<p advertzone="china_policiespolitics/article" data-v-7a575f0d="" data-v-f3a5427e="">Han Kuo-yu, the opposition candidate in this year’s Taiwanese presidential election, has been removed as mayor of the city of Kaohsiung following an unprecedented recall vote on Saturday.</p>

<p advertzone="china_policiespolitics/article" data-v-7a575f0d="" data-v-f3a5427e="">Han, 62, conceded defeat after more than 900,000 eligible voters backed his removal for being “unfit” for office</p>

<p advertzone="china_policiespolitics/article" data-v-7a575f0d="" data-v-f3a5427e="">He was the first Taiwanese official ever to be removed in this way, a result that will have a ripple effect on future elections.</p>

<p advertzone="china_policiespolitics/article" data-v-7a575f0d="" data-v-f3a5427e=""><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-will-provide-necessary-assistance-to-protesters-in-hong-kong-300913">Taiwan will provide 'necessary assistance' to protesters in Hong Kong</a></strong></p>

<p advertzone="china_policiespolitics/article" data-v-7a575f0d="" data-v-f3a5427e="">It was also a reflection of the growing resentment on the island towards mainland China after Beijing announced plans for a national security law in Hong Kong last month, analysts said.</p>

<p><iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/8134/scmp/web/china_policiespolitics/article/outstream1_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/8134/scmp/web/china_policiespolitics/article/outstream1_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>Expressing his deep regret and describing the recall motion as “unfair,” Han told his supporters outside the city government building that he had faced mounting criticism and mudslinging from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party ever since he took office late in 2018.</p>

<p advertzone="china_policiespolitics/article" data-v-7a575f0d="" data-v-f3a5427e="">“[The] government had mobilised all resources, including buying 90 per cent of the media time to attack me instead of focusing its efforts on administering the country,” Han said.</p>

<p advertzone="china_policiespolitics/article" data-v-7a575f0d="" data-v-f3a5427e="">He thanked the 890,000 or so Kaohsiung residents who voted for him as mayor in November 2018 and offered his blessings and hopes for a better future to the city and the public.</p>


Han Kuo-yu, the opposition candidate in this year’s Taiwanese presidential election, has been removed as mayor of the city of Kaohsiung following an unprecedented recall vote on Saturday.

Han Kuo-yu, the opposition candidate in this year’s Taiwanese presidential election, has been removed as mayor of the city of Kaohsiung following an unprecedented recall vote on Saturday. Han, 62, conceded defeat after more than 900,000 eligible voters backed his removal for being “unfit” for office He was the first Taiwanese official ever to be removed in this way, a result that will have a ripple effect on future elections. Also read: Taiwan will provide 'necessary assistance' to protesters in Hong Kong It was also a reflection of the growing resentment on the island towards mainland China after Beijing announced plans for a national security law in Hong Kong last month, analysts said. Expressing his deep regret and describing the recall motion as “unfair,” Han told his supporters outside the city government building that he had faced mounting criticism and mudslinging from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party ever since he took office late in 2018. “[The] government had mobilised all resources, including buying 90 per cent of the media time to attack me instead of focusing its efforts on administering the country,” Han said. He thanked the 890,000 or so Kaohsiung residents who voted for him as mayor in November 2018 and offered his blessings and hopes for a better future to the city and the public.

Taiwan: Populist mayor of Kaohsiung removed after heavy defeat in recall election

<p>British street artist Banksy&nbsp;has revealed new artwork inspired by the death of George Floyd, showing his support for the Black Lives Matter movement.</p>

<p>It features the scene of a vigil, in which a candle burns the American flag.</p>

<p>The street artist posted an image of it on his Instagram account, and wrote: "At first I thought I should just shut up and listen to black people about this issue. But why would I do that? It's not their problem, it's mine."</p>

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<p>He continued: "People of colour are being failed by the system. The white system. Like a broken pipe flooding the apartment of the people living downstairs. The faulty system is making their life a misery, but it's not their job to fix it. They can't - no one will let them in the apartment upstairs.''&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/street-artist-banksy-pays-tribute-to-uks-health-service-297136">Street artist Banksy pays tribute to UK's health service</a></strong></p>

<p>Banksy likened racism to a broken pipe flooding a downstairs apartment, and said the downstairs occupants would be entitled to break into the apartment upstairs to fix the problem.</p>

<p>"This is a white problem. And if white people don't fix it, someone will have to come upstairs and kick the door in."</p>

<p>The artwork appeared as thousands of people gathered in London and other cities around the world to protest the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, where a white police officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.</p>

<p>Last month, he showed a young boy choosing a nurse as the superhero he wants to play with over Batman and Spiderman, in a new artwork to encapsulate the gratitude Britons have felt toward the country's National Health Service during the coronavirus crisis.</p>


British street artist Banksy has revealed new artwork inspired by the death of George Floyd, showing his support for the Black Lives Matter movement. It features the scene of a vigil, in which a candle burns the American flag.

