Turkey and Greece announced rival military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean for Tuesday as Germany prepared to take another crack at defusing the NATO allies' escalating row over natural gas.

The discovery of major deposits in waters surrounding Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old regional rivalries.

Tensions ratched up another notch when Turkey sent the Oruc Reis research vessel accompanied by warships to disputed waters on August 10.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-bid-to-become-maritime-powerhouse-unsettles-mediterranean-322473">Turkey's bid to become maritime powerhouse unsettles Mediterranean</a>

Greece said Monday that it will conduct a navy and air force exercise in an area of the eastern Mediterranean where Turkey is prospecting for oil and gas in an area as the neighboring countries remain locked in a dispute over offshore energy rights.

The country and its European Union ally France, both dispatched their own naval assets to the area to monitor Turkey's work.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

EU foreign ministers convened an emergency videoconference on the emerging crisis when a Turkish frigate collided with a Greek one in disputed circumstances days into the Oruc Reis mission.

Germany has taken the lead in trying to calm a dispute that threatens to complicate EU nations' efforts to tap new sources of energy that can reduce their dependence on countries such as Russia.

Its foreign minister, Heiko Maas, will visit Athens and Ankara on Tuesday to try to put talks between the two rivals back on track.

But the difficulties became even more apparent when Athens and Ankara announced plans to stage sea exercises in the same region south of Crete on Tuesday.

The Greek exercises appeared to have been announced in response to Turkey's decision to extend the Oruc Reis mission by an extra four days to Thursday.

Turkey's defence ministry responded by planning its own "maritime trainings... to promote coordination and interoperability" south of Crete at the same time.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he might decide to keep the Oruc Reis out at sea even longer and accused Greece of behaving "in an unauthorised and spoilt manner".

The Turkish government disputes Greece's claim to exclusive rights in the waters where the research vessel is working, arguing that islands should not be included in calculating sea boundaries between countries.

Turkey and Greece announced rival military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean for Tuesday as Germany prepared to take another crack at defusing the NATO allies' escalating row over natural gas.

Turkey and Greece announced rival military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean for Tuesday as Germany prepared to take another crack at defusing the NATO allies' escalating row over natural gas. The discovery of major deposits in waters surrounding Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old regional rivalries. Tensions ratched up another notch when Turkey sent the Oruc Reis research vessel accompanied by warships to disputed waters on August 10. Also read: Turkey's bid to become maritime powerhouse unsettles Mediterranean Greece said Monday that it will conduct a navy and air force exercise in an area of the eastern Mediterranean where Turkey is prospecting for oil and gas in an area as the neighboring countries remain locked in a dispute over offshore energy rights. The country and its European Union ally France, both dispatched their own naval assets to the area to monitor Turkey's work. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea EU foreign ministers convened an emergency videoconference on the emerging crisis when a Turkish frigate collided with a Greek one in disputed circumstances days into the Oruc Reis mission. Germany has taken the lead in trying to calm a dispute that threatens to complicate EU nations' efforts to tap new sources of energy that can reduce their dependence on countries such as Russia. Its foreign minister, Heiko Maas, will visit Athens and Ankara on Tuesday to try to put talks between the two rivals back on track. But the difficulties became even more apparent when Athens and Ankara announced plans to stage sea exercises in the same region south of Crete on Tuesday. The Greek exercises appeared to have been announced in response to Turkey's decision to extend the Oruc Reis mission by an extra four days to Thursday. Turkey's defence ministry responded by planning its own "maritime trainings... to promote coordination and interoperability" south of Crete at the same time. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he might decide to keep the Oruc Reis out at sea even longer and accused Greece of behaving "in an unauthorised and spoilt manner". The Turkish government disputes Greece's claim to exclusive rights in the waters where the research vessel is working, arguing that islands should not be included in calculating sea boundaries between countries.

Turkey, Greece announce rival military exercises in tense east Mediterranean

Facebook&nbsp;blocked access within Thailand to a group with 1 million members that has criticised the country's king, but said it was planning a legal challenge to the government's demand that it block the group.

The move comes amid near daily youth-led protests against the government led by the former military junta chief and unprecedented calls for reforms of the monarchy.

The "Royalist Marketplace" group was created in April by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled academic and critic of the monarchy.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/down-with-the-dictatorship-thailand-witness-biggest-anti-government-protest-in-years-321005">'Down with the dictatorship': Thailand witness biggest anti-government protest in years</a>

On Monday night, the group's page brought up a message: "Access to this group has been restricted within Thailand pursuant to a legal request from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society."

Pavin, who lives in Japan, said&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;had bowed to the military-dominated government's pressure.

"Our group is part of a democratisation process, it is a space for freedom of expression. By doing this,&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;is cooperating with the authoritarian regime to obstruct democracy and cultivating authoritarianism in Thailand."

Pavin's new group of the same name already had over 455,000 members on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamster-hero-how-a-japanese-cartoon-became-thai-youth-protesters-symbol-317486">Hamster hero? How a Japanese cartoon became Thai youth protesters' symbol</a>

Facebook&nbsp;said on Tuesday it was planning to legally challenge the Thai government after being "compelled" to block access to the group.

"Requests like this are severe, contravene international human rights law, and have a chilling effect on people's ability to express themselves," a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;spokesperson said.

"We work to protect and defend the rights of all internet users and are preparing to legally challenge this request."

Thailand's lese majeste laws, which forbid defaming the king, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, is often the basis for such requests to block or remove content on social media platforms.

Earlier this month, Thailand's digital minister accused&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;of not complying with requests to restrict content, including insults to the monarchy.

