A former officer for the CIA and then the FBI was charged in federal court in Hawaii Monday with selling US secrets to China, including disclosing the identities of US informants in China.

According to&nbsp;&nbsp;the US&nbsp;Justice Department,&nbsp;Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 67, was arrested on a charge that he conspired with a relative, also a former&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;officer, to communicate classified information to Chinese intelligence officials.&nbsp;

He continued to meet with the undercover agent, accepting money and offering secrets until this month, when he said he was happy to keep working for Beijing but "would prefer to discuss opportunities after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided," the indictment said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-how-chinas-spy-racket-is-bigger-than-the-cold-war-308878">Here's how China's spy racket is bigger than the cold war!</a>

The Justice Department said Ma was arrested on August 14, but only unsealed the indictment on Monday.

Ma, 67, a naturalized US citizen born in Hong Kong, worked for the Central Intelligence Agency with a high-level security clearance from 1982 to 1989.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-you-need-to-know-about-chinas-espionage-programme-operation-fox-hunt-311547">All you need to know about China's espionage programme 'Operation Fox Hunt'</a>

He had a relative, unnamed and uncharged in the indictment due to his age, 85, and advanced cognitive disease, who also worked for the agency from 1967 to 1983.

The indictment says that at least as early as 2001, the two were already providing information to agents of Beijing's Ministry of State Security.

The indictment says FBI investigators gained video and audio recordings of their meetings with MSS agents in Hong Kong in March 2001 -- though it does not explain how and when they obtained such evidence

At those meetings they provided details of CIA communications, field operations and informants, and the video shows them receiving $50,000.

After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers.

After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers.

He and his relative were also asked to identify from pictures possible US agents and informants in China during this period, according to the charges.

The&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;and FBI declined to comment on why it took so long to arrest him. Ma's lawyer, Craig Jerome, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The case though is the latest of several brought against US government employees who sold secrets to China.

After China reportedly broke up a network of CIA sources and operatives inside China around 2010, the agency began digging deeply for leaks and possible moles that may have exposed them.

Last November Jerry Chun Shing Lee, who worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for giving US secrets to Chinese intelligence.

A former officer for the CIA and then the FBI was charged in federal court in Hawaii Monday with selling US secrets to China, including disclosing the identities of US informants in China.

A former officer for the CIA and then the FBI was charged in federal court in Hawaii Monday with selling US secrets to China, including disclosing the identities of US informants in China. According to the US Justice Department, Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 67, was arrested on a charge that he conspired with a relative, also a former CIA officer, to communicate classified information to Chinese intelligence officials. He continued to meet with the undercover agent, accepting money and offering secrets until this month, when he said he was happy to keep working for Beijing but "would prefer to discuss opportunities after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided," the indictment said. Also read: Here's how China's spy racket is bigger than the cold war! The Justice Department said Ma was arrested on August 14, but only unsealed the indictment on Monday. Ma, 67, a naturalized US citizen born in Hong Kong, worked for the Central Intelligence Agency with a high-level security clearance from 1982 to 1989. Also read: All you need to know about China's espionage programme 'Operation Fox Hunt' He had a relative, unnamed and uncharged in the indictment due to his age, 85, and advanced cognitive disease, who also worked for the agency from 1967 to 1983. The indictment says that at least as early as 2001, the two were already providing information to agents of Beijing's Ministry of State Security. The indictment says FBI investigators gained video and audio recordings of their meetings with MSS agents in Hong Kong in March 2001 -- though it does not explain how and when they obtained such evidence At those meetings they provided details of CIA communications, field operations and informants, and the video shows them receiving $50,000. After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers. After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers. He and his relative were also asked to identify from pictures possible US agents and informants in China during this period, according to the charges. The CIA and FBI declined to comment on why it took so long to arrest him. Ma's lawyer, Craig Jerome, could not immediately be reached for comment. The case though is the latest of several brought against US government employees who sold secrets to China. After China reportedly broke up a network of CIA sources and operatives inside China around 2010, the agency began digging deeply for leaks and possible moles that may have exposed them. Last November Jerry Chun Shing Lee, who worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for giving US secrets to Chinese intelligence.

Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China

Scotland's&nbsp;first minister Nicola Sturgeon&nbsp;on Monday was given a green light for her&nbsp;independent country to join the European Union.

Ever since the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;referendum in 2016, the&nbsp;Scottish National Party&nbsp;have argued for a second independence vote so that an independent Scotland could apply to return to the EU.&nbsp;

To bolster the argument,&nbsp;Sturgeon cited&nbsp;the 62 percent vote in favour of Remain in Scotland.

In an interview with British tabloid The Express UK, she said&nbsp;"Any barriers for Scotland in joining the EU are political rather than legal, because any candidate to join the EU has to abide by the terms set. It would be fairly easy to meet those terms because Scottish law is currently fully compliant with EU law.''

"As time goes on there are likely to become greater divergences, but that would simply mean at the time Scotland wanted to join the EU we'd have to change stuff then," she added.

According to&nbsp;public law expert Professor Aileen McHarg, while countries like Spain have shunned Scotland in the past,&nbsp;it could be easy for an independent Scotland to rejoin now as Sturgeon&nbsp;is trying to guarantee Scotland remains aligned with EU law.

In June, Scotland introduced&nbsp;the Scottish Continuity Bill&nbsp;aimed to empower Scottish ministers to make amendments that would enable Scottish law to be aligned with EU law after the end of the Brexit transition period.

Former European Council president Donald Tusk said in February that Brussels feels "empathy" towards an independent Scotland joining the EU.

