China ramped up its rhetoric over Taiwan on Monday, describing any support for its independence as "doomed to fail", and threatened retaliation against US diplomatic visits to the island.

Taiwan has been ruled separately from China since the end of a civil war in 1949, but Beijing considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-possibility-of-war-taiwan-calls-for-global-coalition-against-china-328167">'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China</a>

The island is a flashpoint with Washington, which promises military support to the elected government and has sent two envoys to Taipei in as many months.

At a press briefing Monday, the foreign ministry said that the envoys' visits were a "political provocation" and threatened retaliation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-military-says-it-has-right-to-counter-attack-amid-china-threats-329089" hreflang="en">Taiwan military says it has right to counter attack amid China threats</a>

"China will take appropriate countermeasures, including targeting relevant individuals," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, without elaborating. He warned that the US actions will "further damage the cooperation" between the US and China.

Wang added that any support for Taiwan's independence is a "dead end... doomed to fail".

Taiwan on Monday responded to China's threat to "set off war",&nbsp;following the visit of a US State Department official, which apparently irked Beijing.

"How do you deal with a neighbor sending you death threats just for having dinner with friends visiting from afar? Asking for a friend," said Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson.

This statement followed the threat issued by the Chinese mouthpiece Global Times after US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach had visited the nation.

"Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen, who pledged deeper ties with the US at a dinner for a visiting senior State Department official, is clearly playing with fire. If any act of her provocation violates the Anti-Secession Law of China, a war will be set off and Tsai will be wiped out," wrote Global Times.

Washington switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.

Beijing rejects any recognition of Taiwan and has mounted a decades-long policy of marginalising the democratic island.

Washington's increased outreach to Taiwan under President Donald Trump is among a catalogue of sore points with Beijing as the countries clash over issues including trade, security and the coronavirus pandemic.

The US Undersecretary of State for economic growth, energy and the environment Keith Krach wrapped up a trip to Taiwan at the weekend, following on the heels of a trip by US health chief Alex Azar in August.

Last Friday, Taiwan scrambled fighter jets as the Chinese military conducted exercises near the Taiwan Strait during Krach's visit.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused China of "military blustering".

China ramped up its rhetoric over Taiwan on Monday, describing any support for its independence as "doomed to fail", and threatened retaliation against US diplomatic visits to the island.

China ramped up its rhetoric over Taiwan on Monday, describing any support for its independence as "doomed to fail", and threatened retaliation against US diplomatic visits to the island. Taiwan has been ruled separately from China since the end of a civil war in 1949, but Beijing considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification. Also read: 'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China The island is a flashpoint with Washington, which promises military support to the elected government and has sent two envoys to Taipei in as many months. At a press briefing Monday, the foreign ministry said that the envoys' visits were a "political provocation" and threatened retaliation. Also read: Taiwan military says it has right to counter attack amid China threats "China will take appropriate countermeasures, including targeting relevant individuals," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, without elaborating. He warned that the US actions will "further damage the cooperation" between the US and China. Wang added that any support for Taiwan's independence is a "dead end... doomed to fail". Taiwan on Monday responded to China's threat to "set off war", following the visit of a US State Department official, which apparently irked Beijing. "How do you deal with a neighbor sending you death threats just for having dinner with friends visiting from afar? Asking for a friend," said Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson. This statement followed the threat issued by the Chinese mouthpiece Global Times after US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach had visited the nation. "Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen, who pledged deeper ties with the US at a dinner for a visiting senior State Department official, is clearly playing with fire. If any act of her provocation violates the Anti-Secession Law of China, a war will be set off and Tsai will be wiped out," wrote Global Times. Washington switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979. Beijing rejects any recognition of Taiwan and has mounted a decades-long policy of marginalising the democratic island. Washington's increased outreach to Taiwan under President Donald Trump is among a catalogue of sore points with Beijing as the countries clash over issues including trade, security and the coronavirus pandemic. The US Undersecretary of State for economic growth, energy and the environment Keith Krach wrapped up a trip to Taiwan at the weekend, following on the heels of a trip by US health chief Alex Azar in August. Last Friday, Taiwan scrambled fighter jets as the Chinese military conducted exercises near the Taiwan Strait during Krach's visit. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused China of "military blustering".

'Set off war': China threatens retaliation after US diplomat's visit to Taiwan

President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said Thursday&nbsp;that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment".

Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

Speaking at a public event in the northeast state of Paraiba,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;also said, "Brazil is the country that preserves the environment the most."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent&nbsp;in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe.

And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber&nbsp;6,&nbsp;nearly 16 per cent&nbsp;of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-fires-threaten-worlds-largest-wetland-321632">Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland</a>

In the Amazon, illegal ranchers and land speculators generally set fire to plots of land to clear them for agricultural purposes.

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Environmental advocates blame&nbsp;Bolsonaro, who supports introducing more commercial farming and mining in the Amazon, for emboldening those who destroy the forest. The president says developing the Amazon will lift the region out of poverty.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;said on Wednesday&nbsp;the government was attempting to resolve the problem of fires via an initiative to issue land titles to those squatting on public land, in an effort the government has previously argued will allow them to be held accountable.

President Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

President Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. Speaking at a public event in the northeast state of Paraiba, Bolsonaro also said, "Brazil is the country that preserves the environment the most." Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe. And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber 6, nearly 16 per cent of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis. Also read: Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland In the Amazon, illegal ranchers and land speculators generally set fire to plots of land to clear them for agricultural purposes. × Environmental advocates blame Bolsonaro, who supports introducing more commercial farming and mining in the Amazon, for emboldening those who destroy the forest. The president says developing the Amazon will lift the region out of poverty. Bolsonaro said on Wednesday the government was attempting to resolve the problem of fires via an initiative to issue land titles to those squatting on public land, in an effort the government has previously argued will allow them to be held accountable.