On August 10, he gave&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;15 days to comply with court takedown orders or face charges under the local Computer Crime Act, which carries a fine of up to $6,368&nbsp;(200,000 baht) and an additional $160 (5,000 baht) per day until each order is observed.

Digital ministry spokesman Putchapong Nodthaisong said on Monday that&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;cooperated before the deadline because it understood the context of Thai society.

Putchapong did not comment on&nbsp;Facebook's plan for legal action when asked by Reuters on Tuesday.

The ministry last week filed a separate cybercrime complaint against Pavin for creating the group.

Facebook blocked access within Thailand to a group with 1 million members that has criticised the country's king, but said it was planning a legal challenge to the government's demand that it block the group.

Facebook blocked access within Thailand to a group with 1 million members that has criticised the country's king, but said it was planning a legal challenge to the government's demand that it block the group. The move comes amid near daily youth-led protests against the government led by the former military junta chief and unprecedented calls for reforms of the monarchy. The "Royalist Marketplace" group was created in April by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled academic and critic of the monarchy. Also see: 'Down with the dictatorship': Thailand witness biggest anti-government protest in years On Monday night, the group's page brought up a message: "Access to this group has been restricted within Thailand pursuant to a legal request from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society." Pavin, who lives in Japan, said Facebook had bowed to the military-dominated government's pressure. "Our group is part of a democratisation process, it is a space for freedom of expression. By doing this, Facebook is cooperating with the authoritarian regime to obstruct democracy and cultivating authoritarianism in Thailand." Pavin's new group of the same name already had over 455,000 members on Tuesday. Also read: Hamster hero? How a Japanese cartoon became Thai youth protesters' symbol Facebook said on Tuesday it was planning to legally challenge the Thai government after being "compelled" to block access to the group. "Requests like this are severe, contravene international human rights law, and have a chilling effect on people's ability to express themselves," a Facebook spokesperson said. "We work to protect and defend the rights of all internet users and are preparing to legally challenge this request." Thailand's lese majeste laws, which forbid defaming the king, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, is often the basis for such requests to block or remove content on social media platforms. Earlier this month, Thailand's digital minister accused Facebook of not complying with requests to restrict content, including insults to the monarchy. On August 10, he gave Facebook 15 days to comply with court takedown orders or face charges under the local Computer Crime Act, which carries a fine of up to $6,368 (200,000 baht) and an additional $160 (5,000 baht) per day until each order is observed. Digital ministry spokesman Putchapong Nodthaisong said on Monday that Facebook cooperated before the deadline because it understood the context of Thai society. Putchapong did not comment on Facebook's plan for legal action when asked by Reuters on Tuesday. The ministry last week filed a separate cybercrime complaint against Pavin for creating the group.

Facebook planning to challenge Thai government's demand to block group critical of monarchy

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to land in Sudan from Israel on Tuesday, on what he said was the first official non-stop flight between the two countries.

"Happy to announce that we are on the FIRST official NONSTOP flight from Israel to Sudan!" Pompeo said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy to announce that we are on the FIRST official NONSTOP flight from Israel to Sudan! <a href="https://t.co/eOXNsBAozC">pic.twitter.com/eOXNsBAozC</a>
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1298168689683038208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Israel and Sudan do not have diplomatic relations and, barring a last-minute route change, it would be the first such non-stop flight, US officials said.

Israel has regular commercial flights to Egypt, Sudan's northern neighbour, with which it signed a peace agreement in 1979.

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>

Pompeo's trip, also taking in Bahrain and the UAE, comes in the wake of the August 13 announcement of a US-brokered normalisation of relations between the Emirates and the Jewish state.

Speaking in Jerusalem on Monday, both Pompeo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they were hopeful that other Arab states would follow suit.

The deal with the UAE is not strictly-speaking a peace deal as the two states have never been at war.

Israel is also technically at war with Sudan, which for years had supported hardline Islamist forces but which is turning its back on the era of strongman Omar al-Bashir who was ousted last year.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to land in Sudan from Israel on Tuesday, on what he said was the first official non-stop flight between the two countries.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to land in Sudan from Israel on Tuesday, on what he said was the first official non-stop flight between the two countries. "Happy to announce that we are on the FIRST official NONSTOP flight from Israel to Sudan!" Pompeo said on Twitter. Happy to announce that we are on the FIRST official NONSTOP flight from Israel to Sudan! pic.twitter.com/eOXNsBAozC — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) August 25, 2020 × Israel and Sudan do not have diplomatic relations and, barring a last-minute route change, it would be the first such non-stop flight, US officials said. Israel has regular commercial flights to Egypt, Sudan's northern neighbour, with which it signed a peace agreement in 1979. Also see: How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement Pompeo's trip, also taking in Bahrain and the UAE, comes in the wake of the August 13 announcement of a US-brokered normalisation of relations between the Emirates and the Jewish state. Speaking in Jerusalem on Monday, both Pompeo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they were hopeful that other Arab states would follow suit. The deal with the UAE is not strictly-speaking a peace deal as the two states have never been at war. Israel is also technically at war with Sudan, which for years had supported hardline Islamist forces but which is turning its back on the era of strongman Omar al-Bashir who was ousted last year.

Pompeo takes off on first official direct Tel Aviv-Khartoum flight

Australia said Tuesday it "would be contrary to national interests" to allow a Chinese firm to buy a major dairy producer, the latest sign of souring relations between the two countries.

The $430 million sale of Lion Dairy and Drinks, currently owned by Japan's Kirin, to Mengniu Dairy had been awaiting regulatory approval since November, but the Chinese firm pulled out of the deal Tuesday.

