India on Thursday welcomed the signing of agreements by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish formal ties with Israel, and said it has always supported peace and stability in West Asia.

The UAE and Bahrain became the first Arab countries to normalise ties with Israel without a resolution of its decades-old dispute with the Palestinians who are demanding a separate state.

"We have followed the Abraham accords signed in Washington DC by UAE, Bahrain, Israel and the US. As I have said earlier, India has always supported peace and stability in West Asia which is our extended neighbourhood," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

The pacts were inked on Tuesday in Washington in the presence of US President Donald Trump.

"As such we welcome these agreements for normalization of relations between Israel and UAE and Bahrain," he added.

At a media briefing, Srivastava also said India continues its "traditional support" for the Palestinian cause, and hopes for early resumption of direct negotiations for an acceptable "two-state solution".&nbsp;

India on Thursday welcomed the signing of agreements by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish formal ties with Israel, and said it has always supported peace and stability in West Asia.

India on Thursday welcomed the signing of agreements by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish formal ties with Israel, and said it has always supported peace and stability in West Asia. The UAE and Bahrain became the first Arab countries to normalise ties with Israel without a resolution of its decades-old dispute with the Palestinians who are demanding a separate state. "We have followed the Abraham accords signed in Washington DC by UAE, Bahrain, Israel and the US. As I have said earlier, India has always supported peace and stability in West Asia which is our extended neighbourhood," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. The pacts were inked on Tuesday in Washington in the presence of US President Donald Trump. "As such we welcome these agreements for normalization of relations between Israel and UAE and Bahrain," he added. At a media briefing, Srivastava also said India continues its "traditional support" for the Palestinian cause, and hopes for early resumption of direct negotiations for an acceptable "two-state solution".

India welcomes pacts by UAE, Bahrain to normalise ties with Israel

Japan's parliament on Wednesday formally elected ruling party president Yoshihide Suga as the country's new prime minister.

After the votes were counted, lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima said&nbsp;"According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister."

Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-after-sweeping-party-poll-yoshihide-suga-reshuffles-ldp-leadership-327685" hreflang="en">Japan: After sweeping party poll, Yoshihide Suga reshuffles LDP leadership</a>

The 71-year-old&nbsp;is expected to announce his cabinet later Wednesday, with local media reporting he will retain a number of ministers from Abe's &nbsp;government.

Suga has said he will prioritise keeping coronavirus infections under control and kickstarting Japan's economy, and has promised to continue Abe's key policy programmes.

Abe is ending his record-breaking tenure with a year left in his mandate, forced out by a recurrence of ulcerative colitis, a condition that has long plagued him.

Earlier, in a video posted on Twitter, he looked back at his record.

"Sadly, we were not able to achieve some goals," he said, in an apparent reference to his long-held desire to revise the pacifist constitution, something Suga does not seem eager to pursue. "However, we were able to take a shot at, and achieve, other divisive issues."

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…秘書です。 
安倍内閣官邸Twitter最終回の更新をリツイートいたします。 <a href="https://t.co/vw0Vq2y5bS">https://t.co/vw0Vq2y5bS</a>
— 安倍晋三 (@AbeShinzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo/status/1306005187396419585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-yoshihide-suga-wins-party-leadership-race-headed-for-premiership-327400">Japan: Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership</a>

Abe and his cabinet resigned on Wednesday morning, paving the way for a vote in parliament in the early afternoon, which Suga is expected to easily win, given the ruling party's strong majority.

The 71-year-old has spent decades in politics, most recently as chief cabinet secretary, where he was known for pushing government policies through a sometimes intractable bureaucracy.

He has also been the face of the government, doggedly defending its policies as spokesman, including in sometimes testy exchanges with journalists.

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Suga's background, as the son of a strawberry farmer father and schoolteacher mother, sets him apart from the many blue blood political elites in his party and the Japanese political scene.

But while he has championed some measures intended to help rural areas like his hometown in northern Japan's Akita, his political views remain largely a mystery.

Japan's parliament on Wednesday formally elected ruling party president Yoshihide Suga as the country's new prime minister. After the votes were counted, lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima said "According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister.