As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'

The way obsessive piety has crippled the fight against the Wuhan virus shows that reason cannot triumph religion.

Despite being hailed for its gold-standard response against COVID-19, South Korea fell is battling a massive surge in cases because of a church for the second time.

A fresh wave of infections erupted at a church in Seoul whose members attended a large protest&nbsp;in mid-August, becoming the country's largest cluster in the greater capital area. The outbreak has driven triple-digit increases in daily COVID-19 cases for more than a month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attempting-to-disinfect-south-korean-church-officials-mistakenly-infect-people-with-covid-19-287013">Attempting to disinfect, South Korean church officials mistakenly infect people with COVID-19</a>

The metropolitan government in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's capital Seoul said on Friday it would seek $4 million&nbsp;in damages against a church for causing the spread of the coronavirus by disrupting tracing and testing efforts.

The Seoul city government said it will file a lawsuit against the Sarang Jeil Church and its leader, Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon, accusing them of disrupting coronavirus tests and providing inaccurate lists of its members which it said aggravated the latest epidemic.

"The city is seeking to hold the church and the pastor responsible for contributing to the nationwide re-spread of COVID-19 by refusing and hindering epidemiological surveys or aiding and abetting such acts, as well as submitting false materials," it said in a statement.

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Calls to the church seeking comment went unanswered. Jun, a harsh critic of the government, was re-imprisoned early this month for attending the August&nbsp;15 rally in violation of his bail in April, when he participated in an illegal political protest ahead the parliamentary election and was indicted on charges of breaking election laws.

The cluster has inflicted government losses totalling at least $11.3 million&nbsp;the city said.

The National Health Insurance Service has also said it will sue the church for indemnity worth $4.7 million.

The&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 126 new cases as of midnight Thursday, which brought the total infections to 22,783, with 377 deaths.

The numbers, which peaked at 441, have steadily fallen to the low 100s after the government imposed unprecedented social distancing curbs late last month.

But authorities remained on high alert ahead of a major traditional holiday next week when usually tens of millions of&nbsp;Koreans travel across the country, urging restraint on trips and gatherings.

"The holiday period will be a pivotal moment in our anti-virus campaign," said Yoon Tae-ho, director-general for public health policy at the health ministry.

History repeats itself

South Korea had reported a similar outbreak in March when&nbsp;a church used an unclean&nbsp;bottle&nbsp;sprayed saltwater into the mouths of people visiting the place of worship.&nbsp;The gathering took place on March 8 at the River of Grace Community Church in Seongnam near Seoul.

Out of the&nbsp;135 followers of the church,&nbsp;46 people who attended the event later&nbsp;contracted coronavirus, including the pastor and his wife.

The pastor of the church, Kim,&nbsp;reportedly apologised for spreading the infection.

''I feel deeply sorry about what has happened. I will take all the blame and responsibility'', Kim told Yonhap News Agency.

The pastor also suggested that he intends to retire once the pandemic is over.

The way obsessive piety has crippled the fight against the Wuhan virus shows that reason cannot triumph religion. Despite being hailed for its gold-standard response against COVID-19, South Korea fell is battling a massive surge in cases because of a church for the second time.

The way obsessive piety has crippled the fight against the Wuhan virus shows that reason cannot triumph religion. Despite being hailed for its gold-standard response against COVID-19, South Korea fell is battling a massive surge in cases because of a church for the second time. A fresh wave of infections erupted at a church in Seoul whose members attended a large protest in mid-August, becoming the country's largest cluster in the greater capital area. The outbreak has driven triple-digit increases in daily COVID-19 cases for more than a month. Also read: Attempting to disinfect, South Korean church officials mistakenly infect people with COVID-19 The metropolitan government in South Korea's capital Seoul said on Friday it would seek $4 million in damages against a church for causing the spread of the coronavirus by disrupting tracing and testing efforts. The Seoul city government said it will file a lawsuit against the Sarang Jeil Church and its leader, Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon, accusing them of disrupting coronavirus tests and providing inaccurate lists of its members which it said aggravated the latest epidemic. "The city is seeking to hold the church and the pastor responsible for contributing to the nationwide re-spread of COVID-19 by refusing and hindering epidemiological surveys or aiding and abetting such acts, as well as submitting false materials," it said in a statement. × Calls to the church seeking comment went unanswered. Jun, a harsh critic of the government, was re-imprisoned early this month for attending the August 15 rally in violation of his bail in April, when he participated in an illegal political protest ahead the parliamentary election and was indicted on charges of breaking election laws. The cluster has inflicted government losses totalling at least $11.3 million the city said. The National Health Insurance Service has also said it will sue the church for indemnity worth $4.7 million. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 126 new cases as of midnight Thursday, which brought the total infections to 22,783, with 377 deaths. The numbers, which peaked at 441, have steadily fallen to the low 100s after the government imposed unprecedented social distancing curbs late last month. But authorities remained on high alert ahead of a major traditional holiday next week when usually tens of millions of Koreans travel across the country, urging restraint on trips and gatherings. "The holiday period will be a pivotal moment in our anti-virus campaign," said Yoon Tae-ho, director-general for public health policy at the health ministry. History repeats itself South Korea had reported a similar outbreak in March when a church used an unclean bottle sprayed saltwater into the mouths of people visiting the place of worship. The gathering took place on March 8 at the River of Grace Community Church in Seongnam near Seoul. Out of the 135 followers of the church, 46 people who attended the event later contracted coronavirus, including the pastor and his wife. The pastor of the church, Kim, reportedly apologised for spreading the infection. ''I feel deeply sorry about what has happened. I will take all the blame and responsibility'', Kim told Yonhap News Agency. The pastor also suggested that he intends to retire once the pandemic is over.