"Given this approval is unlikely to be forthcoming at this time, Lion and Mengniu Dairy have mutually agreed to cease the current sale process," Lion said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-australia-has-more-to-lose-than-china-in-trade-row-301189">Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row</a>

Although Australia's consumer watchdog had earlier cleared the deal, Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a statement on Tuesday that the sale "would be contrary to the national interest".&nbsp;

The Australian Financial Review newspaper reported that Frydenberg's stance was against the advice of the Foreign Investment Review Board and his own department.&nbsp;

Earlier this year the Australian government moved to tighten rules covering foreign investment in the country, with temporary measures allowing increased oversight on takeovers of local firms during the pandemic.&nbsp;

Just last year, Inner Mongolia-headquartered Mengniu was given approval to purchase of one Australia's largest baby formula manufacturers, Bellamy's.&nbsp;

Relations between China and Australia continue to worsen since Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined US calls for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic, which was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year.&nbsp;

China, Australia's biggest trading partner, has since threatened economic blowback on Australian goods including barley and beef as well as tourism and higher education.&nbsp;

Most recently Beijing launched a probe into Australia wine, alleging the country was selling to China for less than it cost at home -- a claim rejected by the Australian government.&nbsp;

Australia said Tuesday it "would be contrary to national interests" to allow a Chinese firm to buy a major dairy producer, the latest sign of souring relations between the two countries.

Australia said Tuesday it "would be contrary to national interests" to allow a Chinese firm to buy a major dairy producer, the latest sign of souring relations between the two countries. The $430 million sale of Lion Dairy and Drinks, currently owned by Japan's Kirin, to Mengniu Dairy had been awaiting regulatory approval since November, but the Chinese firm pulled out of the deal Tuesday. "Given this approval is unlikely to be forthcoming at this time, Lion and Mengniu Dairy have mutually agreed to cease the current sale process," Lion said in a statement. Also read: Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row Although Australia's consumer watchdog had earlier cleared the deal, Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a statement on Tuesday that the sale "would be contrary to the national interest". The Australian Financial Review newspaper reported that Frydenberg's stance was against the advice of the Foreign Investment Review Board and his own department. Earlier this year the Australian government moved to tighten rules covering foreign investment in the country, with temporary measures allowing increased oversight on takeovers of local firms during the pandemic. Just last year, Inner Mongolia-headquartered Mengniu was given approval to purchase of one Australia's largest baby formula manufacturers, Bellamy's. Relations between China and Australia continue to worsen since Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined US calls for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic, which was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year. China, Australia's biggest trading partner, has since threatened economic blowback on Australian goods including barley and beef as well as tourism and higher education. Most recently Beijing launched a probe into Australia wine, alleging the country was selling to China for less than it cost at home -- a claim rejected by the Australian government.

Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm

Iran's nuclear body said it held "constructive" talks on Tuesday with the visiting head of the International Atomic Energy Agency amid tensions over a US bid to reimpose UN sanctions.

"Today's talks were constructive," the head of Iran's atomic agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, said after meeting IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi.

"It was decided that the agency continue its work professionally and independently and Iran, too, act in the framework of its commitments," he said, quoted by state news agency IRNA.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-grossito-to-make-first-visit-to-iran-on-august-24-322398">IAEA chief Grossito to make first visit to Iran on August 24</a>

The UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog's chief Rafael Grossi arrived in the country on Monday&nbsp;as he seeked&nbsp;access for inspectors to two suspected former atomic sites after a months-long standoff between Tehran and the body.

Tehran said Grossi's visit would "strengthen ties and build trust" between Tehran and the IAEA. However, in a statement on Saturday, Grossi said he would address "the outstanding questions, in particular, the issue of the access".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-un-security-council-members-oppose-us-push-for-iran-sanctions-322327">Majority of UN Security Council members oppose US push for Iran sanctions</a>

"As long as the IAEA moves based on impartiality, independence and distances itself from political pressure of another countries, there will be no problems between the IAEA and Tehran,"&nbsp;Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters, state TV reported.

A senior&nbsp;Iranian nuclear official said on Sunday that the IAEA wanted access and inspection of "two places", one near Tehran and the other near the central city of Isfahan.

Grossi's visit comes after Washington's last week pushed at the UN&nbsp;Security Council to reimpose international sanctions on Tehran that were lifted under&nbsp;Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

However,&nbsp;Iranian authorities said Grossi's visit was not related to the US&nbsp;move to return all sanctions on&nbsp;Iran, which other parties to the deal - Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, have not supported.

In 2018, President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement and reimposed some sanctions that have crippled Tehran's economy.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has retaliated by reducing compliance with the pact's restrictions.

Khatibzadeh said Grossi would meet high-ranking&nbsp;Iranian officials during his visit, including the foreign minister and the country's nuclear chief.

Iran's nuclear body said it held "constructive" talks on Tuesday with the visiting head of the International Atomic Energy Agency amid tensions over a US bid to reimpose UN sanctions.

