British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, a contender to replace Theresa May as prime minister, said Sunday that German Chancellor Angela Merkel had indicated the EU was willing to renegotiate the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/government-cannot-resubmit-same-brexit-deal-in-uk-parliament-speaker-204152">Brexit divorce deal</a>.

Hunt, one of nearly a dozen Conservatives vying to succeed May after she resigned as party leader Friday, said he spoke with Merkel at this week's D-Day commemorations and was convinced changing May's agreement was possible.

"She said that of course with a new British prime minister we would want to look at any solutions you have," he told Sky News.

"I'm absolutely clear that if we take the right approach to this, the Europeans would be willing to negotiate on the package."

Hunt did not specify if he was referring to the legally-binding withdrawal agreement which the EU has repeatedly insisted cannot be re-opened, or to the accompanying political declaration on future relations.

Brussels has said the declaration could be revisited if Britain makes a substantive change in its positions, for example on a customs union or access to the single market.

May agreed on the package with the EU last year but saw it rejected three times by British lawmakers, forcing her to delay Brexit twice -- the latest extension being to October 31.

A controversial provision in the agreement for the Irish border, known as the backstop, has proved the key stumbling block.&nbsp;

It would prevent the return of border checks between the British province of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if the sides fail to agree on a free trade pact after an initial transition period.

Hunt claimed Merkel had signalled EU leaders may now be open to a technological solution to the thorny issue -- something Brussels has previously ruled out as unrealistic. &nbsp;

"She said to me Germany doesn't have that border with the Republic of Ireland, you do... so you need to come up with the solution," he said of their conversation.

"So it's going to be a solution that's based around some technologies -- what the Germans call intelligent border(s). I think that's doable."

&nbsp;'Money is a great solvent'&nbsp; 
May stepped down as Conservative Party leader on Friday and formally triggered the race for a successor -- currently being contested by 11 Tory MPs -- but will remain, prime minister, until a new leader is chosen.

The leader of the party, which won the most seats at the last general election in 2017, will almost certainly become prime minister.&nbsp;

The Brexit-dominated battle is expected to conclude by the end of next month, with former foreign secretary Boris Johnson considered the clear frontrunner.

Johnson said in an interview published Sunday that he would refuse to pay Britain's £39 billion divorce bill until the EU agrees better withdrawal terms.

The ex-London mayor also signalled he would scrap the much-despised backstop and try to settle the border issue once London and Brussels were negotiating their future relationship.

"Our friends and partners need to understand that the money is going to be retained until such time as we have greater clarity about the way forward," he told The Sunday Times.

"In getting a good deal, money is a great solvent and a great lubricant," Johnson added, in his first newspaper interview since launching his bid to become Britain's next premier.

Johnson also argued that only he could defeat leftist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and anti-EU populist Nigel Farage, whose new Brexit Party has been poaching Tory voters disgruntled at their party's handling of Brexit.

'Sense of regret'&nbsp; 
In a boost to his campaign, several cabinet members this weekend joined a growing number of centrist Tory MPs in declaring their support for him.

However, Home Secretary Sajid Javid, another leadership candidate, has also picked up some key endorsements and this weekend won the backing of popular Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Michael Gove faced turmoil in his campaign after he admitted to using cocaine "on several occasions at social events" two decades ago.&nbsp;

"I do have a profound sense of regret about it all and I am very, very aware of the damage that drugs do," he told the BBC on Sunday.

The former justice minister has faced accusations of hypocrisy for having continually supported tough drug laws, while a former senior drug adviser to the government warned the admission could see him barred from entering the United States under its strict anti-drugs immigration laws.

Gove tried to turn the conversation back to the policy by announcing he would radically reform a key sales tax in Britain if he became prime minister.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, a contender to replace Theresa May as prime minister, said Sunday that German Chancellor Angela Merkel had indicated the EU was willing to renegotiate the Brexit divorce deal.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, a contender to replace Theresa May as prime minister, said Sunday that German Chancellor Angela Merkel had indicated the EU was willing to renegotiate the Brexit divorce deal. Hunt, one of nearly a dozen Conservatives vying to succeed May after she resigned as party leader Friday, said he spoke with Merkel at this week's D-Day commemorations and was convinced changing May's agreement was possible. "She said that of course with a new British prime minister we would want to look at any solutions you have," he told Sky News. "I'm absolutely clear that if we take the right approach to this, the Europeans would be willing to negotiate on the package." Hunt did not specify if he was referring to the legally-binding withdrawal agreement which the EU has repeatedly insisted cannot be re-opened, or to the accompanying political declaration on future relations. Brussels has said the declaration could be revisited if Britain makes a substantive change in its positions, for example on a customs union or access to the single market. May agreed on the package with the EU last year but saw it rejected three times by British lawmakers, forcing her to delay Brexit twice -- the latest extension being to October 31. A controversial provision in the agreement for the Irish border, known as the backstop, has proved the key stumbling block. It would prevent the return of border checks between the British province of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if the sides fail to agree on a free trade pact after an initial transition period. Hunt claimed Merkel had signalled EU leaders may now be open to a technological solution to the thorny issue -- something Brussels has previously ruled out as unrealistic. "She said to me Germany doesn't have that border with the Republic of Ireland, you do... so you need to come up with the solution," he said of their conversation. "So it's going to be a solution that's based around some technologies -- what the Germans call intelligent border(s). I think that's doable." 'Money is a great solvent' May stepped down as Conservative Party leader on Friday and formally triggered the race for a successor -- currently being contested by 11 Tory MPs -- but will remain, prime minister, until a new leader is chosen. The leader of the party, which won the most seats at the last general election in 2017, will almost certainly become prime minister. The Brexit-dominated battle is expected to conclude by the end of next month, with former foreign secretary Boris Johnson considered the clear frontrunner. Johnson said in an interview published Sunday that he would refuse to pay Britain's £39 billion divorce bill until the EU agrees better withdrawal terms. The ex-London mayor also signalled he would scrap the much-despised backstop and try to settle the border issue once London and Brussels were negotiating their future relationship. "Our friends and partners need to understand that the money is going to be retained until such time as we have greater clarity about the way forward," he told The Sunday Times. "In getting a good deal, money is a great solvent and a great lubricant," Johnson added, in his first newspaper interview since launching his bid to become Britain's next premier. Johnson also argued that only he could defeat leftist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and anti-EU populist Nigel Farage, whose new Brexit Party has been poaching Tory voters disgruntled at their party's handling of Brexit. 'Sense of regret' In a boost to his campaign, several cabinet members this weekend joined a growing number of centrist Tory MPs in declaring their support for him. However, Home Secretary Sajid Javid, another leadership candidate, has also picked up some key endorsements and this weekend won the backing of popular Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson. Meanwhile, Environment Minister Michael Gove faced turmoil in his campaign after he admitted to using cocaine "on several occasions at social events" two decades ago. "I do have a profound sense of regret about it all and I am very, very aware of the damage that drugs do," he told the BBC on Sunday. The former justice minister has faced accusations of hypocrisy for having continually supported tough drug laws, while a former senior drug adviser to the government warned the admission could see him barred from entering the United States under its strict anti-drugs immigration laws. Gove tried to turn the conversation back to the policy by announcing he would radically reform a key sales tax in Britain if he became prime minister.