Churches are becoming South Korea's coronavirus battleground

The Wuhan virus is the biggest&nbsp;crisis of the 21st century and it seems to be getting worse.

Several countries across the globe have witnessed a resurgence of the deadly virus due to which governments are imposing a second round of lockdowns.

Even during a pandemic,&nbsp;blind faith is dominating reason due to orthodox people who refuse to part ways with their traditional methods and beliefs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hasidic-jewish-pilgrims-leave-belarus-ukraine-border-over-coronavirus-ban-328418" hreflang="en">Hasidic Jewish pilgrims leave Belarus-Ukraine border over coronavirus ban</a>

Hundreds of&nbsp;Hasidic&nbsp;Jewish pilgrims, who had massed along the Belarusian border attempting to enter Ukraine, began leaving Friday after Kiev upheld an entry ban to guard against the coronavirus.

At least 1,000 Orthodox-Jewish believers were camped out this week in no-man's land between Ukrainian and Belarusian border crossings ahead of Jewish New Year celebrations which begin Friday and last until Sunday.

Tens of thousands of&nbsp;Hasidic&nbsp;Jews travel to the central Ukrainian city of Uman every Jewish New Year to visit the tomb of Rabbi Nahman, the founder of the Breslov&nbsp;Hasidic&nbsp;movement.

The metropolitan government in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's capital Seoul said on Friday it would seek $4 million&nbsp;in damages against a church for causing the spread of the coronavirus by disrupting tracing and testing efforts.

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A fresh wave of infections erupted at a church whose members attended a large protest in downtown Seoul in mid-August, becoming the country's largest cluster in the greater capital area. The outbreak has driven triple-digit increases in daily COVID-19 cases for more than a month.

This pandemic is challenging because the world is up against many adversaries: a&nbsp;virus exporter that refuses to come clean, public health systems that aren't up to the task, leaders who want to play politics over lives and people who refuse to put reason over religion.

The Wuhan virus is the biggest crisis of the 21st century and it seems to be getting worse. Several countries across the globe have witnessed a resurgence of the deadly virus due to which governments are imposing a second round of lockdowns.

The Wuhan virus is the biggest crisis of the 21st century and it seems to be getting worse. Several countries across the globe have witnessed a resurgence of the deadly virus due to which governments are imposing a second round of lockdowns. Even during a pandemic, blind faith is dominating reason due to orthodox people who refuse to part ways with their traditional methods and beliefs. Also read: Hasidic Jewish pilgrims leave Belarus-Ukraine border over coronavirus ban Hundreds of Hasidic Jewish pilgrims, who had massed along the Belarusian border attempting to enter Ukraine, began leaving Friday after Kiev upheld an entry ban to guard against the coronavirus. At least 1,000 Orthodox-Jewish believers were camped out this week in no-man's land between Ukrainian and Belarusian border crossings ahead of Jewish New Year celebrations which begin Friday and last until Sunday. Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews travel to the central Ukrainian city of Uman every Jewish New Year to visit the tomb of Rabbi Nahman, the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement. The metropolitan government in South Korea's capital Seoul said on Friday it would seek $4 million in damages against a church for causing the spread of the coronavirus by disrupting tracing and testing efforts. × A fresh wave of infections erupted at a church whose members attended a large protest in downtown Seoul in mid-August, becoming the country's largest cluster in the greater capital area. The outbreak has driven triple-digit increases in daily COVID-19 cases for more than a month. This pandemic is challenging because the world is up against many adversaries: a virus exporter that refuses to come clean, public health systems that aren't up to the task, leaders who want to play politics over lives and people who refuse to put reason over religion.

Belief versus coronavirus: No vaccine to prevent blind faith

The Austrian government has spoken up to correct US&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s claim that people in its country live in “forest cities.”

Trump recently cited Austria and other European countries as models of good forest management that US&nbsp;states like California, which has seen devastating wildfires lately, should learn from.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oregon-wildfires-nearly-500000-evacuated-amid-climate-change-warning-326996">Oregon wildfires: Nearly 500,000 evacuated amid climate change warning</a>

On Tuesday, Trump had said, “You look at countries, Austria, you look at so many countries. They live in the forest, they’re considered forest cities. So many of them. And they don’t have fires like this. And they have more explosive trees.”

In&nbsp;an article Thursday&nbsp;for the London-based Independent, Austria’s agriculture minister sought to set the record straight.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-businesses-charged-secret-service-more-than-11-million-says-report-328331" hreflang="en">Trump’s businesses charged Secret Service more than $1.1 million, says report</a>

“There have been both serious and humorous conversations on social media about the ‘exploding trees’ (Trump) mentioned, as well as the fact that he claimed we live within ‘forest cities’ which never catch fire,” Elisabeth Koestinger wrote. “As Austrians, fortunately blessed with a healthy sense of humour, we normally take such clichés about our country in our stride.”

“However, the gravity of current events make Trump’s words much more worrying,&nbsp;after all, right at this moment, thousands of people are fighting horrendous wildfires in life-or-death situations,” she said.

“In reality, Austria is a country situated in the heart of Europe, where people do not live in the forest, but rather with the forest and in a close, sustainable relationship with the natural environment,” Koestinger wrote.

Sustainable management of forests, which cover almost half the nation’s territory, is important, she added, but not because they’re more combustible.

“To clarify: No, we don’t have any exploding trees in Austria,” Koestinger said, though she did confirm Trump’s assertion that “we have found a way to give our trees the space they need.”

“This does not make us ‘forest people,’ but shows how important understanding our environment and our natural resources is,” she said, adding that “taking climate change seriously and mitigating its effects is a huge part of this.”