Japan's parliament on Wednesday formally elected ruling party president Yoshihide Suga as the country's new prime minister. After the votes were counted, lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima said "According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister." Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner. Also read: Japan: After sweeping party poll, Yoshihide Suga reshuffles LDP leadership The 71-year-old is expected to announce his cabinet later Wednesday, with local media reporting he will retain a number of ministers from Abe's government. Suga has said he will prioritise keeping coronavirus infections under control and kickstarting Japan's economy, and has promised to continue Abe's key policy programmes. Abe is ending his record-breaking tenure with a year left in his mandate, forced out by a recurrence of ulcerative colitis, a condition that has long plagued him. Earlier, in a video posted on Twitter, he looked back at his record. "Sadly, we were not able to achieve some goals," he said, in an apparent reference to his long-held desire to revise the pacifist constitution, something Suga does not seem eager to pursue. "However, we were able to take a shot at, and achieve, other divisive issues." …秘書です。 安倍内閣官邸Twitter最終回の更新をリツイートいたします。 https://t.co/vw0Vq2y5bS — 安倍晋三 (@AbeShinzo) September 15, 2020 × Also read| Japan: Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership Abe and his cabinet resigned on Wednesday morning, paving the way for a vote in parliament in the early afternoon, which Suga is expected to easily win, given the ruling party's strong majority. The 71-year-old has spent decades in politics, most recently as chief cabinet secretary, where he was known for pushing government policies through a sometimes intractable bureaucracy. He has also been the face of the government, doggedly defending its policies as spokesman, including in sometimes testy exchanges with journalists. × Suga's background, as the son of a strawberry farmer father and schoolteacher mother, sets him apart from the many blue blood political elites in his party and the Japanese political scene. But while he has championed some measures intended to help rural areas like his hometown in northern Japan's Akita, his political views remain largely a mystery.

Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that his government will soon introduce a three-tier legislation providing for registration of sex offenders, exemplary punishment for rape and child abuse and effective policing.

Khan made the announcement while addressing a joint sitting of parliament after passage of a number of Financial Action Task Force-related bills on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-parliament-passes-fatf-related-bills-amid-uproar-327983" hreflang="en">Pakistan Parliament passes FATF-related bills amid uproar</a>

"Such incidents ruin the lives of victims and their families also have to suffer," he said.

Khan was referring to the gang-rape of a French-Pakistani woman in front of her three children near a highway in Lahore on September 9 which sparked widespread outrage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-calls-for-chemical-castration-of-rapists-327593" hreflang="en">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan calls for 'chemical castration' of rapists</a>

One of the suspects wanted in the case was arrested on Monday arrested and confessed to his crime.

Noting that the main suspect in the gang-rape case was a history-sheeter, Khan said that global data indicated that such criminals were repeat offenders and therefore maintaining their data was important.

He said the legislation being prepared would not only provide for exemplary punishment for rape and child abuse offences, but would also contain provisions for registration of sex offenders and effective policing, the report said.

He admitted that only a very small percentage of such cases were reported to police in the country.

Even after the arrest of offenders in rape and child abuse cases, their conviction is not easy in absence of proper prosecution and concrete evidence. For this reason, the bill being prepared would also provide for witness protection, he said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that his government will soon introduce a three-tier legislation providing for registration of sex offenders, exemplary punishment for rape and child abuse and effective policing.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that his government will soon introduce a three-tier legislation providing for registration of sex offenders, exemplary punishment for rape and child abuse and effective policing. Khan made the announcement while addressing a joint sitting of parliament after passage of a number of Financial Action Task Force-related bills on Wednesday. Also read: Pakistan Parliament passes FATF-related bills amid uproar "Such incidents ruin the lives of victims and their families also have to suffer," he said. Khan was referring to the gang-rape of a French-Pakistani woman in front of her three children near a highway in Lahore on September 9 which sparked widespread outrage. Also read: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan calls for 'chemical castration' of rapists One of the suspects wanted in the case was arrested on Monday arrested and confessed to his crime. Noting that the main suspect in the gang-rape case was a history-sheeter, Khan said that global data indicated that such criminals were repeat offenders and therefore maintaining their data was important. He said the legislation being prepared would not only provide for exemplary punishment for rape and child abuse offences, but would also contain provisions for registration of sex offenders and effective policing, the report said. He admitted that only a very small percentage of such cases were reported to police in the country. Even after the arrest of offenders in rape and child abuse cases, their conviction is not easy in absence of proper prosecution and concrete evidence. For this reason, the bill being prepared would also provide for witness protection, he said.

Pakistan to introduce legislation to curb rape, child abuse: Imran Khan

The stars of Guinness World Records 2021 revealed!

US&nbsp;Democratic presidential candidate&nbsp;Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;warned the United Kingdom that it must honour the Northern Irish peace deal as it extracts itself from the European Union or there would be no US&nbsp;trade deal.

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We can’t allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit. 
 
Any trade deal between the U.S. and U.K. must be contingent upon respect for the Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period. <a href="https://t.co/Ecu9jPrcHL">https://t.co/Ecu9jPrcHL</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1306334039557586944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sees-a-way-through-parliamentary-maze-for-brexit-treaty-breach-bill-327894" hreflang="en">UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill</a>

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's move to break parts of the EU divorce deal relating to Northern Ireland has triggered fears it could undermine the 1998 Good Friday peace accord that ended decades of violence between Irish nationalists and British unionists.

The Good Friday Agreement refers to a pair of deals signed on April 1998 that ended most of the violence of the Troubles, a political conflict in Northern Ireland that had been ongoing since the 1960s.