Iran's nuclear body said it held "constructive" talks on Tuesday with the visiting head of the International Atomic Energy Agency amid tensions over a US bid to reimpose UN sanctions. "Today's talks were constructive," the head of Iran's atomic agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, said after meeting IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi. "It was decided that the agency continue its work professionally and independently and Iran, too, act in the framework of its commitments," he said, quoted by state news agency IRNA. Also read: IAEA chief Grossito to make first visit to Iran on August 24 The UN nuclear watchdog's chief Rafael Grossi arrived in the country on Monday as he seeked access for inspectors to two suspected former atomic sites after a months-long standoff between Tehran and the body. Tehran said Grossi's visit would "strengthen ties and build trust" between Tehran and the IAEA. However, in a statement on Saturday, Grossi said he would address "the outstanding questions, in particular, the issue of the access". Also read: Majority of UN Security Council members oppose US push for Iran sanctions "As long as the IAEA moves based on impartiality, independence and distances itself from political pressure of another countries, there will be no problems between the IAEA and Tehran," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters, state TV reported. A senior Iranian nuclear official said on Sunday that the IAEA wanted access and inspection of "two places", one near Tehran and the other near the central city of Isfahan. Grossi's visit comes after Washington's last week pushed at the UN Security Council to reimpose international sanctions on Tehran that were lifted under Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. However, Iranian authorities said Grossi's visit was not related to the US move to return all sanctions on Iran, which other parties to the deal - Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, have not supported. In 2018, President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement and reimposed some sanctions that have crippled Tehran's economy. Iran has retaliated by reducing compliance with the pact's restrictions. Khatibzadeh said Grossi would meet high-ranking Iranian officials during his visit, including the foreign minister and the country's nuclear chief.

Iran hails 'constructive' talks with visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the world's second-biggest economy is facing a period of 'turbulent change' and that rising external markets risk required policymakers to increasingly rely on domestic demand to spur growth.

Xi, chairing a seminar on Monday with a group of policy advisors and state economists, discussed the country's mid- to long-term economic trends in preparation for the drafting of the 14th Five-year plan.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-china-relationship-took-a-turn-for-the-worse-314882">How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse</a>

The five-yearly economic blueprint is expected to be unveiled in the annual parliament meeting next year, and Xi said China must be prepared for "a period of turbulent change" as the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated protectionism, hammered the world economy and disrupted supply chains.

"In the coming period, we will face more and more headwinds in the external environment, and we must be prepared to deal with a series of new risks and challenges," he said, according to comments released by state news agency Xinhua late Monday night.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-pandemic-us-china-agree-to-push-forward-phase-one-trade-deal-322902" hreflang="en">Amid pandemic, US, China agree to 'push forward' phase one trade deal</a>

Xi said the domestic market will "dominate the national economic cycle" in the future, but vowed to further open up China's economy.

While Xi didn't make direct references to intensifying US-China tensions, he signaled China's willingness to work on issues with the United States.

"We must actively cooperate with all countries, regions and enterprises who are willing to cooperate with us, including states, localities and enterprises in the United States," he said.

The United States and China have been engaged in nearly two years of tit-for-tat tariffs and angry rhetoric, with tensions between the two economic superpowers spilling into other areas.

The US&nbsp;has sanctioned companies and individuals linked to a security crackdown in Hong Kong and human rights, banned a Chinese owned video app, penalized Chinese academics and closed Beijing’s consulate in Houston in recent months.

Xi also stressed the importance of technological innovation, adding without elaborating that China must "make breakthroughs in key core technologies as soon as possible."

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the world's second-biggest economy is facing a period of 'turbulent change' and that rising external markets risk required policymakers to increasingly rely on domestic demand to spur growth.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the world's second-biggest economy is facing a period of 'turbulent change' and that rising external markets risk required policymakers to increasingly rely on domestic demand to spur growth. Xi, chairing a seminar on Monday with a group of policy advisors and state economists, discussed the country's mid- to long-term economic trends in preparation for the drafting of the 14th Five-year plan. Also see: How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse The five-yearly economic blueprint is expected to be unveiled in the annual parliament meeting next year, and Xi said China must be prepared for "a period of turbulent change" as the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated protectionism, hammered the world economy and disrupted supply chains. "In the coming period, we will face more and more headwinds in the external environment, and we must be prepared to deal with a series of new risks and challenges," he said, according to comments released by state news agency Xinhua late Monday night. Also read: Amid pandemic, US, China agree to 'push forward' phase one trade deal Xi said the domestic market will "dominate the national economic cycle" in the future, but vowed to further open up China's economy. While Xi didn't make direct references to intensifying US-China tensions, he signaled China's willingness to work on issues with the United States. "We must actively cooperate with all countries, regions and enterprises who are willing to cooperate with us, including states, localities and enterprises in the United States," he said. The United States and China have been engaged in nearly two years of tit-for-tat tariffs and angry rhetoric, with tensions between the two economic superpowers spilling into other areas. The US has sanctioned companies and individuals linked to a security crackdown in Hong Kong and human rights, banned a Chinese owned video app, penalized Chinese academics and closed Beijing’s consulate in Houston in recent months. Xi also stressed the importance of technological innovation, adding without elaborating that China must "make breakthroughs in key core technologies as soon as possible."

China: Jinping warns 'period of turbulent change' as external risks rise

Humanitarian workers battling the novel coronavirus in Myanmar's Rakhine State have urged authorities to restore high-speed internet access to help tackle rising infections in an area where tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

The region has seen the fastest spread of the coronavirus in Myanmar in recent months with more than 80 confirmed cases out of the country's total of 474.

Citing security, Myanmar has curbed internet access in large swathes of the area, where many people live in camps due to fighting between the army and ethnic minority insurgents.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-china-pushes-for-bri-why-myanmar-is-coming-close-to-india-312084">As China pushes for BRI, why Myanmar is coming close to India</a>

Aid workers from three groups said the government should restore 4G internet access to help inform people about the virus.