United Kingdom foreign minister says European Union willing to renegotiate Brexit deal

Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives slumped to a record low and fell further behind the resurgent opposition Greens in a survey published on Saturday, reflecting growing disillusionment with the ruling coalition.

Doubts are mounting that Merkel's right-left alliance can last its full term until 2021, largely due to disarray within her Social Democrat (SPD) partners, and many experts now see increasing chances of a federal election next year.

The Forsa poll put the conservative bloc on 24%, down two points from a week ago.

The Social Democrats (SPD) remained stuck at their low of 12% - level with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) - a week after their leader quit because of a dismal performance in regional and European elections. Many members want to quit the government and rebuild in opposition.

The Greens, buoyed by growing concern across Europe about climate change, which helped propel them to second place in European Parliament elections, remained the most popular party, on 27%.

"The Greens are benefiting from high voter mobilisation, the self-destruction of the SPD and attempts by the conservatives to trump the Greens on climate protection," said Forsa chief Manfred Guellner.

If Merkel's coalition collapses, Germany faces the possibilities of a snap election, a minority government or an unwieldy alliance of three blocs.

Any of those scenarios would be likely to hasten the exit of Merkel, chancellor for almost 14 years, who has handed over the leadership of her Christian Democrats (CDU) to protege Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. Merkel has said she will not stand again as chancellor of Europe's biggest economy.

Kramp-Karrenbauer has failed to boost the CDU and in the Forsa poll, only 19% of respondents said they would back her as chancellor in a direct vote, two points down from a week ago.

The SPD has yet to decide how to elect their next leader and no one has yet stepped forward.

The weekly Der Spiegel ran a title story on Kevin Kuehnert, the hoody-wearing 29-year-old head of the SPD youth wing, a divisive figure who campaigned against the grand coalition last year and wants to shift the party to the left.

It quoted some party members as saying they would like him to stand as a leader and others saying it would be madness.

The media-savvy Kuehnert is no stranger to controversy; last month he caused a storm by saying companies such as carmaker BMW should be taken into collective ownership.

Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives slumped to a record low and fell further behind the resurgent opposition Greens in a survey published on Saturday, reflecting growing disillusionment with the ruling coalition.

Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives slumped to a record low and fell further behind the resurgent opposition Greens in a survey published on Saturday, reflecting growing disillusionment with the ruling coalition. Doubts are mounting that Merkel's right-left alliance can last its full term until 2021, largely due to disarray within her Social Democrat (SPD) partners, and many experts now see increasing chances of a federal election next year. The Forsa poll put the conservative bloc on 24%, down two points from a week ago. The Social Democrats (SPD) remained stuck at their low of 12% - level with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) - a week after their leader quit because of a dismal performance in regional and European elections. Many members want to quit the government and rebuild in opposition. The Greens, buoyed by growing concern across Europe about climate change, which helped propel them to second place in European Parliament elections, remained the most popular party, on 27%. "The Greens are benefiting from high voter mobilisation, the self-destruction of the SPD and attempts by the conservatives to trump the Greens on climate protection," said Forsa chief Manfred Guellner. If Merkel's coalition collapses, Germany faces the possibilities of a snap election, a minority government or an unwieldy alliance of three blocs. Any of those scenarios would be likely to hasten the exit of Merkel, chancellor for almost 14 years, who has handed over the leadership of her Christian Democrats (CDU) to protege Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. Merkel has said she will not stand again as chancellor of Europe's biggest economy. Kramp-Karrenbauer has failed to boost the CDU and in the Forsa poll, only 19% of respondents said they would back her as chancellor in a direct vote, two points down from a week ago. The SPD has yet to decide how to elect their next leader and no one has yet stepped forward. The weekly Der Spiegel ran a title story on Kevin Kuehnert, the hoody-wearing 29-year-old head of the SPD youth wing, a divisive figure who campaigned against the grand coalition last year and wants to shift the party to the left. It quoted some party members as saying they would like him to stand as a leader and others saying it would be madness. The media-savvy Kuehnert is no stranger to controversy; last month he caused a storm by saying companies such as carmaker BMW should be taken into collective ownership.

Angela Merkel's conservatives hit new low, piling pressure on coalition

It was a mixed feeling of sentiment, pride and togetherness as leaders of 16 nations commemorated the 75th anniversary of the D-Day in the English city of Portsmouth.

Standing with the leaders of the allied nations including United States President Donald Trump, United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron was German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

There was nothing surprising about Merkel's presence at the event which commemorated the allied victory over Nazi Germany.

Merkel had been a regular at D-Day anniversaries. While leaders of allied nations hailed the bravery of their combined forces, the German Chancellor expressed gratitude for being invited to the ceremony.

Merkel hailed D-Day as the “unique military operation that eventually liberated Germany from the Nazis.”

But things were quite different 15 years ago when a German Chancellor attended D-Day anniversary for the first time.&nbsp;

Allied veterans had objected to former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder being invited to the 60th D-Day commemoration in France's Normandy in 2004.

