Germany on Saturday described US President Donald Trump's decision to sever ties with the World Health Organization (WHO) as "disappointing" and a setback for global health.

Germany on Saturday described US President Donald Trump's decision to sever ties with the World Health Organization (WHO) as "disappointing" and a setback for global health. Health Minister Jens Spahn said the WHO "needs reform" if it is to "make any difference", something the EU must now take a lead in doing. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not attend an in-person summit of G7 leaders that US President Donald Trump has suggested he will host despite concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, a German government spokesman said Saturday. Leaders from the Group of Seven, which the United States heads this year, had been scheduled to meet by videoconference in late June after COVID-19 scuttled plans to gather in-person at Camp David, the US presidential retreat in the state of Maryland. Trump last week, however, indicated that he could hold the huge gathering after all, "primarily at the White House" but also potentially parts of it at Camp David. Merkel, a scientist by training, has declined. "As of today, considering the overall pandemic situation, she cannot agree to her personal participation, to a journey to Washington," the spokesman said, confirming an earlier report on the Politico website. "The federal chancellor thanks President Trump for his invitation to the G7 summit," he added.

Germany says Trump severing ties with WHO will harm global health

Germany's central and regional governments were at odds on Monday over when and how far to ease contact distancing rules, with allies of Chancellor Angela Merkel warning that scrapping them risks unleashing a new wave of coronavirus infections.

The row erupted after Bodo Ramelow, premier of the eastern state of Thuringia, said on Saturday he would scrap rules on mask-wearing and distancing, relying instead on local measures. The states set most rules affecting day-to-day life in Germany.

Though his proposal echoes federal government policy, which envisages gradually reopening the economy while responding fast to outbreaks with local lockdowns and contact-tracing, officials fear muddying the message could undermine public discipline.

"Under no circumstances should the impression be given that the pandemic is over," Health Minister Jens Spahn told Bild newspaper, saying a clear message on social distancing, hygiene and mask-wearing would make it harder for the virus to spread.

Numbers of new virus infections have fallen sharply over the past month. Shops, bars, restaurants, museums and churches have reopened, though many Germans continue to work from home and public transport is still less busy than usual.

Germany has also seen protests calling for a more rapid lifting of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

State-owned railway operator Deutsche Bahn said on Monday it would start increasing long-distance travel again, alerting passengers when their train was more than half full and letting them rebook onto a lower occupancy service.

A draft document by Helge Braun, head of Merkel's office, recommends that from June 6 private gatherings of up to 20 people could be held, wherever possible in the open air. Gatherings are currently limited to two households.

But authorities know they have to tread a fine line between reopening society and keeping Germans safe. In the central state of Hesse, a single church service on May 10 caused at least 107 new cases, they said.

Germany's central and regional governments were at odds on Monday over when and how far to ease contact distancing rules, with allies of Chancellor Angela Merkel warning that scrapping them risks unleashing a new wave of coronavirus infections.

Germany's central and regional governments were at odds on Monday over when and how far to ease contact distancing rules, with allies of Chancellor Angela Merkel warning that scrapping them risks unleashing a new wave of coronavirus infections. The row erupted after Bodo Ramelow, premier of the eastern state of Thuringia, said on Saturday he would scrap rules on mask-wearing and distancing, relying instead on local measures. The states set most rules affecting day-to-day life in Germany. Though his proposal echoes federal government policy, which envisages gradually reopening the economy while responding fast to outbreaks with local lockdowns and contact-tracing, officials fear muddying the message could undermine public discipline. "Under no circumstances should the impression be given that the pandemic is over," Health Minister Jens Spahn told Bild newspaper, saying a clear message on social distancing, hygiene and mask-wearing would make it harder for the virus to spread. Numbers of new virus infections have fallen sharply over the past month. Shops, bars, restaurants, museums and churches have reopened, though many Germans continue to work from home and public transport is still less busy than usual. Germany has also seen protests calling for a more rapid lifting of coronavirus lockdown restrictions. State-owned railway operator Deutsche Bahn said on Monday it would start increasing long-distance travel again, alerting passengers when their train was more than half full and letting them rebook onto a lower occupancy service. A draft document by Helge Braun, head of Merkel's office, recommends that from June 6 private gatherings of up to 20 people could be held, wherever possible in the open air. Gatherings are currently limited to two households. But authorities know they have to tread a fine line between reopening society and keeping Germans safe. In the central state of Hesse, a single church service on May 10 caused at least 107 new cases, they said.

Germany: Central and regional governments tussle over lifting lockdown

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said&nbsp;"no concrete fact" has emerged after German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Russian intelligence agencies of hacking her.

"Five years have passed. Not a single concrete fact has been provided," Russian foreign minister Lavrov said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-says-have-hard-evidence-on-russian-hackers-targeting-her-298466">Also Read:&nbsp;Merkel says have 'hard evidence' on Russian hackers targeting her</a>

German Chancellor Merkel had told the country's parliament earlier that her government has "hard evidence that Russian forces" were targeting her in hacking action while saying that it "pained her".

"They suddenly said in the Bundestag... that all of this is outrageous and it had been done by Russians," Lavrov said, adding that "there are no facts in relation to Russia".

"I can honestly say that it pains me. Every day I try to build a better relationship with Russia and on the other hand, there is such hard evidence that Russian forces are doing this," Merkel had told lawmakers, adding that it was "outrageous" spying attempts by Russia.

A German newspaper had earlier reported that Russian military intelligence had obtained information on Merkel during a hack on German parliament in 2015.

Merkel while lamenting on ties with Russia, stated that "this is not new", adding that it "doesn't make it easier to foster a better relationship with Moscow."

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said "no concrete fact" has emerged after German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Russian intelligence agencies of hacking her.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said "no concrete fact" has emerged after German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Russian intelligence agencies of hacking her. "Five years have passed. Not a single concrete fact has been provided," Russian foreign minister Lavrov said. Also Read: Merkel says have 'hard evidence' on Russian hackers targeting her German Chancellor Merkel had told the country's parliament earlier that her government has "hard evidence that Russian forces" were targeting her in hacking action while saying that it "pained her". "They suddenly said in the Bundestag... that all of this is outrageous and it had been done by Russians," Lavrov said, adding that "there are no facts in relation to Russia". "I can honestly say that it pains me. Every day I try to build a better relationship with Russia and on the other hand, there is such hard evidence that Russian forces are doing this," Merkel had told lawmakers, adding that it was "outrageous" spying attempts by Russia. A German newspaper had earlier reported that Russian military intelligence had obtained information on Merkel during a hack on German parliament in 2015. Merkel while lamenting on ties with Russia, stated that "this is not new", adding that it "doesn't make it easier to foster a better relationship with Moscow."

Not a single concrete fact has been provided: Russia on Merkel hacking row

The German government are set to allow football matches to take place after weeks of lockdown due to coronavirus lockdown. The matches will begin in May and will be played behind closed doors, according to the draft government agreement.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/halves-shorter-than-45-minutes-pfa-chief-gordon-taylor-hints-at-change-of-rules-as-premier-league-gears-up-for-return-296796" hreflang="en">Halves shorter than 45 minutes? PFA chief Gordon Taylor hints at change of rules as Premier League gears up for return</a>

According to Germany's top brass,&nbsp;restarting games for their first and second division will help "limit economic damage" for 36 clubs.&nbsp;

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Bundesliga is the top-flight league n German football followed by a second division league, both have 36 clubs and more than a dozen of them are on brink of bankruptcy. The league will earn nearly 300 million euros from TV contract if the season is allowed to complete.&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be setting a date for the football season to resume. The date will be announced after a telephone conference between the Chancellor and the State Premiers.

According to few media reports, the season could resume from May 21, and if it does, Bundesliga will become the first European football league to return into action.&nbsp;

The teams have returned to training since April 6 but the rules of social distancing are strictly followed.&nbsp;

"Restarting match activity must be preceded by a two-week quarantine, where appropriate in the form of a training camp" for players,"&nbsp;the document read.

The German government are set to allow football matches to take place after weeks of lockdown due to coronavirus lockdown. The matches will begin in May and will be played behind closed doors, according to the draft government agreement.

The German government are set to allow football matches to take place after weeks of lockdown due to coronavirus lockdown. The matches will begin in May and will be played behind closed doors, according to the draft government agreement. Also read: Halves shorter than 45 minutes? PFA chief Gordon Taylor hints at change of rules as Premier League gears up for return According to Germany's top brass, restarting games for their first and second division will help "limit economic damage" for 36 clubs. Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Turin after coronavirus lockdown Bundesliga is the top-flight league n German football followed by a second division league, both have 36 clubs and more than a dozen of them are on brink of bankruptcy. The league will earn nearly 300 million euros from TV contract if the season is allowed to complete. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be setting a date for the football season to resume. The date will be announced after a telephone conference between the Chancellor and the State Premiers. According to few media reports, the season could resume from May 21, and if it does, Bundesliga will become the first European football league to return into action. The teams have returned to training since April 6 but the rules of social distancing are strictly followed. "Restarting match activity must be preceded by a two-week quarantine, where appropriate in the form of a training camp" for players," the document read.

German Bundesliga set to resume in May to 'limit economic damage'

Germany has decided to open all shops and schools. Chancellor Angela Merkel has and states the government has agreed on a draft plan to ease lockdown. Watch report.

Germany plans to resume Bundesliga in May: Reopen shops and schools

As Germany looked to ease the coronavirus lockdown, Chancellor Merkel said it was important to "stay disciplined". Shops were allowed to receive customers again. However, Merkel is yet to decide on opening schools and starting the coveted German football league - the Bundesliga with the government set to decide next week.

Angela Merkel eases lockdown restrictions in Germany

World leaders on Friday pledged to speed up work on tests, drugs, and vaccines to treat novel coronavirus and share them with the rest of the countries, but the United States did not participate in the initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO).&nbsp;

The virtual conference aimed to accelerate the development of safe and effective drugs, tests, and vaccines to prevent, diagnose, and treat the virus and ensure equal access to treatments for rich and poor.&nbsp;

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"We are facing a common threat which we can only defeat with a common approach," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said as he opened the conference.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-france-due-to-coroanvirus-crosses-22200-hospitalizations-fall-294650">Death toll in France due to coroanvirus crosses 22,200; hospitalizations fall</a>

"Experience has told us that even when tools are available they have not been equally available to all. We cannot allow that to happen."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said for "global public good", the vaccine should be produced and distributed in all parts of the world.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron urged all G7 and G20 nations to back the initiative, adding "the fight against COVID-19 is a common human good and there should be no division in order to win this battle."

Earlier, US Mission in Geneva confirmed to Reuters that the country would not participate in the meet.&nbsp;

"Although the United States was not in attendance at the meeting in question, there should be no doubt about our continuing determination to lead on global health matters, including the current COVID crisis," a spokesperson of the mission said.&nbsp;

The US has been critical of WHO for its slow response to the pandemic and "China-centric" approach. US President Donald Trump, a few days ago, also froze the funding to the global health organization.&nbsp;

The virtual meet was attended by several nations from Asia, the Middle East, and Americas, but big countries like India, China, and Russia gave it a miss.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

World leaders on Friday pledged to speed up work on tests, drugs, and vaccines to treat novel coronavirus and share them with the rest of the countries, but the United States did not participate in the initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO).

World leaders on Friday pledged to speed up work on tests, drugs, and vaccines to treat novel coronavirus and share them with the rest of the countries, but the United States did not participate in the initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO). The virtual conference aimed to accelerate the development of safe and effective drugs, tests, and vaccines to prevent, diagnose, and treat the virus and ensure equal access to treatments for rich and poor. Also read | With over 50,000 fatalities, US witnesses lowest coronavirus death toll in three weeks "We are facing a common threat which we can only defeat with a common approach," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said as he opened the conference. Also read | Death toll in France due to coroanvirus crosses 22,200; hospitalizations fall "Experience has told us that even when tools are available they have not been equally available to all. We cannot allow that to happen." German Chancellor Angela Merkel said for "global public good", the vaccine should be produced and distributed in all parts of the world. French President Emmanuel Macron urged all G7 and G20 nations to back the initiative, adding "the fight against COVID-19 is a common human good and there should be no division in order to win this battle." Earlier, US Mission in Geneva confirmed to Reuters that the country would not participate in the meet. "Although the United States was not in attendance at the meeting in question, there should be no doubt about our continuing determination to lead on global health matters, including the current COVID crisis," a spokesperson of the mission said. The US has been critical of WHO for its slow response to the pandemic and "China-centric" approach. US President Donald Trump, a few days ago, also froze the funding to the global health organization. The virtual meet was attended by several nations from Asia, the Middle East, and Americas, but big countries like India, China, and Russia gave it a miss.