Johnson&nbsp;says the United Kingdom has to have the ability to break parts of the 2020 Brexit treaty he signed to uphold London's commitments under the 1998 peace deal which ended three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland between pro-British Protestant unionists and Irish Catholic nationalists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-pm-urges-britons-to-flatten-pandemics-second-hump-328140" hreflang="en">UK's PM urges Britons to flatten pandemic's 'second hump'</a>

The EU says any breach of the Brexit treaty could sink trade talks, propel the United Kingdom towards a messy exit when it finally leaves informal membership at the end of the year and thus complicate the border between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland.

Britain and the EU jointly promised in the Brexit agreement to ensure there are no customs posts or other obstacles on the Northern Ireland-Ireland border. The open border is key to the stability that underpins the peace settlement.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is in Washington this week, and has been trying to assuage American concerns that a pending government bill would undermine Northern Ireland peace, if passed by lawmakers.

No deal?

The EU's Brexit negotiator told the bloc's 27 national envoys that he still hoped a trade deal with Britain was possible, stressing that the coming days would be decisive.

Michel Barnier addressed the gathering on Wednesday and the three sources either participated in the discussion behind closed doors or were briefed on its content.

"Barnier still believes a deal is possible though the next days are key," said one of the EU diplomatic sources.

Johnson told The Sun that the EU was being "abusive" to Britain and risking four decades of partnership.

He said the UK must "ring-fence" the Brexit deal "to put in watertight bulkheads that will stop friends and partners making abusive or extreme interpretations of the provisions."

Societe Generale analysts said on Thursday they now see an 80 per cent&nbsp;chance that Britain and the EU will fail to strike a trade deal before the end of the year.

Biden, who has talked about the importance of his Irish heritage, retweeted a letter from Eliot Engel, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives, to Johnson calling on the British leader to honour the 1998 Good Friday peace deal.

Engel urged Johnson to "abandon any and all legally questionable and unfair efforts to flout the Northern Ireland protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement."

He called on Johnson to "ensure that Brexit negotiations do not undermine the decades of progress to bring peace to Northern Ireland and future options for the bilateral relationship between our two countries."

Engel said Congress would not support a free trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom if Britain failed to uphold its commitments with Northern Ireland.

The letter was signed by Representatives Richard Neal, William Keating and Peter King.

Johnson is pushing ahead with his plan.

His government reached a deal on Wednesday to avert a rebellion in his own party, giving parliament a say over the use of post-Brexit powers within its proposed Internal Market Bill that breaks international law.

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden warned the United Kingdom that it must honour the Northern Irish peace deal as it extracts itself from the European Union or there would be no US trade deal.

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden warned the United Kingdom that it must honour the Northern Irish peace deal as it extracts itself from the European Union or there would be no US trade deal. We can’t allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit. Any trade deal between the U.S. and U.K. must be contingent upon respect for the Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period. https://t.co/Ecu9jPrcHL — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 16, 2020 × Also read: UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill Prime Minister Boris Johnson's move to break parts of the EU divorce deal relating to Northern Ireland has triggered fears it could undermine the 1998 Good Friday peace accord that ended decades of violence between Irish nationalists and British unionists. The Good Friday Agreement refers to a pair of deals signed on April 1998 that ended most of the violence of the Troubles, a political conflict in Northern Ireland that had been ongoing since the 1960s. Johnson says the United Kingdom has to have the ability to break parts of the 2020 Brexit treaty he signed to uphold London's commitments under the 1998 peace deal which ended three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland between pro-British Protestant unionists and Irish Catholic nationalists. Also read: UK's PM urges Britons to flatten pandemic's 'second hump' The EU says any breach of the Brexit treaty could sink trade talks, propel the United Kingdom towards a messy exit when it finally leaves informal membership at the end of the year and thus complicate the border between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland. Britain and the EU jointly promised in the Brexit agreement to ensure there are no customs posts or other obstacles on the Northern Ireland-Ireland border. The open border is key to the stability that underpins the peace settlement. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is in Washington this week, and has been trying to assuage American concerns that a pending government bill would undermine Northern Ireland peace, if passed by lawmakers. No deal? The EU's Brexit negotiator told the bloc's 27 national envoys that he still hoped a trade deal with Britain was possible, stressing that the coming days would be decisive. Michel Barnier addressed the gathering on Wednesday and the three sources either participated in the discussion behind closed doors or were briefed on its content. "Barnier still believes a deal is possible though the next days are key," said one of the EU diplomatic sources. Johnson told The Sun that the EU was being "abusive" to Britain and risking four decades of partnership. He said the UK must "ring-fence" the Brexit deal "to put in watertight bulkheads that will stop friends and partners making abusive or extreme interpretations of the provisions." Societe Generale analysts said on Thursday they now see an 80 per cent chance that Britain and the EU will fail to strike a trade deal before the end of the year. Biden, who has talked about the importance of his Irish heritage, retweeted a letter from Eliot Engel, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives, to Johnson calling on the British leader to honour the 1998 Good Friday peace deal. Engel urged Johnson to "abandon any and all legally questionable and unfair efforts to flout the Northern Ireland protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement." He called on Johnson to "ensure that Brexit negotiations do not undermine the decades of progress to bring peace to Northern Ireland and future options for the bilateral relationship between our two countries." Engel said Congress would not support a free trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom if Britain failed to uphold its commitments with Northern Ireland. The letter was signed by Representatives Richard Neal, William Keating and Peter King. Johnson is pushing ahead with his plan. His government reached a deal on Wednesday to avert a rebellion in his own party, giving parliament a say over the use of post-Brexit powers within its proposed Internal Market Bill that breaks international law.