British street artist Banksy has revealed new artwork inspired by the death of George Floyd, showing his support for the Black Lives Matter movement. It features the scene of a vigil, in which a candle burns the American flag. The street artist posted an image of it on his Instagram account, and wrote: "At first I thought I should just shut up and listen to black people about this issue. But why would I do that? It's not their problem, it's mine." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Jun 6, 2020 at 3:30am PDT He continued: "People of colour are being failed by the system. The white system. Like a broken pipe flooding the apartment of the people living downstairs. The faulty system is making their life a misery, but it's not their job to fix it. They can't - no one will let them in the apartment upstairs.'' Also read: Street artist Banksy pays tribute to UK's health service Banksy likened racism to a broken pipe flooding a downstairs apartment, and said the downstairs occupants would be entitled to break into the apartment upstairs to fix the problem. "This is a white problem. And if white people don't fix it, someone will have to come upstairs and kick the door in." The artwork appeared as thousands of people gathered in London and other cities around the world to protest the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, where a white police officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Last month, he showed a young boy choosing a nurse as the superhero he wants to play with over Batman and Spiderman, in a new artwork to encapsulate the gratitude Britons have felt toward the country's National Health Service during the coronavirus crisis.

British street artist Banksy pays tribute to George Floyd with new artwork

<p>Four soldiers were killed and five others were injured after a helicopter crashed during a training exercise on Indonesia's Java island on Saturday, an army official said.</p>

<p>The men were in the middle of a flying lesson when the MI-17 helicopter crashed and caught fire in central Java province.</p>

<p>"The incident killed four crew members and injured five others," said Nefra Firdaus, Indonesian Army spokesman, in a statement.</p>

<p>The injured were evacuated and taken to hospital.&nbsp;The cause of the accident is still under investigation.</p>

<p>Firdaus said that prior to the accident the helicopter had undergone a pre-flight check and was found to be in good condition.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Four soldiers were killed and five others were injured after a helicopter crashed during a training exercise on Indonesia's Java island on Saturday, an army official said.

Four soldiers were killed and five others were injured after a helicopter crashed during a training exercise on Indonesia's Java island on Saturday, an army official said. The men were in the middle of a flying lesson when the MI-17 helicopter crashed and caught fire in central Java province. "The incident killed four crew members and injured five others," said Nefra Firdaus, Indonesian Army spokesman, in a statement. The injured were evacuated and taken to hospital. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Firdaus said that prior to the accident the helicopter had undergone a pre-flight check and was found to be in good condition.

Four soldiers killed in helicopter crash in Indonesia

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-threatens-to-quit-who-over-ideological-bias-303871">Brazil threatens to quit WHO over 'ideological bias'</a></p>

<p>Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull out of the WHO over "ideological bias," and criticized the World Health Organization for suspending clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19, a decision it reversed this week and threatened to follow in Trump's footsteps by quitting. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-threatens-to-quit-who-over-ideological-bias-303871">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-still-backs-one-country-two-systems-for-hong-kong-macron-to-xi-jinping-303833" hreflang="en">France still backs 'one country, two systems' for Hong Kong: Macron to Xi</a></p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron has told Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping he is following events in Hong Kong closely and continues to back the "one country, two systems" principle for Beijing's rule over the city. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-still-backs-one-country-two-systems-for-hong-kong-macron-to-xi-jinping-303833">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranians-must-be-prepared-to-live-with-virus-for-long-time-rouhani-303851">Iranians must be prepared to live with virus 'for long time': Rouhani</a></p>

<p>Iran President Hassan Rouhani warned that the country must be prepared to live with the novel coronavirus "for a long time", as the restrictions are gradually lifted. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranians-must-be-prepared-to-live-with-virus-for-long-time-rouhani-303851">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-orders-9500-us-troops-to-depart-from-germany-303873" hreflang="en">Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany</a></p>

<p>US President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;has ordered the US military to remove nearly 9,500 troops from Germany in a move likely to raise concerns in Europe about the US commitment to the region. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-orders-9500-us-troops-to-depart-from-germany-303873">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-completes-first-ever-systematic-monitoring-of-wild-giant-pandas-303847" hreflang="en">China completes first-ever systematic monitoring of wild giant pandas</a></p>

<p>China released its first-ever systematic data on wild pandas on Friday, as part of a pilot project to establish monitoring sites in wild panda habitats across the country to ensure the protection of the country's national treasure. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-completes-first-ever-systematic-monitoring-of-wild-giant-pandas-303847">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-2021-or-never-for-tokyo-confirms-senior-olympic-official-303844">It's 2021 or never for Tokyo, confirms senior Olympic official</a></p>

