportation and humiliation. Allow us to prove our innocence by establishing a free and transparent scheme&nbsp;independent of the Home Office&nbsp;through which we can get our cases to be reviewed and clear our names,''&nbsp;they wrote in a direct appeal to Johnson.

The group has been supported in its long-running campaign by Migrant Voice activists and several parliamentarians including Labour Party MP Stephen Timms, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on TOEIC. In the letter to the UK PM this week, they also sought to highlight how their plight has been magnified during the coronavirus pandemic.

''The coronavirus pandemic has made our situation even worse. Our support networks have collapsed, the charities we rely on have been closed, our friends and families are unable to help as they are struggling themselves. We are terrified of catching the virus and being hospitalised, or dying with a black mark still against our names. This is not the future we wanted or worked for,''&nbsp;they write.

Several reports over the years, including by the UK's National Audit Office and House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), have flagged. flawed&nbsp;evidence used by the Home Office against the affected students and raised serious doubts over the decision to revoke or refuse tens of thousands of visas.

''These students have been living a nightmare for six years. Stripped of their rights and their futures destroyed, many are destitute and suffering severe mental health problems. There is a mountain of evidence that proves they are victims of a mammoth injustice ? and the government can ignore this no longer,''&nbsp;said Nazek Ramadan, Director of Migrant Voice.

The issue dates back to February 2014, when BBC's ?Panorama' investigation uncovered evidence of organised cheating in two English language test centres run on behalf of the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

This included providing English-speakers to take speaking tests instead of the real candidates and staff reading out multiple choice answers for other tests. The UK Home Office responded vigorously, investigating colleges, test centres and students and cancelled thousands of visas in the wake of the expose.

It has maintained that the courts, consistently,&nbsp;found that the evidence it had at the time was sufficient to take action and that the 2014 investigation into the abuse of English language testing revealed "systemic cheating".

Last year, the influential PAC parliamentary body had issued a harsh rebuke of the government's reaction to the scandal.

''The Home Office's pace of response to the issue of cheating has either been 'full throttle' or 'too slow', with no middle ground. It has been quick to act on imperfect evidence, but slow in responding to indications that innocent people may have been caught up in its actions,''&nbsp;noted the report titled 'English Language Tests: A Systemic Failure Affecting Thousands'.

"We are staggered that the Department thinks it is acceptable to have so little regard for the impact its actions might have on innocent people,? it said.&nbsp;

Several Indian students are among over 200 overseas student signatories of a letter delivered to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street in London on Thursday, seeking justice in the wake of being accused of cheating in a compulsory English language test six years ago.

Several Indian students are among over 200 overseas student signatories of a letter delivered to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street in London on Thursday, seeking justice in the wake of being accused of cheating in a compulsory English language test six years ago. The scandal, believed to have impacted around 34,000 international students, relates to the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), a compulsory requirement in some student visa cases. Many of the students caught up in the row are Indian and have consistently maintained their innocence and have been lobbying the government for a chance to prove their innocence. ''We were innocent but our visas were refused or revoked and the government gave us no way to defend ourselves. Our futures were destroyed and we were left to fight a years-long legal battle costing each of us tens of thousands of pounds,'' reads the letter. ''We write to you because it is within your power to right this wrong, to put an end to our detention, deportation and humiliation. Allow us to prove our innocence by establishing a free and transparent scheme independent of the Home Office through which we can get our cases to be reviewed and clear our names,'' they wrote in a direct appeal to Johnson. The group has been supported in its long-running campaign by Migrant Voice activists and several parliamentarians including Labour Party MP Stephen Timms, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on TOEIC. In the letter to the UK PM this week, they also sought to highlight how their plight has been magnified during the coronavirus pandemic. ''The coronavirus pandemic has made our situation even worse. Our support networks have collapsed, the charities we rely on have been closed, our friends and families are unable to help as they are struggling themselves. We are terrified of catching the virus and being hospitalised, or dying with a black mark still against our names. This is not the future we wanted or worked for,'' they write. Several reports over the years, including by the UK's National Audit Office and House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), have flagged. flawed evidence used by the Home Office against the affected students and raised serious doubts over the decision to revoke or refuse tens of thousands of visas. ''These students have been living a nightmare for six years. Stripped of their rights and their futures destroyed, many are destitute and suffering severe mental health problems. There is a mountain of evidence that proves they are victims of a mammoth injustice ? and the government can ignore this no longer,'' said Nazek Ramadan, Director of Migrant Voice. The issue dates back to February 2014, when BBC's ?Panorama' investigation uncovered evidence of organised cheating in two English language test centres run on behalf of the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This included providing English-speakers to take speaking tests instead of the real candidates and staff reading out multiple choice answers for other tests. The UK Home Office responded vigorously, investigating colleges, test centres and students and cancelled thousands of visas in the wake of the expose. It has maintained that the courts, consistently, found that the evidence it had at the time was sufficient to take action and that the 2014 investigation into the abuse of English language testing revealed "systemic cheating". Last year, the influential PAC parliamentary body had issued a harsh rebuke of the government's reaction to the scandal. ''The Home Office's pace of response to the issue of cheating has either been 'full throttle' or 'too slow', with no middle ground. It has been quick to act on imperfect evidence, but slow in responding to indications that innocent people may have been caught up in its actions,'' noted the report titled 'English Language Tests: A Systemic Failure Affecting Thousands'. "We are staggered that the Department thinks it is acceptable to have so little regard for the impact its actions might have on innocent people,? it said.