But for both France and Germany, Schroeder's attendance was a sign of changing times and reconciliation in Europe.

Merkel's words resonated with what her predecessor said back then. Schroeder had called D-day "a victory not over Germany but a victory for Germany."

Schroeder had also paid tribute to Allied as well as German soldiers who were laid to rest at the Commonwealth Cemetery of Ranville in Normandy.

But he skipped a visit to the nearby Le Cambe cemetery, where over 21,000 German soldiers belonging to the Waffen-SS unit were buried.

The SS among its many infamous activities was responsible for the mass killing of Jews during the Holocaust.

On June 6th, 1944 Allied forces including those from the US, UK and Canada landed on the beaches of Normandy. The largest seaborne invasion in history would eventually bring down Adolf Hitler's empire in France and later Western Europe.

Merkel, who became only the second German leader to attend Normandy Landing remembrance in 2014 and Schroeder belonged to a generation of Germans who had no memory of the Second World War which ended in 1945.

Schroder was a year old when Germany surrendered while Merkel was born after the war, in 1954.

But D-Day events brought back discomforting memories for German leaders who had witnessed the war.

In 1994, France had avoided inviting then German Premier Helmut Kohl for the Normandy invasion anniversary.

Kohl had said that there was no reason for him "to celebrate a battle in which thousands of Germans died miserable deaths."

The D-Day was a deeply personal matter for Kohl who was a teenager in 1944. His own brother died during the Normandy invasion.&nbsp;

But Kohl later softened his stance on D-Day amid Germany's improving ties with France.

The post-war order was once again reflected in Merkel's remarks who said that "D-Day set in motion the reconciliation process that brought lasting peace to Europe."

On the D-Day's 75th anniversary, nations including Germany signed a declaration in Portsmouth. The world&nbsp;leaders pledged that they will stand together to protect peace and stability.

However, the proclamation had generated little interest. Cracks in the alliances have been quite visible. UK has been in the process to leave the European Union.

Germany and France have been at loggerheads over top European Commission posts.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had complained that the European NATO members are not making enough contribution to the alliance.

The world leaders now have different issues to mend for. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It was a mixed feeling of sentiment, pride and togetherness as leaders of 16 nations commemorated the 75th anniversary of the D-Day in the English city of Portsmouth.

It was a mixed feeling of sentiment, pride and togetherness as leaders of 16 nations commemorated the 75th anniversary of the D-Day in the English city of Portsmouth. Standing with the leaders of the allied nations including United States President Donald Trump, United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron was German Chancellor Angela Merkel. There was nothing surprising about Merkel's presence at the event which commemorated the allied victory over Nazi Germany. Merkel had been a regular at D-Day anniversaries. While leaders of allied nations hailed the bravery of their combined forces, the German Chancellor expressed gratitude for being invited to the ceremony. Merkel hailed D-Day as the “unique military operation that eventually liberated Germany from the Nazis.” But things were quite different 15 years ago when a German Chancellor attended D-Day anniversary for the first time. Allied veterans had objected to former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder being invited to the 60th D-Day commemoration in France's Normandy in 2004. But for both France and Germany, Schroeder's attendance was a sign of changing times and reconciliation in Europe. Merkel's words resonated with what her predecessor said back then. Schroeder had called D-day "a victory not over Germany but a victory for Germany." Schroeder had also paid tribute to Allied as well as German soldiers who were laid to rest at the Commonwealth Cemetery of Ranville in Normandy. But he skipped a visit to the nearby Le Cambe cemetery, where over 21,000 German soldiers belonging to the Waffen-SS unit were buried. The SS among its many infamous activities was responsible for the mass killing of Jews during the Holocaust. On June 6th, 1944 Allied forces including those from the US, UK and Canada landed on the beaches of Normandy. The largest seaborne invasion in history would eventually bring down Adolf Hitler's empire in France and later Western Europe. Merkel, who became only the second German leader to attend Normandy Landing remembrance in 2014 and Schroeder belonged to a generation of Germans who had no memory of the Second World War which ended in 1945. Schroder was a year old when Germany surrendered while Merkel was born after the war, in 1954. But D-Day events brought back discomforting memories for German leaders who had witnessed the war. In 1994, France had avoided inviting then German Premier Helmut Kohl for the Normandy invasion anniversary. Kohl had said that there was no reason for him "to celebrate a battle in which thousands of Germans died miserable deaths." The D-Day was a deeply personal matter for Kohl who was a teenager in 1944. His own brother died during the Normandy invasion. But Kohl later softened his stance on D-Day amid Germany's improving ties with France. The post-war order was once again reflected in Merkel's remarks who said that "D-Day set in motion the reconciliation process that brought lasting peace to Europe." On the D-Day's 75th anniversary, nations including Germany signed a declaration in Portsmouth. The world leaders pledged that they will stand together to protect peace and stability. However, the proclamation had generated little interest. Cracks in the alliances have been quite visible. UK has been in the process to leave the European Union. Germany and France have been at loggerheads over top European Commission posts. US President Donald Trump had complained that the European NATO members are not making enough contribution to the alliance. The world leaders now have different issues to mend for. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Blog: How Germany sees its D-Day defeat

Britain's Queen Elizabeth joined world leaders including Donald Trump and Angela Merkel to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history and a feat that helped bring World War Two to an end.

The queen, Prince Charles, presidents and prime ministers rose to applaud veterans, their coats heavy with medals, as they stood on a giant stage beside a guard of honour after a film of the Normandy landings was shown.

"We all had a part to play - I wasn't nervous - I was apprehensive like everybody else was," said Bert Edwards, recounting his role 75 years ago as an able seaman on the Royal Navy's HMS Bellona.

"It's something that happens once in a lifetime - makes you proud a little bit for taking part," he said during the film.

Prime Minister Theresa May was joined for the commemorative events in Portsmouth by US&nbsp;President Trump, who is on the final day of a state visit to Britain, and his wife, Melania.

French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, German Chancellor Merkel, and leaders and senior figures from 10 other countries also attended.

"As we unite to pay tribute to those whose bravery and sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy marked a turning point in the Second World War, we will vow never to forget the debt we owe them," May said.