No US-UK trade deal if Brexit risks Northern Irish peace deal: Biden to Johnson

Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Thursday asked for the help of international community to&nbsp;defend his country against China's increasing military interference, fearing a ''real possibility of war''.

Two Chinese anti-submarine aircraft flew into&nbsp;Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Wednesday and were warned to leave by&nbsp;Taiwan's air force, the island's defence ministry said on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-defends-military-drills-near-taiwan-after-it-condemns-serious-provocation-327845" hreflang="en">China defends military drills near Taiwan after it condemns 'serious provocation'</a>

The statement&nbsp;comes the same day US&nbsp;Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach is due to arrive in&nbsp;Taiwan, in a trip likely to further rile Beijing which regularly denounces United States support for the democratic island.

Krach is in&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;for a three-day visit in which he will attend a memorial service on September 19&nbsp;for former President Lee Teng-hui, who was revered by many on the island and internationally as the father of&nbsp;Taiwan's democracy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-taiwan-unveils-new-passport-design-to-resolve-china-confusion-324671">Now, Taiwan unveils new passport design to resolve China confusion</a>

He is also expected to meet&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen on September 18.&nbsp;His visit follows one last month by US&nbsp;Health Secretary Alex Azar, the highest-level US&nbsp;official to come to the democratic island in four decades.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China has lodged "stern representations" with Washington about Krach's trip, and that it opposed any official exchanges between the United States and&nbsp;Taiwan.

The United States plans to sell as many as seven major weapons systems, including mines, cruise missiles and drones to&nbsp;Taiwan, four people familiar with the discussions said, as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on China.

Pursuing seven sales at once is a rare departure from years of precedent in which US&nbsp;military sales to the island were spaced out and carefully calibrated to minimize tensions with Beijing.

But the Trump administration has become more aggressive with China in 2020 and the sales would land as relations between Beijing and Washington are at their lowest point in decades over accusations of spying, a lingering trade war and disputes about the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Thursday asked for the help of international community to defend his country against China's increasing military interference, fearing a ''real possibility of war''.

Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Thursday asked for the help of international community to defend his country against China's increasing military interference, fearing a ''real possibility of war''. Two Chinese anti-submarine aircraft flew into Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Wednesday and were warned to leave by Taiwan's air force, the island's defence ministry said on Thursday. Also read: China defends military drills near Taiwan after it condemns 'serious provocation' The statement comes the same day US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach is due to arrive in Taiwan, in a trip likely to further rile Beijing which regularly denounces United States support for the democratic island. Krach is in Taiwan for a three-day visit in which he will attend a memorial service on September 19 for former President Lee Teng-hui, who was revered by many on the island and internationally as the father of Taiwan's democracy. Also read: Now, Taiwan unveils new passport design to resolve China confusion He is also expected to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on September 18. His visit follows one last month by US Health Secretary Alex Azar, the highest-level US official to come to the democratic island in four decades. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China has lodged "stern representations" with Washington about Krach's trip, and that it opposed any official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan. The United States plans to sell as many as seven major weapons systems, including mines, cruise missiles and drones to Taiwan, four people familiar with the discussions said, as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on China. Pursuing seven sales at once is a rare departure from years of precedent in which US military sales to the island were spaced out and carefully calibrated to minimize tensions with Beijing. But the Trump administration has become more aggressive with China in 2020 and the sales would land as relations between Beijing and Washington are at their lowest point in decades over accusations of spying, a lingering trade war and disputes about the spread of the novel coronavirus.

'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China

Bahrain's Prince Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is leading an eighteen-member team in an expert-level mountaineering expedition in Nepal, scaling Mt Lobuche and Mt Manaslu.

Mt. Manaslu is the world's eighth highest mountain at an altitude of 8,156 metre from sea level. Mt. Lobuche is at a height of 6,119 metres.

The contingent, which consists of 15 personnel of the Bahraini Royal Guard Defence Force and three Britons, landed in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Prince Khalifa is a member of the royal family of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the commander of Bahrain's Royal Guard.

The expedition members will have to go through COVID-19 safety procedures before beginning their mission, said a senior Nepali official.