Indian students appeal to Boris Johnson in historic English test visa row

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday&nbsp;North Korea's shooting of a South Korean official was "shocking" and "unpardonable".

North Korean troops shot dead a South Korean fisheries official who went missing this week, before dousing his body in oil and setting it on fire in what was likely an effort to prevent a coronavirus outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-man-strays-in-pyongyang-waters-shot-cremated-by-north-korea-329836" hreflang="en">South Korean man strays in Pyongyang waters; shot &amp; cremated by North Korea</a>

Moon also ordered the South Korean military to highten their alert to protect the lives of citizens, Kang said.

The military said it sent a message on Wednesday&nbsp;to the North through the land border demanding explanations, but has not received any response yet.

North Korean officials had earlier closed the border along Kaesong city over coronavirus fears after an alleged North Korean defector who had fled to the neighbouring South three years ago crawled back into the country.

North Korean authorities have reportedly been issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus from entering the country. North Korea had closed the border with China back in January to prevent the outbreak of the virus.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday North Korea's shooting of a South Korean official was "shocking" and "unpardonable". North Korean troops shot dead a South Korean fisheries official who went missing this week, before dousing his body in oil and setting it on fire in what was likely an effort to prevent a coronavirus outbreak.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday North Korea's shooting of a South Korean official was "shocking" and "unpardonable". North Korean troops shot dead a South Korean fisheries official who went missing this week, before dousing his body in oil and setting it on fire in what was likely an effort to prevent a coronavirus outbreak. Also read: South Korean man strays in Pyongyang waters; shot & cremated by North Korea Moon also ordered the South Korean military to highten their alert to protect the lives of citizens, Kang said. The military said it sent a message on Wednesday to the North through the land border demanding explanations, but has not received any response yet. North Korean officials had earlier closed the border along Kaesong city over coronavirus fears after an alleged North Korean defector who had fled to the neighbouring South three years ago crawled back into the country. North Korean authorities have reportedly been issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus from entering the country. North Korea had closed the border with China back in January to prevent the outbreak of the virus.

South Korean president calls killing of official by North Korea 'unpardonable'

Sri Lanka's president has ordered the termination of a $1.5-billion Japanese-funded light rail project, saying it is not a "cost-effective solution" for the congested capital Colombo, officials said Thursday.

The deal signed under the previous government is the largest single foreign-funded infrastructure project in Sri Lanka, and was seen as a sign of the island nation reducing its dependence on China.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected last year, told the transport ministry to "terminate this project and close the project office with immediate effect", top aide P.B. Jayasundara said in a letter to the ministry.

There was no immediate comment from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which in March last year loaned 30 billion yen ($285 million) to finance the first phase of the Light Rail Transit (LRT).

Japanese technology including rolling stock was to be used on the rail system, which included 16 stations over 15.7 kilometres (9.8 miles).

Detailed planning and land acquisition for the project in Colombo, which has some of the worst traffic congestion in South Asia, had already been completed and initial construction was under way.

The Japanese loan carries an interest rate of 0.1 percent and is repayable over 40 years with a 12-year grace period. Japan has already funded sections of new expressways and a key bridge to reduce traffic congestion in and out of the capital.

Under former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the incumbent's brother, Sri Lanka borrowed billions of dollars from China for projects including ports,&nbsp;highways and railways.