"Their solidarity and determination in the defence of our freedom remains a lesson to us all."

In the early hours of June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 allied troops set off from Portsmouth and the surrounding area to begin the air, sea and land attack on Normandy that ultimately led to the liberation of western Europe from the Nazi regime.

By the time of the Normandy landings, Soviet forces had been fighting Germany in the east for almost three years and Kremlin chief Josef Stalin had urged British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to open a second front as far back as August 1942.

The invasion, codenamed Operation Overlord and commanded by US&nbsp;General Dwight D. Eisenhower, remains the largest amphibious assault in history and involved almost 7,000 ships and landing craft along a 50-mile (80-km) stretch of the French coast.

Shortly after midnight, thousands of paratroopers were dropped. Then came the naval bombardment of German positions overlooking the shore. Then the infantry arrived on the beaches.

Mostly American, British and Canadian men, some just boys, waded ashore as German soldiers tried to kill them with machine guns and artillery. Survivors say the sea was red with blood and the air boiling with the thunder of explosions.

Thousands were killed on both sides. Line upon line of white crosses honour the dead in cemeteries across northern France. Even the codenames of the sectors of the invasion - Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword - can draw tears from veterans.

"Never repeat"

"Seventy-five years ago this Thursday, courageous Americans and British patriots set out from this island towards history's most important battle," Trump told a news conference in London on Tuesday.

"They stormed forward out of ships and aeroplanes risking everything to defend our people and to ensure that the United States and Britain would forever remain sovereign and forever remain free."

Sixteen countries attended the commemorations: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Those countries agreed a proclamation to "ensure that the unimaginable horror of these years is never repeated".

"We will act resolutely, with courage and tenacity, to protect our people against threats to our values and challenges to peace and stability," the proclamation said.

The commemorations will feature an hour-long performance recounting the story of D-Day and a flypast by historic and military aircraft.

On Wednesday evening, some 300 veterans who took part on D-Day, all now older than 90, will leave Portsmouth on a specially commissioned ship, MV Boudicca, and retrace their 1944 journey across the English Channel, accompanied by Royal Navy vessels and a lone wartime Spitfire fighter plane.

Meanwhile, in Normandy, British air assault troops, French army paratroopers and D-Day veterans will recreate the airborne landings. There will be further D-Day memorial events on Thursday in northern France.

Wednesday's event coincides with the last day of Trump's state visit to Britain, where he has lavished praise on the U.S. ally and said the wartime bonds forged the "greatest alliance the world has ever known".

He also called for NATO allies to spend more on defence, saying they had no choice but to meet NATO's target of at least 2% of GDP. Trump has repeatedly complained that Germany and others are not pulling their weight and need to do more to ease the burden on the United States.

Britain is one of the few NATO members that does meet the target and May said the D-Day events should serve as an important marker for unity for the future.

"As I host leaders from around the world today to mark this significant moment in our shared history, we will together reflect on the continued importance of the western alliance for all our countries' security and prosperity," she said.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth joined world leaders including Donald Trump and Angela Merkel to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history and a feat that helped bring World War Two to an end.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth joined world leaders including Donald Trump and Angela Merkel to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history and a feat that helped bring World War Two to an end. The queen, Prince Charles, presidents and prime ministers rose to applaud veterans, their coats heavy with medals, as they stood on a giant stage beside a guard of honour after a film of the Normandy landings was shown. "We all had a part to play - I wasn't nervous - I was apprehensive like everybody else was," said Bert Edwards, recounting his role 75 years ago as an able seaman on the Royal Navy's HMS Bellona. "It's something that happens once in a lifetime - makes you proud a little bit for taking part," he said during the film. Prime Minister Theresa May was joined for the commemorative events in Portsmouth by US President Trump, who is on the final day of a state visit to Britain, and his wife, Melania. French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, German Chancellor Merkel, and leaders and senior figures from 10 other countries also attended. "As we unite to pay tribute to those whose bravery and sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy marked a turning point in the Second World War, we will vow never to forget the debt we owe them," May said. "Their solidarity and determination in the defence of our freedom remains a lesson to us all." In the early hours of June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 allied troops set off from Portsmouth and the surrounding area to begin the air, sea and land attack on Normandy that ultimately led to the liberation of western Europe from the Nazi regime. By the time of the Normandy landings, Soviet forces had been fighting Germany in the east for almost three years and Kremlin chief Josef Stalin had urged British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to open a second front as far back as August 1942. The invasion, codenamed Operation Overlord and commanded by US General Dwight D. Eisenhower, remains the largest amphibious assault in history and involved almost 7,000 ships and landing craft along a 50-mile (80-km) stretch of the French coast. Shortly after midnight, thousands of paratroopers were dropped. Then came the naval bombardment of German positions overlooking the shore. Then the infantry arrived on the beaches. Mostly American, British and Canadian men, some just boys, waded ashore as German soldiers tried to kill them with machine guns and artillery. Survivors say the sea was red with blood and the air boiling with the thunder of explosions. Thousands were killed on both sides. Line upon line of white crosses honour the dead in cemeteries across northern France. Even the codenames of the sectors of the invasion - Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword - can draw tears from veterans. "Never repeat" "Seventy-five years ago this Thursday, courageous Americans and British patriots set out from this island towards history's most important battle," Trump told a news conference in London on Tuesday. "They stormed forward out of ships and aeroplanes risking everything to defend our people and to ensure that the United States and Britain would forever remain sovereign and forever remain free." Sixteen countries attended the commemorations: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Those countries agreed a proclamation to "ensure that the unimaginable horror of these years is never repeated". "We will act resolutely, with courage and tenacity, to protect our people against threats to our values and challenges to peace and stability," the proclamation said. The commemorations will feature an hour-long performance recounting the story of D-Day and a flypast by historic and military aircraft. On Wednesday evening, some 300 veterans who took part on D-Day, all now older than 90, will leave Portsmouth on a specially commissioned ship, MV Boudicca, and retrace their 1944 journey across the English Channel, accompanied by Royal Navy vessels and a lone wartime Spitfire fighter plane. Meanwhile, in Normandy, British air assault troops, French army paratroopers and D-Day veterans will recreate the airborne landings. There will be further D-Day memorial events on Thursday in northern France. Wednesday's event coincides with the last day of Trump's state visit to Britain, where he has lavished praise on the U.S. ally and said the wartime bonds forged the "greatest alliance the world has ever known". He also called for NATO allies to spend more on defence, saying they had no choice but to meet NATO's target of at least 2% of GDP. Trump has repeatedly complained that Germany and others are not pulling their weight and need to do more to ease the burden on the United States. Britain is one of the few NATO members that does meet the target and May said the D-Day events should serve as an important marker for unity for the future. "As I host leaders from around the world today to mark this significant moment in our shared history, we will together reflect on the continued importance of the western alliance for all our countries' security and prosperity," she said.