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday was given a green light for her independent country to join the European Union. Ever since the EU referendum in 2016, the Scottish National Party have argued for a second independence vote so that an independent Scotland could apply to return to the EU.

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday was given a green light for her independent country to join the European Union. Ever since the EU referendum in 2016, the Scottish National Party have argued for a second independence vote so that an independent Scotland could apply to return to the EU. To bolster the argument, Sturgeon cited the 62 percent vote in favour of Remain in Scotland. In an interview with British tabloid The Express UK, she said "Any barriers for Scotland in joining the EU are political rather than legal, because any candidate to join the EU has to abide by the terms set. It would be fairly easy to meet those terms because Scottish law is currently fully compliant with EU law.'' "As time goes on there are likely to become greater divergences, but that would simply mean at the time Scotland wanted to join the EU we'd have to change stuff then," she added. According to public law expert Professor Aileen McHarg, while countries like Spain have shunned Scotland in the past, it could be easy for an independent Scotland to rejoin now as Sturgeon is trying to guarantee Scotland remains aligned with EU law. In June, Scotland introduced the Scottish Continuity Bill aimed to empower Scottish ministers to make amendments that would enable Scottish law to be aligned with EU law after the end of the Brexit transition period. Former European Council president Donald Tusk said in February that Brussels feels "empathy" towards an independent Scotland joining the EU.

No more 'legal barriers' for independent Scotland to join EU: Nicola Sturgeon

Canada has released as much information as it legally can about the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, the government's lawyers said on Monday, as she sought more confidential documents relating to her 2018 detention.

Meng, the Chinese telecom giant's chief financial officer, was arrested on a US warrant in December 2018 during a stopover in Vancouver.&nbsp;

She is charged with bank fraud related to violations of US sanctions against Iran, and has been fighting extradition ever since.

On the first day of hearings expected to last up to three days, Meng's lawyer said a "flurry of emails" between Canadian and American officials around the time of Meng's arrest should not all be covered by privilege, as Canadian prosecutors have argued.

Meng's lawyers have pushed for the release of more documents to support their assertion that Canadian and American authorities committed abuses of process while questioning Meng before her arrest, including the improper sharing of identifying details about her electronic devices.

Canadian government lawyer John Gibb-Carsley retorted that all relevant documents were given to the defense.

"The Attorney General of Canada cast the net very wide to capture all documents," said Gibb-Carsley.

Meng's defense team alleges that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conspired with Canadian authorities to collect evidence and interrogate her, in violation of her rights.

Specifically, they point to her detention and questioning without a lawyer over the three hours after she disembarked a flight from Hong Kong, but before she was charged, as well as the illegal seizure of her electronic devices.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the defense says, noted the serial numbers and technical specifications of her smartphones, tablet and laptop computer and improperly gave these details to the FBI.

Most of the almost 400 documents sought concern communications between Canadian and US agencies prior to and after Meng's arrest.

The hearings will continue in a closed session on Tuesday, potentially stretching into Wednesday. Meng will not be present.

A schedule proposed jointly by lawyers for the prosecution and defense said that a decision on the issue by Oct. 2 would allow the rest of the trial to proceed as planned, with hearings wrapping up in April 2021.

Canada has released as much information as it legally can about the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, the government's lawyers said on Monday, as she sought more confidential documents relating to her 2018 detention.

Canada has released as much information as it legally can about the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, the government's lawyers said on Monday, as she sought more confidential documents relating to her 2018 detention. Meng, the Chinese telecom giant's chief financial officer, was arrested on a US warrant in December 2018 during a stopover in Vancouver. She is charged with bank fraud related to violations of US sanctions against Iran, and has been fighting extradition ever since. On the first day of hearings expected to last up to three days, Meng's lawyer said a "flurry of emails" between Canadian and American officials around the time of Meng's arrest should not all be covered by privilege, as Canadian prosecutors have argued. Meng's lawyers have pushed for the release of more documents to support their assertion that Canadian and American authorities committed abuses of process while questioning Meng before her arrest, including the improper sharing of identifying details about her electronic devices. Canadian government lawyer John Gibb-Carsley retorted that all relevant documents were given to the defense. "The Attorney General of Canada cast the net very wide to capture all documents," said Gibb-Carsley. Meng's defense team alleges that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conspired with Canadian authorities to collect evidence and interrogate her, in violation of her rights. Specifically, they point to her detention and questioning without a lawyer over the three hours after she disembarked a flight from Hong Kong, but before she was charged, as well as the illegal seizure of her electronic devices. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the defense says, noted the serial numbers and technical specifications of her smartphones, tablet and laptop computer and improperly gave these details to the FBI. Most of the almost 400 documents sought concern communications between Canadian and US agencies prior to and after Meng's arrest. The hearings will continue in a closed session on Tuesday, potentially stretching into Wednesday. Meng will not be present. A schedule proposed jointly by lawyers for the prosecution and defense said that a decision on the issue by Oct. 2 would allow the rest of the trial to proceed as planned, with hearings wrapping up in April 2021.

Canada refuses to release emails over Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou's arrest

The&nbsp;Belarusian media on Monday went&nbsp;on strike over election result and censorship, saying that would not return to work unless the government implemented five demands, including new elections and the removal of television censorship.

Approximately 300 employees of Belarus One,&nbsp;the national channel supporting the government, have resigned as many at the channel feel they can no longer work for the propaganda machine. It has a total strength of 2000&nbsp;employees.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-lukashenko-gives-nod-to-fresh-elections-says-it-will-happen-after-adoption-of-new-constitution-321280">Belarus President Lukashenko gives nod to fresh elections</a>

According to&nbsp;Kseniya Lutskina, a documentary maker among one&nbsp;of those who signed,&nbsp;“People feel that if we can’t do honest journalism, then we won’t work”.

