Turkey has called on the United States to reconsider a decision to partially lift a 33-year-old arms embargo against Cyprus, saying the move disrupts ''equality and balance''&nbsp;between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities on the ethnically divided island nation.

Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said ''Ankara would continue to take steps to guarantee the security and welfare of the self-declared Turkish Cypriot state and of the Turkish Cypriot people against such positions that increase the risk of confrontation in the region."

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>

Oktay said Wednesday that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot state are "aware of the games that are being played against them.''

The northern third of&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;has been controlled by Turkey since a 1974 invasion following a coup aimed at unification with Greece.&nbsp;

The United States imposed the arms embargo in 1987, in the hope that it could encourage the reunification of the island. It was directed against the southern, Greek Cypriot part of the island where the internationally recognized government is seated.

Cyprus&nbsp;has welcomed the lifting of a US arms embargo as proof it is a "reliable partner" in the Eastern Mediterranean, as Washington's ambassador stressed the move was not aimed at Turkey.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/now-turkey-stages-military-exercises-in-eastern-mediterranean-amid-tensions-with-greece-323929">Now, Turkey stages military exercises in eastern Mediterranean amid tensions with Greece</a>

The United States announced Tuesday that it would lift for one year its three-decade-old arms embargo on&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;to allow "non-lethal" military goods to be sold to the Mediterranean island.

Cypriot government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos said the development was a “recognition” of the Mediterranean island's role.

“It indicates the importance which the US and&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;attribute to strengthening their bilateral relations, particularly in defence and security,” he said in a statement.

At a press conference in Nicosia on Wednesday, US ambassador Judith Garber said the move was not a response to the latest tensions, but part of a regional security relationship.

“Some will ask if we are taking this in response to the most recent developments in the region, the answer is no,” Garber told reporters.

"Turkey is a very valued ally of the United States. It is a NATO ally and partner. We value our relationship with Turkey. It is a complicated one. But we do not have transactional relationships in the Eastern Mediterranean region."

Both Greece and Turkey have staged naval drills in the area to assert their sovereign claims to gas resources and exclusive economic zones, and the European Union warned Ankara on Friday to pull back or face EU sanctions.

Turkey has called on the United States to reconsider a decision to partially lift a 33-year-old arms embargo against Cyprus, saying the move disrupts ''equality and balance'' between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities on the ethnically divided island nation.

Turkey has called on the United States to reconsider a decision to partially lift a 33-year-old arms embargo against Cyprus, saying the move disrupts ''equality and balance'' between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities on the ethnically divided island nation. Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said ''Ankara would continue to take steps to guarantee the security and welfare of the self-declared Turkish Cypriot state and of the Turkish Cypriot people against such positions that increase the risk of confrontation in the region." Also see: Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes Oktay said Wednesday that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot state are "aware of the games that are being played against them.'' The northern third of Cyprus has been controlled by Turkey since a 1974 invasion following a coup aimed at unification with Greece. The United States imposed the arms embargo in 1987, in the hope that it could encourage the reunification of the island. It was directed against the southern, Greek Cypriot part of the island where the internationally recognized government is seated. Cyprus has welcomed the lifting of a US arms embargo as proof it is a "reliable partner" in the Eastern Mediterranean, as Washington's ambassador stressed the move was not aimed at Turkey. Also see: Now, Turkey stages military exercises in eastern Mediterranean amid tensions with Greece The United States announced Tuesday that it would lift for one year its three-decade-old arms embargo on Cyprus to allow "non-lethal" military goods to be sold to the Mediterranean island. Cypriot government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos said the development was a “recognition” of the Mediterranean island's role. “It indicates the importance which the US and Cyprus attribute to strengthening their bilateral relations, particularly in defence and security,” he said in a statement. At a press conference in Nicosia on Wednesday, US ambassador Judith Garber said the move was not a response to the latest tensions, but part of a regional security relationship. “Some will ask if we are taking this in response to the most recent developments in the region, the answer is no,” Garber told reporters. "Turkey is a very valued ally of the United States. It is a NATO ally and partner. We value our relationship with Turkey. It is a complicated one. But we do not have transactional relationships in the Eastern Mediterranean region." Both Greece and Turkey have staged naval drills in the area to assert their sovereign claims to gas resources and exclusive economic zones, and the European Union warned Ankara on Friday to pull back or face EU sanctions.

Turkey criticises US decision to lift Cyprus arms embargo

September 3 in history: First official Polo tournament, Viking 2 lands on Mars and more

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday hailed the show of unity by parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, after they defeated US efforts to restore international sanctions.

Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia, dubbed the "4+1", are struggling to save the accord after the United States withdrew from it in 2018.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-britain-and-germany-regret-us-end-to-iran-nuclear-waivers-301999">France, Britain and Germany regret US end to Iran nuclear waivers</a>

Washington unilaterally reimposed sanctions on the Islamic republic.

Iran has stepped up its nuclear activities in the past year in retaliation for Washington's pullout from the deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

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"Fortunately, yesterday in Vienna, the 4+1 clearly stated that they stand by the JCPOA and that America does not have the right to misuse it," Rouhani said in remarks to the weekly cabinet meeting broadcast on state television.

"They have not only pulled out of the JCPOA but also punished whoever has abided by it."

Rouhani called Washington's drive to reimpose UN sanctions against Iran "futile and childish."

European Union senior official Helga Schmid, who chaired the talks in Vienna, said the participants were "united in resolve to preserve" the nuclear agreement.

Schmid said that the US cannot launch the process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran using a Security Council resolution enshrining a deal they have abandoned.

In a boost to Tuesday's talks, Iran last week agreed to let UN nuclear inspectors visit two sites suspected of having hosted undeclared activity in the early 2000s.

Rouhani said he had spoken to the current Security Council president, Abdou Abarry of Niger, who he said "shared our views" that the US cannot reimpose international sanctions.

The Security Council last week blocked the US bid to reimpose sanctions.

Washington also failed to rally enough support to extend an arms embargo on Iran, that is scheduled to begin being rolled back from October.