But several ended up as white elephants and left the country facing a mountain of debt, mainly to China, stoking fears about Beijing's "Belt and Road" masterplan for overseas infrastructure.

Unable to service its loans, the then government of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe leased a Chinese-built port at Hambantota in the island's south to a Beijing company for $1.12 billion in 2017.

Sri Lanka's president has ordered the termination of a $1.5-billion Japanese-funded light rail project, saying it is not a "cost-effective solution" for the congested capital Colombo, officials said Thursday.

Sri Lanka's president has ordered the termination of a $1.5-billion Japanese-funded light rail project, saying it is not a "cost-effective solution" for the congested capital Colombo, officials said Thursday. The deal signed under the previous government is the largest single foreign-funded infrastructure project in Sri Lanka, and was seen as a sign of the island nation reducing its dependence on China. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected last year, told the transport ministry to "terminate this project and close the project office with immediate effect", top aide P.B. Jayasundara said in a letter to the ministry. There was no immediate comment from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which in March last year loaned 30 billion yen ($285 million) to finance the first phase of the Light Rail Transit (LRT). Japanese technology including rolling stock was to be used on the rail system, which included 16 stations over 15.7 kilometres (9.8 miles). Detailed planning and land acquisition for the project in Colombo, which has some of the worst traffic congestion in South Asia, had already been completed and initial construction was under way. The Japanese loan carries an interest rate of 0.1 percent and is repayable over 40 years with a 12-year grace period. Japan has already funded sections of new expressways and a key bridge to reduce traffic congestion in and out of the capital. Under former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the incumbent's brother, Sri Lanka borrowed billions of dollars from China for projects including ports, highways and railways. But several ended up as white elephants and left the country facing a mountain of debt, mainly to China, stoking fears about Beijing's "Belt and Road" masterplan for overseas infrastructure. Unable to service its loans, the then government of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe leased a Chinese-built port at Hambantota in the island's south to a Beijing company for $1.12 billion in 2017.

Sri Lanka scraps $1.5 billion Japan-funded light rail system

Thailand began legal action on Thursday&nbsp;against Facebook and Twitter for ignoring requests to take down content, in its first such move against major internet firms.

The digital ministry filed legal complaints with cybercrime police after the two social media companies missed 15-day deadlines to comply fully with court-issued takedown orders from August&nbsp;27, the digital minister, Puttipong Punnakanta, said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-government-threatens-legal-action-against-facebook-over-posts-criticising-monarchy-320249">Thai government threatens legal action against Facebook over posts criticising monarchy</a>

No action was taken against Alphabet's Google as originally suggested, as it took down all the YouTube videos specified in the order late on Wednesday, Puttipong said.

"This is the first time we're using the Computer Crime Act to take action against platforms for not complying with court orders," Puttipong told reporters.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/down-with-the-dictatorship-thailand-witness-biggest-anti-government-protest-in-years-321005">'Down with the dictatorship': Thailand witness biggest anti-government protest in years</a>

"Unless the companies send their representatives to negotiate or request further information, police can bring criminal cases against them. But if they do, and acknowledge the wrongdoing, we can settle on fines."

Puttipong did not disclose details of the content or say what laws it had violated. The complaints were against the U.S. parent companies and not their Thai subsidiaries, he said.

The ministry will file more such takedown requests to Facebook, Twitter, and Google, asking them to remove more than 3,000 items from their platforms, with content ranging from pornography to criticism of the monarchy, Puttipong said.

Twitter declined to comment, while Facebook and Google did not respond to requests for comment.

Thailand has a tough lese majeste law that prohibits insulting the monarchy. The Computer Crime Act, which outlaws the uploading of information that is false or affects national security, has also been used to prosecute online criticism of the royal family.

Thailand began legal action on Thursday against Facebook and Twitter for ignoring requests to take down content, in its first such move against major internet firms.