Trump caused mirth in Finland two years ago, when he claimed the Nordic nation spends “&nbsp;a lot of time on raking&nbsp;and cleaning and doing things” to clear forest floors to prevent fires.

The Austrian government has spoken up to correct US President Donald Trump’s claim that people in its country live in “forest cities.” Trump recently cited Austria and other European countries as models of good forest management that US states like California, which has seen devastating wildfires lately, should learn from.

The Austrian government has spoken up to correct US President Donald Trump’s claim that people in its country live in “forest cities.” Trump recently cited Austria and other European countries as models of good forest management that US states like California, which has seen devastating wildfires lately, should learn from. Also see: Oregon wildfires: Nearly 500,000 evacuated amid climate change warning On Tuesday, Trump had said, “You look at countries, Austria, you look at so many countries. They live in the forest, they’re considered forest cities. So many of them. And they don’t have fires like this. And they have more explosive trees.” In an article Thursday for the London-based Independent, Austria’s agriculture minister sought to set the record straight. Also read: Trump’s businesses charged Secret Service more than $1.1 million, says report “There have been both serious and humorous conversations on social media about the ‘exploding trees’ (Trump) mentioned, as well as the fact that he claimed we live within ‘forest cities’ which never catch fire,” Elisabeth Koestinger wrote. “As Austrians, fortunately blessed with a healthy sense of humour, we normally take such clichés about our country in our stride.” “However, the gravity of current events make Trump’s words much more worrying, after all, right at this moment, thousands of people are fighting horrendous wildfires in life-or-death situations,” she said. “In reality, Austria is a country situated in the heart of Europe, where people do not live in the forest, but rather with the forest and in a close, sustainable relationship with the natural environment,” Koestinger wrote. Sustainable management of forests, which cover almost half the nation’s territory, is important, she added, but not because they’re more combustible. “To clarify: No, we don’t have any exploding trees in Austria,” Koestinger said, though she did confirm Trump’s assertion that “we have found a way to give our trees the space they need.” “This does not make us ‘forest people,’ but shows how important understanding our environment and our natural resources is,” she said, adding that “taking climate change seriously and mitigating its effects is a huge part of this.” Trump caused mirth in Finland two years ago, when he claimed the Nordic nation spends “ a lot of time on raking and cleaning and doing things” to clear forest floors to prevent fires.

Austrian minister corrects Trump’s ‘forest city’ claim, says we don’t have ‘exploding trees’

North Korea has passed a law according to which pre-school children must spend 90 minutes a day to learn about the country leader Kim Jong-un as a part of their&nbsp;curriculum.

Local newspapers reported that the new diktat on ‘greatness education’&nbsp;aims&nbsp;at “cultivating loyalty and trust toward North Korea's leadership”.&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister,&nbsp;Kim Yo-jong, recently ordered changes to the “greatness education” curriculum at the country’s preschools and the new curriculum was handed down to preschools nationwide.

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“Greatness education” is aimed at cultivating loyalty and trust toward North Korea's leadership among the country’s children.

According to Seoul-based&nbsp;Daily&nbsp;NK, preschoolers aged five and six used to spend only 30 minutes a day learning about the childhoods of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.

The updated curriculum, however, now has them spend a total of one and a half hours on “greatness education”: one hour is spent learning about the childhoods of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, while another 30 minutes is devoted to learning “revolutionary” music from the leaders’ childhoods.

“What is being taught in greatness education has changed somewhat,” the source said. “The amount of time spent on the supreme leader [Kim Jong-un]’s childhood is now twice that spent on the Suryong [Kim Il-sung] and the general [Kim Jong-il]’s childhoods.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-deliberately-faked-his-death-to-expose-traitors-in-his-circle-report-296811">Kim Jong-un deliberately faked his death to expose traitors in his circle: Report</a>

The updated curriculum tells preschoolers that when Kim Jong-un was just five years old, he was a bright child who “rode a yacht, did target practice, and liked to read.”

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Preschoolers are typically in class for three hours from 9 am to 12 pm and have time set aside for physical education, play, and studying the Korean alphabet. Preschool teachers, however, are reportedly worried about how they will spend the extra time set aside for greatness education.

“The kids are almost at the point of becoming elementary school students, so parents tend to ask teachers to focus on studying the alphabet. The increase in time spent on the leaders, however, leaves less time for alphabet study, so parents will be unhappy,” the source said, based on comments made by some preschool teachers.

North Korea has passed a law according to which pre-school children must spend 90 minutes a day to learn about the country leader Kim Jong-un as a part of their curriculum.

North Korea has passed a law according to which pre-school children must spend 90 minutes a day to learn about the country leader Kim Jong-un as a part of their curriculum. Local newspapers reported that the new diktat on ‘greatness education’ aims at “cultivating loyalty and trust toward North Korea's leadership”. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, recently ordered changes to the “greatness education” curriculum at the country’s preschools and the new curriculum was handed down to preschools nationwide. “Greatness education” is aimed at cultivating loyalty and trust toward North Korea's leadership among the country’s children. According to Seoul-based Daily NK, preschoolers aged five and six used to spend only 30 minutes a day learning about the childhoods of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. The updated curriculum, however, now has them spend a total of one and a half hours on “greatness education”: one hour is spent learning about the childhoods of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, while another 30 minutes is devoted to learning “revolutionary” music from the leaders’ childhoods. “What is being taught in greatness education has changed somewhat,” the source said. “The amount of time spent on the supreme leader [Kim Jong-un]’s childhood is now twice that spent on the Suryong [Kim Il-sung] and the general [Kim Jong-il]’s childhoods.” Also read: Kim Jong-un deliberately faked his death to expose traitors in his circle: Report The updated curriculum tells preschoolers that when Kim Jong-un was just five years old, he was a bright child who “rode a yacht, did target practice, and liked to read.” × Preschoolers are typically in class for three hours from 9 am to 12 pm and have time set aside for physical education, play, and studying the Korean alphabet. Preschool teachers, however, are reportedly worried about how they will spend the extra time set aside for greatness education. “The kids are almost at the point of becoming elementary school students, so parents tend to ask teachers to focus on studying the alphabet. The increase in time spent on the leaders, however, leaves less time for alphabet study, so parents will be unhappy,” the source said, based on comments made by some preschool teachers.