Rouhani hailed the pushbacks against the US as a "victory" for Tehran and a "disgraceful failure" for Washington.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday hailed the show of unity by parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, after they defeated US efforts to restore international sanctions.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday hailed the show of unity by parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, after they defeated US efforts to restore international sanctions. Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia, dubbed the "4+1", are struggling to save the accord after the United States withdrew from it in 2018. Also read: France, Britain and Germany regret US end to Iran nuclear waivers Washington unilaterally reimposed sanctions on the Islamic republic. Iran has stepped up its nuclear activities in the past year in retaliation for Washington's pullout from the deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. "Fortunately, yesterday in Vienna, the 4+1 clearly stated that they stand by the JCPOA and that America does not have the right to misuse it," Rouhani said in remarks to the weekly cabinet meeting broadcast on state television. "They have not only pulled out of the JCPOA but also punished whoever has abided by it." Rouhani called Washington's drive to reimpose UN sanctions against Iran "futile and childish." European Union senior official Helga Schmid, who chaired the talks in Vienna, said the participants were "united in resolve to preserve" the nuclear agreement. Schmid said that the US cannot launch the process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran using a Security Council resolution enshrining a deal they have abandoned. In a boost to Tuesday's talks, Iran last week agreed to let UN nuclear inspectors visit two sites suspected of having hosted undeclared activity in the early 2000s. Rouhani said he had spoken to the current Security Council president, Abdou Abarry of Niger, who he said "shared our views" that the US cannot reimpose international sanctions. The Security Council last week blocked the US bid to reimpose sanctions. Washington also failed to rally enough support to extend an arms embargo on Iran, that is scheduled to begin being rolled back from October. Rouhani hailed the pushbacks against the US as a "victory" for Tehran and a "disgraceful failure" for Washington.

Iran hails 'united resolve' to preserve nuclear deal against US

The Kremlin said Thursday there was no reason to blame the Russian state after Germany said opposition politician Alexei Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.

The&nbsp;Kremlin&nbsp;was speaking a day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Navalny had been poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent in an attempt to murder him.

"There is no reason to accuse the Russian state," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, cautioning the West against jumping to conclusions and imposing sanctions.

"We would not want our partners in Germany and other European countries to rush to some sort of judgement."

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/mysterious-russian-poison-cases-radioactive-polonium-toxic-nerve-agent-to-chemicals-322391" hreflang="en">Mysterious Russian poison cases: Radioactive polonium, toxic nerve agent to chemicals</a>

One of Russian President Vladimir Putin's fiercest critics, Navalny fell sick on a flight from Siberia to Moscow on August 20, after which he was taken to a hospital in the city of Omsk in Siberia following an emergency landing.

As international pressure mounted, he was shifted to Berlin's Charite hospital. Doctors had claimed last week that he was most possibly poisoned.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-leader-navalny-was-poisoned-with-soviet-era-nerve-agent-novichok-germany-324771">Russian opposition leader Navalny was poisoned with Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok: Germany</a>

Russia has continuously rejected accusing of deliberate poisoning by the country, calling the accusations "empty noise". Russian doctors who had treated Navalny in Siberia have repeatedly claimed that poisoning was ruled out as no trace of poisonous substances was found in his body.

Peskov said there was no reason to discuss sanctions against Moscow after Merkel said Germany would consult its NATO allies about how to respond to the poisoning.

Steffen Seibert the spokesperson to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said that after testing by a military laboratory, it was ascertained that “a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group" was used on Navalny.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said,&nbsp;"In general we confirm that we are ready and have an interest in full cooperation and exchange of data on this topic with Germany" reported by RIA Novosti state news agency.

&nbsp;

The Kremlin said Thursday there was no reason to blame the Russian state after Germany said opposition politician Alexei Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.

The Kremlin said Thursday there was no reason to blame the Russian state after Germany said opposition politician Alexei Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. The Kremlin was speaking a day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Navalny had been poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent in an attempt to murder him. "There is no reason to accuse the Russian state," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, cautioning the West against jumping to conclusions and imposing sanctions. "We would not want our partners in Germany and other European countries to rush to some sort of judgement." In Pics: Mysterious Russian poison cases: Radioactive polonium, toxic nerve agent to chemicals One of Russian President Vladimir Putin's fiercest critics, Navalny fell sick on a flight from Siberia to Moscow on August 20, after which he was taken to a hospital in the city of Omsk in Siberia following an emergency landing. As international pressure mounted, he was shifted to Berlin's Charite hospital. Doctors had claimed last week that he was most possibly poisoned. Also read: Russian opposition leader Navalny was poisoned with Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok: Germany Russia has continuously rejected accusing of deliberate poisoning by the country, calling the accusations "empty noise". Russian doctors who had treated Navalny in Siberia have repeatedly claimed that poisoning was ruled out as no trace of poisonous substances was found in his body. Peskov said there was no reason to discuss sanctions against Moscow after Merkel said Germany would consult its NATO allies about how to respond to the poisoning. Steffen Seibert the spokesperson to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said that after testing by a military laboratory, it was ascertained that “a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group" was used on Navalny. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "In general we confirm that we are ready and have an interest in full cooperation and exchange of data on this topic with Germany" reported by RIA Novosti state news agency.

Russia rejects Navalny poisoning accusations, sees no grounds for sanctions

India and China continued to hold talks at Brigadier-level for the fifth day as well after the Indian Army thwarted Chinese Army`s attempts to transgress in new areas.

However, in an unusual manner, the talks are being held in an open area in Chushul rather than the usual meetings inside the Border Personnel Meeting huts built for the purpose there in both sides of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The meeting of Indian Army`s Brigadier with his Chinese counterpart is currently underway in Chushul in eastern Ladakh to the ongoing issues between the two nations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian Army sources said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-army-chief-naravane-begins-two-day-ladakh-visit-324899" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Army chief Naravane begins two-day Ladakh visit</a>

The talks are being held after Indian troops have thwarted the Chinese Army`s attempts to transgress into areas in Ladakh.

On the intervening night of August 29-30, the Indian Army thwarted an attempt by the Chinese Army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh.India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot springs and Kongrung Nala.