“The problem for a lot of people is that the there’s no other television to work at in the country – it’s all state-controlled,'' she added.

Some employees walked out even before the recent elections, feeling suffocated by the atmosphere as Lukashenko jailed his political opponents and looked set to rig the election.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/we-come-in-peace-belarusian-women-dressed-in-white-protest-against-corrupt-leadership-321060">We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership</a>

Alexander Luchonok, who worked for 18 months as a special correspondent on the twice-weekly current affairs programme Under the President’s Control, handed in his resignation a week before the election.

Talking about Lukashenko's supporters he said,&nbsp;“Even if they don’t believe everything in the reports, they think it’s important to keep Lukashenko in office.”

Even as the country was plunged into chaos last week, there were attempts to portray business as usual.

Workers at a state-run factory confronted Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko with chants of "Leave!" on Monday as pressure built on the strongman to step down over a disputed election.

Employees at several factories also walked off the job after a historic protest on Sunday brought tens of thousands to the streets.

Pressure has been building on the ex-Soviet nation's longtime leader since the August 9 election, which he claims to have won with 80 percent of the vote.

More than 100,000 people took part in a "March for Freedom" in the capital Minsk on Sunday following calls from main opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya for continued demonstrations.

A brutal police crackdown has drawn widespread condemnation and appears to have turned even Lukashenko's support base at state-owned industries against him.

The Belarusian media on Monday went on strike over election result and censorship, saying that would not return to work unless the government implemented five demands, including new elections and the removal of television censorship.

The Belarusian media on Monday went on strike over election result and censorship, saying that would not return to work unless the government implemented five demands, including new elections and the removal of television censorship. Approximately 300 employees of Belarus One, the national channel supporting the government, have resigned as many at the channel feel they can no longer work for the propaganda machine. It has a total strength of 2000 employees. Also read: Belarus President Lukashenko gives nod to fresh elections According to Kseniya Lutskina, a documentary maker among one of those who signed, “People feel that if we can’t do honest journalism, then we won’t work”. “The problem for a lot of people is that the there’s no other television to work at in the country – it’s all state-controlled,'' she added. Some employees walked out even before the recent elections, feeling suffocated by the atmosphere as Lukashenko jailed his political opponents and looked set to rig the election. Also see: We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership Alexander Luchonok, who worked for 18 months as a special correspondent on the twice-weekly current affairs programme Under the President’s Control, handed in his resignation a week before the election. Talking about Lukashenko's supporters he said, “Even if they don’t believe everything in the reports, they think it’s important to keep Lukashenko in office.” Even as the country was plunged into chaos last week, there were attempts to portray business as usual. Workers at a state-run factory confronted Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko with chants of "Leave!" on Monday as pressure built on the strongman to step down over a disputed election. Employees at several factories also walked off the job after a historic protest on Sunday brought tens of thousands to the streets. Pressure has been building on the ex-Soviet nation's longtime leader since the August 9 election, which he claims to have won with 80 percent of the vote. More than 100,000 people took part in a "March for Freedom" in the capital Minsk on Sunday following calls from main opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya for continued demonstrations. A brutal police crackdown has drawn widespread condemnation and appears to have turned even Lukashenko's support base at state-owned industries against him.

Won’t work, if we can’t do honest journalism: Belarus media goes on strike over election result and censorship

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has given a nod for phase-III clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine developed in collaboration with a Chinese company, a media report said on Tuesday.

According to a statement from the National Institute of Health (NIH), it has obtained "formal approval" from the DRAP for phase-III Clinical Trial of Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Vaccine Adenovirus Type 5 vector (Ad5-nCoV) developed by CanSinoBio and Beijing Institute of Biotechnology China (BIB)".

The NIH said this would be the first-ever phase-III clinical trial for any vaccine in Pakistan.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-russia-these-covid-19-vaccines-set-to-unveil-soon-319760">After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon!</a>

"It is a multi-country multi-centre clinical trial which CanSinoBio is already conducting in China, Russia, Chile, Argentina and will shortly start in Saudi Arabia. The principal investigator of the multi-centre clinical trial in Pakistan is NIH executive director Maj Gen Aamer Ikram," the statement said.

"AJM Pharma CEO Adnan Hussain signed an agreement with the NIH last month for collaborating on the phase-III clinical trial of CanSinoBIO Ad5-nCoV in Pakistan," it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-registers-488-new-coronavirus-cases-tally-reaches-289213-321119" hreflang="en">Pakistan registers 488 new coronavirus cases; tally reaches 289,213</a>

According to a document signed by DRAP Clinical Studies Committee secretary Shafqat Hussain Danish, the committee recommended that the trial be held in Indus Hospital in Karachi.

A local newspaper reported that after seeing the document the test will be carried out by the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences, Karachi, in collaboration with a Chinese company already conducting trials in China.

As many as 200 volunteers from Karachi, representing various ethnic groups, have been registered. The trial will be completed in 56 days during which three injections of inactivated virus will be administered to the volunteers,&nbsp;both male and female.

The document said the National Data Safety Monitoring Committee will closely monitor the safety of the patients and submit reports on a monthly basis.

A DRAP official, not authorised to speak on record, said it was a major development as, in case of a successful trial, the vaccine would become available to people.