Thailand began legal action on Thursday against Facebook and Twitter for ignoring requests to take down content, in its first such move against major internet firms. The digital ministry filed legal complaints with cybercrime police after the two social media companies missed 15-day deadlines to comply fully with court-issued takedown orders from August 27, the digital minister, Puttipong Punnakanta, said. Also read: Thai government threatens legal action against Facebook over posts criticising monarchy No action was taken against Alphabet's Google as originally suggested, as it took down all the YouTube videos specified in the order late on Wednesday, Puttipong said. "This is the first time we're using the Computer Crime Act to take action against platforms for not complying with court orders," Puttipong told reporters. Also see: 'Down with the dictatorship': Thailand witness biggest anti-government protest in years "Unless the companies send their representatives to negotiate or request further information, police can bring criminal cases against them. But if they do, and acknowledge the wrongdoing, we can settle on fines." Puttipong did not disclose details of the content or say what laws it had violated. The complaints were against the U.S. parent companies and not their Thai subsidiaries, he said. The ministry will file more such takedown requests to Facebook, Twitter, and Google, asking them to remove more than 3,000 items from their platforms, with content ranging from pornography to criticism of the monarchy, Puttipong said. Twitter declined to comment, while Facebook and Google did not respond to requests for comment. Thailand has a tough lese majeste law that prohibits insulting the monarchy. The Computer Crime Act, which outlaws the uploading of information that is false or affects national security, has also been used to prosecute online criticism of the royal family.

Thailand takes first legal action against Facebook, Twitter over content

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz vice president Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday said political decisions should be made in Parliament and not at the army headquarters.

The 46-year-old daughter of former premier Nawaz Sharif was responding to a question from a reporter about Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa and head of the ISI Lt Gen Faiz Hameed's meeting with key opposition figures at the army's General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi last week.

Maryam, who was at the Islamabad High Court for a hearing of an appeal against her conviction in the Avenfield property reference, was talking to media at the court premises.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bringing-back-sharif-is-pakistan-governments-responsibility-says-islamabad-high-court-329573" hreflang="en">Bringing back Sharif is Pak government's responsibility: Islamabad High Court</a>

Replying to a question on the last week's meeting, she said, "I heard about the meeting. From what I understand it was called to discuss Gilgit-Baltistan which is a political issue...These decisions should be made in parliament, not in GHQ."

Maryam said she was not aware whether her father was aware of the meeting.

"I don't know whether he was aware or learnt of it later...But the political leadership should not be called nor should it go to discuss such issues. Whoever wishes to discuss these issues should come to the parliament,''&nbsp;she said.

The meeting was reportedly held on September 16 before the All-Party Conference of opposition on Sunday.

The meeting was attended by about 15 opposition figures, including Sharif's younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid told the media that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan, but other political issues were also discussed.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz vice president Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday said political decisions should be made in Parliament and not at the army headquarters. The 46-year-old daughter of former premier Nawaz Sharif was responding to a question from a reporter about Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa and head of the ISI Lt Gen Faiz Hameed's meeting with key opposition figures at the army's General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi last week.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz vice president Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday said political decisions should be made in Parliament and not at the army headquarters. The 46-year-old daughter of former premier Nawaz Sharif was responding to a question from a reporter about Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa and head of the ISI Lt Gen Faiz Hameed's meeting with key opposition figures at the army's General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi last week. Maryam, who was at the Islamabad High Court for a hearing of an appeal against her conviction in the Avenfield property reference, was talking to media at the court premises. Also read: Bringing back Sharif is Pak government's responsibility: Islamabad High Court Replying to a question on the last week's meeting, she said, "I heard about the meeting. From what I understand it was called to discuss Gilgit-Baltistan which is a political issue...These decisions should be made in parliament, not in GHQ." Maryam said she was not aware whether her father was aware of the meeting. "I don't know whether he was aware or learnt of it later...But the political leadership should not be called nor should it go to discuss such issues. Whoever wishes to discuss these issues should come to the parliament,'' she said. The meeting was reportedly held on September 16 before the All-Party Conference of opposition on Sunday. The meeting was attended by about 15 opposition figures, including Sharif's younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid told the media that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan, but other political issues were also discussed.

Political decisions should be taken in Parliament, not army headquarter: Maryam Nawaz

Saudi Arabia's King&nbsp;Salman&nbsp;bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday called for a comprehensive solution on Iran and disarming its affiliate Hezbollah in Lebanon, and expressed support for US&nbsp;efforts to start talks between Israel and the Palestinians during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly.