The situation worsened after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in June.The talks between the two sides have been going on for the last three months including five Lieutenant General-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far.

India and China continued to hold talks at Brigadier-level for the fifth day as well after the Indian Army thwarted Chinese Army`s attempts to transgress in new areas.

India and China continued to hold talks at Brigadier-level for the fifth day as well after the Indian Army thwarted Chinese Army`s attempts to transgress in new areas. However, in an unusual manner, the talks are being held in an open area in Chushul rather than the usual meetings inside the Border Personnel Meeting huts built for the purpose there in both sides of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The meeting of Indian Army`s Brigadier with his Chinese counterpart is currently underway in Chushul in eastern Ladakh to the ongoing issues between the two nations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian Army sources said. Also read: India-China standoff: Army chief Naravane begins two-day Ladakh visit The talks are being held after Indian troops have thwarted the Chinese Army`s attempts to transgress into areas in Ladakh. On the intervening night of August 29-30, the Indian Army thwarted an attempt by the Chinese Army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh.India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot springs and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in June.The talks between the two sides have been going on for the last three months including five Lieutenant General-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far.

Indian, Chinese brigadiers hold talks in open area in Chushul

The United Arab Emirates' move to pursue normalisation with Israel has prompted a backlash from Arab artists and intellectuals, who are boycotting Emirati-backed cultural awards and events to support the Palestinian cause.

"I announce that I am withdrawing from your exhibition," Palestinian photographer Mohamed Badarne wrote to the Sharjah Art Foundation, based in one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE.

"As a people under occupation, we must take a stand against anything to do with reconciliation with the (Israeli) occupier," Berlin-based Badarne said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-world-reacted-to-the-israel-uae-peace-agreement-320602">How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement</a>

The UAE agreed last month to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel in a US-brokered deal, making it the first Gulf state and only the third Arab country to do so.

The agreement was denounced by Palestinians as "a stab in the back", and sparked widespread protests.

Many Palestinians see the deal as a betrayal,&nbsp;breaking a consensus that normalisation with Israel is permissible only after the Palestinian question has been resolved.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-scraps-israel-economic-boycott-after-us-brokered-deal-323997">UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal</a>

Palestinian Culture Minister Atef Abu Seif urged Arab intellectuals to stand against a decision which "strengthens the (Israeli) enemy."

Cultural figures from Algeria, Iraq, Oman and Tunisia,&nbsp;as well as the UAE,&nbsp;condemned the accord.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/israel-uae-deal-a-symbolic-peace-unlikely-to-address-the-conflict-triggers-in-middle-east-323520">Israel-UAE deal: A symbolic peace unlikely to address the conflict triggers in Middle East</a>

Prizes rejected

"A sad and catastrophic day," Emirati writer Dhabiya Khamis wrote, following US President Donald Trump's surprise announcement of the deal on August 13.

"No to normalisation between Israel and the Emirates and the countries of the Arabian Gulf!" Khamis added. "Israel is the enemy of the entire Arab nation."

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The UAE has in recent years invested huge sums in culture, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a branch of the iconic Paris museum, which opened in 2017.

The oil-rich Gulf state also funds several literary awards, such as The Sheikh Zayed Book Prize, named after the former Emirati president, which hands out gold medals and cash prizes totalling some $1.9 million each year.

Moroccan writer Zohra Ramij has announced the withdrawal of her latest novel from the competition, while Moroccan poet Mohamed Bennis resigned from its organising committee.

"It would be a sin to get an Emirati prize," said Palestinian author Ahmed Abu Salim, who withdrew his entry from the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF).

The competition, which began in 2007 and is mentored by the Booker Prize Foundation in London, is funded by Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism.

It awards $50,000 to the winner and $10,000 each to those shortlisted.

"I am an intellectual supporter of the Palestinian cause, whatever the price to pay," Salim said.

Several former prize winners and jury members, including Palestinian intellectual Khaled Hroub, wrote an open letter to IPAF trustees demanding a halt to Emirati funding.

"We call on the current Board of Trustees to assume its historical cultural responsibility in protecting the award by ending Emirati funding, in order to preserve the award's credibility and independence," the letter read.

IPAF did not respond to a request for comment.

Boycott, divestment, sanctions

Omar Barghouti, Palestinian co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, said such a boycott was "a natural and patriotic response of Arab intellectuals."

Israel sees the movement, which encourages BDS measures as "civil resistance" to the Jewish state, as a strategic threat, accusing advocates of anti-Semitism.

The UAE last week repealed legislation from 1972 boycotting the Jewish state.

But Barghouti warned what he called the "corrupt tycoons" who ended the embargo that they would still feel the impact of the boycott.

Palestinian poet Ali Mawassi said that even if states normalise relations, citizens did not have to do the same.&nbsp;

Decades after Jordan and Egypt made peace with their Israeli neighbour, many Egyptian and Jordanian artists "still refuse to associate with anything related to Israel," Mawassi said.

But, Mawassi said, other artists will still be wooed by cash.

"There are many artists who will remain silent... to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by Emirati money," he said.

The United Arab Emirates' move to pursue normalisation with Israel has prompted a backlash from Arab artists and intellectuals, who are boycotting Emirati-backed cultural awards and events to support the Palestinian cause.