"Though vaccines are being prepared in different countries, we cannot surely say whether we will get them as there will be high demand for the vaccines across the globe. If this trial is successful, the vaccine will be easily available to us at affordable rates," the official said.

Pakistan's coronavirus cases reached 289,832 on Tuesday after 617 new infections were diagnosed in the last 24 hours. Fifteen more people died during this period, taking the number of COVID-19 deaths to 6,190 across the country, the health ministry said on Tuesday.

Minister for Planning Asad Umar, who also heads the National Coordination and Operation Centre on COVID-19, said he was hopeful that the trials on the vaccine would be successful.

"It is one of the potential vaccines which can become successful," he said.

Pakistan was unable to participate in the phase-III trials held in different countries. However, an opportunity had finally been created wherein volunteers could participate in the trials within the country, Umar said.

The phase-III clinical trial is designed to evaluate whether an investigational vaccine can prevent symptomatic COVID-19 among adults.

On March 24, Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry had constituted a committee ? Scientific Task Force on COVID-19,&nbsp;headed by scientist Professor Dr Attaur Rehman.

One of the committee members, who requested not to be named, said: "The trial will commence from next week which will be participated by 200 volunteers, all over 18 years of age".

"We have selected volunteers from various ethnic groups to analyse their results. I believe Karachi is the most appropriate city as people from all backgrounds are settled there. An amount of Rs 50,000 will be paid to each volunteer. After completion of the trial, we will move to other cities of the country," he said.

When asked about the side effects of the vaccine, the committee member said though its safety profile was very good, every medicine had side effect in one per cent cases with mild fever, tiredness, headache or allergy.

"These are mild symptoms and people should know that even the committee members are willing to volunteer themselves for the trial. We are taking part in global efforts against COVID-19. Moreover, as we are passing through the 'fifth generation warfare' phase, the trial will build a positive image of Pakistan," he said.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has given a nod for phase-III clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine developed in collaboration with a Chinese company, a media report said on Tuesday.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has given a nod for phase-III clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine developed in collaboration with a Chinese company, a media report said on Tuesday. According to a statement from the National Institute of Health (NIH), it has obtained "formal approval" from the DRAP for phase-III Clinical Trial of Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Vaccine Adenovirus Type 5 vector (Ad5-nCoV) developed by CanSinoBio and Beijing Institute of Biotechnology China (BIB)". The NIH said this would be the first-ever phase-III clinical trial for any vaccine in Pakistan. Also see: After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon! "It is a multi-country multi-centre clinical trial which CanSinoBio is already conducting in China, Russia, Chile, Argentina and will shortly start in Saudi Arabia. The principal investigator of the multi-centre clinical trial in Pakistan is NIH executive director Maj Gen Aamer Ikram," the statement said. "AJM Pharma CEO Adnan Hussain signed an agreement with the NIH last month for collaborating on the phase-III clinical trial of CanSinoBIO Ad5-nCoV in Pakistan," it said. Also read: Pakistan registers 488 new coronavirus cases; tally reaches 289,213 According to a document signed by DRAP Clinical Studies Committee secretary Shafqat Hussain Danish, the committee recommended that the trial be held in Indus Hospital in Karachi. A local newspaper reported that after seeing the document the test will be carried out by the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences, Karachi, in collaboration with a Chinese company already conducting trials in China. As many as 200 volunteers from Karachi, representing various ethnic groups, have been registered. The trial will be completed in 56 days during which three injections of inactivated virus will be administered to the volunteers, both male and female. The document said the National Data Safety Monitoring Committee will closely monitor the safety of the patients and submit reports on a monthly basis. A DRAP official, not authorised to speak on record, said it was a major development as, in case of a successful trial, the vaccine would become available to people. "Though vaccines are being prepared in different countries, we cannot surely say whether we will get them as there will be high demand for the vaccines across the globe. If this trial is successful, the vaccine will be easily available to us at affordable rates," the official said. Pakistan's coronavirus cases reached 289,832 on Tuesday after 617 new infections were diagnosed in the last 24 hours. Fifteen more people died during this period, taking the number of COVID-19 deaths to 6,190 across the country, the health ministry said on Tuesday. Minister for Planning Asad Umar, who also heads the National Coordination and Operation Centre on COVID-19, said he was hopeful that the trials on the vaccine would be successful. "It is one of the potential vaccines which can become successful," he said. Pakistan was unable to participate in the phase-III trials held in different countries. However, an opportunity had finally been created wherein volunteers could participate in the trials within the country, Umar said. The phase-III clinical trial is designed to evaluate whether an investigational vaccine can prevent symptomatic COVID-19 among adults. On March 24, Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry had constituted a committee ? Scientific Task Force on COVID-19, headed by scientist Professor Dr Attaur Rehman. One of the committee members, who requested not to be named, said: "The trial will commence from next week which will be participated by 200 volunteers, all over 18 years of age". "We have selected volunteers from various ethnic groups to analyse their results. I believe Karachi is the most appropriate city as people from all backgrounds are settled there. An amount of Rs 50,000 will be paid to each volunteer. After completion of the trial, we will move to other cities of the country," he said. When asked about the side effects of the vaccine, the committee member said though its safety profile was very good, every medicine had side effect in one per cent cases with mild fever, tiredness, headache or allergy. "These are mild symptoms and people should know that even the committee members are willing to volunteer themselves for the trial. We are taking part in global efforts against COVID-19. Moreover, as we are passing through the 'fifth generation warfare' phase, the trial will build a positive image of Pakistan," he said.