"If they do not do it at this time, when information is essential, it will be recorded in history as a crime," said Zaw Zaw Tun, the secretary of one of the aid groups, the Rakhine Ethnic Congress.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-in-myanmars-sittwe-sparks-fears-for-rohingya-camps-322585" hreflang="en">Coronavirus outbreak in Myanmar's Sittwe sparks fears for Rohingya camps</a>

The high-speed internet blackout, imposed in June last year, is due to be lifted this month and while the internet is working in some areas, in others there is only slower 2G service.

A government spokesman did not answer telephone calls seeking comment.

Another humanitarian worker, Aung Than Tun, said the limited access was making it easier for misinformation and rumours about the coronavirus to spread.

Most recent infections have been in the state capital of Sittwe, where officials have imposed a stay-at-home order and a curfew.

Sittwe is also home to camps where about 100,000 Rohingya Muslims have been confined since an outbreak of violence in 2012. Rohingya are mostly denied citizenship and face strict curbs on freedom of movement and access to healthcare.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said people of all faiths and ethnicities would be treated equally.

Three more coronavirus cases were reported on the weekend in Mrauk U town in Rakhine where internet access is limited to 2G.

Local legislator Tun Thar Sein said the service was too patchy to ensure that people got health and news updates on the outbreak.

Humanitarian workers battling the novel coronavirus in Myanmar's Rakhine State have urged authorities to restore high-speed internet access to help tackle rising infections in an area where tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

Humanitarian workers battling the novel coronavirus in Myanmar's Rakhine State have urged authorities to restore high-speed internet access to help tackle rising infections in an area where tens of thousands of people have been displaced. The region has seen the fastest spread of the coronavirus in Myanmar in recent months with more than 80 confirmed cases out of the country's total of 474. Citing security, Myanmar has curbed internet access in large swathes of the area, where many people live in camps due to fighting between the army and ethnic minority insurgents. Also read: As China pushes for BRI, why Myanmar is coming close to India Aid workers from three groups said the government should restore 4G internet access to help inform people about the virus. "If they do not do it at this time, when information is essential, it will be recorded in history as a crime," said Zaw Zaw Tun, the secretary of one of the aid groups, the Rakhine Ethnic Congress. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak in Myanmar's Sittwe sparks fears for Rohingya camps The high-speed internet blackout, imposed in June last year, is due to be lifted this month and while the internet is working in some areas, in others there is only slower 2G service. A government spokesman did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. Another humanitarian worker, Aung Than Tun, said the limited access was making it easier for misinformation and rumours about the coronavirus to spread. Most recent infections have been in the state capital of Sittwe, where officials have imposed a stay-at-home order and a curfew. Sittwe is also home to camps where about 100,000 Rohingya Muslims have been confined since an outbreak of violence in 2012. Rohingya are mostly denied citizenship and face strict curbs on freedom of movement and access to healthcare. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said people of all faiths and ethnicities would be treated equally. Three more coronavirus cases were reported on the weekend in Mrauk U town in Rakhine where internet access is limited to 2G. Local legislator Tun Thar Sein said the service was too patchy to ensure that people got health and news updates on the outbreak.

Myanmar urged to restore internet in Rakhine to help contain virus

Indian government consumption will support current economic demand while private consumption is likely to lead a recovery that takes hold after the coronavirus pandemic eases, the central bank said on Tuesday.

June-quarter GDP data set to be released at the end of August is expected to show a contraction of 20 per cent, according to a Reuters poll.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-public-sector-banks-face-fresh-capital-shortages-will-need-rs-21-lakh-crore-moodys-322124" hreflang="en">Indian public sector banks face fresh capital shortages, will need Rs 2.1 lakh crore: Moody's</a>

"An assessment of aggregate demand during the year so far suggests that the shock to consumption is severe, and it will take quite some time to mend and regain the pre-COVID-19 momentum," the Reserve Bank of India said in its annual report.

"Going forward, government consumption is expected to continue pandemic-proofing of demand."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-urges-automakers-to-cut-royalties-to-foreign-parent-companies-report-321467" hreflang="en">India urges automakers to cut royalties to foreign parent companies: Report</a>

Private consumption will come back gradually with non-discretionary spending leading the way, until a durable increase in disposable incomes enables discretionary spending to catch up, the bank added.

"The upticks that became visible in May and June after the lockdown was eased in several parts of the country appear to have lost strength in July and August," the bank said.

This weakening was mainly due to reimposition or tougher imposition of lockdowns, suggesting that contraction in economic activity was likely to be prolonged into the second quarter, it added.

Key downside risks to growth are wider pandemic spread, a deviation of seasonal monsoon rains from the predicted normal volume and global financial market volatility, the bank said.

It called for the banking sector to be freed of a risk aversion that is impeding the flow of credit to productive sectors and undermining banks' role in the economy.

Despite a reduction in bad loans in March 2020, the banking system's resilience will be tested by the economic fallout of the pandemic, since measures to alleviate it had masked the consequent build-up of stress in the system, the bank said.

"Against this backdrop, a recapitalisation plan for public and private sector banks assumes critical importance," it added.

In a separate report, the RBI had warned that banks' bad loans could nearly double by the end of this fiscal year, while the capital adequacy ratio could fall to 11.8 per cent&nbsp;in a severely stressed situation.

The RBI's balance sheet increased 30.02 per cent&nbsp;by June 30, it added.

Indian government consumption will support current economic demand while private consumption is likely to lead a recovery that takes hold after the coronavirus pandemic eases, the central bank said on Tuesday.