The United Arab Emirates' move to pursue normalisation with Israel has prompted a backlash from Arab artists and intellectuals, who are boycotting Emirati-backed cultural awards and events to support the Palestinian cause. "I announce that I am withdrawing from your exhibition," Palestinian photographer Mohamed Badarne wrote to the Sharjah Art Foundation, based in one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE. "As a people under occupation, we must take a stand against anything to do with reconciliation with the (Israeli) occupier," Berlin-based Badarne said. Also see: How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement The UAE agreed last month to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel in a US-brokered deal, making it the first Gulf state and only the third Arab country to do so. The agreement was denounced by Palestinians as "a stab in the back", and sparked widespread protests. Many Palestinians see the deal as a betrayal, breaking a consensus that normalisation with Israel is permissible only after the Palestinian question has been resolved. Also read: UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal Palestinian Culture Minister Atef Abu Seif urged Arab intellectuals to stand against a decision which "strengthens the (Israeli) enemy." Cultural figures from Algeria, Iraq, Oman and Tunisia, as well as the UAE, condemned the accord. Also read: Israel-UAE deal: A symbolic peace unlikely to address the conflict triggers in Middle East Prizes rejected "A sad and catastrophic day," Emirati writer Dhabiya Khamis wrote, following US President Donald Trump's surprise announcement of the deal on August 13. "No to normalisation between Israel and the Emirates and the countries of the Arabian Gulf!" Khamis added. "Israel is the enemy of the entire Arab nation." The UAE has in recent years invested huge sums in culture, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a branch of the iconic Paris museum, which opened in 2017. The oil-rich Gulf state also funds several literary awards, such as The Sheikh Zayed Book Prize, named after the former Emirati president, which hands out gold medals and cash prizes totalling some $1.9 million each year. Moroccan writer Zohra Ramij has announced the withdrawal of her latest novel from the competition, while Moroccan poet Mohamed Bennis resigned from its organising committee. "It would be a sin to get an Emirati prize," said Palestinian author Ahmed Abu Salim, who withdrew his entry from the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF). The competition, which began in 2007 and is mentored by the Booker Prize Foundation in London, is funded by Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism. It awards $50,000 to the winner and $10,000 each to those shortlisted. "I am an intellectual supporter of the Palestinian cause, whatever the price to pay," Salim said. Several former prize winners and jury members, including Palestinian intellectual Khaled Hroub, wrote an open letter to IPAF trustees demanding a halt to Emirati funding. "We call on the current Board of Trustees to assume its historical cultural responsibility in protecting the award by ending Emirati funding, in order to preserve the award's credibility and independence," the letter read. IPAF did not respond to a request for comment. Boycott, divestment, sanctions Omar Barghouti, Palestinian co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, said such a boycott was "a natural and patriotic response of Arab intellectuals." Israel sees the movement, which encourages BDS measures as "civil resistance" to the Jewish state, as a strategic threat, accusing advocates of anti-Semitism. The UAE last week repealed legislation from 1972 boycotting the Jewish state. But Barghouti warned what he called the "corrupt tycoons" who ended the embargo that they would still feel the impact of the boycott. Palestinian poet Ali Mawassi said that even if states normalise relations, citizens did not have to do the same. Decades after Jordan and Egypt made peace with their Israeli neighbour, many Egyptian and Jordanian artists "still refuse to associate with anything related to Israel," Mawassi said. But, Mawassi said, other artists will still be wooed by cash. "There are many artists who will remain silent... to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by Emirati money," he said.

Arab artists boycotting UAE-backed awards and events after Israel deal

Anti-riot police guarding the Bulgarian parliament weathered smokebombs, firecrackers and stones on Wednesday as the latest in two months of anti-government protests took a violent turn, with at least 55 people hurt and nearly 100 arrested.

The rally outside parliament came during a long, tense day in which a controversial draft for a new constitution was proposed in a bid to end the protests that call for the Prime Minister Boyko Borissov to resign for alleged corruption and protecting oligarchs.

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In picture: Thousands of&nbsp;Bulgarians rallied in front of the parliament in Sofia calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov/Reuters

Tensions rose in the late hours after some protesters threw over 100 small bombs and firecrackers at police. Officers brought a water cannon and cordoned off the square in front of the parliament. Some 60 people were arrested, police said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgarias-borissov-demands-resignation-of-mafia-type-government-amid-anti-corruption-protests-312608">Bulgaria's Borissov demands resignation of 'mafia' type government amid anti-corruption protests</a>

Protest leaders appealed for a peaceful rally and said provocateurs attacked the police. Earlier on Wednesday scuffles broke out between protesters and police, who fired pepper spray and arrested 35 people.

Protesters threw eggs, apples and garbage. They also shook police vehicles, and about 100 officers were affected by pepper spray aimed at them by protesters, Sofia Police Chief Georgi Hadzhiev said. Health officials said some 45 people including police officers, were treated in hospitals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fourth-night-of-anti-government-protests-in-bulgaria-312849">Fourth night of anti-government protests in Bulgaria</a>

The rally took place on the first sitting of parliament after summer recess. Protesters called it the "Grand National Uprising" in response the government's plan for a new constitution.

Protesters accuse three-times premier Borissov and Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev of failing to fight the corruption that erodes the rule of law and benefits powerful tycoons in the European Union's poorest country.

In parliament, President Rumen Radev called for the resignation of Borissov's centre-right government and appealed to deputies to dismiss plans for a new constitution.

"It was not the lack of new constitution that brought the people on the streets, but the lack of morality in the leadership, the erosion of statehood and the corruption," he said.

Borissov has pledged to resign if parliament approves his call for the election of a grand national assembly that would vote on a new constitution that should improve the independence of the judiciary and halve the number of deputies.&nbsp;

Protesters and opposition parties have dismissed the proposal as a ploy aimed at keeping Borissov, 61, in office longer as the vote on whether&nbsp;Bulgaria&nbsp;should have a new constitution may take place in November at the earliest.

The ruling coalition, undaunted by the protests, said it was starting debates for a new main law in the parliament, although for the time being it does not have enough votes to push ahead with its plan.

Anti-riot police guarding the Bulgarian parliament weathered smokebombs, firecrackers and stones on Wednesday as the latest in two months of anti-government protests took a violent turn, with at least 55 people hurt and nearly 100 arrested.