Bahrain's Prince Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is leading an eighteen-member team in an expert-level mountaineering expedition in Nepal, scaling Mt Lobuche and Mt Manaslu.

Bahrain's Prince Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is leading an eighteen-member team in an expert-level mountaineering expedition in Nepal, scaling Mt Lobuche and Mt Manaslu. Mt. Manaslu is the world's eighth highest mountain at an altitude of 8,156 metre from sea level. Mt. Lobuche is at a height of 6,119 metres. The contingent, which consists of 15 personnel of the Bahraini Royal Guard Defence Force and three Britons, landed in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Prince Khalifa is a member of the royal family of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the commander of Bahrain's Royal Guard. The expedition members will have to go through COVID-19 safety procedures before beginning their mission, said a senior Nepali official.

Bahrain's Prince Khalifa to lead mountaineering expedition in Nepal

The Myanmar military has said it is investigating "possible wider patterns of violations" before and during a 2017 crackdown in Rakhine State that the United Nations has said was executed with genocidal intent against Rohingya Muslims.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh that year following the launch of a sweeping security campaign that refugees said included mass killing, gang-rape and arson.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/highest-stakes-in-the-resolution-of-rohingya-issue-india-327714" hreflang="en">'Highest stakes' in the resolution of Rohingya issue: India</a>

The army has denied genocide, saying it was carrying out a legitimate operation against Rohingya militants, but says it has court-martialed some troops over incidents in certain villages though details on the perpetrators, their crimes, and sentences have not been released.

The military, in a statement carried in state media on Tuesday, acknowledged for the first time a possible broader pattern of abuses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/casualties-in-myanmar-may-represent-war-crimes-un-human-rights-chief-327452" hreflang="en">Casualties in Myanmar may represent war crimes: UN human rights chief</a>

It said the military-run Office of the Judge Advocate General had reviewed a report by a government-backed commission that accused soldiers of committing war crimes and had expanded the scope of its investigations in response.

The office was "investigating possible wider patterns of violations in the region of northern Rakhine in 2016-2017", the military said in the statement.

"Allegations regarding villages in the Maungdaw area are included in the scope of this wider investigation," the military said, referring to a district on the border with Bangladesh that was a focus of its security operations in 2017.

It provided no more details and an army spokesman did not answer telephone calls by Reuters seeking further comment.

The announcement follows reports last week that two Myanmar soldiers have been taken to the Hague to appear as witnesses or face trial after confessing to killing dozens of villagers in the north of Rakhine State and burying them in mass graves.

The Myanmar military has said it is investigating "possible wider patterns of violations" before and during a 2017 crackdown in Rakhine State that the United Nations has said was executed with genocidal intent against Rohingya Muslims.

The Myanmar military has said it is investigating "possible wider patterns of violations" before and during a 2017 crackdown in Rakhine State that the United Nations has said was executed with genocidal intent against Rohingya Muslims. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh that year following the launch of a sweeping security campaign that refugees said included mass killing, gang-rape and arson. Also read: 'Highest stakes' in the resolution of Rohingya issue: India The army has denied genocide, saying it was carrying out a legitimate operation against Rohingya militants, but says it has court-martialed some troops over incidents in certain villages though details on the perpetrators, their crimes, and sentences have not been released. The military, in a statement carried in state media on Tuesday, acknowledged for the first time a possible broader pattern of abuses. Also read: Casualties in Myanmar may represent war crimes: UN human rights chief It said the military-run Office of the Judge Advocate General had reviewed a report by a government-backed commission that accused soldiers of committing war crimes and had expanded the scope of its investigations in response. The office was "investigating possible wider patterns of violations in the region of northern Rakhine in 2016-2017", the military said in the statement. "Allegations regarding villages in the Maungdaw area are included in the scope of this wider investigation," the military said, referring to a district on the border with Bangladesh that was a focus of its security operations in 2017. It provided no more details and an army spokesman did not answer telephone calls by Reuters seeking further comment. The announcement follows reports last week that two Myanmar soldiers have been taken to the Hague to appear as witnesses or face trial after confessing to killing dozens of villagers in the north of Rakhine State and burying them in mass graves.

Myanmar army probes 'wider patterns' of abuse against Rohingya

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE and Bahrain leaders&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;said he expected Saudi Arabia to be among seven to nine other Gulf countries to normalise relations with Israel&nbsp;"at the right time".

The Saudi cabinet has stressed&nbsp;the need for a "just and comprehensive solution" to the Palestinian issue to resolve the conflict.

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas said Tuesday only an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories can bring peace to the Middle East.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-rockets-fired-from-gaza-as-israel-uae-bahrain-sign-trump-brokered-accords-327792" hreflang="en">Two rockets fired from Gaza as Israel, UAE, Bahrain sign Trump-brokered accords</a>

UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Bahrain foreign minister Abdullatif al-Zayani and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu signed the bilateral accords at the White House and signed a joint declaration along with Trump.