Indian government consumption will support current economic demand while private consumption is likely to lead a recovery that takes hold after the coronavirus pandemic eases, the central bank said on Tuesday. June-quarter GDP data set to be released at the end of August is expected to show a contraction of 20 per cent, according to a Reuters poll. Also read: Indian public sector banks face fresh capital shortages, will need Rs 2.1 lakh crore: Moody's "An assessment of aggregate demand during the year so far suggests that the shock to consumption is severe, and it will take quite some time to mend and regain the pre-COVID-19 momentum," the Reserve Bank of India said in its annual report. "Going forward, government consumption is expected to continue pandemic-proofing of demand." Also read: India urges automakers to cut royalties to foreign parent companies: Report Private consumption will come back gradually with non-discretionary spending leading the way, until a durable increase in disposable incomes enables discretionary spending to catch up, the bank added. "The upticks that became visible in May and June after the lockdown was eased in several parts of the country appear to have lost strength in July and August," the bank said. This weakening was mainly due to reimposition or tougher imposition of lockdowns, suggesting that contraction in economic activity was likely to be prolonged into the second quarter, it added. Key downside risks to growth are wider pandemic spread, a deviation of seasonal monsoon rains from the predicted normal volume and global financial market volatility, the bank said. It called for the banking sector to be freed of a risk aversion that is impeding the flow of credit to productive sectors and undermining banks' role in the economy. Despite a reduction in bad loans in March 2020, the banking system's resilience will be tested by the economic fallout of the pandemic, since measures to alleviate it had masked the consequent build-up of stress in the system, the bank said. "Against this backdrop, a recapitalisation plan for public and private sector banks assumes critical importance," it added. In a separate report, the RBI had warned that banks' bad loans could nearly double by the end of this fiscal year, while the capital adequacy ratio could fall to 11.8 per cent in a severely stressed situation. The RBI's balance sheet increased 30.02 per cent by June 30, it added.

Indian government consumption key to demand growth in economy, says RBI

Facebook's French subsidiary has agreed to pay $125 million&nbsp;(106 million euros)&nbsp;in back taxes and penalties following persistent government efforts to get online giants to pay more taxes where they make their money.

The agreement came after French tax authorities carried out an extensive audit of a decade of Facebook's operations in the country, from 2009-2018, a company spokesperson said Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-transparent-non-partisan-says-india-head-amid-political-controversy-322267" hreflang="en">Facebook 'transparent, non-partisan', says India head amid political controversy</a>

The&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;spokesman did not elaborate further on the details of the agreement. France's tax administration also did not give more details.

Facebook's spokesman also said that since 2018 the company had decided to include its advertising sales in France in its annual accounts covering France.

As a result,&nbsp;Facebook's total net revenue almost doubled in 2019 from a year earlier to 747 million euros, according to a copy of the company's 2019 annual accounts, filed with France's companies registry.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-denies-plans-to-drop-facebook-tax-322666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Facebook&nbsp;France, which employs 208 people, refers to the French tax audit report in its 2019 annual accounts, saying it amounted to a tax adjustment of about 105 million euros. This includes a penalty of about 22 million, the annual accounts showed.

France, which is pushing hard to overhaul international tax rules on digital companies such as&nbsp;Facebook, Alphabet's Google, Apple and Amazon, has said the big tech groups pay too little tax in the country where they have significant sales.

Current international tax rules legally allow companies to funnel sales generated in local markets in Europe to their regional headquarters. Some of the tech companies, including&nbsp;Facebook, have European or international headquarters based in countries with comparatively low corporate tax rates, such as Ireland.

Facebook's French subsidiary has agreed to pay $125 million (106 million euros) in back taxes and penalties following persistent government efforts to get online giants to pay more taxes where they make their money.

Facebook's French subsidiary has agreed to pay $125 million (106 million euros) in back taxes and penalties following persistent government efforts to get online giants to pay more taxes where they make their money. The agreement came after French tax authorities carried out an extensive audit of a decade of Facebook's operations in the country, from 2009-2018, a company spokesperson said Monday. Also read: Facebook 'transparent, non-partisan', says India head amid political controversy The Facebook spokesman did not elaborate further on the details of the agreement. France's tax administration also did not give more details. Facebook's spokesman also said that since 2018 the company had decided to include its advertising sales in France in its annual accounts covering France. As a result, Facebook's total net revenue almost doubled in 2019 from a year earlier to 747 million euros, according to a copy of the company's 2019 annual accounts, filed with France's companies registry. Facebook France, which employs 208 people, refers to the French tax audit report in its 2019 annual accounts, saying it amounted to a tax adjustment of about 105 million euros. This includes a penalty of about 22 million, the annual accounts showed. France, which is pushing hard to overhaul international tax rules on digital companies such as Facebook, Alphabet's Google, Apple and Amazon, has said the big tech groups pay too little tax in the country where they have significant sales. Current international tax rules legally allow companies to funnel sales generated in local markets in Europe to their regional headquarters. Some of the tech companies, including Facebook, have European or international headquarters based in countries with comparatively low corporate tax rates, such as Ireland.

Facebook to pay $125 million in back taxes to France

India in the last 24 hours reported 60,975 COVID-19 cases, taking its overall coronavirus tally 31,67,324, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday.

The total cases include 7,04,348 active cases and 24,04,585 patients cured/discharged/migrated.

India in the last 24 hours has reported 848 deaths in the last 24 hours due to COVID-19 taking the overall toll to 58,390 deaths. As per the data provided by the ministry, Maharashtra, the worst affected state from the infection, has a total of 1,68,443 active cases and 22,465 fatalities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-conducts-over-36-crore-covid-19-tests-tests-per-million-tpm-rises-health-ministry-322849" hreflang="en">India conducts over 3.6 crore COVID-19 tests, Tests Per Million rises</a>

While Tamil Nadu has a total of 53,282 active cases and 6,614 fatalities in the state due to the coronavirus.&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh has a total of 89,516 active cases and 3,368 deaths.