Anti-riot police guarding the Bulgarian parliament weathered smokebombs, firecrackers and stones on Wednesday as the latest in two months of anti-government protests took a violent turn, with at least 55 people hurt and nearly 100 arrested. The rally outside parliament came during a long, tense day in which a controversial draft for a new constitution was proposed in a bid to end the protests that call for the Prime Minister Boyko Borissov to resign for alleged corruption and protecting oligarchs. In picture: Thousands of Bulgarians rallied in front of the parliament in Sofia calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov/Reuters Tensions rose in the late hours after some protesters threw over 100 small bombs and firecrackers at police. Officers brought a water cannon and cordoned off the square in front of the parliament. Some 60 people were arrested, police said. Also read: Bulgaria's Borissov demands resignation of 'mafia' type government amid anti-corruption protests Protest leaders appealed for a peaceful rally and said provocateurs attacked the police. Earlier on Wednesday scuffles broke out between protesters and police, who fired pepper spray and arrested 35 people. Protesters threw eggs, apples and garbage. They also shook police vehicles, and about 100 officers were affected by pepper spray aimed at them by protesters, Sofia Police Chief Georgi Hadzhiev said. Health officials said some 45 people including police officers, were treated in hospitals. Also read: Fourth night of anti-government protests in Bulgaria The rally took place on the first sitting of parliament after summer recess. Protesters called it the "Grand National Uprising" in response the government's plan for a new constitution. Protesters accuse three-times premier Borissov and Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev of failing to fight the corruption that erodes the rule of law and benefits powerful tycoons in the European Union's poorest country. In parliament, President Rumen Radev called for the resignation of Borissov's centre-right government and appealed to deputies to dismiss plans for a new constitution. "It was not the lack of new constitution that brought the people on the streets, but the lack of morality in the leadership, the erosion of statehood and the corruption," he said. Borissov has pledged to resign if parliament approves his call for the election of a grand national assembly that would vote on a new constitution that should improve the independence of the judiciary and halve the number of deputies. Protesters and opposition parties have dismissed the proposal as a ploy aimed at keeping Borissov, 61, in office longer as the vote on whether Bulgaria should have a new constitution may take place in November at the earliest. The ruling coalition, undaunted by the protests, said it was starting debates for a new main law in the parliament, although for the time being it does not have enough votes to push ahead with its plan.

Bulgaria: Police, anti-government protesters clash in Sofia

Twitter confirmed on Thursday that an account of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal website was hacked with a series of tweets asking its followers to donate to a relief fund through cryptocurrency.

The incident comes after several Twitter accounts of prominent personalities were hacked in July.

Twitter said it was aware of the activity with Modi's website account and has taken steps to secure it.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Twitter account of PM Modi's personal website hacked 
 
Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> Story | <a href="https://t.co/NYZhitc50c">https://t.co/NYZhitc50c</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7Wpa6H4c4">pic.twitter.com/V7Wpa6H4c4</a>
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) <a href="https://twitter.com/ani_digital/status/1301364747305091072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/russian-influence-campaign-targeted-left-wing-voters-in-us-and-uk-says-facebook-324614" hreflang="en">Russian influence campaign targeted left-wing voters in US and UK, says Facebook</a>

We are actively investigating the situation. At this time, we are not aware of additional accounts being impacted," a Twitter spokeswoman said in an emailed statement.

Modi's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the tweets posted on the account @narendramodi_in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-accounts-of-jeff-bezos-elon-musk-bill-gates-and-others-hit-in-major-hack-313558">Twitter accounts of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bill Gates and others hit in major hack</a>

The account, with over 2.5 million followers, is the official Twitter handle for Modi's personal website (https://www.narendramodi.in/) and the Narendra Modi mobile application.

Modi's personal Twitter account, which was unaffected by this incident, has over 61 million followers.

The tweets, which have since been taken down, asked the followers to donate to the PM National Relief Fund through cryptocurrency.

Hackers had in July accessed Twitter's internal systems to hijack some of the platform's top voices including US&nbsp;presidential candidate Joe Biden, former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama and billionaire Elon Musk, and used them to solicit digital currency.

Twitter confirmed on Thursday that an account of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal website was hacked with a series of tweets asking its followers to donate to a relief fund through cryptocurrency.

Twitter confirmed on Thursday that an account of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal website was hacked with a series of tweets asking its followers to donate to a relief fund through cryptocurrency. The incident comes after several Twitter accounts of prominent personalities were hacked in July. Twitter said it was aware of the activity with Modi's website account and has taken steps to secure it. Twitter account of PM Modi's personal website hacked Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/NYZhitc50c pic.twitter.com/V7Wpa6H4c4 — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) September 3, 2020 × Also read: Russian influence campaign targeted left-wing voters in US and UK, says Facebook We are actively investigating the situation. At this time, we are not aware of additional accounts being impacted," a Twitter spokeswoman said in an emailed statement. Modi's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the tweets posted on the account @narendramodi_in. Also read: Twitter accounts of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bill Gates and others hit in major hack The account, with over 2.5 million followers, is the official Twitter handle for Modi's personal website (https://www.narendramodi.in/) and the Narendra Modi mobile application. Modi's personal Twitter account, which was unaffected by this incident, has over 61 million followers. The tweets, which have since been taken down, asked the followers to donate to the PM National Relief Fund through cryptocurrency. Hackers had in July accessed Twitter's internal systems to hijack some of the platform's top voices including US presidential candidate Joe Biden, former US President Barack Obama and billionaire Elon Musk, and used them to solicit digital currency.

Twitter confirms account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal website hacked

Afghan authorities have resumed a controversial release of Taliban inmates, a&nbsp;spokesman said Tuesday, marking an important step toward breaking an impasse that has delayed the start of peace talks for months.

Negotiations were supposed to begin in March but were repeatedly pushed back as the Taliban and the Afghan government squabbled over the prisoner exchange, which included hundreds of battle-hardened terrorists.&nbsp;

"Our prisoners have been released and we see this as a positive step that paves the ground for the start of intra-Afghan talks," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told AFP late Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-attacked-a-military-base-in-afghanistan-killing-three-324428" hreflang="en">Taliban attacked a military base in Afghanistan, killing three</a>

Another Taliban official from the group's prison commission said 200 prisoners had been released by Kabul since Monday.&nbsp;

He said in return for their prisoners, the militants had released four Afghan commandos who had been held captive, adding that two more would be freed on Wednesday.

A senior Afghan government official told AFP on condition of anonymity that "dozens" of Taliban prisoners had been released on Monday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-boost-for-intra-afghan-talks-ghani-approves-48-reconciliation-council-members-324048" hreflang="en">In boost for intra-Afghan talks, Ghani approves 48 reconciliation council members</a>

"The remaining prisoners will be released within a couple of days," he said.