North Korea has just passed this bizarre order about Kim Jong-un

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey was ready to meet with Greece to resolve its standoff over energy exploration in contested waters in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey has recalled an oil and gas exploration vessel from the region&nbsp;to allow for diplomacy with Greece as per the Turkish president.

The search for gas and oil in the region has sparked a row that has seen the two NATO neighbours stage rival air and navy drills in strategic waters between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-versus-greece-a-long-history-of-disputes-323392">Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes</a>

"Could there be a meeting with Greek Prime Minister (Kyriakos) Mitsotakis? What's essential is what we discuss and in what framework," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul after Friday prayers.&nbsp;

"We can meet if there is goodwill. We can talk via videoconference or meet in a third country," Erdogan said, adding that Turkey would not be the party fleeing the table.

At the centre of the row was Turkey's deployment last month of a seismic research vessel, the Oruc Reis, and an accompanying fleet of warships in disputed waters near the Greek island of Kastellorizo.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-of-words-erdogan-lashes-out-at-incapable-macron-328242" hreflang="en">War of words: Erdogan lashes out at 'incapable' Macron</a>

Turkish officials ended the month-long mission and ordered the vessel back to shore last weekend for maintanance and replenishment.&nbsp;

Erdogan also signalled that Oruc Reis would return to its work, while also saying that its withdrawal was deliberate.

"If we pulled Oruc Reis back to the port for maintenance, it has a meaning," he said.&nbsp;"It means 'let's give a chance to diplomacy, let's show a positive approach'."

Turkey's Yavuz drillship, meanwhile, will continue it search for oil and gas off Cyprus until October 12 despite international calls to withdraw.

Ankara's dispute with Athens has sparked a crisis that has drawn in some EU member states, particularly France which sent vessels and fighter jets to the region in support of Greece.

EU leaders are due to discuss possible sanctions against Ankara at their meeting on September 24-25.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey was ready to meet with Greece to resolve its standoff over energy exploration in contested waters in the eastern Mediterranean.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey was ready to meet with Greece to resolve its standoff over energy exploration in contested waters in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey has recalled an oil and gas exploration vessel from the region to allow for diplomacy with Greece as per the Turkish president. The search for gas and oil in the region has sparked a row that has seen the two NATO neighbours stage rival air and navy drills in strategic waters between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete. Also see: Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes "Could there be a meeting with Greek Prime Minister (Kyriakos) Mitsotakis? What's essential is what we discuss and in what framework," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul after Friday prayers. "We can meet if there is goodwill. We can talk via videoconference or meet in a third country," Erdogan said, adding that Turkey would not be the party fleeing the table. At the centre of the row was Turkey's deployment last month of a seismic research vessel, the Oruc Reis, and an accompanying fleet of warships in disputed waters near the Greek island of Kastellorizo. Also read| War of words: Erdogan lashes out at 'incapable' Macron Turkish officials ended the month-long mission and ordered the vessel back to shore last weekend for maintanance and replenishment. Erdogan also signalled that Oruc Reis would return to its work, while also saying that its withdrawal was deliberate. "If we pulled Oruc Reis back to the port for maintenance, it has a meaning," he said. "It means 'let's give a chance to diplomacy, let's show a positive approach'." Turkey's Yavuz drillship, meanwhile, will continue it search for oil and gas off Cyprus until October 12 despite international calls to withdraw. Ankara's dispute with Athens has sparked a crisis that has drawn in some EU member states, particularly France which sent vessels and fighter jets to the region in support of Greece. EU leaders are due to discuss possible sanctions against Ankara at their meeting on September 24-25.

Mediterranean crisis: Erdogan says Turkey willing to meet Greek Prime Minister

Hundreds of&nbsp;Hasidic&nbsp;Jewish pilgrims, who had massed along the Belarusian border attempting to enter Ukraine, began leaving Friday after Kiev upheld an entry ban to guard against the coronavirus.

At least 1,000 Orthodox-Jewish believers were camped out this week in no-man's land between Ukrainian and Belarusian border crossings ahead of Jewish New Year celebrations which begin Friday and last until Sunday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hasidic-jewish-pilgrims-stuck-on-belarus-ukraine-border-327889/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tens of thousands of&nbsp;Hasidic&nbsp;Jews travel to the central Ukrainian city of Uman every Jewish New Year to visit the tomb of Rabbi Nahman, the founder of the Breslov&nbsp;Hasidic&nbsp;movement.

The standoff between the pilgrims and armed Ukrainian security services sparked tensions at the Novi Yarylovychi border crossing and inflamed a diplomatic row between Minsk and Kiev.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-opposition-leader-to-address-un-on-abuse-allegations-328344" hreflang="en">Belarus opposition leader to address UN on abuse allegations</a>

No exclusion for pilgrims

Ukraine, which has recorded high numbers of new coronavirus cases in recent weeks, imposed a ban on the entry of foreigners on August 26 to September 28 due to the epidemic.

It said the ban was partly in response to a plea from Israel, where many of the pilgrims come from, to limit the event, for fear it would be a coronavirus hotspot.

Belarus, which earlier said the pilgrims should be allowed to visit holy sites in Ukraine, confirmed that some religious believers had given up hope of being allowed to make the crossing.