'Bravery and sacrifice': Queen Elizabeth and world leaders applaud D-Day veterans

Former White House chief strategist and media mogul Steve Bannon spoke exclusively to WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary recently. During the conversation, he spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landslide victory, US-India relationship, Pakistan, his interest in Hindu spirituality and his love for Bhagavad Gita.

Full transcript of Steve Bannon's interview with Sudhir Chaudhary

The German government has called on people to wear the Jewish kippa ahead of an anti-Israel protest as a demonstration of solidarity and as Jews face a spike in anti-Semitism, withdrawing an earlier warning against wearing the traditional skullcap.

At the weekend, Felix Klein, the country's commissioner on anti-Semitism sparked uproar when he said in an interview with the Funke regional press group that he could not "advise Jews to wear the kippa everywhere all the time in Germany."

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin voiced shock at Klein's warning and said it was a "capitulation to anti-Semitism" and evidence that Jews are unsafe in Germany.

Late Monday, Klein reversed course after Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman intervened.

"The state must see to it that the free exercise of religion is possible for all... and that anyone can go anywhere in our country in full security wearing a kippa," Steffen Seibert told a press conference.

In his latest statement to Funke, Klein said,&nbsp;"I call on all citizens of Berlin and across Germany to wear the kippa next Saturday if there are new, intolerable attacks targeting Israel and Jews on the occasion of al-Quds day in Berlin."

Al-Quds is an annual event against Israeli control of Jerusalem and will take place on Saturday.

Klein also addressed his earlier statements, saying that he "could no longer recommend that Jews wear the kippa everywhere in Germany should be taken as an alarm signal."

Earlier Monday, German daily Bild published a cut-out-and-use kippa in a bid to fight rising anti-Semitism.

Bild, Germany's top-selling daily newspaper, called on readers to "stand in solidarity with (their) Jewish neighbours" by making "their own kippa", bearing the star of David, to "raise the flag against anti-Semitism".

Germany, like other Western countries, has watched with alarm as anti-Semitic and other racist hate speech and violence have increased in recent years while the political climate has coarsened and grown more polarised.

Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 20 per cent in Germany last year, according to interior ministry data which blamed nine out of 10 cases on the extreme right.

The arrival in parliament of the far-right AfD party, whose leaders openly question Germany's culture of atonement for World War II atrocities, has also contributed to the change in atmosphere.

Merkel has also deplored "another form of anti-Semitism" stemming from a major asylum-seeker influx, with many coming from Muslim countries like Syria, Afghanistan or Iraq.

The Central Council of Jews in Germany has already issued several warnings about wearing the kippa in public.

In one prominent case last year, a 19-year-old Syrian man was convicted for assault after lashing out with his belt at an Israeli man wearing a Jewish skullcap while shouting "Yahudi", Jew in Arabic.

The German government has called on people to wear the Jewish kippa ahead of an anti-Israel protest as a demonstration of solidarity and as Jews face a spike in anti-Semitism, withdrawing an earlier warning against wearing the traditional skullcap.

The German government has called on people to wear the Jewish kippa ahead of an anti-Israel protest as a demonstration of solidarity and as Jews face a spike in anti-Semitism, withdrawing an earlier warning against wearing the traditional skullcap. At the weekend, Felix Klein, the country's commissioner on anti-Semitism sparked uproar when he said in an interview with the Funke regional press group that he could not "advise Jews to wear the kippa everywhere all the time in Germany." Israeli President Reuven Rivlin voiced shock at Klein's warning and said it was a "capitulation to anti-Semitism" and evidence that Jews are unsafe in Germany. Late Monday, Klein reversed course after Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman intervened. "The state must see to it that the free exercise of religion is possible for all... and that anyone can go anywhere in our country in full security wearing a kippa," Steffen Seibert told a press conference. In his latest statement to Funke, Klein said, "I call on all citizens of Berlin and across Germany to wear the kippa next Saturday if there are new, intolerable attacks targeting Israel and Jews on the occasion of al-Quds day in Berlin." Al-Quds is an annual event against Israeli control of Jerusalem and will take place on Saturday. Klein also addressed his earlier statements, saying that he "could no longer recommend that Jews wear the kippa everywhere in Germany should be taken as an alarm signal." Earlier Monday, German daily Bild published a cut-out-and-use kippa in a bid to fight rising anti-Semitism. Bild, Germany's top-selling daily newspaper, called on readers to "stand in solidarity with (their) Jewish neighbours" by making "their own kippa", bearing the star of David, to "raise the flag against anti-Semitism". Germany, like other Western countries, has watched with alarm as anti-Semitic and other racist hate speech and violence have increased in recent years while the political climate has coarsened and grown more polarised. Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 20 per cent in Germany last year, according to interior ministry data which blamed nine out of 10 cases on the extreme right. The arrival in parliament of the far-right AfD party, whose leaders openly question Germany's culture of atonement for World War II atrocities, has also contributed to the change in atmosphere. Merkel has also deplored "another form of anti-Semitism" stemming from a major asylum-seeker influx, with many coming from Muslim countries like Syria, Afghanistan or Iraq. The Central Council of Jews in Germany has already issued several warnings about wearing the kippa in public. In one prominent case last year, a 19-year-old Syrian man was convicted for assault after lashing out with his belt at an Israeli man wearing a Jewish skullcap while shouting "Yahudi", Jew in Arabic.