King&nbsp;Salman&nbsp;said Iran has exploited a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers "to intensify its expansionist activities, create its terrorist networks, and use terrorism," adding that this had produced nothing but "chaos, extremism, and sectarianism."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-scraps-israel-economic-boycott-after-us-brokered-deal-323997">UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal</a>

"A comprehensive solution and a firm international position are required," he told the 193-member General Assembly in a video statement, prerecorded due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The United States quit the Iran nuclear pact in 2018 with President Donald Trump dubbing it the "worst deal ever." Washington has since imposed unilateral sanctions and asserts that all countries also have to reinstate UN&nbsp;sanctions in an attempt to push the Islamic Republic to negotiate a new deal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-iran-conflict-a-high-stakes-bet-on-who-blinks-first-274636">US-Iran conflict: A high-stakes bet on who blinks first</a>

But all the remaining parties to the nuclear deal, including longtime US&nbsp;allies, and 13 of the 15 UN&nbsp;Security Council members say the US&nbsp;claim on UN&nbsp;sanctions is void and diplomats say few countries are likely to reimpose the measures.

"Our experience with the Iranian regime has taught us that partial solutions and appeasement did not stop its threats to international peace and security," King&nbsp;Salman&nbsp;said.

On attempts to mediate peace between Israel and the Palestinians, the Saudi monarch said a 2002 Arab peace initiative is the basis for a "comprehensive and just solution" ensuring the Palestinians obtain an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-world-reacted-to-the-israel-uae-peace-agreement-320602">How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement</a>

"We support the efforts of the current US&nbsp;administration to achieve peace in the Middle East by bringing the Palestinians and the Israelis to the negotiation table to reach a fair and comprehensive agreement," he said.

The king stopped short of endorsing recent US-brokered agreements by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish ties with Israel. Saudi Arabia has quietly acquiesced to the deals but has signaled it is not ready to take action itself.

Palestinian leaders have condemned the UAE and Bahrain's warming of relations with Israel, describing it as a betrayal of their efforts to win statehood in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.

King&nbsp;Salman&nbsp;also said a deadly blast in Lebanon's Beirut port last month "occurred as a result of the hegemony of Hezbollah ... over the decision-making process in Lebanon by force of arms."

"This terrorist organization must be disarmed," he said.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday called for a comprehensive solution on Iran and disarming its affiliate Hezbollah in Lebanon, and expressed support for US efforts to start talks between Israel and the Palestinians during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday called for a comprehensive solution on Iran and disarming its affiliate Hezbollah in Lebanon, and expressed support for US efforts to start talks between Israel and the Palestinians during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly. King Salman said Iran has exploited a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers "to intensify its expansionist activities, create its terrorist networks, and use terrorism," adding that this had produced nothing but "chaos, extremism, and sectarianism." Also read: UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal "A comprehensive solution and a firm international position are required," he told the 193-member General Assembly in a video statement, prerecorded due to the coronavirus pandemic. The United States quit the Iran nuclear pact in 2018 with President Donald Trump dubbing it the "worst deal ever." Washington has since imposed unilateral sanctions and asserts that all countries also have to reinstate UN sanctions in an attempt to push the Islamic Republic to negotiate a new deal. Also read: US-Iran conflict: A high-stakes bet on who blinks first But all the remaining parties to the nuclear deal, including longtime US allies, and 13 of the 15 UN Security Council members say the US claim on UN sanctions is void and diplomats say few countries are likely to reimpose the measures. "Our experience with the Iranian regime has taught us that partial solutions and appeasement did not stop its threats to international peace and security," King Salman said. On attempts to mediate peace between Israel and the Palestinians, the Saudi monarch said a 2002 Arab peace initiative is the basis for a "comprehensive and just solution" ensuring the Palestinians obtain an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Also see: How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement "We support the efforts of the current US administration to achieve peace in the Middle East by bringing the Palestinians and the Israelis to the negotiation table to reach a fair and comprehensive agreement," he said. The king stopped short of endorsing recent US-brokered agreements by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish ties with Israel. Saudi Arabia has quietly acquiesced to the deals but has signaled it is not ready to take action itself. Palestinian leaders have condemned the UAE and Bahrain's warming of relations with Israel, describing it as a betrayal of their efforts to win statehood in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. King Salman also said a deadly blast in Lebanon's Beirut port last month "occurred as a result of the hegemony of Hezbollah ... over the decision-making process in Lebanon by force of arms." "This terrorist organization must be disarmed," he said.

UNGA 2020: Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah must be 'disarmed', says Saudi King Salman

Germany on&nbsp;Wednesday said that it does not recognise Alexander Lukashenko as the president of Belarus.

"The minimum requirements for democratic elections were by no means met. They were neither fair nor free. One can therefore not recognise the result of this vote," said Steffen Seibert after Lukashenko took the oath of office at a secret ceremony on Wednesday.