World leaders unite to accelerate COVID-19 tests, vaccine; US stays away from WHO initiative

Germany is moving towards a progressive lifting of restrictions linked to the coronavirus outbreak as new infections fall and the number of deaths remains far below its European neighbours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quarantine-measures-taken-according-to-law-says-china-amid-racism-row-against-africans-in-guangzhou-292296" hreflang="en">Quarantine measures taken according to law, says China amid racism row against Africans in Guangzhou</a>

The nation's Academy of Sciences Leopoldina recommended Monday a gradual relaxing of restrictions in stages if new infections stabilise at a low level and personal hygiene measures to avoid the spread of the coronavirus are maintained.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-united-kingdoms-johnson-recuperates-as-virus-lockdown-decision-looms-292302" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: United Kingdom's Johnson recuperates as virus lockdown decision looms</a>

The Academy's findings are to form the basis for a decision Wednesday by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of Germany's 16 regions about whether to extend restrictions imposed in mid-March that are set to expire on Sunday.

The latest figures by the Robert Koch public health institute indicate new infections are indeed slowing, dropping to 2,537 on Monday, taking the total to 123,016.

With 2,799 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, Germany is far behind other big European nations.

Over the weekend, Germany's Health Minister Jens Spahn had already cued up a phased easing of restrictions that may vary by region.

He did not specify which sectors in Europe's largest economy could first see loosened restrictions.

For its part, the Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, recommended reopening schools as soon as possible, starting with primary and middle schools, although most child care facilities should remain closed. The academy includes social scientists as well as medical researchers among its team of experts.&nbsp;

It recommended reopening shops and restaurants as long as social distancing measures are rigorously respected, and for government offices to get back to work.

The head of the Academy, Gerald Haug, said these measures could only go forward accompanied by an obligation to wear a face mask while riding in public transport to prevent a resurgence of infections.

"Every citizen should in the future have this type of protection for their mouth and nose and wear it each time social distancing measures can't be respected," he told the weekly Der Spiegel.

Germany is moving towards a progressive lifting of restrictions linked to the coronavirus outbreak as new infections fall and the number of deaths remains far below its European neighbours.

Germany is moving towards a progressive lifting of restrictions linked to the coronavirus outbreak as new infections fall and the number of deaths remains far below its European neighbours. Also read: Quarantine measures taken according to law, says China amid racism row against Africans in Guangzhou The nation's Academy of Sciences Leopoldina recommended Monday a gradual relaxing of restrictions in stages if new infections stabilise at a low level and personal hygiene measures to avoid the spread of the coronavirus are maintained. Also read: Coronavirus: United Kingdom's Johnson recuperates as virus lockdown decision looms The Academy's findings are to form the basis for a decision Wednesday by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of Germany's 16 regions about whether to extend restrictions imposed in mid-March that are set to expire on Sunday. The latest figures by the Robert Koch public health institute indicate new infections are indeed slowing, dropping to 2,537 on Monday, taking the total to 123,016. With 2,799 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, Germany is far behind other big European nations. Over the weekend, Germany's Health Minister Jens Spahn had already cued up a phased easing of restrictions that may vary by region. He did not specify which sectors in Europe's largest economy could first see loosened restrictions. For its part, the Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, recommended reopening schools as soon as possible, starting with primary and middle schools, although most child care facilities should remain closed. The academy includes social scientists as well as medical researchers among its team of experts. It recommended reopening shops and restaurants as long as social distancing measures are rigorously respected, and for government offices to get back to work. The head of the Academy, Gerald Haug, said these measures could only go forward accompanied by an obligation to wear a face mask while riding in public transport to prevent a resurgence of infections. "Every citizen should in the future have this type of protection for their mouth and nose and wear it each time social distancing measures can't be respected," he told the weekly Der Spiegel.

Coronavirus: Germany moving towards gradual reopening as virus cases drops

Two European Commissioners urged Germany on Monday to agree to the European Union issuing joint debt to fight the coronavirus crisis, as wealthy northern nations remain reluctant to back so-called coronabonds.

"Like the European Central Bank in the monetary and financial sphere, the member states must now prove their joint decisive and innovative spirit," internal market commissioner Thierry Breton and economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni wrote in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) daily.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-proposes-sure-plan-worth-eu100-billion-to-save-jobs-amid-coronavirus-crisis-290430">EU proposes 'Sure plan' worth €100 billion to save jobs amid coronavirus crisis</a>

That could take the shape of "a European fund whose explicit function would make possible issuing long-term bonds," Breton and Gentiloni suggested.

"Strictly limited to collective investments for industrial revitalisation in the context of the current crisis," the instrument would be proof of "unshakeable solidarity" among EU nations, they argued.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-germany-is-winning-battle-against-the-coronavirus-outbreak-289784">How Germany is winning battle against the coronavirus outbreak</a>

A group of states including southern European heavyweights Italy, France and Spain have been imploring northerners like Germany, Austria and the Netherlands for common debt facilities to cushion the economic impact of the virus.

But conservative politicians in the north fear the plans would mean the eventual mutualisation of all sovereign debts and their taxpayers footing the bill for supposed southern profligacy.

Finance ministers from the 19 euro single currency member states will meet Tuesday to again seek a solution to the deadlock.

Germany's Olaf Scholz on Friday proposed a three-pronged scheme including cheap loans from the financial crisis-era European Stability Mechanism (ESM), cash from the European Investment Bank and an EU-wide unemployment reinsurance scheme, skirting the issue of joint debt.

And EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday promised a post-crisis "Marshall Plan" for the bloc funded through its existing joint budget, whose next seven-year period runs from 2021-27.

Two European Commissioners urged Germany on Monday to agree to the European Union issuing joint debt to fight the coronavirus crisis, as wealthy northern nations remain reluctant to back so-called coronabonds.

Two European Commissioners urged Germany on Monday to agree to the European Union issuing joint debt to fight the coronavirus crisis, as wealthy northern nations remain reluctant to back so-called coronabonds. "Like the European Central Bank in the monetary and financial sphere, the member states must now prove their joint decisive and innovative spirit," internal market commissioner Thierry Breton and economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni wrote in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) daily. Also read: EU proposes 'Sure plan' worth €100 billion to save jobs amid coronavirus crisis That could take the shape of "a European fund whose explicit function would make possible issuing long-term bonds," Breton and Gentiloni suggested. "Strictly limited to collective investments for industrial revitalisation in the context of the current crisis," the instrument would be proof of "unshakeable solidarity" among EU nations, they argued. Also read: How Germany is winning battle against the coronavirus outbreak A group of states including southern European heavyweights Italy, France and Spain have been imploring northerners like Germany, Austria and the Netherlands for common debt facilities to cushion the economic impact of the virus. But conservative politicians in the north fear the plans would mean the eventual mutualisation of all sovereign debts and their taxpayers footing the bill for supposed southern profligacy. Finance ministers from the 19 euro single currency member states will meet Tuesday to again seek a solution to the deadlock. Germany's Olaf Scholz on Friday proposed a three-pronged scheme including cheap loans from the financial crisis-era European Stability Mechanism (ESM), cash from the European Investment Bank and an EU-wide unemployment reinsurance scheme, skirting the issue of joint debt. And EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday promised a post-crisis "Marshall Plan" for the bloc funded through its existing joint budget, whose next seven-year period runs from 2021-27.

European commissioners prod Germany over 'coronabonds'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday in which the two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of international collaboration to fight the health crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-launches-aarogyasetu-app-to-assess-alert-people-about-coronavirus-patient-290210" hreflang="en">India launches 'AarogyaSetu' app to assess, alert people about coronavirus patient</a>

A PMO release said that the two leaders discussed the situation in their respective countries relating to COVID 19 and shared views on inadequate availability of medicines and medical equipment required during the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/international-flights-resumption-after-april-15-subject-to-from-where-they-are-coming-aviation-minister-290166" hreflang="en">International flights resumption after April 15 subject to from where they are coming: Aviation minister</a>

They agreed to explore avenues of cooperation in this regard. The German Chancellor agreed with Prime Minister that the COVID-19 pandemic is an important turning point in modern history, and offers an opportunity to forge a new vision of globalisation focused on the shared interests of humanity as a whole.

The Prime Minister informed the German leader about recent Indian initiatives to disseminate simple yoga exercises and immunity-enhancing Ayurvedic remedies for people of the world.

The Chancellor agreed that such practices could be very beneficial for enhancing psychological and physical health, especially under the present lockdown conditions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday in which the two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of international collaboration to fight the health crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday in which the two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of international collaboration to fight the health crisis. Also read: India launches 'AarogyaSetu' app to assess, alert people about coronavirus patient A PMO release said that the two leaders discussed the situation in their respective countries relating to COVID 19 and shared views on inadequate availability of medicines and medical equipment required during the pandemic. Also read: International flights resumption after April 15 subject to from where they are coming: Aviation minister They agreed to explore avenues of cooperation in this regard. The German Chancellor agreed with Prime Minister that the COVID-19 pandemic is an important turning point in modern history, and offers an opportunity to forge a new vision of globalisation focused on the shared interests of humanity as a whole. The Prime Minister informed the German leader about recent Indian initiatives to disseminate simple yoga exercises and immunity-enhancing Ayurvedic remedies for people of the world. The Chancellor agreed that such practices could be very beneficial for enhancing psychological and physical health, especially under the present lockdown conditions.

PM Modi, German Chancellor discuss COVID-19 situation, inadequate availability of medicines

Measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak will slash the German 2020 economic output by 2.8 to 5.4 per cent before a rebound next year, a panel of economists who advise the government said Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-since-world-war-ii-has-germany-faced-such-a-challenge-chancellor-merkel-on-coronavirus-pandemic-287272">Not since World War-II has Germany faced such a challenge: Chancellor Merkel on coronavirus pandemic</a>

"The German economy will shrink significantly in 2020," the so-called "Wise Men" expert panel (SVR) said, with the exact size of the impact "depending on the extent and duration of health policy measures and the subsequent recovery".

Like other economists around the world, the group sketched different scenarios for the virus' impact on Europe's top economy depending on whether it follows a "V" shape, with a sharp drop matched by a swift recovery, or a more prolonged "U" in which the rebound takes longer to materialise.

Germany's 83 million people are currently under slightly less strict lockdown conditions than in other European nations like France and Italy, with non-essential excursions outside mostly still allowed.

But companies from airline giant Lufthansa to car behemoth Volkswagen have already slashed their operations in response.

'V' or 'U'?&nbsp;

In their central outlook with activity "normalising over the summer", the SVR forecast a 2.8 per cent drop in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020, followed by a 3.7 per cent expansion next year.

But a deeper "V" due to widespread halts in production or a longer period of isolation to slow the virus' spread could bring a 5.4 per cent slump, followed by growth of 4.9 per cent in 2021.

In the still-more-damaging "U" scenario, with contact restrictions lasting "beyond the summer" and economic recovery setting in only next year, GDP might fall 4.5 per cent in 2020, but add just 1.0 percent next year, the experts suggested.

SVR member Achim Trueger urged Berlin to coordinate with governments elsewhere in Europe and further afield on both health and economic measures to lay the groundwork for the recovery in Germany's highly-interconnected economy.

"It's not much good if one country, hopefully Germany, comes through the crisis relatively well, but around us the crisis is not yet over, then we won't be able to ramp up production," Trueger said.

The SVR members hailed as &nbsp;"welcome" a 1.1-trillion-euro package of economic support from Berlin including easier access to benefits for workers on shorter hours, guarantees for loans to business and direct support for firms hardest hit by the crisis -- up to and including the state taking stakes in stricken companies.

In the weeks ahead, "optimum use should be made of the time during which the public health measures are in place in order to support the recovery and long-term economic development," the experts added.

That could range from training and further education for workers to making faster progress on construction projects in areas affected by shutdowns, like schools and public transport.

"Further, the restrictions make fast progress on digitalisation imperative for businesses and public administration," the economists said -- with integrating IT into daily work, an area where Germany is widely seen as lagging behind.

 
&nbsp;

Measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak will slash the German 2020 economic output by 2.8 to 5.4 per cent before a rebound next year, a panel of economists who advise the government said Monday.

Measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak will slash the German 2020 economic output by 2.8 to 5.4 per cent before a rebound next year, a panel of economists who advise the government said Monday. Also read | Not since World War-II has Germany faced such a challenge: Chancellor Merkel on coronavirus pandemic "The German economy will shrink significantly in 2020," the so-called "Wise Men" expert panel (SVR) said, with the exact size of the impact "depending on the extent and duration of health policy measures and the subsequent recovery". Like other economists around the world, the group sketched different scenarios for the virus' impact on Europe's top economy depending on whether it follows a "V" shape, with a sharp drop matched by a swift recovery, or a more prolonged "U" in which the rebound takes longer to materialise. Germany's 83 million people are currently under slightly less strict lockdown conditions than in other European nations like France and Italy, with non-essential excursions outside mostly still allowed. But companies from airline giant Lufthansa to car behemoth Volkswagen have already slashed their operations in response. 'V' or 'U'? In their central outlook with activity "normalising over the summer", the SVR forecast a 2.8 per cent drop in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020, followed by a 3.7 per cent expansion next year. But a deeper "V" due to widespread halts in production or a longer period of isolation to slow the virus' spread could bring a 5.4 per cent slump, followed by growth of 4.9 per cent in 2021. In the still-more-damaging "U" scenario, with contact restrictions lasting "beyond the summer" and economic recovery setting in only next year, GDP might fall 4.5 per cent in 2020, but add just 1.0 percent next year, the experts suggested. SVR member Achim Trueger urged Berlin to coordinate with governments elsewhere in Europe and further afield on both health and economic measures to lay the groundwork for the recovery in Germany's highly-interconnected economy. "It's not much good if one country, hopefully Germany, comes through the crisis relatively well, but around us the crisis is not yet over, then we won't be able to ramp up production," Trueger said. The SVR members hailed as "welcome" a 1.1-trillion-euro package of economic support from Berlin including easier access to benefits for workers on shorter hours, guarantees for loans to business and direct support for firms hardest hit by the crisis -- up to and including the state taking stakes in stricken companies. In the weeks ahead, "optimum use should be made of the time during which the public health measures are in place in order to support the recovery and long-term economic development," the experts added. That could range from training and further education for workers to making faster progress on construction projects in areas affected by shutdowns, like schools and public transport. "Further, the restrictions make fast progress on digitalisation imperative for businesses and public administration," the economists said -- with integrating IT into daily work, an area where Germany is widely seen as lagging behind.

German economy set for 'significant' recession: Economists

The Wuhan Coronavirus has claimed more than 15,000 lives. The 2020 Olympics could be postponed given the unfolding crisis. WION's Palki Sharma tells you the top 10 global developments for Monday.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus, Top 10 global updates for March 23

Angela Merkel is "doing well" in self-imposed quarantine and awaiting the results of her coronavirus test, her spokesman said Monday, as the veteran chancellor joined millions of Germans in working from home.

Merkel decided to self-isolate as a precaution after learning on Sunday that a doctor who vaccinated her last Friday was infected with the novel coronavirus.

"The chancellor is doing well," her spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters.

Dialling in from her Berlin flat, Merkel, 65, led a cabinet meeting that decided on a major rescue package for virus-stricken companies and employees in Europe's top economy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-angela-merkel-in-self-quarantine-after-meeting-virus-infected-doctor-287953" hreflang="en">German Chancellor Angela Merkel in self-quarantine after meeting virus-infected doctor</a>

"She was tested today and now we are waiting for the results, and we'll see what comes out of that," Seibert said, adding that any next steps would be guided by advice from doctors and Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI) disease control agency.

Seibert thanked everyone on Merkel's behalf for "the many, many well wishes and messages for the chancellor to stay healthy".

The spokesman declined to say whether Merkel's chemistry professor husband Joachim Sauer was quarantining with her, saying he would not share information about family members.

Asked if he himself, as a close Merkel staffer, should self-isolate, Seibert said he last met with the chancellor on Sunday afternoon but had stuck to the advice of keeping a safe physical distance from people.

News that Merkel was going into quarantine came shortly after she gave a press conference in Berlin where she showed no symptoms of ill health.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/germany-amid-coronavirus-fear-minister-rejects-handshake-with-chancellor-angela-merkel-284213" hreflang="en">Germany: Amid coronavirus fear, minister rejects handshake with Chancellor Angela Merkel</a>

She used the press conference to announce fresh curbs on social interactions to contain a pandemic that has infected over 22,600 people in Germany and killed 86.

The latest measures include a ban on gatherings of more than two people, on top of last week's closures of schools, non-essential shops, bars and restaurants.

The head of the RKI, Lothar Wieler, on Monday said he was "optimistic" that the restrictions were paying off, noting that the outbreak's "exponential growth curve had started to flatten a bit".

He expected to have a clearer view of the trend by Wednesday.

Angela Merkel is "doing well" in self-imposed quarantine and awaiting the results of her coronavirus test, her spokesman said Monday, as the veteran chancellor joined millions of Germans in working from home.

Angela Merkel is "doing well" in self-imposed quarantine and awaiting the results of her coronavirus test, her spokesman said Monday, as the veteran chancellor joined millions of Germans in working from home. Merkel decided to self-isolate as a precaution after learning on Sunday that a doctor who vaccinated her last Friday was infected with the novel coronavirus. "The chancellor is doing well," her spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters. Dialling in from her Berlin flat, Merkel, 65, led a cabinet meeting that decided on a major rescue package for virus-stricken companies and employees in Europe's top economy. Also read: German Chancellor Angela Merkel in self-quarantine after meeting virus-infected doctor "She was tested today and now we are waiting for the results, and we'll see what comes out of that," Seibert said, adding that any next steps would be guided by advice from doctors and Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI) disease control agency. Seibert thanked everyone on Merkel's behalf for "the many, many well wishes and messages for the chancellor to stay healthy". The spokesman declined to say whether Merkel's chemistry professor husband Joachim Sauer was quarantining with her, saying he would not share information about family members. Asked if he himself, as a close Merkel staffer, should self-isolate, Seibert said he last met with the chancellor on Sunday afternoon but had stuck to the advice of keeping a safe physical distance from people. News that Merkel was going into quarantine came shortly after she gave a press conference in Berlin where she showed no symptoms of ill health. Also read: Germany: Amid coronavirus fear, minister rejects handshake with Chancellor Angela Merkel She used the press conference to announce fresh curbs on social interactions to contain a pandemic that has infected over 22,600 people in Germany and killed 86. The latest measures include a ban on gatherings of more than two people, on top of last week's closures of schools, non-essential shops, bars and restaurants. The head of the RKI, Lothar Wieler, on Monday said he was "optimistic" that the restrictions were paying off, noting that the outbreak's "exponential growth curve had started to flatten a bit". He expected to have a clearer view of the trend by Wednesday.

Merkel 'doing well' in home quarantine

German Chancellor Angela Merkel quarantines herself, the doctor who vaccinated her tested positive for coronavirus. Merkel said, she will be working from home in coming days and will do her regular test

Angela Merkel quarantines herself

German Chancellor Angela Merkel to stay in self-quarantine after being treated by a doctor who has since tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a government spokesman said on Sunday.

"The Chancellor has decided to quarantine herself at home. She will be tested regularly in the coming days... (and) fulfil her official business from home," Steffen Seibert said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, under the preventive measures against coronavirus, Merkel restricted gatherings of more than two people in Germany.

The country has already closed down schools, non-essential shops and urged people not to gather in groups but has not yet imposed blanket limits on group gatherings.&nbsp;

"Our own behaviour is the most effective way" of slowing the rate of infection, Merkel said of the unprecedented nationwide measures, which are initially slated to remain in force for two weeks.

The measures will be imposed by individual states, who will decide when to roll them out.&nbsp;

According to a report more than 20,000 people have been infected with coronavirus which first originated in China. While 70 people have died.

"It's of vital, vital importance to obey the rule" to remain at least two metres away from other people, Merkel said, adding "at that distance the risk of infection is close to zero."

Asked if she too was respecting the distancing requirements, Merkel said, "my life has fundamentally changed and mostly consists of telephone and video conferences".

Merkel spoke following a telephone conference with the premiers of Germany's 16 federal states, who have been criticised in recent days for failing to agree on a nationwide set of rules for infection control.

But while several regional leaders said in their own press conferences they would stick to the new rules, news agency DPA reported Bavaria would impose its own, tougher restrictions allowing people to leave the house alone or with one relative.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel to stay in self-quarantine after being treated by a doctor who has since tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a government spokesman said on Sunday.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel to stay in self-quarantine after being treated by a doctor who has since tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a government spokesman said on Sunday. "The Chancellor has decided to quarantine herself at home. She will be tested regularly in the coming days... (and) fulfil her official business from home," Steffen Seibert said in a statement. Earlier in the day, under the preventive measures against coronavirus, Merkel restricted gatherings of more than two people in Germany. The country has already closed down schools, non-essential shops and urged people not to gather in groups but has not yet imposed blanket limits on group gatherings. "Our own behaviour is the most effective way" of slowing the rate of infection, Merkel said of the unprecedented nationwide measures, which are initially slated to remain in force for two weeks. The measures will be imposed by individual states, who will decide when to roll them out. According to a report more than 20,000 people have been infected with coronavirus which first originated in China. While 70 people have died. "It's of vital, vital importance to obey the rule" to remain at least two metres away from other people, Merkel said, adding "at that distance the risk of infection is close to zero." Asked if she too was respecting the distancing requirements, Merkel said, "my life has fundamentally changed and mostly consists of telephone and video conferences". Merkel spoke following a telephone conference with the premiers of Germany's 16 federal states, who have been criticised in recent days for failing to agree on a nationwide set of rules for infection control. But while several regional leaders said in their own press conferences they would stick to the new rules, news agency DPA reported Bavaria would impose its own, tougher restrictions allowing people to leave the house alone or with one relative. (With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel in self-quarantine after meeting virus-infected doctor

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday discussed the migrant crisis and the situation in Syria's rebel enclave of Idlib, with the leaders of France, Germany and Britain.&nbsp;

The four-party video conference that involved French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson came after Turkey decided last month to re-open its border for refugees trying to reach Europe.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-head-to-greece-as-turkey-opens-floodgates-283547">Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates</a>

The move sparked tensions with Brussels, and with neighbouring Greece when thousands of migrants massed on the Turkish-Greek border.

"Humanitarian assistance for Idlib, and the refugee issue" were on the agenda according to the Turkish presidency, along with other issues such as fighting in Libya.&nbsp;

Erdogan's decision to open the gates for refugees heading to Europe came after more than 50 Turkish troops were killed by Syrian regime fire in the northwestern province of Idlib in February.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-migrant-crisis-tense-situation-on-the-greek-turkish-border-285032">Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border</a>

Turkey is home to four million refugees mostly Syrians and is demanding more assistance from the European Union amid fears of another influx from Idlib, where the Syrian regime has launched an offensive backed by Russian airpower.

Ankara hopes for progress on a new migrant deal with Brussels by the next scheduled EU summit on March 26.&nbsp;

Macron's office said there was a convergence of views on the situation in Idlib and the need to step up humanitarian aid to civilians, during the conference that lasted about an hour.&nbsp;

But on the migrant issue, NATO and EU relations, "a number of clarifications have been requested by Europeans from Erdogan in order to achieve clearer and peaceful relations," the Elysee said.&nbsp;

Because of the growing spread of COVID-19, the meeting was held via video conference rather than in person in Istanbul.

The four leaders also discussed joint action against the coronavirus, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted.

Turkey recorded its first coronavirus-related death late on Tuesday and reported 98 cases.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday discussed the migrant crisis and the situation in Syria's rebel enclave of Idlib, with the leaders of France, Germany and Britain.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday discussed the migrant crisis and the situation in Syria's rebel enclave of Idlib, with the leaders of France, Germany and Britain. The four-party video conference that involved French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson came after Turkey decided last month to re-open its border for refugees trying to reach Europe. Also read: Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates The move sparked tensions with Brussels, and with neighbouring Greece when thousands of migrants massed on the Turkish-Greek border. "Humanitarian assistance for Idlib, and the refugee issue" were on the agenda according to the Turkish presidency, along with other issues such as fighting in Libya. Erdogan's decision to open the gates for refugees heading to Europe came after more than 50 Turkish troops were killed by Syrian regime fire in the northwestern province of Idlib in February. Also read: Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border Turkey is home to four million refugees mostly Syrians and is demanding more assistance from the European Union amid fears of another influx from Idlib, where the Syrian regime has launched an offensive backed by Russian airpower. Ankara hopes for progress on a new migrant deal with Brussels by the next scheduled EU summit on March 26. Macron's office said there was a convergence of views on the situation in Idlib and the need to step up humanitarian aid to civilians, during the conference that lasted about an hour. But on the migrant issue, NATO and EU relations, "a number of clarifications have been requested by Europeans from Erdogan in order to achieve clearer and peaceful relations," the Elysee said. Because of the growing spread of COVID-19, the meeting was held via video conference rather than in person in Istanbul. The four leaders also discussed joint action against the coronavirus, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted. Turkey recorded its first coronavirus-related death late on Tuesday and reported 98 cases.