German government urges wearing of Jewish kippa

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-coalition-in-crisis-talks-after-european-union-vote-debacle-221923">German Chancellor Angela Merkel</a> and French President Emmanuel Macron will lock horns in Brussels on Tuesday as&nbsp;European Union&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;meet to begin bargaining over who will take the bloc's top jobs for the next five years.

An&nbsp;EU-wide election last week returned a&nbsp;European Parliament with a splintered centre and gains by pro-EU&nbsp;liberals and greens as well as&nbsp;eurosceptic nationalists and the far-right.

The centrist&nbsp;European People's Party (EPP) and Socialists &amp; Democrats (S&amp;D) can only count on 326 seats in the new, 751-strong chamber. That is short of the 376-seat majority needed to approve a new head for the bloc's executive&nbsp;European Commission.

Other big roles up for grabs later this year include the head of the&nbsp;European Parliament and the&nbsp;European Central Bank, the bloc's foreign policy chief and the head of the&nbsp;European Council, which gathers&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;of the&nbsp;EU's 28 member states.

Merkel called on Monday for a swift decision and an official from Macron's office said he too would "ideally" want the process finished in June. But the two&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;have differing views on how to pick a Commission chief.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;would risk an institutional logjam if talks are prolonged, leaving it unable to make key policy decisions at a time when it faces a more assertive Russia, China's growing economic might and the unpredictable US&nbsp;president.

Leaders&nbsp;of a majority of parties in the newly elected chamber on Monday called on the national&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;to nominate a lawmaker to replace Jean-Claude Juncker as Commission chief.

Merkel officially favours the EPP candidate, German conservative Manfred Weber, to take over at the Commission.

But Weber has so far failed to rally the other&nbsp;EU&nbsp;assembly groups and a dinner he had wanted to host late on Monday with the S&amp;D, the liberal ALDE and the Greens was cancelled.

"The EPP is ready for all the necessary compromises," Weber said on Monday.

HARD TO CALL

Together, those four parties would hold 504 seats in the new&nbsp;EU&nbsp;chamber, according to the latest provisional results, comfortably enough to approve or reject any pick made by the 28 national&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;for the top Brussels posting.

Macron, meanwhile, will on Tuesday push against the "Spitzenkandidat" system whereby a lawmaker selected by the&nbsp;European assembly should get the Commission job.

On Monday night he met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is seeking a bigger political role for Madrid at the top of the&nbsp;EU.

A raft of separate face-to-face talks will take place in Brussels on Tuesday before all the&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;-- including outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May -- meet at 1600 GMT.

Their chairman, ex-Polish premier Donald Tusk, does not expect the package to be agreed on Tuesday but will continue consultations with capitals after the debate among&nbsp;leaders.

He also wants to have names ready for the new&nbsp;European Parliament's approval in July as otherwise the whole process risks getting delayed until autumn.

Unanimity is not required and current Commission president Juncker got the job despite opposition from London and with Budapest abstaining in 2014.

But it is hard to see a candidate succeeding against the will of more than just a handful of&nbsp;leaders, as that would risk hurting their cooperation in the future and stalling the&nbsp;EU's decision-making processes.

The obscure and difficult-to-call recruitment process will be a compromise between requirements of geography and political affiliation, as well as the candidates' own profiles.

Other names already in the running include Juncker's current deputy and Dutch social democrat Frans Timmermans, the bloc's Brexit negotiator, Frenchman Michel Barnier, and outgoing Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic, a Slovak.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will lock horns in Brussels on Tuesday as European Union leaders meet to begin bargaining over who will take the bloc's top jobs for the next five years.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will lock horns in Brussels on Tuesday as European Union leaders meet to begin bargaining over who will take the bloc's top jobs for the next five years. An EU-wide election last week returned a European Parliament with a splintered centre and gains by pro-EU liberals and greens as well as eurosceptic nationalists and the far-right. The centrist European People's Party (EPP) and Socialists & Democrats (S&D) can only count on 326 seats in the new, 751-strong chamber. That is short of the 376-seat majority needed to approve a new head for the bloc's executive European Commission. Other big roles up for grabs later this year include the head of the European Parliament and the European Central Bank, the bloc's foreign policy chief and the head of the European Council, which gathers leaders of the EU's 28 member states. Merkel called on Monday for a swift decision and an official from Macron's office said he too would "ideally" want the process finished in June. But the two leaders have differing views on how to pick a Commission chief. The EU would risk an institutional logjam if talks are prolonged, leaving it unable to make key policy decisions at a time when it faces a more assertive Russia, China's growing economic might and the unpredictable US president. Leaders of a majority of parties in the newly elected chamber on Monday called on the national leaders to nominate a lawmaker to replace Jean-Claude Juncker as Commission chief. Merkel officially favours the EPP candidate, German conservative Manfred Weber, to take over at the Commission. But Weber has so far failed to rally the other EU assembly groups and a dinner he had wanted to host late on Monday with the S&D, the liberal ALDE and the Greens was cancelled. "The EPP is ready for all the necessary compromises," Weber said on Monday. HARD TO CALL Together, those four parties would hold 504 seats in the new EU chamber, according to the latest provisional results, comfortably enough to approve or reject any pick made by the 28 national leaders for the top Brussels posting. Macron, meanwhile, will on Tuesday push against the "Spitzenkandidat" system whereby a lawmaker selected by the European assembly should get the Commission job. On Monday night he met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is seeking a bigger political role for Madrid at the top of the EU. A raft of separate face-to-face talks will take place in Brussels on Tuesday before all the leaders -- including outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May -- meet at 1600 GMT. Their chairman, ex-Polish premier Donald Tusk, does not expect the package to be agreed on Tuesday but will continue consultations with capitals after the debate among leaders. He also wants to have names ready for the new European Parliament's approval in July as otherwise the whole process risks getting delayed until autumn. Unanimity is not required and current Commission president Juncker got the job despite opposition from London and with Budapest abstaining in 2014. But it is hard to see a candidate succeeding against the will of more than just a handful of leaders, as that would risk hurting their cooperation in the future and stalling the EU's decision-making processes. The obscure and difficult-to-call recruitment process will be a compromise between requirements of geography and political affiliation, as well as the candidates' own profiles. Other names already in the running include Juncker's current deputy and Dutch social democrat Frans Timmermans, the bloc's Brexit negotiator, Frenchman Michel Barnier, and outgoing Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic, a Slovak.