Eight of the freed Taliban prisoners were paraded in front of local media in Kandahar, the insurgent bastion.

Final 400 prisoners&nbsp;

Under the terms of a US-Taliban deal in February, Kabul was supposed to free 5,000 militants and the Taliban were meant to free 1,000 Afghan troops.&nbsp;

Both sides met most of their obligations, but Kabul had balked at the release of a final 400 inmates who President Ashraf Ghani himself said were "a danger to the world".

On August 9 thousands of prominent Afghans approved the release of these 400 prisoners, which included many prisoners who had carried out brutal attacks against Afghans and foreigners.

Their release was opposed by officials in Paris and Canberra because those on the list included militants tied to the killing of French and Australian civilians and troops in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

It was not immediately clear if those insurgents were among the prisoners freed since Monday.

Washington has pushed for the release of the imprisoned terrorists.

US President Donald Trump has made ending the war in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;and bringing US troops back home a foreign policy priority of his administration.

The Taliban have said they are willing to begin peace talks "within a week" after all 400 prisoners are freed, and blamed Kabul for delaying the negotiations so far.

Afghanistan's State Ministry for Peace Affairs said on Tuesday that authorities had taken all efforts to ensure that peace talks begin soon.

"These efforts have put us closer than ever to the start of direct talks," Najia Anwari, spokeswoman to the ministry, told AFP.

Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, meanwhile, hailed the resumption of the prisoner release on Twitter as "a positive step" towards peace in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

"I hope necessary steps will be taken to pave the way for intra-Afghan talks and that delegations from both sides will meet very soon," he tweeted.

Afghan authorities have resumed a controversial release of Taliban inmates, a spokesman said Tuesday, marking an important step toward breaking an impasse that has delayed the start of peace talks for months.

Afghan authorities have resumed a controversial release of Taliban inmates, a spokesman said Tuesday, marking an important step toward breaking an impasse that has delayed the start of peace talks for months. Negotiations were supposed to begin in March but were repeatedly pushed back as the Taliban and the Afghan government squabbled over the prisoner exchange, which included hundreds of battle-hardened terrorists. "Our prisoners have been released and we see this as a positive step that paves the ground for the start of intra-Afghan talks," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told AFP late Tuesday. Also read: Taliban attacked a military base in Afghanistan, killing three Another Taliban official from the group's prison commission said 200 prisoners had been released by Kabul since Monday. He said in return for their prisoners, the militants had released four Afghan commandos who had been held captive, adding that two more would be freed on Wednesday. A senior Afghan government official told AFP on condition of anonymity that "dozens" of Taliban prisoners had been released on Monday. Also read: In boost for intra-Afghan talks, Ghani approves 48 reconciliation council members "The remaining prisoners will be released within a couple of days," he said. Eight of the freed Taliban prisoners were paraded in front of local media in Kandahar, the insurgent bastion. Final 400 prisoners Under the terms of a US-Taliban deal in February, Kabul was supposed to free 5,000 militants and the Taliban were meant to free 1,000 Afghan troops. Both sides met most of their obligations, but Kabul had balked at the release of a final 400 inmates who President Ashraf Ghani himself said were "a danger to the world". On August 9 thousands of prominent Afghans approved the release of these 400 prisoners, which included many prisoners who had carried out brutal attacks against Afghans and foreigners. Their release was opposed by officials in Paris and Canberra because those on the list included militants tied to the killing of French and Australian civilians and troops in Afghanistan. It was not immediately clear if those insurgents were among the prisoners freed since Monday. Washington has pushed for the release of the imprisoned terrorists. US President Donald Trump has made ending the war in Afghanistan and bringing US troops back home a foreign policy priority of his administration. The Taliban have said they are willing to begin peace talks "within a week" after all 400 prisoners are freed, and blamed Kabul for delaying the negotiations so far. Afghanistan's State Ministry for Peace Affairs said on Tuesday that authorities had taken all efforts to ensure that peace talks begin soon. "These efforts have put us closer than ever to the start of direct talks," Najia Anwari, spokeswoman to the ministry, told AFP. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, meanwhile, hailed the resumption of the prisoner release on Twitter as "a positive step" towards peace in Afghanistan. "I hope necessary steps will be taken to pave the way for intra-Afghan talks and that delegations from both sides will meet very soon," he tweeted.

Kabul resumes Taliban prisoner release, says spokesman Suhail Shaheen

With growing cases of Covid-19 cases in Nepal, 12 districts in the country have entered the phase of community transmission, the Ministry of Health and Population said on Tuesday.

In a press briefing, the country's Public Health Advisor, Dr Suresh Tiwari said that Nepal has entered community transmission in 12 districts, including its capital Kathmandu.

"...12 districts and out of them, 4 have more than 1000 active cases till today. Combining it with other 8 districts,&nbsp;these 12 districts hosts around 73 per cent of the active cases. This has signalled that these 12 territories, or the pocket areas which we also can call hotspots have been adversely infected, with this we have reached to the point that there has been Community Transmission in these areas," Tiwari said.

The districts under the community transmission include Morang, Sunsari, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Parsa, Bara, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan and Rupandehi.

Dr Tiwari also pointed out the rate of transmission amongst women had gone up from 5 per cent to around 22-23 per cent and fatality of elderly population soared to around 4 per cent.

On Tuesday, a total of 1069 new cases of infection were reported throughout the country. Kathmandu Valley alone reported 481 cases of infection.

With newly reported cases, Nepal's COVID-19 count on Tuesday reached 40,529.The COVID-19 death tally of the country stands at 239 while a total of 22,178 people have recovered from the virus so far.

With growing cases of Covid-19 cases in Nepal, 12 districts in the country have entered the phase of community transmission, the Ministry of Health and Population said on Tuesday.