Pakistan to conduct phase-III clinical trial of coronavirus vaccine

Israel has not softened its opposition to any US&nbsp;arms sales to the United Arab Emirates that could diminish its military superiority as part of the US-brokered normalisation of their ties, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Tuesday.

Earlier, a similar statement was given by the country's&nbsp;intelligence minister Eli Cohen, after a report was published in a national&nbsp;newspaper that the Trump administration planned a "giant" sale of advanced F-35 jets to United Arab Emirates as part of the Gulf country's move last week to normalise ties with&nbsp;Israel.

Also see:&nbsp;&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 US&nbsp;Embassy in Jerusalem and representatives of the UAE government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Under understandings dating back decades, Washington has refrained from Middle East arms sales that could blunt&nbsp;Israel's "qualitative military edge" (QME). This has applied to the F-35, denied to Arab states, while&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;has bought and deployed it.

"In the talks (on the UAE normalisation deal),&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;did not change its consistent positions against the sale to any country in the Middle East of weapons and defence technologies that could tip the (military) balance," Netanyahu's office said.

The Trump administration has signalled that UAE could clinch unspecified new US&nbsp;arms sales after last Thursday's normalisation announcement.

Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen, an observer in Netanyahu's security cabinet, said the decision-making forum had held no discussion about any changes to QME policy and that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;had not agreed to any changes by the United States.

"Israel&nbsp;has not given its consent to coming along and changing the arrangement," Cohen told public radio station Kan.

Israel has not softened its opposition to any US arms sales to the United Arab Emirates that could diminish its military superiority as part of the US-brokered normalisation of their ties, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Tuesday.

Israel has not softened its opposition to any US arms sales to the United Arab Emirates that could diminish its military superiority as part of the US-brokered normalisation of their ties, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Tuesday. Earlier, a similar statement was given by the country's intelligence minister Eli Cohen, after a report was published in a national newspaper that the Trump administration planned a "giant" sale of advanced F-35 jets to United Arab Emirates as part of the Gulf country's move last week to normalise ties with Israel. Also see: How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement The US Embassy in Jerusalem and representatives of the UAE government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Under understandings dating back decades, Washington has refrained from Middle East arms sales that could blunt Israel's "qualitative military edge" (QME). This has applied to the F-35, denied to Arab states, while Israel has bought and deployed it. "In the talks (on the UAE normalisation deal), Israel did not change its consistent positions against the sale to any country in the Middle East of weapons and defence technologies that could tip the (military) balance," Netanyahu's office said. The Trump administration has signalled that UAE could clinch unspecified new US arms sales after last Thursday's normalisation announcement. Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen, an observer in Netanyahu's security cabinet, said the decision-making forum had held no discussion about any changes to QME policy and that Israel had not agreed to any changes by the United States. "Israel has not given its consent to coming along and changing the arrangement," Cohen told public radio station Kan.

Policy on US arms sales to UAE unchanged, says Israel's Netanyahu

South Korea reported a three-digit increase in novel coronavirus cases for a fifth day on Tuesday as authorities scrambled to trace hundreds of members of a church congregation, and the military locked down bases to stop the spread of the virus.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 246 new cases as of midnight on Monday, two days after the reimposition of stricter social-distancing curbs in the Seoul metropolitan area.

South Korea has been one of the world's coronavirus mitigation success stories but it has suffered repeated spikes in infections and its total number of cases is 15,761, with 306 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-begin-joint-military-drills-after-virus-delay-321419" hreflang="en">US, South Korea begin joint military drills after virus delay</a>

At least 457 infections had been linked to the Sarang Jeil Church, 10 of whom were confirmed to have attended anti-government demonstrations over the past two weekends in Seoul, Vice Health Minister&nbsp;Kim Gang-lip&nbsp;told a briefing.

The authorities were trying to trace hundreds more members of the congregation to tell them to self-quarantine and get tested as they posed the highest transmission risk, said Kim.

Authorities have warned of a looming crisis if new outbreaks cannot be controlled, with the health system in danger of being swamped and the risk of serious economic damage.

"If the spread ... is not contained this week, it can not only halt the daily routine of the metropolitan area, with a 25 million population, but also put the safety of the elderly and the weak at risk," KCDC deputy director Kwon Jun-wook told a briefing.

Another cluster has been traced to a Starbucks Corp outlet outside Seoul with seven new cases taking the tally there to 49.

Two new cases were reported in the military, bringing the total number of infections on bases to 88, the defence ministry said.

Some 461 military personnel were in quarantine, and all troops have been confined to base, with leave cancelled and visits halted for the rest of August.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun convened an emergency meeting to discuss extending curbs nationwide.

The Seoul metropolitan area is under phase 2 restrictions, limiting indoor gatherings to fewer than 50 people and outdoor gatherings to no more than 100, and with spectators banned from sports.

Health authorities had categorized social distancing rules in three stages - stage 1 being the least intense and stage 3 the toughest, where schools are shut, businesses are advised to work from home and gatherings limited to 10 people.

Kwon said the effort was at a "grave crossroads".

"If not controlled and restrained at this level, we can't avoid an upgraded phase 3 social distancing," he said.

South Korea reported a three-digit increase in novel coronavirus cases for a fifth day on Tuesday as authorities scrambled to trace hundreds of members of a church congregation, and the military locked down bases to stop the spread of the virus.