Belarus's state border committee representative, Anton Bychkovskiy, said that the numbers of pilgrims at border posts "were on the decline".

Diplomatic spat

The believers -- mainly Israeli, but also American and French -- departed for Uman this year even though both the Ukrainian and Israeli governments last month urged them not to travel because of the pandemic.

An Israeli minister on Thursday called on those massed on the border to return home and uphold quarantine rules on arrival in Israel.

Kiev closed its borders for most of the month of September citing a growing number of coronavirus infections, but the pilgrims attempted to bypass the restrictions by&nbsp;travelling through&nbsp;Belarus.

Ukrainian border guards announced Friday they had arrested several pilgrims, including Israeli and US citizens, trying to enter the country illegally from Hungary, Poland and Romania.

Kiev has reported more than 169,000 cases of coronavirus and 3,468 fatalities. On Thursday, officials registered a record one-day increase in infections.

The standoff on the border aggravated already strained ties between Kiev and Minsk, which have traded barbs over disputed presidential elections in Belarus last month.

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko earlier told his officials to negotiate a travel corridor with Ukraine and offered to provide buses to transport religious believers to holy sites in Ukraine.

Kiev in turn accused Belarusian authorities of giving false hope to the&nbsp;Hasidic&nbsp;pilgrims that they would eventually be allowed to travel to Uman.

Both Ukraine and Israel are keen to avoid a spike in coronavirus infections. Israel is poised to impose a second nationwide lockdown on Friday to tackle one of the world's highest coronavirus infection rates, despite public protests over the new blow to the economy.

The three-week shutdown from 1100 GMT starts just hours before Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.

Meanwhile, up to 3,000&nbsp;Hasidic&nbsp;Jews have arrived in Uman for the celebrations entering Ukraine before the ban, police said.&nbsp;

Law enforcement has tightened security near Rabbi Nachman's tomb where pilgrims have congregated.&nbsp;

Hundreds of Hasidic Jewish pilgrims, who had massed along the Belarusian border attempting to enter Ukraine, began leaving Friday after Kiev upheld an entry ban to guard against the coronavirus.

Hundreds of Hasidic Jewish pilgrims, who had massed along the Belarusian border attempting to enter Ukraine, began leaving Friday after Kiev upheld an entry ban to guard against the coronavirus. At least 1,000 Orthodox-Jewish believers were camped out this week in no-man's land between Ukrainian and Belarusian border crossings ahead of Jewish New Year celebrations which begin Friday and last until Sunday. Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews travel to the central Ukrainian city of Uman every Jewish New Year to visit the tomb of Rabbi Nahman, the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement. The standoff between the pilgrims and armed Ukrainian security services sparked tensions at the Novi Yarylovychi border crossing and inflamed a diplomatic row between Minsk and Kiev. Also read: Belarus opposition leader to address UN on abuse allegations No exclusion for pilgrims Ukraine, which has recorded high numbers of new coronavirus cases in recent weeks, imposed a ban on the entry of foreigners on August 26 to September 28 due to the epidemic. It said the ban was partly in response to a plea from Israel, where many of the pilgrims come from, to limit the event, for fear it would be a coronavirus hotspot. Belarus, which earlier said the pilgrims should be allowed to visit holy sites in Ukraine, confirmed that some religious believers had given up hope of being allowed to make the crossing. Belarus's state border committee representative, Anton Bychkovskiy, said that the numbers of pilgrims at border posts "were on the decline". Diplomatic spat The believers -- mainly Israeli, but also American and French -- departed for Uman this year even though both the Ukrainian and Israeli governments last month urged them not to travel because of the pandemic. An Israeli minister on Thursday called on those massed on the border to return home and uphold quarantine rules on arrival in Israel. Kiev closed its borders for most of the month of September citing a growing number of coronavirus infections, but the pilgrims attempted to bypass the restrictions by travelling through Belarus. Ukrainian border guards announced Friday they had arrested several pilgrims, including Israeli and US citizens, trying to enter the country illegally from Hungary, Poland and Romania. Kiev has reported more than 169,000 cases of coronavirus and 3,468 fatalities. On Thursday, officials registered a record one-day increase in infections. The standoff on the border aggravated already strained ties between Kiev and Minsk, which have traded barbs over disputed presidential elections in Belarus last month. Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko earlier told his officials to negotiate a travel corridor with Ukraine and offered to provide buses to transport religious believers to holy sites in Ukraine. Kiev in turn accused Belarusian authorities of giving false hope to the Hasidic pilgrims that they would eventually be allowed to travel to Uman. Both Ukraine and Israel are keen to avoid a spike in coronavirus infections. Israel is poised to impose a second nationwide lockdown on Friday to tackle one of the world's highest coronavirus infection rates, despite public protests over the new blow to the economy. The three-week shutdown from 1100 GMT starts just hours before Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. Meanwhile, up to 3,000 Hasidic Jews have arrived in Uman for the celebrations entering Ukraine before the ban, police said. Law enforcement has tightened security near Rabbi Nachman's tomb where pilgrims have congregated.

Hasidic Jewish pilgrims leave Belarus-Ukraine border over coronavirus ban

In a nightmare for litterbugs, Thailand's national park has started mailing&nbsp;trash back to visitors who drop it and offenders will be registered with the police as well.

The initaitive has been taken by the Khao Yai National Park&nbsp;near Bangkok after numerous tourists left behind vast amount of rubbish.

Last weekend,&nbsp;Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa had the trash promptly packed and mailed to the respective litterer.

He also shared a Facebook post saying “we collected your garbage in a cardboard box and sent it to your home. This should be a lesson to you, to never again throw away waste anywhere.”