European Union leaders fire starting gun for top jobs race

Five key takeaways from the European Union elections

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-calls-for-europe-to-stand-up-against-far-right-parties-219720">German Chancellor Angela Merkel's</a> embattled coalition will hold crisis talks Monday after a thumping at European polls that has reignited questions over its survival.

Voters handed her CDU party and its centre-left coalition partner SPD their worst score in European election history while doubling support for the Greens amid rising fears over global warming.

The Greens also snatched the second spot from the Social Democratic Party, coming in just behind Merkel's centre-right alliance.

Crucially, the environmental party took more than a million votes -- including many from young people -- each from the SPD as well as from the CDU.

Der Spiegel said the coalition is "in danger" after Sunday's drubbing.

"This instability can lead to a break up at any time. The CDU and SPD are deeply insecure parties. If, for example, SPD leader (Andrea) Nahles were to fall, the question of the continued existence of the coalition would immediately arise."

The SPD, stung by a beating at general elections in 2017, had initially sought to go into opposition.

But it was reluctantly coaxed into renewing a partnership with Merkel's centre-right alliance, and many within the party remain wary of continuing to govern in her shadow while taking the fall for any unpopular policies.

With the SPD also losing the top spot in stronghold Bremen during state elections Sunday, rumblings of discontent against the leadership may yet grow louder.

Already ahead of the vote, Bild is Sonntag quoted unnamed sources as saying that veteran politician Martin Schulz was ready to stand against Nahles when the parliamentary chief post comes up for renewal in September.

Slapping down the speculation, finance minister Olaf Scholz warned against putting Nahles' role in question.&nbsp;

"Calling for personal consequences would not help," he said.

Blindsided&nbsp;

But the SPD was not the only party in crisis mode after Sunday's debacle.

Merkel's CDU too had been blindsided by youth-led anger over global warming.

Key party figures admitted Sunday that they had campaigned on the wrong topics, as they overlooked climate which had overtaken immigration to become the main worry for Germans this year.

The momentum for the Green surge had been building up over months as the strikes started last November by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, 16, not only refused to lose steam but caught the imagination of youth across the world.

The Greens were further lent a boost in Germany by a prominent YouTuber whose online assault against Merkel's coalition accusing it of failing to act to halt global warming went viral.

The CDU struggled for days to put out the fire.

Just two days before the vote, the online star Rezo upped the ante and published a joint call with 70 influential YouTubers telling their millions of followers to shun parties in Merkel's coalition as well as the far-right AfD at the polls.

On Sunday, one in three under-30s picked the Greens, while only 13 per cent picked the CDU. The SPD also did not fare better, winning over only 10 per cent of the age group.

Party chief Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is poised to succeed Merkel when the veteran leader steps down in 2021, conceded, "Yes, we made mistakes in this election campaign, that has to be said."

Markus Soeder, who heads Merkel's Bavarian allies CSU, declared the environmental party its main rival.

"The biggest challenge of the future is the intensive debate with the Greens," he said, adding that "old measures that we had before, are no longer valid".

Underlining that the CDU-CSU bloc was struggling to win over young voters, he added that "we must work to be younger, cooler and more open".

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's embattled coalition will hold crisis talks Monday after a thumping at European polls that has reignited questions over its survival.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's embattled coalition will hold crisis talks Monday after a thumping at European polls that has reignited questions over its survival. Voters handed her CDU party and its centre-left coalition partner SPD their worst score in European election history while doubling support for the Greens amid rising fears over global warming. The Greens also snatched the second spot from the Social Democratic Party, coming in just behind Merkel's centre-right alliance. Crucially, the environmental party took more than a million votes -- including many from young people -- each from the SPD as well as from the CDU. Der Spiegel said the coalition is "in danger" after Sunday's drubbing. "This instability can lead to a break up at any time. The CDU and SPD are deeply insecure parties. If, for example, SPD leader (Andrea) Nahles were to fall, the question of the continued existence of the coalition would immediately arise." The SPD, stung by a beating at general elections in 2017, had initially sought to go into opposition. But it was reluctantly coaxed into renewing a partnership with Merkel's centre-right alliance, and many within the party remain wary of continuing to govern in her shadow while taking the fall for any unpopular policies. With the SPD also losing the top spot in stronghold Bremen during state elections Sunday, rumblings of discontent against the leadership may yet grow louder. Already ahead of the vote, Bild is Sonntag quoted unnamed sources as saying that veteran politician Martin Schulz was ready to stand against Nahles when the parliamentary chief post comes up for renewal in September. Slapping down the speculation, finance minister Olaf Scholz warned against putting Nahles' role in question. "Calling for personal consequences would not help," he said. Blindsided But the SPD was not the only party in crisis mode after Sunday's debacle. Merkel's CDU too had been blindsided by youth-led anger over global warming. Key party figures admitted Sunday that they had campaigned on the wrong topics, as they overlooked climate which had overtaken immigration to become the main worry for Germans this year. The momentum for the Green surge had been building up over months as the strikes started last November by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, 16, not only refused to lose steam but caught the imagination of youth across the world. The Greens were further lent a boost in Germany by a prominent YouTuber whose online assault against Merkel's coalition accusing it of failing to act to halt global warming went viral. The CDU struggled for days to put out the fire. Just two days before the vote, the online star Rezo upped the ante and published a joint call with 70 influential YouTubers telling their millions of followers to shun parties in Merkel's coalition as well as the far-right AfD at the polls. On Sunday, one in three under-30s picked the Greens, while only 13 per cent picked the CDU. The SPD also did not fare better, winning over only 10 per cent of the age group. Party chief Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is poised to succeed Merkel when the veteran leader steps down in 2021, conceded, "Yes, we made mistakes in this election campaign, that has to be said." Markus Soeder, who heads Merkel's Bavarian allies CSU, declared the environmental party its main rival. "The biggest challenge of the future is the intensive debate with the Greens," he said, adding that "old measures that we had before, are no longer valid". Underlining that the CDU-CSU bloc was struggling to win over young voters, he added that "we must work to be younger, cooler and more open".