Erdogan discusses migrant crisis, Syria with Macron, Merkel and Johnson

Lawmakers in eastern German state Thuringia will try again to elect a new state premier Wednesday, re-running a vote that sank Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling Christian Social Union (CDU) party into what has been described as the biggest crisis in its history.

It is the second attempt in a month to form a working government in the former East German state, after CDU MPs there unleashed an earthquake in national politics by voting with the far-right AfD in February.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkels-party-in-crisis-after-heir-quits-over-far-right-row-279866">Angela Merkel's party in crisis after 'heir' quits over far right row</a>

Amid the national outrage, the liberal candidate elected during the first vote on February 5 stepped down, leaving the state rudderless.

But more significantly, the apparent cooperation of CDU politicians with the far-right triggered the departure of Merkel's designated successor Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and sparked a new leadership contest for the German chancellor's party.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/far-left-german-mps-accuse-merkel-over-soleimani-killing-283183">Far-left German MPs accuse Merkel over Soleimani killing</a>

The race to a new CDU leadership election on April 25 is a fresh struggle for control between supporters of the chancellor's centrist course and those who believe the party must tack right.

But so far none has offered a convincing answer to the CDU's conundrum in Thuringia, squeezed between the extremes of left and right.

Former state premier Bodo Ramelow of the far left is now up against far-right firebrand Bjoern Hoecke, with Merkel's conservatives once again the reluctant kingmakers.

Lawmakers in eastern German state Thuringia will try again to elect a new state premier Wednesday, re-running a vote that sank Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling Christian Social Union (CDU) party into what has been described as the biggest crisis in its history.

Lawmakers in eastern German state Thuringia will try again to elect a new state premier Wednesday, re-running a vote that sank Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling Christian Social Union (CDU) party into what has been described as the biggest crisis in its history. It is the second attempt in a month to form a working government in the former East German state, after CDU MPs there unleashed an earthquake in national politics by voting with the far-right AfD in February. Also read: Angela Merkel's party in crisis after 'heir' quits over far right row Amid the national outrage, the liberal candidate elected during the first vote on February 5 stepped down, leaving the state rudderless. But more significantly, the apparent cooperation of CDU politicians with the far-right triggered the departure of Merkel's designated successor Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and sparked a new leadership contest for the German chancellor's party. Also read: Far-left German MPs accuse Merkel over Soleimani killing The race to a new CDU leadership election on April 25 is a fresh struggle for control between supporters of the chancellor's centrist course and those who believe the party must tack right. But so far none has offered a convincing answer to the CDU's conundrum in Thuringia, squeezed between the extremes of left and right. Former state premier Bodo Ramelow of the far left is now up against far-right firebrand Bjoern Hoecke, with Merkel's conservatives once again the reluctant kingmakers.

Angela Merkel's party in crucible as Thuringia votes again

German interior minister refused to shake hands with Chancellor Angela Merkl over the fear of coronavirus.

As the deadly virus rapidly grows, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany rose to 188 after officials reported more cases of infection.

At a meeting on migration on Monday, Merkel extended her head in exchange of pleasantries to Seehofer during which he refuses to shake hands. Borth leaders can be seen laughing during the awkward interaction in a video which is being widely shared on social media.

Earlier also, Horst Seehofer had told reporters he had stopped offering handshakes amid the outbreak.

Thirteen of Germany's 16 federal states have now reported cases of the novel coronavirus, with the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia being most affected, according to the RKI.

More than half of the cases, 86, are in the western region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, where several schools and daycare centres will be closed on Monday to try to prevent the spread of the virus after staff members tested positive.

Worldwide, nearly 3,000 people have been killed and about 87,000 infected since the virus was first detected late last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

While the numbers in China are still far lower than the huge daily increases reported during the first two weeks of February, COVID-19 has spread rapidly across borders, with South Korea, Italy and Iran emerging as hotspots. 
&nbsp;

German interior minister refused to shake hands with Chancellor Angela Merkl over the fear of coronavirus. As the deadly virus rapidly grows, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany rose to 188 after officials reported more cases of infection.

German interior minister refused to shake hands with Chancellor Angela Merkl over the fear of coronavirus. As the deadly virus rapidly grows, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany rose to 188 after officials reported more cases of infection. At a meeting on migration on Monday, Merkel extended her head in exchange of pleasantries to Seehofer during which he refuses to shake hands. Borth leaders can be seen laughing during the awkward interaction in a video which is being widely shared on social media. Earlier also, Horst Seehofer had told reporters he had stopped offering handshakes amid the outbreak. Thirteen of Germany's 16 federal states have now reported cases of the novel coronavirus, with the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia being most affected, according to the RKI. More than half of the cases, 86, are in the western region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, where several schools and daycare centres will be closed on Monday to try to prevent the spread of the virus after staff members tested positive. Worldwide, nearly 3,000 people have been killed and about 87,000 infected since the virus was first detected late last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. While the numbers in China are still far lower than the huge daily increases reported during the first two weeks of February, COVID-19 has spread rapidly across borders, with South Korea, Italy and Iran emerging as hotspots.

Germany: Amid coronavirus fear, minister rejects handshake with Chancellor Angela Merkel

Eight MPs from Germany's radical-left Left party said Thursday they had filed a criminal complaint against Chancellor Angela Merkel and her ministers, accusing them of complicity in the US killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

Their complaint relates to the US Air Force's massive Ramstein base in western Germany, believed to host a satellite relay station used to control American drones in the skies over Africa and the Middle East.

"The control signals for the drone attack (that killed Soleimani) can only have been transmitted via a satellite relay station on German territory, the US airbase in Ramstein," Left party MP Alexander Neu said in a statement.

January's drone strike in Iraq against Soleimani, a key Iranian general, brought Washington and Tehran to the brink of war for the second time in a year.

A copy of the criminal complaint Neu posted to his website targets Chancellor Angela Merkel, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer and "other members of the federal government".

The Left accuses Merkel and her ministers of "abetting through negligence" Soleimani's killing.

"We cannot continue to accept that the federal government itself breaks international law by enabling and supporting the illegal US drone war," Neu said.

Last year, a German court ruled that the government must ensure that the US respects international law in operations conducted via Ramstein.

Three Yemenis had turned to the court after losing close relatives in a drone attack in 2012.

Judges found there was "clear factual evidence" showing that the US was using Ramstein base in drone missions in Yemen that "at least partially violated international law".

Eight MPs from Germany's radical-left Left party said Thursday they had filed a criminal complaint against Chancellor Angela Merkel and her ministers, accusing them of complicity in the US killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

Eight MPs from Germany's radical-left Left party said Thursday they had filed a criminal complaint against Chancellor Angela Merkel and her ministers, accusing them of complicity in the US killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. Their complaint relates to the US Air Force's massive Ramstein base in western Germany, believed to host a satellite relay station used to control American drones in the skies over Africa and the Middle East. "The control signals for the drone attack (that killed Soleimani) can only have been transmitted via a satellite relay station on German territory, the US airbase in Ramstein," Left party MP Alexander Neu said in a statement. January's drone strike in Iraq against Soleimani, a key Iranian general, brought Washington and Tehran to the brink of war for the second time in a year. A copy of the criminal complaint Neu posted to his website targets Chancellor Angela Merkel, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer and "other members of the federal government". The Left accuses Merkel and her ministers of "abetting through negligence" Soleimani's killing. "We cannot continue to accept that the federal government itself breaks international law by enabling and supporting the illegal US drone war," Neu said. Last year, a German court ruled that the government must ensure that the US respects international law in operations conducted via Ramstein. Three Yemenis had turned to the court after losing close relatives in a drone attack in 2012. Judges found there was "clear factual evidence" showing that the US was using Ramstein base in drone missions in Yemen that "at least partially violated international law".

Far-left German MPs accuse Merkel over Soleimani killing

Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU will choose a new leader at a special congress on April 25 as the party scrambles to prepare for the veteran German chancellor's departure.

Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU will choose a new leader at a special congress on April 25 as the party scrambles to prepare for the veteran German chancellor's departure. Merkel's Christian Democratic Union was plunged into turmoil after her heir apparent, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, resigned as party leader this month over her supposed failure to stop regional lawmakers from cooperating with the far right. The surprise move threw open the race to succeed Merkel, who has been in power for more than 14 years and plans to bow out at the next general elections slated for 2021. Kramp-Karrenbauer, widely known as "AKK", held top-level talks with party grandees in Berlin on Monday to decide the way forward. Also Read: Angela Merkel's party in crisis after 'heir' quits over far right row The top-level deliberations came a day after the CDU suffered its second-worst result ever in a regional election, coming third in Hamburg with just 11.5 per cent of the vote. It is also engulfed in an internal debate as to how it should position itself against the extremes of right and left that have reshaped the nation's political landscape. Far-right crisis After barely a year as head of the party, AKK announced her resignation on February 10. It came after regional lawmakers in the eastern state of Thuringia defied an edict from Berlin not to ally with the extremes, by voting with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). It was the latest sign that the defence minister had failed to stamp her authority on the CDU and become a credible candidate to succeed Merkel, who according to polls is still Germany's most popular politician. Also Read: Merkel's conservatives gather for stormy congress er experience also laid bare the challenge for her successor - how to make their mark while Merkel remains in office as chancellor. In the starting blocks are two politicians who promise to break with Merkel's centrist course and lead the CDU rightwards, in a bid to win back voters from AfD. While Friedrich Merz recently described her fourth government as "abysmal", young Health Minister Jens Spahn is a rising party star. Facing them are two more moderate candidates: North Rhine-Westphalia state premier Armin Laschet and Norbert Roettgen, a former environment minister dismissed by Merkel in 2012. Self-destruction The choice of leader will set the tone for the future of a party that has dominated German politics since the federal republic was founded in 1949. Polls highlight the urgent need for action, as only 27 per cent say they would back the CDU, ahead of 23 per cent for the Greens and 14 per cent for the far right. Beyond the high-profile personalities, the conservatives also need to clarify what they stand for in an increasingly splintered political landscape that hinders stable majorities, be it in Berlin or the 16 state parliaments. Top of the list is whether the CDU will stick to its rigid policy of refusing to cooperate with either the far right or the far left, an increasingly difficult position to maintain. Thuringia is a textbook case, as last year's regional elections produced no clear governing majority following a surge by the AfD. CDU state lawmakers voted with the far-right, breaching a historic political taboo, to install a liberal state premier. But after a nationwide outcry, the regional CDU retreated - only to be publicly rebuked by Berlin chiefs for its plan to "tolerate" a minority government led by radical-left successors of the one-party state in communist East Germany.