With growing cases of Covid-19 cases in Nepal, 12 districts in the country have entered the phase of community transmission, the Ministry of Health and Population said on Tuesday. In a press briefing, the country's Public Health Advisor, Dr Suresh Tiwari said that Nepal has entered community transmission in 12 districts, including its capital Kathmandu. "...12 districts and out of them, 4 have more than 1000 active cases till today. Combining it with other 8 districts, these 12 districts hosts around 73 per cent of the active cases. This has signalled that these 12 territories, or the pocket areas which we also can call hotspots have been adversely infected, with this we have reached to the point that there has been Community Transmission in these areas," Tiwari said. The districts under the community transmission include Morang, Sunsari, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Parsa, Bara, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan and Rupandehi. Dr Tiwari also pointed out the rate of transmission amongst women had gone up from 5 per cent to around 22-23 per cent and fatality of elderly population soared to around 4 per cent. On Tuesday, a total of 1069 new cases of infection were reported throughout the country. Kathmandu Valley alone reported 481 cases of infection. With newly reported cases, Nepal's COVID-19 count on Tuesday reached 40,529.The COVID-19 death tally of the country stands at 239 while a total of 22,178 people have recovered from the virus so far.

Coronavirus infection in Nepal enters 'community transmission' phase

Japan's ruling party will vote on September 14 on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's replacement, an official confirmed Wednesday, as powerful chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga consolidated his frontrunner status in the race.

A vote in parliament,&nbsp;expected to endorse the Liberal Democratic Party's new leader,&nbsp;is likely to follow on September 16.

The new prime minister will face a raft of challenges, from the coronavirus pandemic to a tanking economy, as well as ensuring the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games can go ahead.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/possible-successors-stack-up-as-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-323622">Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns</a>

Key LDP factions have already thrown their support behind Suga, who is expected to formally announce his candidacy later Wednesday.

Two other candidates, former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, have so far announced plans to stand.

Abe, Japan's longest-serving leader, kicked off the race when he said last week he would step down over health problems.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fumio-kishida-announces-candidacy-to-replace-japans-shinzo-abe-324437">Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe</a>

Scaled-back vote

The LDP has opted for a scaled-back leadership vote that will not include rank-and-file members.

Instead, only its MPs and three representatives from each of the country's 47 prefectures will vote.

The decision has elicited some criticism, but party officials said it would take too long to organise a broader vote.

Experts said the format favours Suga, 71, who has built an effectively insurmountable lead in the race already.

His selection "is increasingly assured, as the LDP's factions -– with the exception of the factions headed by rival candidates Shigeru Ishiba and Fumio Kishida -– have lined up behind Suga", said Tobias Harris, a Japan expert at Teneo consultancy, in a note.

Suga has held his key post for years -- coordinating policy among ministries and agencies, and serving as the effective face of the government as its chief spokesman.

Considered a pragmatic politician, he is a close Abe advisor who encouraged the prime minister to run again after a disastrous first term in office ended after just a year in 2007.

Rivals

Kishida, 63, a former foreign minister, was in the past considered Abe's favoured successor.

But the outgoing prime minister has said he will not endorse a candidate, and Kishida's limited public profile is likely to leave him struggling to challenge the likes of Suga.

On Wednesday, the policy chief said more was needed from Abe's signature economic stimulus programme, as it had primarily benefited big companies and the rich.

"Trickle-down effects are expected for the middle class, mid-sized and small-sized companies and for the countryside, but that's not happening yet," he argued in an interview with local media.

Ishiba, 63, polls well with the general public but is less popular among party members.

He once left the LDP -- spending time as both an independent and briefly joining another party -- and many within the ruling bloc have not forgiven the political dalliance.

Ishiba has also stressed the need for everyday people on lower incomes to benefit from government economic policies, and said Japan needs to reduce its reliance on nuclear power.

Japan's ruling party will vote on September 14 on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's replacement, an official confirmed Wednesday, as powerful chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga consolidated his frontrunner status in the race.

Japan's ruling party will vote on September 14 on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's replacement, an official confirmed Wednesday, as powerful chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga consolidated his frontrunner status in the race. A vote in parliament, expected to endorse the Liberal Democratic Party's new leader, is likely to follow on September 16. The new prime minister will face a raft of challenges, from the coronavirus pandemic to a tanking economy, as well as ensuring the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games can go ahead. Also see: Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns Key LDP factions have already thrown their support behind Suga, who is expected to formally announce his candidacy later Wednesday. Two other candidates, former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, have so far announced plans to stand. Abe, Japan's longest-serving leader, kicked off the race when he said last week he would step down over health problems. Also read: Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe Scaled-back vote The LDP has opted for a scaled-back leadership vote that will not include rank-and-file members. Instead, only its MPs and three representatives from each of the country's 47 prefectures will vote. The decision has elicited some criticism, but party officials said it would take too long to organise a broader vote. Experts said the format favours Suga, 71, who has built an effectively insurmountable lead in the race already. His selection "is increasingly assured, as the LDP's factions -– with the exception of the factions headed by rival candidates Shigeru Ishiba and Fumio Kishida -– have lined up behind Suga", said Tobias Harris, a Japan expert at Teneo consultancy, in a note. Suga has held his key post for years -- coordinating policy among ministries and agencies, and serving as the effective face of the government as its chief spokesman. Considered a pragmatic politician, he is a close Abe advisor who encouraged the prime minister to run again after a disastrous first term in office ended after just a year in 2007. Rivals Kishida, 63, a former foreign minister, was in the past considered Abe's favoured successor. But the outgoing prime minister has said he will not endorse a candidate, and Kishida's limited public profile is likely to leave him struggling to challenge the likes of Suga. On Wednesday, the policy chief said more was needed from Abe's signature economic stimulus programme, as it had primarily benefited big companies and the rich. "Trickle-down effects are expected for the middle class, mid-sized and small-sized companies and for the countryside, but that's not happening yet," he argued in an interview with local media. Ishiba, 63, polls well with the general public but is less popular among party members. He once left the LDP -- spending time as both an independent and briefly joining another party -- and many within the ruling bloc have not forgiven the political dalliance. Ishiba has also stressed the need for everyday people on lower incomes to benefit from government economic policies, and said Japan needs to reduce its reliance on nuclear power.

Japan's ruling party sets September 14 vote on PM Abe's successor

A new book released Tuesday dishes on the supposed icy relationship between Melania Trump and her stepdaughter&nbsp;Ivanka, fuel for gossips eager to speculate about first family rivalries.