Trump hosted the White House ceremony, capping a dramatic month when first the UAE and then Bahrain agreed to reverse decades of ill will without a resolution of Israel's dispute with the Palestinians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-or-six-countries-coming-along-very-quickly-says-trump-on-peace-deal-with-israel-327780" hreflang="en">Five or six countries coming along very quickly, says Trump on peace deal with Israel</a>

The deals, denounced by the Palestinians, make them the third and fourth Arab states to take such steps to normalise relations since Israel signed peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Saudi Arabia is the biggest Gulf Arab power. Its king is custodian of Islam's holiest sites and rules the world's largest oil exporter. Despite its own reluctance, the kingdom's quiet acquiescence to the agreements was seen as crucial.

US President Donald Trump while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE and Bahrain leaders on Tuesday said he expected Saudi Arabia to be among seven to nine other Gulf countries to normalise relations with Israel "at the right time".

US President Donald Trump while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE and Bahrain leaders on Tuesday said he expected Saudi Arabia to be among seven to nine other Gulf countries to normalise relations with Israel "at the right time". The Saudi cabinet has stressed the need for a "just and comprehensive solution" to the Palestinian issue to resolve the conflict. Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas said Tuesday only an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories can bring peace to the Middle East. Also read: Two rockets fired from Gaza as Israel, UAE, Bahrain sign Trump-brokered accords UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Bahrain foreign minister Abdullatif al-Zayani and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu signed the bilateral accords at the White House and signed a joint declaration along with Trump. Trump hosted the White House ceremony, capping a dramatic month when first the UAE and then Bahrain agreed to reverse decades of ill will without a resolution of Israel's dispute with the Palestinians. Also read: Five or six countries coming along very quickly, says Trump on peace deal with Israel The deals, denounced by the Palestinians, make them the third and fourth Arab states to take such steps to normalise relations since Israel signed peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. Saudi Arabia is the biggest Gulf Arab power. Its king is custodian of Islam's holiest sites and rules the world's largest oil exporter. Despite its own reluctance, the kingdom's quiet acquiescence to the agreements was seen as crucial.

Saudi Arabia will join UAE-Israel-Bahrain deal at 'right time', says Trump

An Indian-American president of a now-defunct New Jersey-based marble and granite wholesaler has admitted his role in scheming to defraud a bank in connection with a USD17 million secured line of credit, a US Attorney has said.

Rajendra Kankariya, 61, pleaded guilty by video conference before US District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to committing wire fraud affecting a financial institution.

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President and Chief Financial Officer of New Jersey Company Charged with $17 Million Fraud Scheme: Rajendra Kankariya and Rakesh Sethi have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating and participating in a scheme to defraud a bank. <a href="https://t.co/h5x8j9T5UF">https://t.co/h5x8j9T5UF</a>
— FBI Newark (@FBINewark) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBINewark/status/1204611827100876801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of USD1 million. Kankariya is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18. 
According to court documents, from March 2016 through March 2018, Kankariya, the president and part owner of Lotus Exim International Inc, conspired with other LEI employees to obtain from the bank a USD17 million line of credit by fraudulent means.

The bank extended the line of credit believing it to have been secured in part by LEI's accounts receivable. In reality, Kankariya and his conspirators fabricated or inflated many of the accounts receivable, ultimately leading to LEI defaulting on the line of credit, prosecutors alleged.

To conceal the lack of sufficient collateral, LEI employees, with the knowledge and approval of Kankariya, created fake email addresses on behalf of LEI's customers so they could pose as them and answer the bank's and outside auditor's inquiries about the accounts receivable.

The scheme involved numerous fraudulent accounts receivable where the outstanding balances were either inflated or entirely fabricated. The scheme caused the bank losses of about USD17 million, a statement issued by US Attorney Craig Carpenito said.

An Indian-American president of a now-defunct New Jersey-based marble and granite wholesaler has admitted his role in scheming to defraud a bank in connection with a USD17 million secured line of credit, a US Attorney has said.

An Indian-American president of a now-defunct New Jersey-based marble and granite wholesaler has admitted his role in scheming to defraud a bank in connection with a USD17 million secured line of credit, a US Attorney has said. Rajendra Kankariya, 61, pleaded guilty by video conference before US District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to committing wire fraud affecting a financial institution. President and Chief Financial Officer of New Jersey Company Charged with $17 Million Fraud Scheme: Rajendra Kankariya and Rakesh Sethi have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating and participating in a scheme to defraud a bank. https://t.co/h5x8j9T5UF — FBI Newark (@FBINewark) December 11, 2019 × He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of USD1 million. Kankariya is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18. According to court documents, from March 2016 through March 2018, Kankariya, the president and part owner of Lotus Exim International Inc, conspired with other LEI employees to obtain from the bank a USD17 million line of credit by fraudulent means. The bank extended the line of credit believing it to have been secured in part by LEI's accounts receivable. In reality, Kankariya and his conspirators fabricated or inflated many of the accounts receivable, ultimately leading to LEI defaulting on the line of credit, prosecutors alleged. To conceal the lack of sufficient collateral, LEI employees, with the knowledge and approval of Kankariya, created fake email addresses on behalf of LEI's customers so they could pose as them and answer the bank's and outside auditor's inquiries about the accounts receivable. The scheme involved numerous fraudulent accounts receivable where the outstanding balances were either inflated or entirely fabricated. The scheme caused the bank losses of about USD17 million, a statement issued by US Attorney Craig Carpenito said.