Germany's CDU to decide on Merkel successor in April

<div>Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idlib-fighting-turkey-defence-minister-threatens-to-activate-s-400-missiles-against-russia-281961">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> called for "concrete action" to prevent a crisis in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idlib-fighting-turkey-defence-minister-threatens-to-activate-s-400-missiles-against-russia-281961">Syria</a>'s last rebel stronghold in a phone call with his French and German counterparts, his office said Friday.</div>

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<div>A humanitarian crisis has unfolded in the northwestern province of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idlib-fighting-turkey-defence-minister-threatens-to-activate-s-400-missiles-against-russia-281961">Idlib </a>as the Syrian regime, backed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idlib-fighting-turkey-defence-minister-threatens-to-activate-s-400-missiles-against-russia-281961">Russian air strikes</a>, presses on with an offensive that has forced nearly one million civilians to flee their homes.</div>

<div>
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idlib-fighting-turkey-defence-minister-threatens-to-activate-s-400-missiles-against-russia-281961"> Idlib fighting: Turkey defence minister threatens to activate S-400 missiles against Russia</a>

"The president stressed the need to stop the aggression of the regime and its supporters in Idlib, and emphasised the importance of providing strong support through concrete actions to prevent a humanitarian crisis," the presidency said following the call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macrons-lieutenant-benjamin-griveaux-out-of-paris-mayoral-race-for-sexting-280720">Emmanuel Macron</a>.
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<div>Merkel and Macron spoke by phone on Thursday with Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Vladimir Putin</a>, calling for the fighting to end and seeking a four-way summit including Erdogan.</div>

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<div>A Kremlin spokesman told reporters on Friday that "the possibility of holding a summit is under discussion", adding that there was still no clear decision.</div>

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Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<div>Turkey has lost 16 military personnel in Idlib this month in clashes with Syrian forces, and has bolstered its positions while calling for regime troops to pull back.</div>

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<div>It is determined to prevent a fresh influx of displaced people adding to the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it already hosts.</div>

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<div>Erdogan also addressed the conflict in Libya with Merkel and Macron, saying they should work together.</div>

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<div>Libya has been mired in chaos since 2011 when a NATO-backed uprising led to the killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.</div>

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<div>Moscow backs military strongman Khalifa Haftar, who launched an offensive last April against the rival government in Tripoli, which Turkey supports.</div>

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<div>France has publicly denied taking sides in the conflict but analysts say it supports Haftar alongside Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.</div>

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<div>After a recent peace conference in Berlin, countries including Russia, Turkey, France and Egypt agreed to end foreign interference in Libya and respect a UN arms embargo, but violations have continued.</div>

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for "concrete action" to prevent a crisis in Syria's last rebel stronghold in a phone call with his French and German counterparts, his office said Friday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for "concrete action" to prevent a crisis in Syria's last rebel stronghold in a phone call with his French and German counterparts, his office said Friday. A humanitarian crisis has unfolded in the northwestern province of Idlib as the Syrian regime, backed by Russian air strikes, presses on with an offensive that has forced nearly one million civilians to flee their homes. Also read: Idlib fighting: Turkey defence minister threatens to activate S-400 missiles against Russia "The president stressed the need to stop the aggression of the regime and its supporters in Idlib, and emphasised the importance of providing strong support through concrete actions to prevent a humanitarian crisis," the presidency said following the call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. Merkel and Macron spoke by phone on Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for the fighting to end and seeking a four-way summit including Erdogan. A Kremlin spokesman told reporters on Friday that "the possibility of holding a summit is under discussion", adding that there was still no clear decision. Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive Turkey has lost 16 military personnel in Idlib this month in clashes with Syrian forces, and has bolstered its positions while calling for regime troops to pull back. It is determined to prevent a fresh influx of displaced people adding to the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it already hosts. Erdogan also addressed the conflict in Libya with Merkel and Macron, saying they should work together. Libya has been mired in chaos since 2011 when a NATO-backed uprising led to the killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Moscow backs military strongman Khalifa Haftar, who launched an offensive last April against the rival government in Tripoli, which Turkey supports. France has publicly denied taking sides in the conflict but analysts say it supports Haftar alongside Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. After a recent peace conference in Berlin, countries including Russia, Turkey, France and Egypt agreed to end foreign interference in Libya and respect a UN arms embargo, but violations have continued.

Turkish President Erdogan urges 'concrete action' over Idlib crisis

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday confirmed that there were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-8-killed-at-shisha-bars-in-germany-shooter-found-dead-say-police-281690">multiple clues indicating that a suspected gunman in Hanau had acted out of racism</a> and right-wing extremism. She also said that the authorities would do everything possible to clarify the background to the attack.

"There are many indications at the moment that the perpetrator acted on right-wing extremist, racist motives, out of hatred towards people of other origins, religion or appearance," Merkel told reporters on Thursday.

"Racism is poison, hatred is poison and this poison exists in society and it is to blame for too many crimes," she added.

At least ten people were killed including the gunman in two shooting incidents on Thursday.&nbsp;

The shooter targeted shisha bars in Hanau as police launched a manhunt to nab the culprits. Police quickly moved to seal off the two streets in Hanau.&nbsp;

Hours after the incident, the police found the suspected gunman dead at his home. During the search at his home, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/investigators-see-xenophobic-motive-behind-germany-shootings-281785">investigators also found text and video material </a>indicating "xenophobic motive" behind the shooting.

King's College London counter-terrorism expert Peter Neumann tweeted of the text that it contained "various, but mostly extreme-right views, with a do-it-yourself ideology, cobbled together out of parts found on the internet".

"The pattern is clear, and not at all new," he added.

Meanwhile, European Union&nbsp;expressed shock and sadness over the shooting.

"I am deeply shocked by the tragedy that took place last night in Hanau. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, to whom I want to extend my sincerest condolences. We mourn with you today," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a former German government minister, tweeted.

EU Council head Charles Michel and European Parliament speaker David Sassoli echoed the sentiments in their own tweets.

Far-right attacks have become a particular concern for German authorities.&nbsp;

In October, a deadly anti-Semitic gun attack in the eastern city of Halle on the holy day of Yom Kippur underscored the rising threat of neo-Nazi violence. The rampage, in which two people were shot dead, was streamed live.

Last June, a conservative politician Walter Luebcke, an advocate of liberal refugee policy, was shot at his home.&nbsp;

On Friday police arrested 12 members of a German extreme-right group believed to have been plotting "shocking" large-scale attacks on mosques similar to the ones carried out in New Zealand last year.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday confirmed that there were multiple clues indicating that a suspected gunman in Hanau had acted out of racism and right-wing extremism.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday confirmed that there were multiple clues indicating that a suspected gunman in Hanau had acted out of racism and right-wing extremism. She also said that the authorities would do everything possible to clarify the background to the attack. "There are many indications at the moment that the perpetrator acted on right-wing extremist, racist motives, out of hatred towards people of other origins, religion or appearance," Merkel told reporters on Thursday. "Racism is poison, hatred is poison and this poison exists in society and it is to blame for too many crimes," she added. At least ten people were killed including the gunman in two shooting incidents on Thursday. The shooter targeted shisha bars in Hanau as police launched a manhunt to nab the culprits. Police quickly moved to seal off the two streets in Hanau. Hours after the incident, the police found the suspected gunman dead at his home. During the search at his home, investigators also found text and video material indicating "xenophobic motive" behind the shooting. King's College London counter-terrorism expert Peter Neumann tweeted of the text that it contained "various, but mostly extreme-right views, with a do-it-yourself ideology, cobbled together out of parts found on the internet". "The pattern is clear, and not at all new," he added. Meanwhile, European Union expressed shock and sadness over the shooting. "I am deeply shocked by the tragedy that took place last night in Hanau. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, to whom I want to extend my sincerest condolences. We mourn with you today," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a former German government minister, tweeted. EU Council head Charles Michel and European Parliament speaker David Sassoli echoed the sentiments in their own tweets. Far-right attacks have become a particular concern for German authorities. In October, a deadly anti-Semitic gun attack in the eastern city of Halle on the holy day of Yom Kippur underscored the rising threat of neo-Nazi violence. The rampage, in which two people were shot dead, was streamed live. Last June, a conservative politician Walter Luebcke, an advocate of liberal refugee policy, was shot at his home. On Friday police arrested 12 members of a German extreme-right group believed to have been plotting "shocking" large-scale attacks on mosques similar to the ones carried out in New Zealand last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Shooter in Germany acted on right-wing, racist motives, says Angela Merkel

German Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leader-of-angela-merkels-party-threatens-to-resign-if-party-doesnt-support-her-263928">Angela Merkel</a>'s party and her plans to stay on until 2021 were plunged into disarray Monday after her heir-apparent gave up her leadership ambitions in a deepening crisis over ties between the centre and far right.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leader-of-angela-merkels-party-threatens-to-resign-if-party-doesnt-support-her-263928">Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer</a>, the leader of the centre-right <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leader-of-angela-merkels-party-threatens-to-resign-if-party-doesnt-support-her-263928">Christian Democratic Union</a> (CDU), opted out barely a year in the post, a period marked by internal battles over whether to cooperate with the anti-immigrant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leader-of-angela-merkels-party-threatens-to-resign-if-party-doesnt-support-her-263928">Alternative for Germany</a> (AfD).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leader-of-angela-merkels-party-threatens-to-resign-if-party-doesnt-support-her-263928">Angela Merkel's protege wins 'loyalty' after challenging critics</a>

She announced that she was standing down as CDU leader and would not seek to be the party's candidate for chancellor in next year's general elections.

AKK, as Kramp-Karrenbauer is popularly known, blamed the "unresolved relationship of parts of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-conservatives-gather-for-stormy-congress-263787">CDU </a>with the (far-right) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-conservatives-gather-for-stormy-congress-263787">AfD </a>and (far-left) Left party" for her decision, a party source said.

"This is an unusually serious situation for the CDU," said close Merkel ally and Economy Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-conservatives-gather-for-stormy-congress-263787">Peter Altmaier</a>.

"This is about our future as a modern people's party of the centre."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-conservatives-gather-for-stormy-congress-263787">Merkel's conservatives gather for stormy congress</a>

While the party has a policy of no cooperation with either far left or far right at a national level, regional CDU lawmakers last week went rogue and voted with MPs from the AfD to oust a far-left state premier in tiny central Thuringia.

The breach in the political dam towards the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-conservatives-gather-for-stormy-congress-263787">AfD </a>in Thuringia prompted Merkel's junior partners in the national government, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), to call urgent talks at the weekend about the partnership's future.

AKK's departure, the most prominent political head to roll after the Thuringia crisis, was "unsettling," SPD board member Michael Roth tweeted Monday.

It remains uncertain "whether decent democrats stand together in the battle for democracy and against nationalism," he added.

With the race to the chancellery wide open again, Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the aftershocks could be huge.

"It's very possible that the chancellor's exit is coming closer," it wrote.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party and her plans to stay on until 2021 were plunged into disarray Monday after her heir-apparent gave up her leadership ambitions in a deepening crisis over ties between the centre and far right.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party and her plans to stay on until 2021 were plunged into disarray Monday after her heir-apparent gave up her leadership ambitions in a deepening crisis over ties between the centre and far right. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), opted out barely a year in the post, a period marked by internal battles over whether to cooperate with the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD). Also read: Angela Merkel's protege wins 'loyalty' after challenging critics She announced that she was standing down as CDU leader and would not seek to be the party's candidate for chancellor in next year's general elections. AKK, as Kramp-Karrenbauer is popularly known, blamed the "unresolved relationship of parts of the CDU with the (far-right) AfD and (far-left) Left party" for her decision, a party source said. "This is an unusually serious situation for the CDU," said close Merkel ally and Economy Minister Peter Altmaier. "This is about our future as a modern people's party of the centre." Also read: Merkel's conservatives gather for stormy congress While the party has a policy of no cooperation with either far left or far right at a national level, regional CDU lawmakers last week went rogue and voted with MPs from the AfD to oust a far-left state premier in tiny central Thuringia. The breach in the political dam towards the AfD in Thuringia prompted Merkel's junior partners in the national government, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), to call urgent talks at the weekend about the partnership's future. AKK's departure, the most prominent political head to roll after the Thuringia crisis, was "unsettling," SPD board member Michael Roth tweeted Monday. It remains uncertain "whether decent democrats stand together in the battle for democracy and against nationalism," he added. With the race to the chancellery wide open again, Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the aftershocks could be huge. "It's very possible that the chancellor's exit is coming closer," it wrote.

Angela Merkel's party in crisis after 'heir' quits over far right row

The United Kingdom leaves the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barnier-warns-european-union-and-britain-must-rebuild-after-brexit-276906">European Union</a> on Friday with a mixture of joy, anger and indifference, casting off into the unknown in one of the biggest blows yet to Europe's attempt to forge unity from the ruins of World War Two.

The EU's most powerful leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, cast Brexit - due at 2300 GMT - as a sad moment that was a turning point for Europe. The EU warned that leaving would be worse than staying.

Watch: What will be UK and EU relations post-Brexit?

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In the United Kingdom's most significant geopolitical move since its lost its empire, it turns its back on 47 years of membership and must begin charting its own course for generations to come.

In pics<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chief-characters-in-britains-brexit-saga-277805">: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga</a>

At the stroke of midnight in Brussels, the EU will lose 15% of its economy, its biggest military spender and the world's international financial capital - London.

Brexit supporters burned an EU flag outside Downing Street, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson lives. Some EU supporters were mocked by a larger group of Brexiteers nearby chanting "Bye-bye EU" and "Shame on you" to the tune of Auld Lang Syne.

"This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act," said Johnson, one of the leaders of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum. "It is a moment of real national renewal and change."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-newsnew-dawn-or-biggest-gamble-uk-headlines-on-brexit-day-277638">'New dawn' or 'biggest gamble'? UK headlines on Brexit day</a>

Johnson planned to celebrate with English sparkling wine and a distinctly British array of canapés including Shropshire blue cheese and Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish.

In Brussels, the European Union's flag was removed from outside the British embassy. The official symbol of the EU, a circle of 12 stars on a blue background, was pulled in, leaving only Britain's Union Jack flying on the flagpole.