Karnataka has a total of 81,230 active cases and 4,810 deaths. Delhi has reported 11,626 active cases and 4,313 deaths due to COVID-19.

The total number of samples tested up to 24th August is 3,68,27,520 including 9,25,383 samples that were tested yesterday, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) update on Tuesday.

India in the last 24 hours reported 60,975 COVID-19 cases, taking its overall coronavirus tally 31,67,324, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday.

India in the last 24 hours reported 60,975 COVID-19 cases, taking its overall coronavirus tally 31,67,324, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday. The total cases include 7,04,348 active cases and 24,04,585 patients cured/discharged/migrated. India in the last 24 hours has reported 848 deaths in the last 24 hours due to COVID-19 taking the overall toll to 58,390 deaths. As per the data provided by the ministry, Maharashtra, the worst affected state from the infection, has a total of 1,68,443 active cases and 22,465 fatalities. Also read: India conducts over 3.6 crore COVID-19 tests, Tests Per Million rises While Tamil Nadu has a total of 53,282 active cases and 6,614 fatalities in the state due to the coronavirus. Andhra Pradesh has a total of 89,516 active cases and 3,368 deaths. Karnataka has a total of 81,230 active cases and 4,810 deaths. Delhi has reported 11,626 active cases and 4,313 deaths due to COVID-19. The total number of samples tested up to 24th August is 3,68,27,520 including 9,25,383 samples that were tested yesterday, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) update on Tuesday.

With spike of 60,975 cases, India's COVID-19 tally reaches 31,67,324

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday expressed his distress over the Raigad building collapse tragedy in Maharashtra.

"The news of the building collapse at Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra and loss of lives is distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the accident victims," tweeted the President of India's official handle.

President Kovind wished a speedy recovery to the injured. "I wish speedy recovery of the injured. Local authorities and NDRF teams are coordinating rescue and relief efforts," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The news of the building collapse at Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra and loss of lives is distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the accident victims. I wish speedy recovery of the injured. Local authorities and NDRF teams are coordinating rescue and relief efforts.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1298123619445272576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the building collapse in a residential area of Mahad in Maharashtra's Raigad district and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-75-feared-trapped-as-five-story-building-collapses-in-western-indian-state-322835" hreflang="en">75 feared trapped as 5-story building collapses in Western Indian state</a>

"Saddened by the building collapse in Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their dear ones. I pray the injured recover soon. Local authorities and NDRF teams are at the site of the tragedy, providing all possible assistance," Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Saddened by the building collapse in Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their dear ones. I pray the injured recover soon. Local authorities and NDRF teams are at the site of the tragedy, providing all possible assistance: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1298116244206313472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Two persons have died and 18 still feared trapped under the debris after a five-storey building collapsed in a residential area of Mahad in Raigad district, an official said on Tuesday. The incident took place on Monday evening in the Kajalpura area of the town.

The local administration, including the police and fire brigade, is currently carrying out search and rescue operations.Maharashtra Ministers Aditi Tatkare and Eknath Shinde visited the spot to review the rescue operations last evening.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the Director-General (DG), NDRF to provide all possible assistance for rescue operations at the incident site.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday expressed his distress over the Raigad building collapse tragedy in Maharashtra. "The news of the building collapse at Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra and loss of lives is distressing.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday expressed his distress over the Raigad building collapse tragedy in Maharashtra. "The news of the building collapse at Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra and loss of lives is distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the accident victims," tweeted the President of India's official handle. President Kovind wished a speedy recovery to the injured. "I wish speedy recovery of the injured. Local authorities and NDRF teams are coordinating rescue and relief efforts," he said. The news of the building collapse at Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra and loss of lives is distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the accident victims. I wish speedy recovery of the injured. Local authorities and NDRF teams are coordinating rescue and relief efforts. — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 25, 2020 × Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the building collapse in a residential area of Mahad in Maharashtra's Raigad district and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Also read: 75 feared trapped as 5-story building collapses in Western Indian state "Saddened by the building collapse in Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their dear ones. I pray the injured recover soon. Local authorities and NDRF teams are at the site of the tragedy, providing all possible assistance," Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) tweeted. Saddened by the building collapse in Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their dear ones. I pray the injured recover soon. Local authorities and NDRF teams are at the site of the tragedy, providing all possible assistance: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 25, 2020 × Two persons have died and 18 still feared trapped under the debris after a five-storey building collapsed in a residential area of Mahad in Raigad district, an official said on Tuesday. The incident took place on Monday evening in the Kajalpura area of the town. The local administration, including the police and fire brigade, is currently carrying out search and rescue operations.Maharashtra Ministers Aditi Tatkare and Eknath Shinde visited the spot to review the rescue operations last evening. Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the Director-General (DG), NDRF to provide all possible assistance for rescue operations at the incident site.

President Kovind expresses distress over Raigad building collapse

Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) on Friday said it is outraged by the cold-blooded murder of Hayat Baloch, a 25-years-old student, at the hands of the Pakistani military in Turbat, Balochistan.

The BHRC called the international community to intervene to stop the "bloodthirsty" Pakistani military from wreaking havoc in Balochistan.

Baloch was killed in cold blood by the Frontier Corps (FC) of Pakistan in Balochistan's Turbat town. The killing sparked unprecedented protests with people gathering in thousands across Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan and abroad.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-liberation-army-targets-pakistan-and-chinese-assets-319810">Baloch Liberation Army targets Pakistan and Chinese assets</a>

The BHRC said the FC soldiers killed innocent Baloch to avenge the attack on Pakistan soldiers by Baloch insurgents in Aapsar area of Turbat."