South Korea reported a three-digit increase in novel coronavirus cases for a fifth day on Tuesday as authorities scrambled to trace hundreds of members of a church congregation, and the military locked down bases to stop the spread of the virus. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 246 new cases as of midnight on Monday, two days after the reimposition of stricter social-distancing curbs in the Seoul metropolitan area. South Korea has been one of the world's coronavirus mitigation success stories but it has suffered repeated spikes in infections and its total number of cases is 15,761, with 306 deaths. Also read: US, South Korea begin joint military drills after virus delay At least 457 infections had been linked to the Sarang Jeil Church, 10 of whom were confirmed to have attended anti-government demonstrations over the past two weekends in Seoul, Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip told a briefing. The authorities were trying to trace hundreds more members of the congregation to tell them to self-quarantine and get tested as they posed the highest transmission risk, said Kim. Authorities have warned of a looming crisis if new outbreaks cannot be controlled, with the health system in danger of being swamped and the risk of serious economic damage. "If the spread ... is not contained this week, it can not only halt the daily routine of the metropolitan area, with a 25 million population, but also put the safety of the elderly and the weak at risk," KCDC deputy director Kwon Jun-wook told a briefing. Another cluster has been traced to a Starbucks Corp outlet outside Seoul with seven new cases taking the tally there to 49. Two new cases were reported in the military, bringing the total number of infections on bases to 88, the defence ministry said. Some 461 military personnel were in quarantine, and all troops have been confined to base, with leave cancelled and visits halted for the rest of August. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun convened an emergency meeting to discuss extending curbs nationwide. The Seoul metropolitan area is under phase 2 restrictions, limiting indoor gatherings to fewer than 50 people and outdoor gatherings to no more than 100, and with spectators banned from sports. Health authorities had categorized social distancing rules in three stages - stage 1 being the least intense and stage 3 the toughest, where schools are shut, businesses are advised to work from home and gatherings limited to 10 people. Kwon said the effort was at a "grave crossroads". "If not controlled and restrained at this level, we can't avoid an upgraded phase 3 social distancing," he said.

South Korea traces church members, confines troops to base as virus spreads

Lebanese President Michel Aoun dismissed as "impossible" the chance that a vast explosion in Beirut's port this month was caused by a blast from a deposit of Hezbollah arms, but said that all possibilities would be investigated.

Lebanese authorities are probing what caused massive amounts of ammonium nitrate warehoused unsafely for years at the port to denotate in a mushroom cloud on August&nbsp;4, killing 178 people, injuring 6,000 and destroying swathes of the city.

Aoun, an ally of the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, said in an interview published on Tuesday that the group did not store weapons at the port, echoing comments by Hezbollah's leader earlier this month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hard-on-the-eyes-beirut-blast-leaves-many-half-blinded-321390">Hard on the eyes: Beirut blast leaves many half-blinded</a>

"Impossible, but serious events like these light up spirits and imagination," Aoun said when asked about people advancing the hypothesis, but added that "even this lead will be investigated".

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has denied accusations that his heavily armed movement had weaponry warehoused at Beirut port.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-images-capture-beirut-before-vs-after-devastating-blast-318562">Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast</a>

He has said that the group would wait for results of the investigation but if it turns out to be an act of sabotage by Israel then it would "pay an equal price".

Hezbollah, which exercises sway over government in Lebanon, has fought several wars with Israel and is classified by the United States as a terrorist group.&nbsp;Israel has denied any involvement in the blast.

Aoun has said the probe is looking into whether neglect, an accident or "external interference" caused the blast.

"Although it seems that (it) has been an accident, I want to avoid being accused of not having listened to every voice," Aoun told the Italian daily.

He said that many people claimed seeing airplanes fly by the port just before the blast and, although "not very credible", they should be listened to.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun dismissed as "impossible" the chance that a vast explosion in Beirut's port this month was caused by a blast from a deposit of Hezbollah arms, but said that all possibilities would be investigated.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun dismissed as "impossible" the chance that a vast explosion in Beirut's port this month was caused by a blast from a deposit of Hezbollah arms, but said that all possibilities would be investigated. Lebanese authorities are probing what caused massive amounts of ammonium nitrate warehoused unsafely for years at the port to denotate in a mushroom cloud on August 4, killing 178 people, injuring 6,000 and destroying swathes of the city. Aoun, an ally of the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, said in an interview published on Tuesday that the group did not store weapons at the port, echoing comments by Hezbollah's leader earlier this month. Also read: Hard on the eyes: Beirut blast leaves many half-blinded "Impossible, but serious events like these light up spirits and imagination," Aoun said when asked about people advancing the hypothesis, but added that "even this lead will be investigated". Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has denied accusations that his heavily armed movement had weaponry warehoused at Beirut port. Also see: Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast He has said that the group would wait for results of the investigation but if it turns out to be an act of sabotage by Israel then it would "pay an equal price". Hezbollah, which exercises sway over government in Lebanon, has fought several wars with Israel and is classified by the United States as a terrorist group. Israel has denied any involvement in the blast. Aoun has said the probe is looking into whether neglect, an accident or "external interference" caused the blast. "Although it seems that (it) has been an accident, I want to avoid being accused of not having listened to every voice," Aoun told the Italian daily. He said that many people claimed seeing airplanes fly by the port just before the blast and, although "not very credible", they should be listened to.

Lebanese president says 'impossible' that Hezbollah behind Beirut blast

More than a dozen rockets struck the Afghan capital Tuesday, wounding at least 10 civilians as the country marked the 101st anniversary of its independence, the interior ministry said.

Fourteen rockets were fired from two vehicles in Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian said, adding that two suspects had been arrested.