<p>High-ranking Olympic official Pierre-Olivier Beckers on Saturday made plain that the delayed Tokyo Olympics "will be held in 2021 or not at all". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-2021-or-never-for-tokyo-confirms-senior-olympic-official-303844">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/use-of-teargas-and-pepper-spray-will-accelerate-spread-of-covid-19-health-experts-warn-303863" hreflang="en">Teargas, pepper spray will accelerate spread of Covid-19, health experts warn</a></p>

<p>Health experts have warned that the use of&nbsp;teargas and pepper spray will accelerate the spread of coronavirus as mass demonstrations against police brutality rage on, raising concerns that police tactics could worsen a pandemic that has already taken a disproportionate toll on black and brown Americans. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/use-of-teargas-and-pepper-spray-will-accelerate-spread-of-covid-19-health-experts-warn-303863">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twenty-six-killed-in-attack-on-a-village-in-central-mali-303864" hreflang="en">Twenty-six killed in attack on a village in central Mali</a></p>

<p>Twenty-six people were killed in an attack on a village in central Mali, officials said Saturday, in the latest violence to hit the West African nation.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twenty-six-killed-in-attack-on-a-village-in-central-mali-303864">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-hydroxychloroquine-trial-for-covid-19-patients-terms-it-useless-303804" hreflang="en">Britain halts hydroxychloroquine trial for COVID-19 patients, terms it 'useless'</a></p>

<p>Scientists in UK have halted a major drug trial after they found that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, touted by US President Donald Trump as a potential "game changer" in the pandemic, was "useless" at treating COVID-19 patients. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-hydroxychloroquine-trial-for-covid-19-patients-terms-it-useless-303804">Read more</a></p>


Brazil threatens to quit WHO over 'ideological bias' Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull out of the WHO over "ideological bias," and criticized the World Health Organization for suspending clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19, a decision it reversed this week and threatened to follow in Trump's footsteps by quitting.

Brazil threatens to quit WHO over 'ideological bias' Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull out of the WHO over "ideological bias," and criticized the World Health Organization for suspending clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19, a decision it reversed this week and threatened to follow in Trump's footsteps by quitting. Read more France still backs 'one country, two systems' for Hong Kong: Macron to Xi French President Emmanuel Macron has told Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping he is following events in Hong Kong closely and continues to back the "one country, two systems" principle for Beijing's rule over the city. Read more Iranians must be prepared to live with virus 'for long time': Rouhani Iran President Hassan Rouhani warned that the country must be prepared to live with the novel coronavirus "for a long time", as the restrictions are gradually lifted. Read more Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany US President Donald Trump has ordered the US military to remove nearly 9,500 troops from Germany in a move likely to raise concerns in Europe about the US commitment to the region. Read more China completes first-ever systematic monitoring of wild giant pandas China released its first-ever systematic data on wild pandas on Friday, as part of a pilot project to establish monitoring sites in wild panda habitats across the country to ensure the protection of the country's national treasure. Read more It's 2021 or never for Tokyo, confirms senior Olympic official High-ranking Olympic official Pierre-Olivier Beckers on Saturday made plain that the delayed Tokyo Olympics "will be held in 2021 or not at all". Read more Teargas, pepper spray will accelerate spread of Covid-19, health experts warn Health experts have warned that the use of teargas and pepper spray will accelerate the spread of coronavirus as mass demonstrations against police brutality rage on, raising concerns that police tactics could worsen a pandemic that has already taken a disproportionate toll on black and brown Americans. Read more Twenty-six killed in attack on a village in central Mali Twenty-six people were killed in an attack on a village in central Mali, officials said Saturday, in the latest violence to hit the West African nation. Read more Britain halts hydroxychloroquine trial for COVID-19 patients, terms it 'useless' Scientists in UK have halted a major drug trial after they found that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, touted by US President Donald Trump as a potential "game changer" in the pandemic, was "useless" at treating COVID-19 patients. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Brazil threatens to quit WHO, France backs Hong Kong and more

<p>Astronomers believe they've discovered an Earth-like exoplanet orbiting a Sun-like star, about 3,000 light-years away.</p>

<p>The 'KOI-456.04', which is less than twice the Earth's size, orbits 'Kepler-160' at a distance similar to that between Earth and Sun and within the habitable zone.</p>

<p>The amount and type of light that 'KOI-456.04' receives from its star is similar to what Earth gets.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-confirm-existence-of-an-earth-size-exoplanet-303296">Astronomers confirm existence of an Earth-size exoplanet</a></strong></p>

<p>And it does so with a star-planet distance that could permit planetary surface temperatures conducive to life. The object was discovered by a team led by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen.</p>

<p>Its host star, called Kepler-160, actually emits visible light; the central stars of almost all other exoplanets, on the other hand, emit infrared radiation, are smaller and fainter than the sun and therefore belong to the class of red dwarf stars.</p>

<p>The Earth-like exoplanet is one of the worlds orbiting the star Kepler-160, which is about 3,000 lightyears from our star system. Unlike most of the stars that host roughly-Earth-sized exoplanets, scientists learned that Kepler-160 gives off light in the visible spectrum rather than infrared light — a crucial aspect, they believe, of being habitable.</p>


Astronomers believe they've discovered an Earth-like exoplanet orbiting a Sun-like star, about 3,000 light-years away. The 'KOI-456.04', which is less than twice the Earth's size, orbits 'Kepler-160' at a distance similar to that between Earth and Sun and within the habitable zone.