Indian-American pleads guilty in $17 million bank fraud

Pakistan's Prime Minister&nbsp;Imran&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;said on Monday he would like convicted rapists to be publicly executed or chemically castrated, reacting to a question on the rape of a woman on a highway last week that has caused uproar in the South Asian nation.

Last week, a mother of two driving along a major highway near Lahore was dragged out of her car and raped by two men at gunpoint, one of whom was arrested by police on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-co-accused-in-lahore-motorway-gang-rape-case-surrenders-to-police-327188" hreflang="en">Pakistan: Co-accused in Lahore motorway gang-rape case surrenders to police</a>

"I was shocked to find out from the police that sex crimes in the country are increasing greatly," he said. 
 
"The rapists should be given exemplary punishments. In my opinion, they should be hanged at the chowk (main square)," he said, adding that the punishment should be reserved for rapists and those who abuse children. 
 
However, the Prime Minister highlighted that upon discussing this with the cabinet, it was intimated that such a punishment would not be accepted internationally.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-global-terror-financing-watchdog-fatf-should-blacklist-pakistan-327515" hreflang="en">Why global terror financing watchdog FATF should blacklist Pakistan</a> 
 
"Unfortunately, we had a discussion and we were told it would not be internationally acceptable," Khan said, adding that "GSP-Plus trade status given to us by the European Union will be affected." 
 
Khan said that the country needs a fresh legislation to ensure that there is permanent sterilisation of such criminals. 
 
"One other option can be chemically or surgically castrating the rapists, according to the degree of the crime,"" Khan said, adding that many other countries practice the same punishment for rapists.

Khan&nbsp;said he believed the culprits should be hanged publicly, but added that officials had informed him that such an act could endanger a preferential trade status given to Pakistan by the European Union (EU).

The EU's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP-plus) status, granted to Pakistan in 2014, is contingent upon observation of international conventions, such as human rights.

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However,&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;said he was also looking into the option of chemical castration instead.

"The way there is first degree, second degree, third degree murder, this [rape] should be graded in the same way, and when there is first degree [rape], castrate them. Operate on them and make them unable to do this,"&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;said in an interview on a Pakistan news channel.

Khan's remarks came as Pakistani officials announced that one of the two main suspects in the motorway rape case had been arrested and had admitted to the crime. Officials said they also had a positive DNA match. The search for the second suspect is still ongoing.

Police retrieved DNA samples from the site, and used GPS data from cellular phone networks to identify individuals who were at the site when the attack occurred.

The shocking assault sparked nationwide protests and calls for the resignation of officials as well as the public hanging of rapists in Pakistan.

This February, lawmakers introduced legislation for the public hanging of those convicted of sexual abuse and the murder of children, but the law was not passed.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday he would like convicted rapists to be publicly executed or chemically castrated, reacting to a question on the rape of a woman on a highway last week that has caused uproar in the South Asian nation.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday he would like convicted rapists to be publicly executed or chemically castrated, reacting to a question on the rape of a woman on a highway last week that has caused uproar in the South Asian nation. Last week, a mother of two driving along a major highway near Lahore was dragged out of her car and raped by two men at gunpoint, one of whom was arrested by police on Monday. Also read: Pakistan: Co-accused in Lahore motorway gang-rape case surrenders to police "I was shocked to find out from the police that sex crimes in the country are increasing greatly," he said. "The rapists should be given exemplary punishments. In my opinion, they should be hanged at the chowk (main square)," he said, adding that the punishment should be reserved for rapists and those who abuse children. However, the Prime Minister highlighted that upon discussing this with the cabinet, it was intimated that such a punishment would not be accepted internationally. Also read: Why global terror financing watchdog FATF should blacklist Pakistan "Unfortunately, we had a discussion and we were told it would not be internationally acceptable," Khan said, adding that "GSP-Plus trade status given to us by the European Union will be affected." Khan said that the country needs a fresh legislation to ensure that there is permanent sterilisation of such criminals. "One other option can be chemically or surgically castrating the rapists, according to the degree of the crime,"" Khan said, adding that many other countries practice the same punishment for rapists. Khan said he believed the culprits should be hanged publicly, but added that officials had informed him that such an act could endanger a preferential trade status given to Pakistan by the European Union (EU). The EU's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP-plus) status, granted to Pakistan in 2014, is contingent upon observation of international conventions, such as human rights. × However, Khan said he was also looking into the option of chemical castration instead. "The way there is first degree, second degree, third degree murder, this [rape] should be graded in the same way, and when there is first degree [rape], castrate them. Operate on them and make them unable to do this," Khan said in an interview on a Pakistan news channel. Khan's remarks came as Pakistani officials announced that one of the two main suspects in the motorway rape case had been arrested and had admitted to the crime. Officials said they also had a positive DNA match. The search for the second suspect is still ongoing. Police retrieved DNA samples from the site, and used GPS data from cellular phone networks to identify individuals who were at the site when the attack occurred. The shocking assault sparked nationwide protests and calls for the resignation of officials as well as the public hanging of rapists in Pakistan. This February, lawmakers introduced legislation for the public hanging of those convicted of sexual abuse and the murder of children, but the law was not passed.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan calls for 'chemical castration' of rapists