Author Stephanie Winston Wolkoff says she was once a friend of the president's third wife, also acting as an advisor until 2018 when she fell out of favor after reporting revealed colossal spending on Donald Trump's inauguration, which she played a key role in organizing.

<img alt="Stephanie Winston Wolkoff" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="949d2aee-6852-4f0f-9735-951c543e2dc4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_114202384_gettyimages-620125284.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;Stephanie Winston Wolkoff&nbsp;and her husband on the left pictured at a 2008 fundraiser gala with the Donald Trump and Melania Trump/AFP

Anecdotes fill the 351-page book "Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship With the First Lady," purporting to lift the veil off the ex-model of Slovenian origin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-melania-trumps-disdainful-look-towards-ivanka-during-republican-national-convention-goes-viral-323586">Watch: Melania Trump's 'disdainful' look towards Ivanka during Republican National Convention goes viral</a>

Often portrayed as enigmatic, Melania's pouty pursed lips are dissected on social media and at one point the slogan #FreeMelania painted her as the victim of a difficult husband.

Winston Wolkoff, a former Vogue events organizer, describes a much more aggressive figure, notably detailing how she and Melania choreographed every minute detail of the inauguration,&nbsp;and prevented&nbsp;Ivanka&nbsp;from appearing in key photos of the ceremony.

<img alt="Ivanka" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="162da3fb-740b-4a4d-b51a-d5fc935a5f58" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2863%29_7.jpg" />

In picture: Melania Trump with President Trump taking the oath of office on Inauguration Day/AFP

The 50-year-old first lady allegedly nicknamed her 38-year-old daughter-in-law "princess," calling her and her husband Jared Kushner "snakes."&nbsp;

The book also leads readers to believe that Melania,&nbsp;who caused a stir in 2018 after wearing a jacket with the message "I really don't care, do u?" scrawled on the back to visit a child migrant detention center,&nbsp;might influence certain White House decisions.

Cinderella rivalry?&nbsp;

In a television interview on&nbsp;Monday, Winston Wolkoff criticised the first lady for not defending her against the accusations of overspending on the inauguration, adding she's working with federal investigators to scrutinize what happened.

The first lady's spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham has dubbed the book "wildly self-aggrandizing" revenge from a woman who joined the ranks of the president's enemies.

But as campaign season heats up, the book appears a likely hit.

Its release comes days after Melania and&nbsp;Ivanka&nbsp;exchanged what appeared to be an icy stare at the Republican Convention where the president formally accepted the nomination to run for a second term.

It's one of many "tell-alls" about the Trump family: the president's niece recently held the spotlight after publishing a book lambasting her uncle's character.

On Tuesday "Melania and Me" was in fourth place in Amazon's top sellers, behind a new investigation by a New York Times journalist into members of the White House who resist Trump, and a book set for publication September 8 by Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer and fixer currently serving a prison term.

Americans "want to know about their First lady and, since Melania is someone who is really guarded, they want to hear more," said Katherine Jellison, a historian at Ohio University.

"A strained relationship between stepmother and stepdaughter is very much entrenched in the public's mind... it goes back all the way to Cinderella."

A new book released Tuesday dishes on the supposed icy relationship between Melania Trump and her stepdaughter Ivanka, fuel for gossips eager to speculate about first family rivalries.

A new book released Tuesday dishes on the supposed icy relationship between Melania Trump and her stepdaughter Ivanka, fuel for gossips eager to speculate about first family rivalries. Author Stephanie Winston Wolkoff says she was once a friend of the president's third wife, also acting as an advisor until 2018 when she fell out of favor after reporting revealed colossal spending on Donald Trump's inauguration, which she played a key role in organizing. In picture: Stephanie Winston Wolkoff and her husband on the left pictured at a 2008 fundraiser gala with the Donald Trump and Melania Trump/AFP Anecdotes fill the 351-page book "Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship With the First Lady," purporting to lift the veil off the ex-model of Slovenian origin. Watch: Melania Trump's 'disdainful' look towards Ivanka during Republican National Convention goes viral Often portrayed as enigmatic, Melania's pouty pursed lips are dissected on social media and at one point the slogan #FreeMelania painted her as the victim of a difficult husband. Winston Wolkoff, a former Vogue events organizer, describes a much more aggressive figure, notably detailing how she and Melania choreographed every minute detail of the inauguration, and prevented Ivanka from appearing in key photos of the ceremony. In picture: Melania Trump with President Trump taking the oath of office on Inauguration Day/AFP The 50-year-old first lady allegedly nicknamed her 38-year-old daughter-in-law "princess," calling her and her husband Jared Kushner "snakes." The book also leads readers to believe that Melania, who caused a stir in 2018 after wearing a jacket with the message "I really don't care, do u?" scrawled on the back to visit a child migrant detention center, might influence certain White House decisions. Cinderella rivalry? In a television interview on Monday, Winston Wolkoff criticised the first lady for not defending her against the accusations of overspending on the inauguration, adding she's working with federal investigators to scrutinize what happened. The first lady's spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham has dubbed the book "wildly self-aggrandizing" revenge from a woman who joined the ranks of the president's enemies. But as campaign season heats up, the book appears a likely hit. Its release comes days after Melania and Ivanka exchanged what appeared to be an icy stare at the Republican Convention where the president formally accepted the nomination to run for a second term. It's one of many "tell-alls" about the Trump family: the president's niece recently held the spotlight after publishing a book lambasting her uncle's character. On Tuesday "Melania and Me" was in fourth place in Amazon's top sellers, behind a new investigation by a New York Times journalist into members of the White House who resist Trump, and a book set for publication September 8 by Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer and fixer currently serving a prison term. Americans "want to know about their First lady and, since Melania is someone who is really guarded, they want to hear more," said Katherine Jellison, a historian at Ohio University. "A strained relationship between stepmother and stepdaughter is very much entrenched in the public's mind... it goes back all the way to Cinderella."

New book fuels gossip about Melania Trump's icy relationship with Ivanka

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