On August 13, the Frontier Corps soldiers came under attack by Baloch insurgents in Aapsar area of Turbat. The retaliating FC soldiers when failed to locate the attackers, they conveniently seized Hayat Mirza from a nearby date farm, where he had gone to assist his parents with farming," the BHRC said in a statement.

According to local sources, the FC personnel forcibly dragged Hayat Mirza from the farm to a roadside. He was pushed to the ground, blindfolded with his mother`s scarf, and his hands were tied up.

Hayat was not given a chance to explain his innocence or the right to ask the reason for the treatment he received. Consequently, he was severely beaten and murdered after being shot multiple times. Hayat`s helpless and traumatised parents were forced to watch the unfortunate fate of their son.

"We in the BHRC see Hayat`s murder as a consequence of Pakistan's colonial rule in Balochistan, which has consistently inspired and shaped the policies of its military establishment against the Baloch people, one of which is the physical elimination of the cream of Baloch society that with time has intensified as a result of the inaction and silence of the state judiciary, and the concerned international human rights bodies," the statement said.

"Balochistan is suffering a severe humanitarian crisis, having been in the throes of conflict for the past two decades, and a large part of its young population has been the victim of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Thousands of them have fled to different countries in recent years," it added.

The state judiciary remains under tight military control while the provincial government of Balochistan acting as the shameful subject of the military establishment has maintained its silence on this outrageous crime, the BHRC noted.

The members of the legislative bodies in Pakistan are so helpless that they cannot do anything to address the human rights challenges in Balochistan or to bring legislative reforms except for mere occasional words of condemnation of such incidents that do not deliver results, it added.

The BHRC said it is high time those countries who stand for human rights must come forward and put a resolution in the UN Human Rights Council.

"Lives in Balochistan are increasingly at risk, with their vulnerabilities and desperation increasing. The United Nations including the international community must respond in an equally serious manner and intervene to stop the bloodthirsty Pakistani military from wiping out the cream of Baloch society," the statement read.

"It is high time those countries who stand for human rights must come forward and put a resolution in the UN Human Rights Council to send a fact-finding mission to Balochistan to investigate the gross violations of human rights as they did in the case of Venezuela, and subsequently, make the military officials accountable for their crimes against humanity in Balochistan," it added.

Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) on Friday said it is outraged by the cold-blooded murder of Hayat Baloch, a 25-years-old student, at the hands of the Pakistani military in Turbat, Balochistan.

Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) on Friday said it is outraged by the cold-blooded murder of Hayat Baloch, a 25-years-old student, at the hands of the Pakistani military in Turbat, Balochistan. The BHRC called the international community to intervene to stop the "bloodthirsty" Pakistani military from wreaking havoc in Balochistan. Baloch was killed in cold blood by the Frontier Corps (FC) of Pakistan in Balochistan's Turbat town. The killing sparked unprecedented protests with people gathering in thousands across Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan and abroad. Also read: Baloch Liberation Army targets Pakistan and Chinese assets The BHRC said the FC soldiers killed innocent Baloch to avenge the attack on Pakistan soldiers by Baloch insurgents in Aapsar area of Turbat." On August 13, the Frontier Corps soldiers came under attack by Baloch insurgents in Aapsar area of Turbat. The retaliating FC soldiers when failed to locate the attackers, they conveniently seized Hayat Mirza from a nearby date farm, where he had gone to assist his parents with farming," the BHRC said in a statement. According to local sources, the FC personnel forcibly dragged Hayat Mirza from the farm to a roadside. He was pushed to the ground, blindfolded with his mother`s scarf, and his hands were tied up. Hayat was not given a chance to explain his innocence or the right to ask the reason for the treatment he received. Consequently, he was severely beaten and murdered after being shot multiple times. Hayat`s helpless and traumatised parents were forced to watch the unfortunate fate of their son. "We in the BHRC see Hayat`s murder as a consequence of Pakistan's colonial rule in Balochistan, which has consistently inspired and shaped the policies of its military establishment against the Baloch people, one of which is the physical elimination of the cream of Baloch society that with time has intensified as a result of the inaction and silence of the state judiciary, and the concerned international human rights bodies," the statement said. "Balochistan is suffering a severe humanitarian crisis, having been in the throes of conflict for the past two decades, and a large part of its young population has been the victim of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Thousands of them have fled to different countries in recent years," it added. The state judiciary remains under tight military control while the provincial government of Balochistan acting as the shameful subject of the military establishment has maintained its silence on this outrageous crime, the BHRC noted. The members of the legislative bodies in Pakistan are so helpless that they cannot do anything to address the human rights challenges in Balochistan or to bring legislative reforms except for mere occasional words of condemnation of such incidents that do not deliver results, it added. The BHRC said it is high time those countries who stand for human rights must come forward and put a resolution in the UN Human Rights Council. "Lives in Balochistan are increasingly at risk, with their vulnerabilities and desperation increasing. The United Nations including the international community must respond in an equally serious manner and intervene to stop the bloodthirsty Pakistani military from wiping out the cream of Baloch society," the statement read. "It is high time those countries who stand for human rights must come forward and put a resolution in the UN Human Rights Council to send a fact-finding mission to Balochistan to investigate the gross violations of human rights as they did in the case of Venezuela, and subsequently, make the military officials accountable for their crimes against humanity in Balochistan," it added.

Baloch Human Rights Council outraged over murder of Hayat Baloch by Pakistani forces

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vyomica Berry

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.