Mexico's national lottery is&nbsp;set to create 100 millionaires with a much-hyped raffle that the country's government has tied to a luxury presidential jet&nbsp;slammed as a symbol of the corrupt excesses condoned by its predecessors.

The total prize money of the raffle loosely represents the value of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised to sell to raise funds for social programs.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/take-a-look-at-mexicos-on-sale-luxurious-presidential-jet-316437">Take a look at Mexico's 'on sale' luxurious presidential jet!</a>

Mexico&nbsp;has struggled to find a buyer for the&nbsp;jet, and the raffle was conceived as an alternative way of generating funds, specifically for the public health sector.

The&nbsp;jet&nbsp;was acquired by former President Enrique Pena Nieto in 2012 and fitted with marble-lined bathrooms. Reconfigured to fly only 80 people, the plane has a "presidential suite" and a private bath.

The sale has been hamstrung in part by Lopez Obrador's unwillingness to accept offers below a United Nations-backed valuation of $130 million, even as the plane was potentially losing value as it sat unused in southern California.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luxury-jet-spurned-by-mexicos-president-returns-from-us-315678">Luxury jet spurned by Mexico's president returns from US</a>

Out of 6 million tickets offered, 100 winners can claim 20 million pesos each, or just under $1 million. By last week, only 70 per cennt&nbsp;of the tickets had been sold, but a flurry of last-minute interest led to long lines at lottery booths.

Lopez Obrador has promised that proceeds will go mainly toward chronically underfunded public hospitals. Authorities did not announce the names of the winners, which could include health clinics given hundreds of tickets by the government.

The prize money is partly funded by sales of confiscated property, including items taken from alleged drug traffickers. Critics say the event is an inefficient use of scarce funds that should instead be directly assigned in the budget.

Over the past week, government officials and allies have intensely marketed the $24&nbsp;tickets. One government agency spent about $24 million on the event and some public workers complained they were obliged to take part.

Mexico's national lottery is set to create 100 millionaires with a much-hyped raffle that the country's government has tied to a luxury presidential jet slammed as a symbol of the corrupt excesses condoned by its predecessors.

Mexico's national lottery is set to create 100 millionaires with a much-hyped raffle that the country's government has tied to a luxury presidential jet slammed as a symbol of the corrupt excesses condoned by its predecessors. The total prize money of the raffle loosely represents the value of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised to sell to raise funds for social programs. Also see: Take a look at Mexico's 'on sale' luxurious presidential jet! Mexico has struggled to find a buyer for the jet, and the raffle was conceived as an alternative way of generating funds, specifically for the public health sector. The jet was acquired by former President Enrique Pena Nieto in 2012 and fitted with marble-lined bathrooms. Reconfigured to fly only 80 people, the plane has a "presidential suite" and a private bath. The sale has been hamstrung in part by Lopez Obrador's unwillingness to accept offers below a United Nations-backed valuation of $130 million, even as the plane was potentially losing value as it sat unused in southern California. Also read: Luxury jet spurned by Mexico's president returns from US Out of 6 million tickets offered, 100 winners can claim 20 million pesos each, or just under $1 million. By last week, only 70 per cennt of the tickets had been sold, but a flurry of last-minute interest led to long lines at lottery booths. Lopez Obrador has promised that proceeds will go mainly toward chronically underfunded public hospitals. Authorities did not announce the names of the winners, which could include health clinics given hundreds of tickets by the government. The prize money is partly funded by sales of confiscated property, including items taken from alleged drug traffickers. Critics say the event is an inefficient use of scarce funds that should instead be directly assigned in the budget. Over the past week, government officials and allies have intensely marketed the $24 tickets. One government agency spent about $24 million on the event and some public workers complained they were obliged to take part.

Mexico to create 100 millionaires with presidential jet 'raffle'

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