Astronomers believe they've discovered an Earth-like exoplanet orbiting a Sun-like star, about 3,000 light-years away. The 'KOI-456.04', which is less than twice the Earth's size, orbits 'Kepler-160' at a distance similar to that between Earth and Sun and within the habitable zone. The amount and type of light that 'KOI-456.04' receives from its star is similar to what Earth gets. Also read: Astronomers confirm existence of an Earth-size exoplanet And it does so with a star-planet distance that could permit planetary surface temperatures conducive to life. The object was discovered by a team led by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen. Its host star, called Kepler-160, actually emits visible light; the central stars of almost all other exoplanets, on the other hand, emit infrared radiation, are smaller and fainter than the sun and therefore belong to the class of red dwarf stars. The Earth-like exoplanet is one of the worlds orbiting the star Kepler-160, which is about 3,000 lightyears from our star system. Unlike most of the stars that host roughly-Earth-sized exoplanets, scientists learned that Kepler-160 gives off light in the visible spectrum rather than infrared light — a crucial aspect, they believe, of being habitable.

Astronomers discover Earth and Sun's 'mirror image'

<p>Over 58 lakh migrants have been taken to their destinations by 4,286 Shramik special trains till now, said Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav on Saturday.</p>

<p>Yadav said, "We started the Shramik Special trains from 1 May. Till now 4,286 trains have been run and more than 58 lakh people have travelled so far," he said.</p>

<p>He said the main objective behind running special trains was to help labourers, who are our brothers and sisters, reach their destinations. Indian Railway and the State governments cooperated with each other in running these trains.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unable-to-manage-seats-in-shramik-special-train-man-buys-car-and-heads-home-302828">Unable to manage seats in Shramik Special train, man buys car and heads home</a></strong></p>

<p>"I have been seeing in the past 3-4 days that the demand for trains, which was 250 per day, is declining slowly. It first came down to 170 trains, then to 137 and in the last two days, 32 and 24 trains were run," he said.</p>

<p>"I have written to Chief Secretaries of the States on June 3, asking them to tell us their requirements. The requirement we got was for 171 trains. In the past two days, we have run 76 trains out of the 171 trains," Yadav said.</p>

<p>"Maximum requirement is from Kerala 66 trains, then Tamil Nadu, 26 trains. The other States require either two or five trains. The Indian Railways can run 100 trains in one day which is the requirement of the States. The States have some demand and they have given us some schedule," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/issue-being-politicised-bjp-says-no-death-in-shramik-trains-due-to-starvation-303203/amp">'Issue being politicised': BJP says no death in Shramik trains due to starvation</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
</ul>

<p>Speaking about making food arrangement for the travellers, Yadav said: "In coordination with the State governments, we made a protocol. Accordingly, groups of 1,400 to 1,500 migrants who were going in one direction were formed. Food was arranged for them free of cost."When asked about the number of babies born on special trains, Yadav said: "As many as 36 babies were born. Our doctors, nurses and workers handled medical emergencies properly," he added.</p>


Over 58 lakh migrants have been taken to their destinations by 4,286 Shramik special trains till now, said Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav on Saturday. Yadav said, "We started the Shramik Special trains from 1 May.

Over 58 lakh migrants have been taken to their destinations by 4,286 Shramik special trains till now, said Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav on Saturday. Yadav said, "We started the Shramik Special trains from 1 May. Till now 4,286 trains have been run and more than 58 lakh people have travelled so far," he said. He said the main objective behind running special trains was to help labourers, who are our brothers and sisters, reach their destinations. Indian Railway and the State governments cooperated with each other in running these trains. Also read: Unable to manage seats in Shramik Special train, man buys car and heads home "I have been seeing in the past 3-4 days that the demand for trains, which was 250 per day, is declining slowly. It first came down to 170 trains, then to 137 and in the last two days, 32 and 24 trains were run," he said. "I have written to Chief Secretaries of the States on June 3, asking them to tell us their requirements. The requirement we got was for 171 trains. In the past two days, we have run 76 trains out of the 171 trains," Yadav said. "Maximum requirement is from Kerala 66 trains, then Tamil Nadu, 26 trains. The other States require either two or five trains. The Indian Railways can run 100 trains in one day which is the requirement of the States. The States have some demand and they have given us some schedule," he said. Also read: 'Issue being politicised': BJP says no death in Shramik trains due to starvation Speaking about making food arrangement for the travellers, Yadav said: "In coordination with the State governments, we made a protocol. Accordingly, groups of 1,400 to 1,500 migrants who were going in one direction were formed. Food was arranged for them free of cost."When asked about the number of babies born on special trains, Yadav said: "As many as 36 babies were born. Our doctors, nurses and workers handled medical emergencies properly," he added.