"Most of these rockets have hit civilian houses in Kabul," Arian said.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, 10 civilians including four children and one woman have been wounded."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/start-of-afghan-talks-uncertain-as-prisoner-release-stalls-321326" hreflang="en">Start of Afghan talks uncertain as prisoner release stalls</a>

The rockets struck the capital after President Ashraf Ghani participated in an independence day ceremony at the presidential palace.

Witnesses said some of the rockets fell near the palace and the defence ministry in a heavily fortified area that also houses several embassies.

The rocket attack comes as the Afghan government and the Taliban are poised to begin peace talks.

Negotiations are set to start once Kabul completes the release of about 400 Taliban prisoners as approved last week by a traditional gathering of prominent Afghans.

Ghani's swearing-in ceremony on March 10 was interrupted by rocket fire near the palace. No serious injuries were reported at the time.

Afghanistan was never a part of Britain's empire but it became officially independent from British influence in August 1919.

More than a dozen rockets struck the Afghan capital Tuesday, wounding at least 10 civilians as the country marked the 101st anniversary of its independence, the interior ministry said.

More than a dozen rockets struck the Afghan capital Tuesday, wounding at least 10 civilians as the country marked the 101st anniversary of its independence, the interior ministry said. Fourteen rockets were fired from two vehicles in Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian said, adding that two suspects had been arrested. "Most of these rockets have hit civilian houses in Kabul," Arian said. "Unfortunately, 10 civilians including four children and one woman have been wounded." Also read: Start of Afghan talks uncertain as prisoner release stalls The rockets struck the capital after President Ashraf Ghani participated in an independence day ceremony at the presidential palace. Witnesses said some of the rockets fell near the palace and the defence ministry in a heavily fortified area that also houses several embassies. The rocket attack comes as the Afghan government and the Taliban are poised to begin peace talks. Negotiations are set to start once Kabul completes the release of about 400 Taliban prisoners as approved last week by a traditional gathering of prominent Afghans. Ghani's swearing-in ceremony on March 10 was interrupted by rocket fire near the palace. No serious injuries were reported at the time. Afghanistan was never a part of Britain's empire but it became officially independent from British influence in August 1919.

10 wounded as rockets hit Afghan capital on Independence Day

Nepal's COVID-19 tally has crossed 26,000-mark as 468 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country on Saturday, according to a senior health official.

The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) also confirmed in an update that three more COVID-19 related deaths were reported across the country, taking the number of fatalities to 102.

In the past 24 hours, Nepal has detected 468 new coronavirus cases, pushing the natinal tally to 26,019, said Dr Jageshwar Gautam, spokesperson for the MoHP.

Nepal has conducted 11,047 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests at various laboratories across the nation in the past 24 hours. So far, 505,660 COVID-19 tests have been done across the country, the official said.

As many as 124 people, who had earlier tested positive for the virus, have recovered and have been discharged from different health facilities.A total of 17,201 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the infection in Nepal.

As of Saturday afternoon, there were 8,193 active coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country, the health ministry said.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally has crossed 26,000-mark as 468 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country on Saturday, according to a senior health official. The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) also confirmed in an update that three more COVID-19 related deaths were reported across the country, taking the number of fatalities to 102.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally has crossed 26,000-mark as 468 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country on Saturday, according to a senior health official. The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) also confirmed in an update that three more COVID-19 related deaths were reported across the country, taking the number of fatalities to 102. In the past 24 hours, Nepal has detected 468 new coronavirus cases, pushing the natinal tally to 26,019, said Dr Jageshwar Gautam, spokesperson for the MoHP. Nepal has conducted 11,047 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests at various laboratories across the nation in the past 24 hours. So far, 505,660 COVID-19 tests have been done across the country, the official said. As many as 124 people, who had earlier tested positive for the virus, have recovered and have been discharged from different health facilities.A total of 17,201 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the infection in Nepal. As of Saturday afternoon, there were 8,193 active coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country, the health ministry said.

Nepal reports 468 new coronavirus cases; tally crosses 26,000

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa named two more relatives to a new government unveiled Wednesday, further consolidating his family's grip on power.

His brother Mahinda will lead the government, formed after their nationalist party's landslide win in a parliamentary election last week.

Gotabaya and Mahinda will control the key defence and finance portfolios, respectively, in the new 26-member cabinet.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-the-rajapaksa-dynasty-patriarch-terminator-mr-ten-percent-bodyguard-and-scion-318857">Meet the Rajapaksa dynasty: Patriarch, 'Terminator', 'Mr Ten Percent', 'bodyguard' and scion</a>

Their elder brother Chamal kept his place in the cabinet and was joined by Mahinda's eldest son, Namal, who was named sports minister.

The growing dynastic imprint was strengthened by one of their nephews, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, who joined the government as a state agriculture minister though he will not be in the cabinet.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, became president in November last year and named Mahinda, a 74-year-old former president, as prime minister.

Pursuing a nationalist agenda, their party has won a two-thirds majority in parliament, which allows them to change the constitution and tighten their hold on power.

The brothers want to scrap a 2015 constitutional amendment which transferred some executive powers from the president to the prime minister, along with independent institutions to run public services and the judiciary.

In the new cabinet, Mahinda was given three portfolios -- finance, culture and housing -- while their eldest brother Chamal, 77, was given irrigation, a powerful position in largely rural Sri Lanka.

Chamal was also made the state minister for defence, a non-cabinet position responsible for internal security and disaster management.

The swearing-in of ministers was carried out at the Temple of the Tooth, the holiest Buddhist shrine, in the presence of saffron-robed monks and other guests in Kandy, 115 kilometres (71 miles) east of Colombo.