Leaving the EU was once far-fetched: the UK joined in 1973 as “the sick man of Europe” and less than two decades ago British leaders were arguing about whether to join the euro.

But the turmoil of the euro zone crisis, fears about mass immigration and a series of miscalculations by former Prime Minister David Cameron prompted the 52% to 48% vote to leave.

Also read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-what-changes-and-what-stays-the-same-for-uk-277885">: Brexit - What changes and what stays the same for UK?</a>

Anticlimax?

The final parting of the EU's most reluctant member is an anticlimax of sorts.

Beyond the symbolism of the Union Jack flag also being lowered at the European Council building in Brussels at 7 p.m. (1800 GMT), put away with the flags of non-EU countries, little will change until the end of 2020.

By then, Johnson has promised to strike a broad free trade agreement with the EU, the world's biggest trading bloc.

"These negotiations certainly won’t be easy," Merkel said, cautioning London that if it deviated from the EU's rules then its access to the EU's market would be limited.

Macron said Britain it could not expect to be treated the same way as when it was part of the club.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-brexit-new-fast-track-global-talent-visa-unveiled-by-united-kingdom-276861">After Brexit, new fast track 'global talent visa' unveiled by United Kingdom</a>

"You can't be in and out," Macron told the French in a televised address. "The British people chose to leave the European Union. It won't have the same obligations, so it will no longer have the same rights."

US President Donald Trump has long supported Brexit. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Britons wanted to escape the "tyranny of Brussels".

Some Britons will celebrate and some will weep - but many will do neither.

'Independence day'

For proponents, Brexit is "independence day" - an escape from what they cast as a doomed German-dominated project with a doomed single currency that is failing its 500 million people.

They hope departure will herald reforms to reshape Britain and propel it ahead of its European rivals.

Karen Evans, a 47-year-old hairdresser carrying a Union Jack, dismissed the concerns of "Remainers": "They lost. They need to get over it. They are bad losers. This is a day for celebrating."

Opponents believe Brexit is a folly that will weaken the West, shrivel what is left of Britain's global clout, undermine its economy and ultimately lead to a less cosmopolitan set of islands in the northern Atlantic. They say Britain will now have little option but to cosy up to Trump.

David Tucker, a pro-European of 75, said he had come to London from Wales to march in the hope that others would keep alive the hope that Britain would one day rejoin the EU:

"It is a tragedy," he said. "We were once part of the world's most powerful economic bloc. Now we are just an inward-looking island that is going to get smaller."

"It's a very sad day," said engineer Roger Olsen, 63. "I think it is a disaster. An absolutely wrong thing. And I think time will prove that we have taken the wrong course."

Brexit was always about much more than Europe.

The referendum exposed deep divisions and triggered soul-searching about everything from secession and immigration to empire and modern Britishness.

Brexit has tested the very fabric of the supposedly united kingdom: England and Wales voted to leave the bloc but Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay.

Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, used the moment to demand a second independence referendum. A poll on Thursday suggested a slim majority of Scots would now back a split because of Brexit.

But after the twists and turns of 3-1/2-years, many voters are simply happy the wrangling is over. "I just wanted to see it done with," said Lee Stokes, a 44-year-old project manager. 
&nbsp;

The United Kingdom leaves the European Union on Friday with a mixture of joy, anger and indifference, casting off into the unknown in one of the biggest blows yet to Europe's attempt to forge unity from the ruins of World War Two.

The United Kingdom leaves the European Union on Friday with a mixture of joy, anger and indifference, casting off into the unknown in one of the biggest blows yet to Europe's attempt to forge unity from the ruins of World War Two. The EU's most powerful leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, cast Brexit - due at 2300 GMT - as a sad moment that was a turning point for Europe. The EU warned that leaving would be worse than staying. Watch: What will be UK and EU relations post-Brexit? × In the United Kingdom's most significant geopolitical move since its lost its empire, it turns its back on 47 years of membership and must begin charting its own course for generations to come. In pics: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga At the stroke of midnight in Brussels, the EU will lose 15% of its economy, its biggest military spender and the world's international financial capital - London. Brexit supporters burned an EU flag outside Downing Street, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson lives. Some EU supporters were mocked by a larger group of Brexiteers nearby chanting "Bye-bye EU" and "Shame on you" to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. "This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act," said Johnson, one of the leaders of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum. "It is a moment of real national renewal and change." Also read: 'New dawn' or 'biggest gamble'? UK headlines on Brexit day Johnson planned to celebrate with English sparkling wine and a distinctly British array of canapés including Shropshire blue cheese and Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish. In Brussels, the European Union's flag was removed from outside the British embassy. The official symbol of the EU, a circle of 12 stars on a blue background, was pulled in, leaving only Britain's Union Jack flying on the flagpole. Leaving the EU was once far-fetched: the UK joined in 1973 as “the sick man of Europe” and less than two decades ago British leaders were arguing about whether to join the euro. But the turmoil of the euro zone crisis, fears about mass immigration and a series of miscalculations by former Prime Minister David Cameron prompted the 52% to 48% vote to leave. Also read: Brexit - What changes and what stays the same for UK? Anticlimax? The final parting of the EU's most reluctant member is an anticlimax of sorts. Beyond the symbolism of the Union Jack flag also being lowered at the European Council building in Brussels at 7 p.m. (1800 GMT), put away with the flags of non-EU countries, little will change until the end of 2020. By then, Johnson has promised to strike a broad free trade agreement with the EU, the world's biggest trading bloc. "These negotiations certainly won’t be easy," Merkel said, cautioning London that if it deviated from the EU's rules then its access to the EU's market would be limited. Macron said Britain it could not expect to be treated the same way as when it was part of the club. Also read: After Brexit, new fast track 'global talent visa' unveiled by United Kingdom "You can't be in and out," Macron told the French in a televised address. "The British people chose to leave the European Union. It won't have the same obligations, so it will no longer have the same rights." US President Donald Trump has long supported Brexit. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Britons wanted to escape the "tyranny of Brussels". Some Britons will celebrate and some will weep - but many will do neither. 'Independence day' For proponents, Brexit is "independence day" - an escape from what they cast as a doomed German-dominated project with a doomed single currency that is failing its 500 million people. They hope departure will herald reforms to reshape Britain and propel it ahead of its European rivals. Karen Evans, a 47-year-old hairdresser carrying a Union Jack, dismissed the concerns of "Remainers": "They lost. They need to get over it. They are bad losers. This is a day for celebrating." Opponents believe Brexit is a folly that will weaken the West, shrivel what is left of Britain's global clout, undermine its economy and ultimately lead to a less cosmopolitan set of islands in the northern Atlantic. They say Britain will now have little option but to cosy up to Trump. David Tucker, a pro-European of 75, said he had come to London from Wales to march in the hope that others would keep alive the hope that Britain would one day rejoin the EU: "It is a tragedy," he said. "We were once part of the world's most powerful economic bloc. Now we are just an inward-looking island that is going to get smaller." "It's a very sad day," said engineer Roger Olsen, 63. "I think it is a disaster. An absolutely wrong thing. And I think time will prove that we have taken the wrong course." Brexit was always about much more than Europe. The referendum exposed deep divisions and triggered soul-searching about everything from secession and immigration to empire and modern Britishness. Brexit has tested the very fabric of the supposedly united kingdom: England and Wales voted to leave the bloc but Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay. Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, used the moment to demand a second independence referendum. A poll on Thursday suggested a slim majority of Scots would now back a split because of Brexit. But after the twists and turns of 3-1/2-years, many voters are simply happy the wrangling is over. "I just wanted to see it done with," said Lee Stokes, a 44-year-old project manager.

Britain cuts loose from EU with delight, anger and indifference

World leaders have agreed to UN arms embargo on Libya and to stop providing military support to the country's warring factions. However, the Berlin Summit failed to achieve its main goal of brokering a seize fire. Libya's warring factions and their allies met in Berlin in the first major international summit on the Libyan conflict in recent years. German chancellor Angela Merkel called for a political solution but she did not rule out military intervention in the North African countries civil war.

Libya peace summit in Berlin: World leaders agree on UN arms embargo

Turkey will not refrain from "teaching a lesson" to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-asks-russia-to-get-libyan-general-to-accept-truce-273642">Khalifa Haftar</a> if his eastern Libyan forces continue attacks against the country's internationally recognized government, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-and-iran-top-agenda-in-merkel-putin-meeting-273573">Tayyip Erdogan</a> said on Tuesday.

He said Haftar had "run away" from Moscow after Monday's peace talks between him and the head of the Tripoli-based government, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-libyas-haftar-left-moscow-without-signing-ceasefire-deal-274174">Fayez al-Serraj</a>, failed to lead to an open-ended ceasefire to end their nine-month conflict.

Watch:&nbsp;Libya: Forces Loyal to General Haftar Announce Ceasefire

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"If the putschist Haftar's attacks against the people and legitimate government of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-russia-want-to-safeguard-iran-nuclear-deal-macron-274067">Libya</a> continue, we will never refrain from teaching him the lesson he deserves," Erdogan said in a speech to his AK Party lawmakers in parliament.

"It is our duty to protect our kin in Libya," Erdogan added, saying that Turkey had deep historical and social ties with the north African country and that Haftar would have taken over the entire nation if Ankara had not intervened.

He said Turkey will join Germany, Britain, and Russia at a summit which Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-have-not-heard-about-any-pressure-from-china-merkel-on-huaweis-5g-rollout-in-germany-269201">Angela Merkel</a> is to host in Berlin on Sunday to discuss Libya, which has been mired in chaos since the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Serraj signed the ceasefire agreement but Haftar left Moscow without signing the accord, the TASS news agency cited the Russian Foreign Ministry as saying on Tuesday.

Turkey will not refrain from "teaching a lesson" to Khalifa Haftar if his eastern Libyan forces continue attacks against the country's internationally recognized government, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.

Turkey will not refrain from "teaching a lesson" to Khalifa Haftar if his eastern Libyan forces continue attacks against the country's internationally recognized government, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday. He said Haftar had "run away" from Moscow after Monday's peace talks between him and the head of the Tripoli-based government, Fayez al-Serraj, failed to lead to an open-ended ceasefire to end their nine-month conflict. Watch: Libya: Forces Loyal to General Haftar Announce Ceasefire × "If the putschist Haftar's attacks against the people and legitimate government of Libya continue, we will never refrain from teaching him the lesson he deserves," Erdogan said in a speech to his AK Party lawmakers in parliament. "It is our duty to protect our kin in Libya," Erdogan added, saying that Turkey had deep historical and social ties with the north African country and that Haftar would have taken over the entire nation if Ankara had not intervened. He said Turkey will join Germany, Britain, and Russia at a summit which Chancellor Angela Merkel is to host in Berlin on Sunday to discuss Libya, which has been mired in chaos since the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Serraj signed the ceasefire agreement but Haftar left Moscow without signing the accord, the TASS news agency cited the Russian Foreign Ministry as saying on Tuesday.

Turkey ready to 'teach a lesson' to Haftar if Libyan forces continue attacks

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">killing</a> of a&nbsp;top&nbsp;general and turmoil in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany.

Russia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Vladimir Putin</a> will hold talks with German Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkel-visits-auschwitz-for-first-time-266657">Angela Merkel</a> in Moscow on Saturday afternoon, her first visit since May 2018 when the two leaders met at Sochi on the Black Sea.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crimea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crimea</a>: The President watched the joint exercises of the Northern and Black Sea fleets <a href="https://t.co/ZusR628AYx">https://t.co/ZusR628AYx</a> <a href="https://t.co/DJn09l0VWe">pic.twitter.com/DJn09l0VWe</a>
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E/status/1215291712173694976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Putin visited Syria and Turkey this week and is keen to stress his role as a regional powerbroker.

German Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-plotting-imminent-action-threatening-hundreds-of-american-lives-pompeo-271975">Heiko Maas</a>, who will attend the talks, said a "key reason" for the&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;was the escalating crisis in&nbsp;Libya, where Germany is acting as a mediator in a conflict he has warned could become a "second Syria".

"We are involving Europe and those players who are influential there, for that we need Russia," Maas told Germany's NTV television. "For us, it's not too far to fly to Moscow to discuss that with Putin."

Merkel is to invite Putin to a Berlin conference on&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;later this month, diplomatic sources told reporters.

Putin and Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sports-has-emerged-as-battlefield-for-freedom-of-expression-270322">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> called for a ceasefire in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;on Wednesday, although they are seen as supporting opposing sides in the conflict.