Shramik Special trains have carried over 58 lakh migrants: Railway Board Chairman

<p>US President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;has ordered the US military to remove nearly 9,500 troops from Germany in a move likely to raise concerns in Europe about the US commitment to the region.</p>

<p>The move would reduce US troop numbers in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;to 25,000, compared with the 34,500 currently there, a senior US official said.</p>

<p>The official said the move was the result of months of work by America’s top military officer, General Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, and had nothing to do with tensions between Trump and the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, who&nbsp;thwarted Trump’s plan to host a G7 meeting this month.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modern-piracy-did-united-states-reroute-a-shipment-of-face-masks-headed-to-germany-291024">'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany?</a></strong></p>

<p>A second senior administration official said the 9,500 troops would be sent elsewhere: some to Poland, some to other allied countries, and the rest would return home. The official said there was less need for the large contingent in Germany because of overall increased defence spending by the US-led Nato military alliance.</p>

<p>The second official said the change was ordered in a memorandum signed recently by Trump’s national security adviser, Robert O’Brien. The official said the United States started working on the plan last September and had just now got the pieces in place.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-german-spies-plundered-global-secrets-via-swiss-encryption-firm-report-280146">US, German spies plundered global secrets via Swiss encryption firm: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The move is the latest twist in relations between Berlin and Washington, which have often been strained during Trump’s presidency. Trump has pressed Germany to raise defence spending and accused Berlin of being a captive of Russia due to its energy reliance.</p>

<p>About 17,000 US civilian employees support the US troops in Germany. It is believed the United States also has nuclear warheads there.</p>

<p>In May, the then US ambassador to Germany,&nbsp;Richard Grenell, accused Berlin of undermining Nato’s nuclear deterrent, taking aim at Merkel’s junior coalition partners after some of their leaders called for nuclear disarmament.</p>


US President Donald Trump has ordered the US military to remove nearly 9,500 troops from Germany in a move likely to raise concerns in Europe about the US commitment to the region.

US President Donald Trump has ordered the US military to remove nearly 9,500 troops from Germany in a move likely to raise concerns in Europe about the US commitment to the region. The move would reduce US troop numbers in Germany to 25,000, compared with the 34,500 currently there, a senior US official said. The official said the move was the result of months of work by America’s top military officer, General Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, and had nothing to do with tensions between Trump and the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, who thwarted Trump’s plan to host a G7 meeting this month. Also read: 'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany? A second senior administration official said the 9,500 troops would be sent elsewhere: some to Poland, some to other allied countries, and the rest would return home. The official said there was less need for the large contingent in Germany because of overall increased defence spending by the US-led Nato military alliance. The second official said the change was ordered in a memorandum signed recently by Trump’s national security adviser, Robert O’Brien. The official said the United States started working on the plan last September and had just now got the pieces in place. Also read: US, German spies plundered global secrets via Swiss encryption firm: Report The move is the latest twist in relations between Berlin and Washington, which have often been strained during Trump’s presidency. Trump has pressed Germany to raise defence spending and accused Berlin of being a captive of Russia due to its energy reliance. About 17,000 US civilian employees support the US troops in Germany. It is believed the United States also has nuclear warheads there. In May, the then US ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, accused Berlin of undermining Nato’s nuclear deterrent, taking aim at Merkel’s junior coalition partners after some of their leaders called for nuclear disarmament.

Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany

<p>Iraq's parliament on Saturday approved the remainder of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's cabinet, making Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismail oil minister and passing the candidates for six other government posts, lawmakers said.</p>

<p>Kadhimi became prime minister last month after five months of political deadlock after his predecessor Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned under pressure from mass anti-government protests.</p>

<p>Parliament had approved all but seven members of a cabinet of 22 portfolios. They passed the nominees for the oil, foreign, trade, culture, agriculture, justice and migration ministries on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opec-russia-meet-to-extend-record-oil-cuts-push-for-compliance-303827" hreflang="en">OPEC, Russia meet to extend record oil cuts, push for compliance</a></strong></p>

<p>Ismail is the chief of Iraq's Basra Oil Company, the state-run body that oversees oil production and exports operations in the OPEC member's southern oilfields.</p>

<p>His appointment comes as Iraq participates in OPEC+ talks to decide on an extension to oil production cuts amid the COVID-19 pandemic and low global oil prices.</p>

<p>Kadhimi, Iraq's former intelligence chief, is not backed by any particular party and seen as acceptable to both Iran and the United States, Iraq's two main allies.</p>

<p>His cabinet nominations were approved after backroom deals among Iraqi political parties and leaders.</p>

<p>Kadhimi's government faces a health crisis as coronavirus cases rise, an oil-dependent economy in dire straits, the attempted resurgence of Islamic State militants and U.S.-Iranian tension that brought the region to the brink of war earlier this year.</p>


Iraq's parliament on Saturday approved the remainder of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's cabinet, making Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismail oil minister and passing the candidates for six other government posts, lawmakers said.