<img alt="Thai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24db04b6-9175-4d4e-8c60-1fcc32edb281" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%20457_0.PNG" />

Narin Pinsakul, chief of the park said&nbsp;“It can be dangerous for animals like deer if they eat the rubbish, trying to digest plastic waste that people leave behind.”

Khao Yai is the oldest national park in Thailand and stretches across more than 2,000 sq km (770 sq miles) and is very popular with hikers.

In a nightmare for litterbugs, Thailand's national park has started mailing trash back to visitors who drop it and offenders will be registered with the police as well.

In a nightmare for litterbugs, Thailand's national park has started mailing trash back to visitors who drop it and offenders will be registered with the police as well. The initaitive has been taken by the Khao Yai National Park near Bangkok after numerous tourists left behind vast amount of rubbish. Last weekend, Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa had the trash promptly packed and mailed to the respective litterer. He also shared a Facebook post saying “we collected your garbage in a cardboard box and sent it to your home. This should be a lesson to you, to never again throw away waste anywhere.” Narin Pinsakul, chief of the park said “It can be dangerous for animals like deer if they eat the rubbish, trying to digest plastic waste that people leave behind.” Khao Yai is the oldest national park in Thailand and stretches across more than 2,000 sq km (770 sq miles) and is very popular with hikers.

'You forgot these': Thai national park mails trash back to tourists

Turkish President&nbsp;Recep&nbsp;Tayyip Erdogan&nbsp;on Thursday said France was being led by an "incapable" president as he stepped up his personal feud with Emmanuel Macron.

Erdogan&nbsp;and Macron have traded insults for months after finding themselves on opposite sides of conflicts ranging from Libya and parts of the Middle East to Turkey's maritime dispute with Greece.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-versus-greece-a-long-history-of-disputes-323392">Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes</a>

Macron enraged Ankara last week by suggesting that Turkey "deserved something else" to the way&nbsp;Erdogan's government was approaching foreign affairs.

The European Union will next week discuss sanctioning Turkey for sending its energy exploration vessels and warships into eastern Mediterranean waters claimed by Cyprus and Greece.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-pulls-out-of-nato-med-operation-over-turkey-tensions-309969">France pulls out of NATO Med operation over Turkey tensions</a>

Erdogan&nbsp;told a virtual meeting of his ruling AK Party that Macron's logic blaming Turkey for regional problems did not work.

"If Turkey withdraws from Syria, would Syria achieve peace?" he asked while going through a list of troubled countries in which Turkey and France back opposite sides.

"If Turkey renounces everything, would France be rid of the mayhem provoked by the incapable and ambitious person who is heading France, and adopt a policy based on common sense?"

Animosity between the two has been building up since around the time Macron warned in November that NATO's lack of response to a Turkish operation in northern Syria showed that the alliance was undergoing "brain death".

Turkey backs the UN-recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli in the conflict against eastern Libya strongman Khalifa Haftar.

France has long been suspected of favouring Haftar but officially denies this.

Their disputes escalated after France last month sent naval assets into the eastern Mediterranean to help out Greek warships shadowing Turkish ones in disputed seas.

Erdogan&nbsp;said the EU has been applying "double standards against us for a long time".

"With the support of our nation, we will continue to do whatever is good, right and beneficial for our country,"&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said France was being led by an "incapable" president as he stepped up his personal feud with Emmanuel Macron.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said France was being led by an "incapable" president as he stepped up his personal feud with Emmanuel Macron. Erdogan and Macron have traded insults for months after finding themselves on opposite sides of conflicts ranging from Libya and parts of the Middle East to Turkey's maritime dispute with Greece. Also see: Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes Macron enraged Ankara last week by suggesting that Turkey "deserved something else" to the way Erdogan's government was approaching foreign affairs. The European Union will next week discuss sanctioning Turkey for sending its energy exploration vessels and warships into eastern Mediterranean waters claimed by Cyprus and Greece. Also read: France pulls out of NATO Med operation over Turkey tensions Erdogan told a virtual meeting of his ruling AK Party that Macron's logic blaming Turkey for regional problems did not work. "If Turkey withdraws from Syria, would Syria achieve peace?" he asked while going through a list of troubled countries in which Turkey and France back opposite sides. "If Turkey renounces everything, would France be rid of the mayhem provoked by the incapable and ambitious person who is heading France, and adopt a policy based on common sense?" Animosity between the two has been building up since around the time Macron warned in November that NATO's lack of response to a Turkish operation in northern Syria showed that the alliance was undergoing "brain death". Turkey backs the UN-recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli in the conflict against eastern Libya strongman Khalifa Haftar. France has long been suspected of favouring Haftar but officially denies this. Their disputes escalated after France last month sent naval assets into the eastern Mediterranean to help out Greek warships shadowing Turkish ones in disputed seas. Erdogan said the EU has been applying "double standards against us for a long time". "With the support of our nation, we will continue to do whatever is good, right and beneficial for our country," Erdogan said.

War of words: Erdogan lashes out at 'incapable' Macron

The United States Treasury on Thursday imposed sanctions on two&nbsp;Lebanon-based firms&nbsp;for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah.

The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, sanctioned the companies Arch Consulting and Meamar Construction ''for being owned, controlled, or directed by Hezbollah.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-against-lebanon-allies-unjust-says-hezbollah-326375">US sanctions against Lebanon allies 'unjust', says Hezbollah</a>

OFAC also sanctioned Sultan Khalifah Asaad, saying that he is a Hezbollah official closely associated with both companies.

''Hezbollah leverages Arch and Meamar to conceal money transfers to Hezbollah's own accounts, further enriching Hezbollah's leadership and supporters, and depriving the Lebanese people of much-needed funds,''&nbsp;the Treasury said.

The US&nbsp;move comes at a sensitive time, as a new government is being formed under a tight deadline in a bid to extricate Lebanon from a deep economic crisis that poses the biggest threat to the country's stability since the 1975-1990 civil war.