While Turkey has sent troops to support the UN-backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">Tripoli</a> government, Moscow is accused of backing mercenaries supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar in his fight against the government.

Haftar said he would fight on despite the call for a ceasefire.

The Kremlin said last week that Saturday's talks would cover the "escalation of tensions" in the Middle East after the US killed&nbsp;top&nbsp;Iranian commander General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a drone strike close to Baghdad.

Putin warned the killing could "seriously aggravate the situation in the region".

Watch:&nbsp;Iran gives black box to Ukraine

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Iran, an ally of Moscow, responded with missile attacks on Iraq bases housing American troops.

While Germany condemned the tit-for-tat violence and urged Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict, Putin said using force would "not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East".

Tehran has announced a further rollback on its commitment to a 2015 nuclear accord following the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018. Russia and Germany are among world powers still backing the deal.

The talks also come after a Ukrainian airliner crashed in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;on Wednesday killing all 176 onboard. Canada and the US have suggested&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;downed it with a missile, which Tehran denies.

The Kremlin said the talks would also cover the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The war with Moscow-backed separatists broke out after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 13,000 people.

Putin in December held talks with Ukrainian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-given-important-data-on-iran-plane-crash-ukraine-foreign-minister-273408">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> in Paris in the "Normandy format" hosted by German and French leaders.

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Thanked <a href="https://twitter.com/HeikoMaas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HeikoMaas</a> for German support and sympathy after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ps752?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ps752</a> tragedy. During the phone call we agreed to cooperate for independent and transparent investigation. We discussed also "Minsk settlement". Waiting for news ater the meeting between Merkel and Putin on 11 January.
— Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPrystaiko/status/1215373166224330752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gets-access-to-crashed-planes-black-boxes-foreign-minister-273477">Vadym Prystaiko</a> tweeted on Friday that he had spoken to Maas about the Ukraine conflict and was "waiting for news" to emerge from the talks.

Political analysts in Kiev said they expected the topic to be overshadowed by&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;tensions, while Merkel could ask Putin to push Tehran for a transparent investigation of the plane crash.

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of a top general and turmoil in Libya are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany.

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of a top general and turmoil in Libya are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany. Russia's Vladimir Putin will hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow on Saturday afternoon, her first visit since May 2018 when the two leaders met at Sochi on the Black Sea. #Crimea: The President watched the joint exercises of the Northern and Black Sea fleets https://t.co/ZusR628AYx pic.twitter.com/DJn09l0VWe — President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) January 9, 2020 × Putin visited Syria and Turkey this week and is keen to stress his role as a regional powerbroker. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who will attend the talks, said a "key reason" for the meeting was the escalating crisis in Libya, where Germany is acting as a mediator in a conflict he has warned could become a "second Syria". "We are involving Europe and those players who are influential there, for that we need Russia," Maas told Germany's NTV television. "For us, it's not too far to fly to Moscow to discuss that with Putin." Merkel is to invite Putin to a Berlin conference on Libya later this month, diplomatic sources told reporters. Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a ceasefire in Libya on Wednesday, although they are seen as supporting opposing sides in the conflict. While Turkey has sent troops to support the UN-backed Tripoli government, Moscow is accused of backing mercenaries supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar in his fight against the government. Haftar said he would fight on despite the call for a ceasefire. The Kremlin said last week that Saturday's talks would cover the "escalation of tensions" in the Middle East after the US killed top Iranian commander General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike close to Baghdad. Putin warned the killing could "seriously aggravate the situation in the region". Watch: Iran gives black box to Ukraine × Iran, an ally of Moscow, responded with missile attacks on Iraq bases housing American troops. While Germany condemned the tit-for-tat violence and urged Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict, Putin said using force would "not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East". Tehran has announced a further rollback on its commitment to a 2015 nuclear accord following the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018. Russia and Germany are among world powers still backing the deal. The talks also come after a Ukrainian airliner crashed in Iran on Wednesday killing all 176 onboard. Canada and the US have suggested Iran downed it with a missile, which Tehran denies. The Kremlin said the talks would also cover the conflict in Ukraine. The war with Moscow-backed separatists broke out after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 13,000 people. Putin in December held talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris in the "Normandy format" hosted by German and French leaders. Thanked @HeikoMaas for German support and sympathy after #ps752 tragedy. During the phone call we agreed to cooperate for independent and transparent investigation. We discussed also "Minsk settlement". Waiting for news ater the meeting between Merkel and Putin on 11 January. — Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) January 9, 2020 × Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko tweeted on Friday that he had spoken to Maas about the Ukraine conflict and was "waiting for news" to emerge from the talks. Political analysts in Kiev said they expected the topic to be overshadowed by Iran tensions, while Merkel could ask Putin to push Tehran for a transparent investigation of the plane crash.

Libya and Iran top agenda in Merkel-Putin meeting

The US sanctions slapped on a controversial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-threatens-sanctions-over-russia-germany-gas-pipeline-190030/amp">Russian gas pipeline</a> to Europe will likely delay the project's completion by several months to the second half of 2020, a top German official said Monday.

"I expect the pipeline to be finished in the second half of 2020," Peter Beyer, Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-coalition-in-crisis-talks-after-european-union-vote-debacle-221923">Angela Merkel</a>'s transatlantic coordinator, told German radio.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline was initially slated for completion in early 2020 with a view to being operational in mid-2020.

Moscow and Berlin have reacted angrily to the sanctions imposed by Washington on Friday over the 9.5 billion euro ($10.6 billion) pipeline under the Baltic Sea that aims to double Russia's natural gas deliveries to Germany.

The American announcement of asset freezes and visa bans targeting companies working on the project immediately led to Swiss pipe-laying contractor Allseas halting its work.

Speaking to Deutschlandfunk radio, Beyer said that although the sanctions would "postpone the completion" of the pipeline, he believed "alternative" solutions could be found that would nonetheless "be more expensive".

The United States has long opposed Nord Stream 2, saying the pipeline would give Russia too much influence over security and economic issues in western Europe.

It would also allow Russia to reroute supplies from overland pipes running through Ukraine, with Kiev expressing concerns that this would deprive them of vital leverage over its giant neighbour.

Critics however have also pointed out that Washington's resistance to Nord Stream 2 comes as the US is trying to sell more of its own, more costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe.

Relying more on American LNG "would be considerably more expensive for German consumers," Beyer said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-government-unable-to-find-any-documents-on-whereabouts-of-subhash-chandra-bose-mea-238154">Russian government </a>on Monday insisted the sanctions would not be allowed to derail the project as Moscow weighs its response to Washington.

"Such sanctions are unacceptable for us, and we are confident that such measures won't prevent finishing the construction of such an important project," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"In any case, we won't leave such steps unanswered," he said.

"As to when and how this will be done, this will depend on Russia's national interest."

In Berlin, Merkel's spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said discussions were ongoing with the different parties to find a solution.

"And we will continue to express our view that we don't condone such extra-territorial sanctions," she said.

The US sanctions slapped on a controversial Russian gas pipeline to Europe will likely delay the project's completion by several months to the second half of 2020, a top German official said Monday.

The US sanctions slapped on a controversial Russian gas pipeline to Europe will likely delay the project's completion by several months to the second half of 2020, a top German official said Monday. "I expect the pipeline to be finished in the second half of 2020," Peter Beyer, Chancellor Angela Merkel's transatlantic coordinator, told German radio. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline was initially slated for completion in early 2020 with a view to being operational in mid-2020. Moscow and Berlin have reacted angrily to the sanctions imposed by Washington on Friday over the 9.5 billion euro ($10.6 billion) pipeline under the Baltic Sea that aims to double Russia's natural gas deliveries to Germany. The American announcement of asset freezes and visa bans targeting companies working on the project immediately led to Swiss pipe-laying contractor Allseas halting its work. Speaking to Deutschlandfunk radio, Beyer said that although the sanctions would "postpone the completion" of the pipeline, he believed "alternative" solutions could be found that would nonetheless "be more expensive". The United States has long opposed Nord Stream 2, saying the pipeline would give Russia too much influence over security and economic issues in western Europe. It would also allow Russia to reroute supplies from overland pipes running through Ukraine, with Kiev expressing concerns that this would deprive them of vital leverage over its giant neighbour. Critics however have also pointed out that Washington's resistance to Nord Stream 2 comes as the US is trying to sell more of its own, more costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe. Relying more on American LNG "would be considerably more expensive for German consumers," Beyer said. The Russian government on Monday insisted the sanctions would not be allowed to derail the project as Moscow weighs its response to Washington. "Such sanctions are unacceptable for us, and we are confident that such measures won't prevent finishing the construction of such an important project," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "In any case, we won't leave such steps unanswered," he said. "As to when and how this will be done, this will depend on Russia's national interest." In Berlin, Merkel's spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said discussions were ongoing with the different parties to find a solution. "And we will continue to express our view that we don't condone such extra-territorial sanctions," she said.

Berlin expects US sanctions to slightly delay Russian pipeline

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stop-brexit-uks-johnson-gets-down-to-work-268636">Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;will use the prospect of a&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;cliff-edge&nbsp;at the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;2020&nbsp;to&nbsp;demand&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-appeals-to-wto-against-the-european-unions-discriminative-palm-oil-restrictions-268519">European Union</a> gives him a comprehensive free&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;in less than 11 months.

In his boldest move since winning a majority in Thursday's election,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will use his control of parliament to outlaw any extension of the&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;transition period beyond&nbsp;2020.

"Our manifesto made clear that we will not extend&nbsp;the implementation period and the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/welcoming-new-lawmakers-johnson-vows-a-speedy-brexit-268427">Withdrawal Agreement Bill</a> will legally prohibit government agreeing to any extension," a senior government official said on Tuesday.

After the United Kingdom leaves the&nbsp;European Union on January&nbsp;31, it enters a transition period in which it remains an&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member in all but name while both sides try to hammer out a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;on their post-Brexit&nbsp;relationship.

A comprehensive free&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;would encompass everything from financial services and rules of origin to tariffs, state aid rules and fishing, though the scope and sequencing of any future&nbsp;deal&nbsp;is still up for discussion.

Sterling dropped as much as 0.7 per cent&nbsp;to $1.3236 in Asia after ITV first reported the move.

By enshrining in law his campaign promise not to extend&nbsp;the transition period beyond the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;2020,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;cuts the amount of time he has to strike a&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to 10-11 months from nearly three years.

While&nbsp;Johnson's large majority gives him the flexibility to change the law should he need to, he is sending a message to the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;whose leaders have cautioned London that more time would be needed for a comprehensive&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal.

"We are going to make sure that we get this&nbsp;deal&nbsp;done in time," Michael Gove, one of the most senior ministers in&nbsp;Johnson's government, told the BBC.

Johnson&nbsp;and US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-democrats-seek-testimony-from-bolton-and-other-trump-aides-268609">Donald Trump</a> said on Monday they looked forward to continued close cooperation and the negotiation of an "ambitious" UK-US&nbsp;free&nbsp;trade&nbsp;agreement.

If the United Kingdom and the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;failed to strike a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;on their future relationship and the transition period was not extended, then&nbsp;trade&nbsp;between the two would be on World&nbsp;Trade&nbsp;Organisation (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fate-of-wto-top-court-threatened-with-trump-administrations-move-to-block-new-appointments-267597">WTO</a>) terms more burdensome for businesses.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;hopes to start&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks with Britain by March, leaving just 10 months to strike a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;and get it approved by London and the&nbsp;EU, including member states’ parliaments.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;insists it will not seal a&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with a large, economically powerful neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition.

The&nbsp;EU’s&nbsp;demands will focus on environmental and labour standards, as well as state aid rules to ensure Britain would not be able to offer products on the bloc’s single market at unfairly low prices.

Britain’s conundrum is that it will be under pressure to loosen rules on agricultural and food standards to strike a bilateral&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with the United States.

But this would be crossing a red line for the&nbsp;EU, which would restrict access to its market to protect its own producers.

Fishing is a particularly thorny issue as&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries will no longer be able to operate in British waters as they do now.

With industry supply chains in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;crossing borders multiple times for products like cars and drugs, agreeing exact rules to designate where products come from - and hence what regulations and taxes apply will also be fraught.