Iraq's parliament on Saturday approved the remainder of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's cabinet, making Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismail oil minister and passing the candidates for six other government posts, lawmakers said. Kadhimi became prime minister last month after five months of political deadlock after his predecessor Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned under pressure from mass anti-government protests. Parliament had approved all but seven members of a cabinet of 22 portfolios. They passed the nominees for the oil, foreign, trade, culture, agriculture, justice and migration ministries on Saturday. Also read: OPEC, Russia meet to extend record oil cuts, push for compliance Ismail is the chief of Iraq's Basra Oil Company, the state-run body that oversees oil production and exports operations in the OPEC member's southern oilfields. His appointment comes as Iraq participates in OPEC+ talks to decide on an extension to oil production cuts amid the COVID-19 pandemic and low global oil prices. Kadhimi, Iraq's former intelligence chief, is not backed by any particular party and seen as acceptable to both Iran and the United States, Iraq's two main allies. His cabinet nominations were approved after backroom deals among Iraqi political parties and leaders. Kadhimi's government faces a health crisis as coronavirus cases rise, an oil-dependent economy in dire straits, the attempted resurgence of Islamic State militants and U.S.-Iranian tension that brought the region to the brink of war earlier this year.

Iraq's new government completed as remaining ministries filled

<p>Twenty-six people were killed in an attack on a village in central Mali, officials said Saturday, in the latest violence to hit the West African nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Friday's attack targeted a Fulani village named Binedama in the volatile Mopti region, said Aly Barry, an official from Tabital Pulaaku, a Fulani association in Mali. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Two other local officials confirmed the attack and the death toll to AFP.</p>


Twenty-six people were killed in an attack on a village in central Mali, officials said Saturday, in the latest violence to hit the West African nation. Friday's attack targeted a Fulani village named Binedama in the volatile Mopti region, said Aly Barry, an official from Tabital Pulaaku, a Fulani association in Mali.

Twenty-six people were killed in an attack on a village in central Mali, officials said Saturday, in the latest violence to hit the West African nation. Friday's attack targeted a Fulani village named Binedama in the volatile Mopti region, said Aly Barry, an official from Tabital Pulaaku, a Fulani association in Mali. Two other local officials confirmed the attack and the death toll to AFP.

Twenty-six killed in central Mali attack

<p>Afghanistan is running out of hospital beds as suspected cases of coronavirus surge, officials said on Saturday, warning "there is a disaster coming" in the impoverished country.</p>

<p>Afghan health authorities reported 761 new positive cases of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, taking the total number of confirmed infections to 19,551.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/kabul-denounces-pakistans-accusations-of-ttp-using-afghan-soil-to-destabilise-region-303818" hreflang="en">Kabul denounces Pakistan's accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region</a></strong></p>

<p>"Our (hospital) beds are almost full, we won't have any more capacity very soon," Health Minister Ahmad Jawad Osmani told reporters.</p>

<p>Officials said the number of cases were more than expected, including in the capital Kabul, the epicentre of the disease.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bomb-in-afghanistan-capital-targets-tv-bus-journalist-and-driver-killed-302045" hreflang="en">Bomb in Afghanistan capital targets TV bus; journalist and driver killed</a></strong></p>

<p>"There is a disaster coming," said Kabul governor Mohammad Yakub Haidary at a joint press conference with the health minister.</p>

<p>He said in Kabul alone there could be a million people infected with the deadly virus.</p>

<p>So far there have been&nbsp;327 confirmed deaths in the country.</p>

<p>"We have reports of increasing suspected deaths, people burying dead bodies at night," Haidary said.</p>

<p>"We fill 10-15 ambulances of dead people every day."</p>

<p>The virus's spread has surged amid a nationwide lockdown that residents have largely ignored, with many daily wage earners taking their chances with the disease rather than lose a day's work.</p>

<p>But the minister said that from Sunday the authorities will strictly impose measures like wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing for the next three months in order to curb the spread of the virus.</p>

<p>Experts say that Afghanistan is able to test only about 20 percent of its daily suspected coronavirus cases.</p>

<p>The International Rescue Committee (IRC) said in a statement Tuesday that "between 80 to 90 percent of potential cases are not being tested", citing figures provided to them by the health ministry which said between 10,000 and 20,000 samples were being received per day.</p>

<p>The charity warned that Afghanistan was on the brink of a health crisis after confirmed cases spiked by 684 percent in May.</p>

<p>Afghanistan has one of the highest rates of tests coming back positive -- about 40 percent -- the IRC said, indicating high levels of undetected infections.</p>

<p>The spike in cases came after Afghanistan grappled with rising violence in recent months that diverted vital attention and resources away from the fight against the disease.</p>

<p>The country's few hospitals focus mainly on basic care and trauma wounds and lack the expertise and equipment needed to deal with infectious diseases.</p>


Afghanistan is running out of hospital beds as suspected cases of coronavirus surge, officials said on Saturday, warning "there is a disaster coming" in the impoverished country.