The country is also facing a political deadlock amid delays in the formation of a new, crisis Cabinet, because of a portfolio dispute.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-return-to-the-united-nations-to-reimpose-sanctions-on-iran-pompeo-328022">We will return to the United Nations to reimpose sanctions on Iran: Pompeo</a>

&nbsp;The United States considers the Iran-backed Hezbollah a terrorist organisation and has imposed sanctions on many of the militant group's officials in the past.

Last week, Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah had condemned&nbsp;US sanctions against two former ministers from allied political parties over alleged corruption and aid to the group.

"We view this unjust decision as a badge of honour for our two dear friends," the Iran-backed movement had said in a statement after Washington&nbsp;blacklisted and imposed sanctions on former finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil and ex-transport minister Youssef Fenianos.

The United States Treasury on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Lebanon-based firms for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah. The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, sanctioned the companies Arch Consulting and Meamar Construction ''for being owned, controlled, or directed by Hezbollah.

The United States Treasury on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Lebanon-based firms for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah. The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, sanctioned the companies Arch Consulting and Meamar Construction ''for being owned, controlled, or directed by Hezbollah.'' Also read: US sanctions against Lebanon allies 'unjust', says Hezbollah OFAC also sanctioned Sultan Khalifah Asaad, saying that he is a Hezbollah official closely associated with both companies. ''Hezbollah leverages Arch and Meamar to conceal money transfers to Hezbollah's own accounts, further enriching Hezbollah's leadership and supporters, and depriving the Lebanese people of much-needed funds,'' the Treasury said. The US move comes at a sensitive time, as a new government is being formed under a tight deadline in a bid to extricate Lebanon from a deep economic crisis that poses the biggest threat to the country's stability since the 1975-1990 civil war. The country is also facing a political deadlock amid delays in the formation of a new, crisis Cabinet, because of a portfolio dispute. Also read: We will return to the United Nations to reimpose sanctions on Iran: Pompeo The United States considers the Iran-backed Hezbollah a terrorist organisation and has imposed sanctions on many of the militant group's officials in the past. Last week, Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah had condemned US sanctions against two former ministers from allied political parties over alleged corruption and aid to the group. "We view this unjust decision as a badge of honour for our two dear friends," the Iran-backed movement had said in a statement after Washington blacklisted and imposed sanctions on former finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil and ex-transport minister Youssef Fenianos.

US sanctions Lebanese companies for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah

Poland on Thursday proposed an EU stabilisation fund for Belarus worth at least $1.2 billion, as a top opposition leader prepared to meet EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Warsaw's call for financial support comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin backed embattled Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko and promised a $1.5 billion loan.

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Morawiecki, whose call for a “Marshall Plan” alluded to Europe’s reconstruction after World War Two, said the financial assistance forms part of the support package for Belarus which he will propose at the next EU summit on September&nbsp;24-25.

Lithuania and Poland’s partners in the Visegrad Four grouping, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia,&nbsp;support the plan, Morawiecki said.

"The fund should really be significant... so at least a billion euros at this stage," he said at a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart in Vilnius.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-dont-recognise-lukashenko-as-legitimate-president-european-union-328038" hreflang="en">We don't recognise Lukashenko as legitimate president: European Union</a>

International Monetary Fund (IMF) could also contribute the fund, meant to prop up Belarus currency, stabilize its economy and allow the country to borrow on its own, Morawiecki said.

The plan also includes an opening of EU markets to Belarus businesses and easier visas to its citizens, to make Belarus economy less reliant on cheap energy from Russia, he said.

The proposal comes after weeks of unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule that have been met with a violent crackdown.

Journalists have also been targeted and on Thursday a number of independent Belarusian media ran with blank spaces instead of images on Thursday to protest the jailing of two photographers for 11 days for covering protests.

"We are demanding that pressure on journalists be halted," said tut.by, a top independent Belarusian outlet. "We will fight for our rights."

The protests followed a presidential election on August 9 in which Lukashenko and his rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya both claimed victory.

Poland on Thursday proposed an EU stabilisation fund for Belarus worth at least $1.2 billion, as a top opposition leader prepared to meet EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Poland on Thursday proposed an EU stabilisation fund for Belarus worth at least $1.2 billion, as a top opposition leader prepared to meet EU foreign ministers in Brussels. Warsaw's call for financial support comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin backed embattled Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko and promised a $1.5 billion loan. Morawiecki, whose call for a “Marshall Plan” alluded to Europe’s reconstruction after World War Two, said the financial assistance forms part of the support package for Belarus which he will propose at the next EU summit on September 24-25. Lithuania and Poland’s partners in the Visegrad Four grouping, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, support the plan, Morawiecki said. "The fund should really be significant... so at least a billion euros at this stage," he said at a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart in Vilnius. Also read: We don't recognise Lukashenko as legitimate president: European Union International Monetary Fund (IMF) could also contribute the fund, meant to prop up Belarus currency, stabilize its economy and allow the country to borrow on its own, Morawiecki said. The plan also includes an opening of EU markets to Belarus businesses and easier visas to its citizens, to make Belarus economy less reliant on cheap energy from Russia, he said. The proposal comes after weeks of unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule that have been met with a violent crackdown. Journalists have also been targeted and on Thursday a number of independent Belarusian media ran with blank spaces instead of images on Thursday to protest the jailing of two photographers for 11 days for covering protests. "We are demanding that pressure on journalists be halted," said tut.by, a top independent Belarusian outlet. "We will fight for our rights." The protests followed a presidential election on August 9 in which Lukashenko and his rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya both claimed victory.

'New Marshall Plan': Poland proposes EU fund for Belarus worth $1.2 billion

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