"Even after today's ceremony,&nbsp;Lukashenko cannot evoke democratic legitimacy which would have been the condition for him to be recognised as a legitimate president."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lukashenko-secretly-sworn-in-for-new-presidential-term-in-belarus-report-329618" hreflang="en">Lukashenko secretly sworn in for new presidential term in Belarus: Report</a>

The spokesman added that "the fact that this ceremony was prepared secretly and carried out away from the public eye is very telling."

The ceremony, which would normally be publicised in advance as a major state occasion, follows a disputed election on August&nbsp;9 in which Lukashenko, in power since 1994, claimed a landslide victory.&nbsp;

Earlier, more than 100,000 people marched through Minsk on Sunday on the sixth straight weekend of protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, keeping up the pressure on the veteran Belarusian leader to quit.

The eastern European country was plunged into turmoil following a presidential election last month that Lukashenko says he won by a landslide, but the opposition says was rigged.

Germany on Wednesday said that it does not recognise Alexander Lukashenko as the president of Belarus. "The minimum requirements for democratic elections were by no means met.

Germany on Wednesday said that it does not recognise Alexander Lukashenko as the president of Belarus. "The minimum requirements for democratic elections were by no means met. They were neither fair nor free. One can therefore not recognise the result of this vote," said Steffen Seibert after Lukashenko took the oath of office at a secret ceremony on Wednesday. "Even after today's ceremony, Lukashenko cannot evoke democratic legitimacy which would have been the condition for him to be recognised as a legitimate president." Also read: Lukashenko secretly sworn in for new presidential term in Belarus: Report The spokesman added that "the fact that this ceremony was prepared secretly and carried out away from the public eye is very telling." The ceremony, which would normally be publicised in advance as a major state occasion, follows a disputed election on August 9 in which Lukashenko, in power since 1994, claimed a landslide victory. Earlier, more than 100,000 people marched through Minsk on Sunday on the sixth straight weekend of protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, keeping up the pressure on the veteran Belarusian leader to quit. The eastern European country was plunged into turmoil following a presidential election last month that Lukashenko says he won by a landslide, but the opposition says was rigged.

Germany denies Lukashenko recognition as Belarus president

The first known direct commercial flight between Israel and Bahrain landed Wednesday in the island kingdom, just a week after it signed a deal alongside the United Arab Emirates to normalise relations.

Flight data showed an Israir Airlines Airbus A320 landed at Bahrain International Airport after a nearly three-hour flight from Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion International Airport.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-sees-direct-israel-bahrain-flights-after-normalisation-deal-327243">Netanyahu sees direct Israel-Bahrain flights after normalisation deal</a>

It comes a day after Netanyahu spoke by phone with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman to map out the two countries' new relationship.

The flight was made without ceremony, in sharp contrast to the first El Al flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates at the end of August. That plane carried US and Israeli officials, including President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahrain-joins-uae-in-normalising-ties-with-israel-trump-announces-326937">Bahrain joins UAE in normalising ties with Israel, Trump announces</a>

Bahrain's decision to normalise ties with Israel followed a similar move by the United Arab Emirates.

Both accords were inked at a September 15 ceremony hosted by US President Donald Trump.

Only two other Arab states have previously signed agreements with Israel, Jordan in 1994 and Egypt in 1979.

The Palestinians have condemned the latest deals as a "stab in the back" for their aspirations to establish an independent state of their own.

The first known direct commercial flight between Israel and Bahrain landed Wednesday in the island kingdom, just a week after it signed a deal alongside the United Arab Emirates to normalise relations.

The first known direct commercial flight between Israel and Bahrain landed Wednesday in the island kingdom, just a week after it signed a deal alongside the United Arab Emirates to normalise relations. Flight data showed an Israir Airlines Airbus A320 landed at Bahrain International Airport after a nearly three-hour flight from Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion International Airport. Also read: Netanyahu sees direct Israel-Bahrain flights after normalisation deal It comes a day after Netanyahu spoke by phone with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman to map out the two countries' new relationship. The flight was made without ceremony, in sharp contrast to the first El Al flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates at the end of August. That plane carried US and Israeli officials, including President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as media. Also read: Bahrain joins UAE in normalising ties with Israel, Trump announces Bahrain's decision to normalise ties with Israel followed a similar move by the United Arab Emirates. Both accords were inked at a September 15 ceremony hosted by US President Donald Trump. Only two other Arab states have previously signed agreements with Israel, Jordan in 1994 and Egypt in 1979. The Palestinians have condemned the latest deals as a "stab in the back" for their aspirations to establish an independent state of their own.