Afghanistan is running out of hospital beds as suspected cases of coronavirus surge, officials said on Saturday, warning "there is a disaster coming" in the impoverished country. Afghan health authorities reported 761 new positive cases of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, taking the total number of confirmed infections to 19,551. Also read: Kabul denounces Pakistan's accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region "Our (hospital) beds are almost full, we won't have any more capacity very soon," Health Minister Ahmad Jawad Osmani told reporters. Officials said the number of cases were more than expected, including in the capital Kabul, the epicentre of the disease. Also read: Bomb in Afghanistan capital targets TV bus; journalist and driver killed "There is a disaster coming," said Kabul governor Mohammad Yakub Haidary at a joint press conference with the health minister. He said in Kabul alone there could be a million people infected with the deadly virus. So far there have been 327 confirmed deaths in the country. "We have reports of increasing suspected deaths, people burying dead bodies at night," Haidary said. "We fill 10-15 ambulances of dead people every day." The virus's spread has surged amid a nationwide lockdown that residents have largely ignored, with many daily wage earners taking their chances with the disease rather than lose a day's work. But the minister said that from Sunday the authorities will strictly impose measures like wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing for the next three months in order to curb the spread of the virus. Experts say that Afghanistan is able to test only about 20 percent of its daily suspected coronavirus cases. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) said in a statement Tuesday that "between 80 to 90 percent of potential cases are not being tested", citing figures provided to them by the health ministry which said between 10,000 and 20,000 samples were being received per day. The charity warned that Afghanistan was on the brink of a health crisis after confirmed cases spiked by 684 percent in May. Afghanistan has one of the highest rates of tests coming back positive -- about 40 percent -- the IRC said, indicating high levels of undetected infections. The spike in cases came after Afghanistan grappled with rising violence in recent months that diverted vital attention and resources away from the fight against the disease. The country's few hospitals focus mainly on basic care and trauma wounds and lack the expertise and equipment needed to deal with infectious diseases.

Afghanistan warns of 'disaster' as virus infections surge

<p>Health experts have warned that the use of&nbsp;teargas and pepper spray will accelerate the spread of coronavirus as mass demonstrations against police brutality rage on, raising concerns that police tactics could worsen a pandemic that has already taken a disproportionate toll on black and brown Americans.</p>

<p>Nearly 1,300 medical providers and public health experts have signed a petition this week calling for police to stop using the chemical agents, amid scenes of law enforcement officers launching plumes of chemical irritants and smoke to subdue demonstrators in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, New York and many other American cities.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-gears-up-for-major-protest-as-us-officials-move-to-rein-in-police-303848" hreflang="en">Washington gears up for major protest as US officials move to rein in police</a></strong></p>

<p>“In addressing demonstrations against white supremacy, our first statement must be one of unwavering support for those who would dismantle, uproot, or reform racist institutions,”&nbsp;the open letter reads. “Therefore, we propose the following guidelines to support public health.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="US protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab4a013-055b-49be-9cb9-f68d880a6213" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4737.jpg" /><br />
<em>A protester has her eyes washed after being exposed to teargas in Minneapolis|AFP</em></p>

<p>Public health experts and civil rights advocates have long advocated against the use of teargas, a chemical weapon that can be lethal, especially to the elderly and those with underlying conditions including asthma. Various international treaties and the Geneva Convention have banned its use&nbsp;in international warfare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials in some cities have agreed to curb its use. On Friday, Seattle’s mayor announced a 30-day moratorium on the use of teargas during protests after an outcry. California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, called for new statewide standards for law enforcement crowd control. And late on Friday night, a federal judge in Denver issued an order limiting the police department’s use of chemical weapons against peaceful protesters.</p>

<p>Because coronavirus spreads through droplets of mucus and spit that people launch into the air when they cough, sneeze, breathe and talk, teargas and other irritants that cause people to choke, hack and rip off their face masks will help the virus proliferate, according to Dr Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease physician who helped draft the petition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gas and pepper sprays also cause tears, saliva and mucus to stream from demonstrators’ eyes and noses, said Chin-Hong. “And it’ll cause people to shout and scream, propelling droplets of these fluids – which could be carrying coronavirus – and giving them superpowers, to spread much farther than six feet.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, these chemical agents can irritate the nose, mouth and lungs, causing inflammation that could weaken the body’s ability to resist infection, he said.&nbsp;</p>


Health experts have warned that the use of teargas and pepper spray will accelerate the spread of coronavirus as mass demonstrations against police brutality rage on, raising concerns that police tactics could worsen a pandemic that has already taken a disproportionate toll on black and brown Americans.