"It will be very complicated. It’s about an array of relations, in&nbsp;trade, in fishing and cooperation in security and foreign policy,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel told an&nbsp;EU&nbsp;summit news conference on Friday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use the prospect of a Brexit cliff-edge at the end of 2020 to demand the European Union gives him a comprehensive free trade deal in less than 11 months.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use the prospect of a Brexit cliff-edge at the end of 2020 to demand the European Union gives him a comprehensive free trade deal in less than 11 months. In his boldest move since winning a majority in Thursday's election, Johnson will use his control of parliament to outlaw any extension of the Brexit transition period beyond 2020. "Our manifesto made clear that we will not extend the implementation period and the new Withdrawal Agreement Bill will legally prohibit government agreeing to any extension," a senior government official said on Tuesday. After the United Kingdom leaves the European Union on January 31, it enters a transition period in which it remains an EU member in all but name while both sides try to hammer out a deal on their post-Brexit relationship. A comprehensive free trade deal would encompass everything from financial services and rules of origin to tariffs, state aid rules and fishing, though the scope and sequencing of any future deal is still up for discussion. Sterling dropped as much as 0.7 per cent to $1.3236 in Asia after ITV first reported the move. By enshrining in law his campaign promise not to extend the transition period beyond the end of 2020, Johnson cuts the amount of time he has to strike a trade deal to 10-11 months from nearly three years. While Johnson's large majority gives him the flexibility to change the law should he need to, he is sending a message to the EU whose leaders have cautioned London that more time would be needed for a comprehensive trade deal. "We are going to make sure that we get this deal done in time," Michael Gove, one of the most senior ministers in Johnson's government, told the BBC. Johnson and US President Donald Trump said on Monday they looked forward to continued close cooperation and the negotiation of an "ambitious" UK-US free trade agreement. If the United Kingdom and the EU failed to strike a deal on their future relationship and the transition period was not extended, then trade between the two would be on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms more burdensome for businesses. The EU hopes to start trade talks with Britain by March, leaving just 10 months to strike a deal and get it approved by London and the EU, including member states’ parliaments. The EU insists it will not seal a trade deal with a large, economically powerful neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition. The EU’s demands will focus on environmental and labour standards, as well as state aid rules to ensure Britain would not be able to offer products on the bloc’s single market at unfairly low prices. Britain’s conundrum is that it will be under pressure to loosen rules on agricultural and food standards to strike a bilateral trade deal with the United States. But this would be crossing a red line for the EU, which would restrict access to its market to protect its own producers. Fishing is a particularly thorny issue as EU countries will no longer be able to operate in British waters as they do now. With industry supply chains in the EU crossing borders multiple times for products like cars and drugs, agreeing exact rules to designate where products come from - and hence what regulations and taxes apply will also be fraught. "It will be very complicated. It’s about an array of relations, in trade, in fishing and cooperation in security and foreign policy,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel told an EU summit news conference on Friday.

Boris Johnson uses threat of Brexit cliff edge to demand European Union trade deal by end of 2020

Germany's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-conservatives-gather-for-stormy-congress-263787">Angela&nbsp;Merkel</a>&nbsp;crossed the gates of the former Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Poland on Friday for the first time in her 14 years as chancellor, promising to battle a new wave of anti-Semitism.

Merkel&nbsp;is only the third chancellor ever to visit the Nazi German camp where a million Jews were killed between 1940 and 1945 and which has come to symbolise the Holocaust as a whole.

Her trip, which comes ahead of the 75th anniversary of the camp's liberation by Soviet troops on January 27, is being seen as an important political message.

On the eve of her visit, 65-year-old&nbsp;Merkel&nbsp;said that "the fight against anti-Semitism and against all forms of hate" was a priority for her government.

She also hailed a new 60-million-euro ($66-million) donation for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation that was approved by Germany's federal states on Thursday.

Merkel&nbsp;began her visit by walking under the Nazi slogan "Arbeit macht frei" (Work will set you free) that still hangs over the gates of the camp.

She will also hold a minute's silence by the Death Wall where thousands of prisoners were shot dead and visit the site of a gas chamber and a crematorium.

The visit "is a particularly important signal of attention and solidarity at a time when Auschwitz survivors are victims of anti-Semitic insults and hate-filled emails," said Christoph Heubner, deputy chairman of the Auschwitz International Committee.

Merkel&nbsp;was accompanied during the visit by a survivor of the camp, 87-year-old Bogdan Stanislaw Bartnikowski, as well as Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Josef Schuster, head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, and Ronald Lauder, head of the World Jewish Congress, also took part in the visit.

In total, 1.1 million people were killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau, including non-Jewish Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, Roma and anti-Nazi fighters.

Many were killed the same day they arrived at the camp.

"There is no other place of memory that demonstrates with such precision what happened during the Shoah," Schuster told AFP ahead of the visit.

Merkel&nbsp;follows in the footsteps of previous German chancellors Helmut Schmidt, who came in 1977, and Helmut Kohl, who visited in 1989 and 1995.

She has already visited several of the former camps in Germany over many years and has been to Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial centre five times.

In 2008, she became the first German leader to address the Israeli parliament. In that speech, she spoke of the "shame" that Germans still feel.

Merkel&nbsp;has called the Holocaust a "break with civilisation" and has voiced concern about the rise of anti-Semitism in Germany.

Her visit comes two months after an attack aimed at a synagogue in the eastern city of Halle in which two people were killed,&nbsp;part of a growing trend.

Police figures show that anti-Semitic offences rose by almost 10 percent in Germany last year from the previous year to 1,646-&nbsp;the highest level in a decade.

Germany's far-right AfD party, some of whose members have been accused of using anti-Semitic rhetoric, has called for a rethink of the way Germany remembers its Nazi past.

Senior AfD lawmaker Bjoern Hoecke has called for a "180-degree shift" in the culture of atonement.

The timing of the visit is also significant because of questions over&nbsp;Merkel's political future as tensions persist within the governing coalition.

German media reported that she wanted to make the trip ahead of any potential political crisis.

Merkel&nbsp;intends to step down at the end of her mandate in 2021 but there is a chance that the date could be brought forward if her junior coalition partners, the Social Democrats, pull out of the government.

Germany's Angela Merkel crossed the gates of the former Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Poland on Friday for the first time in her 14 years as chancellor, promising to battle a new wave of anti-Semitism.

Germany's Angela Merkel crossed the gates of the former Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Poland on Friday for the first time in her 14 years as chancellor, promising to battle a new wave of anti-Semitism. Merkel is only the third chancellor ever to visit the Nazi German camp where a million Jews were killed between 1940 and 1945 and which has come to symbolise the Holocaust as a whole. Her trip, which comes ahead of the 75th anniversary of the camp's liberation by Soviet troops on January 27, is being seen as an important political message. On the eve of her visit, 65-year-old Merkel said that "the fight against anti-Semitism and against all forms of hate" was a priority for her government. She also hailed a new 60-million-euro ($66-million) donation for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation that was approved by Germany's federal states on Thursday. Merkel began her visit by walking under the Nazi slogan "Arbeit macht frei" (Work will set you free) that still hangs over the gates of the camp. She will also hold a minute's silence by the Death Wall where thousands of prisoners were shot dead and visit the site of a gas chamber and a crematorium. The visit "is a particularly important signal of attention and solidarity at a time when Auschwitz survivors are victims of anti-Semitic insults and hate-filled emails," said Christoph Heubner, deputy chairman of the Auschwitz International Committee. Merkel was accompanied during the visit by a survivor of the camp, 87-year-old Bogdan Stanislaw Bartnikowski, as well as Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. Josef Schuster, head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, and Ronald Lauder, head of the World Jewish Congress, also took part in the visit. In total, 1.1 million people were killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau, including non-Jewish Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, Roma and anti-Nazi fighters. Many were killed the same day they arrived at the camp. "There is no other place of memory that demonstrates with such precision what happened during the Shoah," Schuster told AFP ahead of the visit. Merkel follows in the footsteps of previous German chancellors Helmut Schmidt, who came in 1977, and Helmut Kohl, who visited in 1989 and 1995. She has already visited several of the former camps in Germany over many years and has been to Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial centre five times. In 2008, she became the first German leader to address the Israeli parliament. In that speech, she spoke of the "shame" that Germans still feel. Merkel has called the Holocaust a "break with civilisation" and has voiced concern about the rise of anti-Semitism in Germany. Her visit comes two months after an attack aimed at a synagogue in the eastern city of Halle in which two people were killed, part of a growing trend. Police figures show that anti-Semitic offences rose by almost 10 percent in Germany last year from the previous year to 1,646- the highest level in a decade. Germany's far-right AfD party, some of whose members have been accused of using anti-Semitic rhetoric, has called for a rethink of the way Germany remembers its Nazi past. Senior AfD lawmaker Bjoern Hoecke has called for a "180-degree shift" in the culture of atonement. The timing of the visit is also significant because of questions over Merkel's political future as tensions persist within the governing coalition. German media reported that she wanted to make the trip ahead of any potential political crisis. Merkel intends to step down at the end of her mandate in 2021 but there is a chance that the date could be brought forward if her junior coalition partners, the Social Democrats, pull out of the government.

Angela Merkel visits Auschwitz for first time

Germany's main automobile industry body said on Wednesday it expects global car sales to fall by 5 per cent&nbsp;this year, the steepest drop since the financial crisis, and warned of more job cuts in 2020 as a result.

"The competition is getting tougher, the headwinds are getting stronger," Bernhard Mattes, president of industry association VDA, told reporters, adding that the association expected global car sales to fall by 4.1 million to 80.1 million this year.

Germany's export-dependent car industry is struggling with weaker foreign demand, tariff disputes sparked by US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-china-says-no-time-limit-on-trade-deal-with-us-266194">Donald Trump</a>'s 'America First' policies and business uncertainty linked to Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

The sector, an important driver of overall growth in Europe's largest economy, is also having trouble adjusting to stricter regulation following an emissions-cheating scandal and managing a broader shift away from combustion engines toward electric cars.

"Capacity utilization has declined, limited-term employment contracts are not being renewed, and the instrument of short-time work is being employed once again," Mattes said. This meant that the number of permanent staff in car factories was likely to fall further.

Mattes said the association already expected a drop in employment this year, and this trend would worsen in 2020, though he gave no figures for the predicted layoffs.

In 2018, employment in the car industry in Germany reached 834,000, its highest level since 1991.

VDA expects car sales in Germany to fall by 4 per cent&nbsp;to 3.43 million in 2020 and to drop by 2 per cent&nbsp;to 15.3 million in Europe.

The US&nbsp;market for light vehicles is seen shrinking by 3 per cent&nbsp;to 16.5 million while car sales in China are expected to go down by 2 per cent&nbsp;to 20.5 million, VDA said.

Mattes called on Chancellor Angela Merkel's shaky ruling coalition to get its act together and help companies to better master the structural changes in the car industry that also include trends like digitisation and autonomous driving.

"Now it must be all about improving the framework conditions in Germany as an industrial business location," Mattes said. "What we need right now, therefore, is a stable government capable of taking action."

Germany's main automobile industry body said on Wednesday it expects global car sales to fall by 5 per cent this year, the steepest drop since the financial crisis, and warned of more job cuts in 2020 as a result.

Germany's main automobile industry body said on Wednesday it expects global car sales to fall by 5 per cent this year, the steepest drop since the financial crisis, and warned of more job cuts in 2020 as a result. "The competition is getting tougher, the headwinds are getting stronger," Bernhard Mattes, president of industry association VDA, told reporters, adding that the association expected global car sales to fall by 4.1 million to 80.1 million this year. Germany's export-dependent car industry is struggling with weaker foreign demand, tariff disputes sparked by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies and business uncertainty linked to Britain's decision to leave the European Union. The sector, an important driver of overall growth in Europe's largest economy, is also having trouble adjusting to stricter regulation following an emissions-cheating scandal and managing a broader shift away from combustion engines toward electric cars. "Capacity utilization has declined, limited-term employment contracts are not being renewed, and the instrument of short-time work is being employed once again," Mattes said. This meant that the number of permanent staff in car factories was likely to fall further. Mattes said the association already expected a drop in employment this year, and this trend would worsen in 2020, though he gave no figures for the predicted layoffs. In 2018, employment in the car industry in Germany reached 834,000, its highest level since 1991. VDA expects car sales in Germany to fall by 4 per cent to 3.43 million in 2020 and to drop by 2 per cent to 15.3 million in Europe. The US market for light vehicles is seen shrinking by 3 per cent to 16.5 million while car sales in China are expected to go down by 2 per cent to 20.5 million, VDA said. Mattes called on Chancellor Angela Merkel's shaky ruling coalition to get its act together and help companies to better master the structural changes in the car industry that also include trends like digitisation and autonomous driving. "Now it must be all about improving the framework conditions in Germany as an industrial business location," Mattes said. "What we need right now, therefore, is a stable government capable of taking action."

German car industry to slash more jobs in 2020

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