First direct commercial flight from Israel lands in Bahrain

New research suggests&nbsp;that Persians stumbled upon a version of chromium steel, commonly called as stainless steel, approximately 1000 years ago, surprising scientists.

According to the latest study published in the Journal of Archeology, Persians came across an alloy of chromium steel in 11th Century AD. It was used to produce swords, daggers, armor, and other items.

Rahil Alipour, the lead author of the new study and an archaeologist at University College London, said&nbsp;“This particular crucible steel made in Chahak contains around 1 per cent&nbsp;to 2&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;chromium and 2&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;phosphorus.”

Until quite recently archeologists and historians believed that the discovery of&nbsp;chromium steel was a recent phenomenon.

Persians found&nbsp;stainless steel in&nbsp;Chahak, an archaeological site in southern Iran.&nbsp;Radiocarbon dating of this charcoal yielded a date range between the 10th and 12th centuries CE.

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da5ae844-4537-4abb-84c2-49580d1d5cec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Surprising-archaeologists-find-1000-year-old-stainless-steel-in-Iran.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;Crucible remnant containing an embedded chunk of slag/Image:&nbsp;Rahil Alipour/UCL Archaeology

In the past, Chahak&nbsp;used to be an important hub for the production of steel, and it is the only archaeological site in Iran with evidence of crucible steel-making. In it&nbsp;iron is added to long tubular crucibles, along with other minerals and organic matter, which is then sealed and warmed in a furnace.

After cooling down, an ingot is removed by breaking the crucible. This technique was vitally important among many cultures, including the Vikings.

''The new paper provides the earliest evidence for the consistent and intentional addition of a chromium mineral, most likely chromite, to the crucible steel charge, resulting in the intentional production of a low-chromium steel,”&nbsp;said Rachel Alipore, another author of the new study and an archaeologist at University College London.

“Crucible steel in general is a very high-quality steel,” Alipour said. “It does not contain impurities and is very ideal for production of arms and armour and other tools.”

New research suggests that Persians stumbled upon a version of chromium steel, commonly called as stainless steel, approximately 1000 years ago, surprising scientists.

New research suggests that Persians stumbled upon a version of chromium steel, commonly called as stainless steel, approximately 1000 years ago, surprising scientists. According to the latest study published in the Journal of Archeology, Persians came across an alloy of chromium steel in 11th Century AD. It was used to produce swords, daggers, armor, and other items. Rahil Alipour, the lead author of the new study and an archaeologist at University College London, said “This particular crucible steel made in Chahak contains around 1 per cent to 2 per cent chromium and 2 per cent phosphorus.” Until quite recently archeologists and historians believed that the discovery of chromium steel was a recent phenomenon. Persians found stainless steel in Chahak, an archaeological site in southern Iran. Radiocarbon dating of this charcoal yielded a date range between the 10th and 12th centuries CE. In picture: Crucible remnant containing an embedded chunk of slag/Image: Rahil Alipour/UCL Archaeology In the past, Chahak used to be an important hub for the production of steel, and it is the only archaeological site in Iran with evidence of crucible steel-making. In it iron is added to long tubular crucibles, along with other minerals and organic matter, which is then sealed and warmed in a furnace. After cooling down, an ingot is removed by breaking the crucible. This technique was vitally important among many cultures, including the Vikings. ''The new paper provides the earliest evidence for the consistent and intentional addition of a chromium mineral, most likely chromite, to the crucible steel charge, resulting in the intentional production of a low-chromium steel,” said Rachel Alipore, another author of the new study and an archaeologist at University College London. “Crucible steel in general is a very high-quality steel,” Alipour said. “It does not contain impurities and is very ideal for production of arms and armour and other tools.”

Steel has been in circulation longer than you think

The case of a maid called&nbsp;Parti Liyani&nbsp;battling the&nbsp;millionaire chairman of&nbsp;Changi Airport Group,&nbsp;Liew Mun Leong has gripped&nbsp;Singapore.

The chairman of Singapore's airport operator has stepped aside after he faced a public backlash when a judge cleared an Indonesian maid accused of stealing from his family and criticised the case.