Health experts have warned that the use of teargas and pepper spray will accelerate the spread of coronavirus as mass demonstrations against police brutality rage on, raising concerns that police tactics could worsen a pandemic that has already taken a disproportionate toll on black and brown Americans. Nearly 1,300 medical providers and public health experts have signed a petition this week calling for police to stop using the chemical agents, amid scenes of law enforcement officers launching plumes of chemical irritants and smoke to subdue demonstrators in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, New York and many other American cities. Also read: Washington gears up for major protest as US officials move to rein in police “In addressing demonstrations against white supremacy, our first statement must be one of unwavering support for those who would dismantle, uproot, or reform racist institutions,” the open letter reads. “Therefore, we propose the following guidelines to support public health.” A protester has her eyes washed after being exposed to teargas in Minneapolis|AFP Public health experts and civil rights advocates have long advocated against the use of teargas, a chemical weapon that can be lethal, especially to the elderly and those with underlying conditions including asthma. Various international treaties and the Geneva Convention have banned its use in international warfare. Officials in some cities have agreed to curb its use. On Friday, Seattle’s mayor announced a 30-day moratorium on the use of teargas during protests after an outcry. California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, called for new statewide standards for law enforcement crowd control. And late on Friday night, a federal judge in Denver issued an order limiting the police department’s use of chemical weapons against peaceful protesters. Because coronavirus spreads through droplets of mucus and spit that people launch into the air when they cough, sneeze, breathe and talk, teargas and other irritants that cause people to choke, hack and rip off their face masks will help the virus proliferate, according to Dr Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease physician who helped draft the petition. Gas and pepper sprays also cause tears, saliva and mucus to stream from demonstrators’ eyes and noses, said Chin-Hong. “And it’ll cause people to shout and scream, propelling droplets of these fluids – which could be carrying coronavirus – and giving them superpowers, to spread much farther than six feet.” Moreover, these chemical agents can irritate the nose, mouth and lungs, causing inflammation that could weaken the body’s ability to resist infection, he said.

Use of teargas and pepper spray will accelerate spread of Covid-19, health experts warn

<p>Sri Lanka's virus-battered tourism industry can reopen for foreign guests from August but under strict guidelines, including multiple coronavirus tests during their stay, officials said Saturday.</p>

<p>Tourism was only just recovering from the effects of last year's Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners, when the virus halted international travel to the island and forced hotels to shut, leaving tens of thousands of people jobless.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-fears-new-virus-outbreak-after-funeral-breaks-curfew-302054" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka fears new virus outbreak after funeral breaks curfew</a></strong></p>

<p>Sri Lanka's tourism ministry said travellers will be able to visit from August 1, but they must carry a COVID-19 free certificate issued not earlier than 72 hours before boarding.</p>

<p>Even with this document, tourists will have to take a virus test at the airport upon arrival. A further check will be done four to five days later, and a third if staying for more than 10 days.</p>

<p>"While this may be inconvenient it is essential to safeguard everybody and provide peace of mind," the ministry said.</p>

<p>The regular visa fee of $40 has been increased to $100, visitors can only stay in hotels designated by the ministry, and are not allowed to use public transport on the island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition, only those who will spend a minimum of five days in Sri Lanka will be allowed in.</p>

<p>The country has reported 11 deaths and 1,801 infections since its first coronavirus patient was identified on January 27.</p>

<p>The number of visitors to Sri Lanka dropped to 1.91 million last year, down from 2.33 million in the previous year.</p>


Sri Lanka's virus-battered tourism industry can reopen for foreign guests from August but under strict guidelines, including multiple coronavirus tests during their stay, officials said Saturday.

Sri Lanka's virus-battered tourism industry can reopen for foreign guests from August but under strict guidelines, including multiple coronavirus tests during their stay, officials said Saturday. Tourism was only just recovering from the effects of last year's Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners, when the virus halted international travel to the island and forced hotels to shut, leaving tens of thousands of people jobless. Also read: Sri Lanka fears new virus outbreak after funeral breaks curfew Sri Lanka's tourism ministry said travellers will be able to visit from August 1, but they must carry a COVID-19 free certificate issued not earlier than 72 hours before boarding. Even with this document, tourists will have to take a virus test at the airport upon arrival. A further check will be done four to five days later, and a third if staying for more than 10 days. "While this may be inconvenient it is essential to safeguard everybody and provide peace of mind," the ministry said. The regular visa fee of $40 has been increased to $100, visitors can only stay in hotels designated by the ministry, and are not allowed to use public transport on the island. In addition, only those who will spend a minimum of five days in Sri Lanka will be allowed in. The country has reported 11 deaths and 1,801 infections since its first coronavirus patient was identified on January 27. The number of visitors to Sri Lanka dropped to 1.91 million last year, down from 2.33 million in the previous year.

Sri Lanka to reopen for tourism in August, with multiple coronavirus tests

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