The venue was carefully chosen to reinforce the Rajapaksa family's appeal to their majority Sinhala-Buddhist constituency.

The president took his oath after his November landslide in front of a pagoda built by a legendary Sinhala king known to have vanquished a rival from the minority Tamil community.

Mahinda was sworn in as Prime Minister on Sunday at the Kelaniya temple which Buddhists in Sri Lanka believe to have been visited by the Buddha himself.

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa named two more relatives to a new government unveiled Wednesday, further consolidating his family's grip on power. His brother Mahinda will lead the government, formed after their nationalist party's landslide win in a parliamentary election last week.

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa named two more relatives to a new government unveiled Wednesday, further consolidating his family's grip on power. His brother Mahinda will lead the government, formed after their nationalist party's landslide win in a parliamentary election last week. Gotabaya and Mahinda will control the key defence and finance portfolios, respectively, in the new 26-member cabinet. Also see: Meet the Rajapaksa dynasty: Patriarch, 'Terminator', 'Mr Ten Percent', 'bodyguard' and scion Their elder brother Chamal kept his place in the cabinet and was joined by Mahinda's eldest son, Namal, who was named sports minister. The growing dynastic imprint was strengthened by one of their nephews, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, who joined the government as a state agriculture minister though he will not be in the cabinet. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, became president in November last year and named Mahinda, a 74-year-old former president, as prime minister. Pursuing a nationalist agenda, their party has won a two-thirds majority in parliament, which allows them to change the constitution and tighten their hold on power. The brothers want to scrap a 2015 constitutional amendment which transferred some executive powers from the president to the prime minister, along with independent institutions to run public services and the judiciary. In the new cabinet, Mahinda was given three portfolios -- finance, culture and housing -- while their eldest brother Chamal, 77, was given irrigation, a powerful position in largely rural Sri Lanka. Chamal was also made the state minister for defence, a non-cabinet position responsible for internal security and disaster management. The swearing-in of ministers was carried out at the Temple of the Tooth, the holiest Buddhist shrine, in the presence of saffron-robed monks and other guests in Kandy, 115 kilometres (71 miles) east of Colombo. The venue was carefully chosen to reinforce the Rajapaksa family's appeal to their majority Sinhala-Buddhist constituency. The president took his oath after his November landslide in front of a pagoda built by a legendary Sinhala king known to have vanquished a rival from the minority Tamil community. Mahinda was sworn in as Prime Minister on Sunday at the Kelaniya temple which Buddhists in Sri Lanka believe to have been visited by the Buddha himself.

Sri Lanka president strengthens Rajapaksa dynasty in new government

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Turkey will not back down to threats of sanctions nor to incursions on its claimed territory in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is in a standoff with EU-member Greece over oil and gas exploration rights.

European Union foreign ministers on Friday said Ankara's actions were antagonistic and dangerous after a meeting requested by Athens.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-asks-turkey-to-not-conduct-research-in-greeces-waters-315060">US asks Turkey to not conduct research in Greece's waters</a>

Tensions between NATO members Greece and Turkey have risen in the past week after Turkey sent the Oruc Reis survey vessel, escorted by warships, to map out possible oil and gas drilling in territory over which both countries claim jurisdiction.

"We will never bow to banditry on our continental shelf. We will not back down against the language of sanctions and threats," Erdogan said in the northeastern city of Rize.

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>

The Oruc Reis, which is between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete, will continue work until August&nbsp;23, he added. The vessel has been shadowed by Greek frigates and on Wednesday warships from the two sides were involved in a mild collision.

EU foreign ministers met via video conference on Friday and said Turkey's naval movements would lead to a "heightened risk of dangerous incidents".

They said a deterioration in the relationship with Turkey was having far-reaching strategic consequences for the entire European Union, well beyond the eastern Mediterranean.

Relations between Greece and Turkey have long been fraught with tension. Disputes have ranged from boundaries of offshore continental shelves and airspace to the ethnically split island of Cyprus. In 1996 they almost went to war over ownership of uninhabited islets in the Aegean Sea.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Turkey will not back down to threats of sanctions nor to incursions on its claimed territory in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is in a standoff with EU-member Greece over oil and gas exploration rights.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Turkey will not back down to threats of sanctions nor to incursions on its claimed territory in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is in a standoff with EU-member Greece over oil and gas exploration rights. European Union foreign ministers on Friday said Ankara's actions were antagonistic and dangerous after a meeting requested by Athens. Also read: US asks Turkey to not conduct research in Greece's waters Tensions between NATO members Greece and Turkey have risen in the past week after Turkey sent the Oruc Reis survey vessel, escorted by warships, to map out possible oil and gas drilling in territory over which both countries claim jurisdiction. "We will never bow to banditry on our continental shelf. We will not back down against the language of sanctions and threats," Erdogan said in the northeastern city of Rize. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea The Oruc Reis, which is between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete, will continue work until August 23, he added. The vessel has been shadowed by Greek frigates and on Wednesday warships from the two sides were involved in a mild collision. EU foreign ministers met via video conference on Friday and said Turkey's naval movements would lead to a "heightened risk of dangerous incidents". They said a deterioration in the relationship with Turkey was having far-reaching strategic consequences for the entire European Union, well beyond the eastern Mediterranean. Relations between Greece and Turkey have long been fraught with tension. Disputes have ranged from boundaries of offshore continental shelves and airspace to the ethnically split island of Cyprus. In 1996 they almost went to war over ownership of uninhabited islets in the Aegean Sea.

Turkey 'will not back down' in east Mediterranean standoff, says Erdogan

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