The scandal involving&nbsp;Liew&nbsp;Mun&nbsp;Leong&nbsp;has sparked a storm of anger and raised questions about how the system treated one of the city-state's best-known businessmen compared with a low-paid domestic helper.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-activist-fights-for-right-to-go-hijab-free-as-singapore-debates-headscarf-discrimination-329388">Malaysian activist fights for right to go hijab-free, as Singapore debates headscarf discrimination</a>

With calls mounting for him to quit following last week's ruling,&nbsp;Liew&nbsp;announced late Thursday he was bringing forward his retirement from his role as chairman of Changi Airport Group.

"I do not wish my current situation to be a distraction," the 74-year-old said, adding he was also stepping aside from positions at several other companies, including as an adviser to state investor Temasek.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/singapore-central-bank-studying-reports-on-suspicious-bank-transfers-329375">Singapore central bank studying reports on suspicious bank transfers</a>

The case began in 2016 when the&nbsp;Liew&nbsp;family fired Parti Liyani and accused her of stealing Sg$34,000 ($24,800) worth of items from them, including watches and clothes.

She denied the charges, but was initially found guilty and sentenced to more than two years in jail.&nbsp;

But on appeal, a High Court judge overturned the verdict, saying the&nbsp;Liew&nbsp;family had an "improper motive" in filing charges against her.

It emerged in court the maid was about to lodge a complaint with authorities that she had to clean the home and office of&nbsp;Liew's son, in addition to the businessman's house, which is illegal.

The judge said there was reason to believe the filing of the charges was aimed at pre-empting this move, and questioned the credibility of&nbsp;Liew's son Karl as a witness.

He also criticised the handling of evidence by detectives, and prosecutors and the police subsequently launched a probe.

In a statement,&nbsp;Liew&nbsp;said that "my family members and I cooperated fully with the police and gave statements and evidence when required", adding he respected the court's decision.

Criticism had been growing following the court's decision, with one Facebook commentator saying he was "really angry" at the case.

"Not only shame himself, he shame CAG (Changi Airport Group) and Singapore," he wrote.&nbsp;

The affluent financial hub is home to about 260,000 domestic helpers, who mostly come from poorer Asian countries such as Indonesia and earn salaries far below the average Singaporean.

The case of a maid called Parti Liyani battling the millionaire chairman of Changi Airport Group, Liew Mun Leong has gripped Singapore. The chairman of Singapore's airport operator has stepped aside after he faced a public backlash when a judge cleared an Indonesian maid accused of stealing from his family and criticised the case.

The case of a maid called Parti Liyani battling the millionaire chairman of Changi Airport Group, Liew Mun Leong has gripped Singapore. The chairman of Singapore's airport operator has stepped aside after he faced a public backlash when a judge cleared an Indonesian maid accused of stealing from his family and criticised the case. The scandal involving Liew Mun Leong has sparked a storm of anger and raised questions about how the system treated one of the city-state's best-known businessmen compared with a low-paid domestic helper. Also read: Malaysian activist fights for right to go hijab-free, as Singapore debates headscarf discrimination With calls mounting for him to quit following last week's ruling, Liew announced late Thursday he was bringing forward his retirement from his role as chairman of Changi Airport Group. "I do not wish my current situation to be a distraction," the 74-year-old said, adding he was also stepping aside from positions at several other companies, including as an adviser to state investor Temasek. Also read: Singapore central bank studying reports on suspicious bank transfers The case began in 2016 when the Liew family fired Parti Liyani and accused her of stealing Sg$34,000 ($24,800) worth of items from them, including watches and clothes. She denied the charges, but was initially found guilty and sentenced to more than two years in jail. But on appeal, a High Court judge overturned the verdict, saying the Liew family had an "improper motive" in filing charges against her. It emerged in court the maid was about to lodge a complaint with authorities that she had to clean the home and office of Liew's son, in addition to the businessman's house, which is illegal. The judge said there was reason to believe the filing of the charges was aimed at pre-empting this move, and questioned the credibility of Liew's son Karl as a witness. He also criticised the handling of evidence by detectives, and prosecutors and the police subsequently launched a probe. In a statement, Liew said that "my family members and I cooperated fully with the police and gave statements and evidence when required", adding he respected the court's decision. Criticism had been growing following the court's decision, with one Facebook commentator saying he was "really angry" at the case. "Not only shame himself, he shame CAG (Changi Airport Group) and Singapore," he wrote. The affluent financial hub is home to about 260,000 domestic helpers, who mostly come from poorer Asian countries such as Indonesia and earn salaries far below the average Singaporean.

The case of this maid battling a millionaire has gripped Singapore

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