Angela Merkel's coalition in crisis talks after European Union vote debacle

After taking over as the prime minister in his second term, Narendra Modi's first visit will be a country in the neighbourhood but it will not be in Bhutan. The visit will take place in early June.

During Modi's first tenure as the prime minister, his first visit was to Bhutan in June 2014.&nbsp;

PM Modi will have seven foreign visits scheduled in the next seven months, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, France, Russia, Thailand, Brazil and a country in the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

The visits will see him interact with global leaders and see a consolidation of his foreign policy actions and gains from his first term.

June: Kyrgyzstan, Japan

Other than a visit to a South Asian country, June will see two more major visits. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO summit from June 13 to 15 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan which will begin from June 28 to 29.

The SCO includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan as well as India and Pakistan. The SCO summit will be the first time PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart &nbsp;Imran Khan will be under the same roof and the big question will be if they will meet.&nbsp;

There hasn't been any formal dialogue between India and Pakistan since years now. The last time India took initiative was on December 25 in 2015 when PM Modi landed in Lahore. But, days after India's initiative, Pathankot attack happened which resulted in the breakdown of Indo-Pak ties.&nbsp;

The SCO summit could also see the first meet between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping since the listing of Masood Azhar, chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organisation.

In 2018, Modi-Xi met four times, starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan, China. The Chinese president will be visiting India this year for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

G20 summit in Japan will also serve as the first major platform for PM Modi to meet global leaders including a likely meet with US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

In 2018, during the G20 meet in Argentina, PM Modi met Donald Trump as part of a trilateral, Japan, America and India (JAI), in which Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was also present.&nbsp;

Another trilateral, Russia, India, China (RIC) saw the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping along with PM Modi.&nbsp;

Both the trilaterals&nbsp;are expected to meet this time as well.

August: France

This will be followed by participation of Indian PM at the G7 summit in Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France from August 25 to 27.&nbsp;

India has been invited by France, which is the chair this time, to participate at the G7 summit. During his congratulatory call to PM Modi on Thursday, French President Macron reiterated his invitation to visit France in August for a bilateral meeting and also to attend the G7 Summit at Biarritz.

In 2005, India was present at the G7 summit with participation of the then Indian PM Manmohan Singh. &nbsp;The G7 group consists of US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan &amp; Italy.

September: Russia

In September, PM Modi is going to Russia to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the far eastern city of Vladivostok from September 4 to 6.&nbsp;

PM Modi has spoken to Putin three times in 2019, the first time on January 1 and the second time on January 28 during which the latter extended the invitation for the EEF. On Thursday Putin called Modi third time to congratulate him for his landslide victory in country's 17 Lok Sabha polls. 
&nbsp; 
On January 1, a Russian government official readout the first phone conversation between Putin and Modi in which it was stated, "The President of Russia invited the Prime Minister of India to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest."

During PM Modi's second term he might also go for the United Nations General Assembly in New York that starts on September 17 and ends on September 30.&nbsp;

November: Thailand, Brazil

November will see PM Modi going to Bangkok for the East Asia Summit which takes place on third of that month followed by BRICS summit in Brazil from 11-13 November.

Four leaders, Japan's PM Shinzo Abe, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, Putin and &nbsp;Xi Jinping are scheduled to visit India.

After taking over as the prime minister in his second term, Narendra Modi's first visit will be a country in the neighbourhood but it will not be in Bhutan. The visit will take place in early June.

After taking over as the prime minister in his second term, Narendra Modi's first visit will be a country in the neighbourhood but it will not be in Bhutan. The visit will take place in early June. During Modi's first tenure as the prime minister, his first visit was to Bhutan in June 2014. PM Modi will have seven foreign visits scheduled in the next seven months, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, France, Russia, Thailand, Brazil and a country in the neighbourhood. The visits will see him interact with global leaders and see a consolidation of his foreign policy actions and gains from his first term. June: Kyrgyzstan, Japan Other than a visit to a South Asian country, June will see two more major visits. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO summit from June 13 to 15 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan which will begin from June 28 to 29. The SCO includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan as well as India and Pakistan. The SCO summit will be the first time PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan will be under the same roof and the big question will be if they will meet. There hasn't been any formal dialogue between India and Pakistan since years now. The last time India took initiative was on December 25 in 2015 when PM Modi landed in Lahore. But, days after India's initiative, Pathankot attack happened which resulted in the breakdown of Indo-Pak ties. The SCO summit could also see the first meet between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping since the listing of Masood Azhar, chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organisation. In 2018, Modi-Xi met four times, starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan, China. The Chinese president will be visiting India this year for the second informal summit. G20 summit in Japan will also serve as the first major platform for PM Modi to meet global leaders including a likely meet with US President Donald Trump. In 2018, during the G20 meet in Argentina, PM Modi met Donald Trump as part of a trilateral, Japan, America and India (JAI), in which Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was also present. Another trilateral, Russia, India, China (RIC) saw the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping along with PM Modi. Both the trilaterals are expected to meet this time as well. August: France This will be followed by participation of Indian PM at the G7 summit in Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France from August 25 to 27. India has been invited by France, which is the chair this time, to participate at the G7 summit. During his congratulatory call to PM Modi on Thursday, French President Macron reiterated his invitation to visit France in August for a bilateral meeting and also to attend the G7 Summit at Biarritz. In 2005, India was present at the G7 summit with participation of the then Indian PM Manmohan Singh. The G7 group consists of US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan & Italy. September: Russia In September, PM Modi is going to Russia to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the far eastern city of Vladivostok from September 4 to 6. PM Modi has spoken to Putin three times in 2019, the first time on January 1 and the second time on January 28 during which the latter extended the invitation for the EEF. On Thursday Putin called Modi third time to congratulate him for his landslide victory in country's 17 Lok Sabha polls. On January 1, a Russian government official readout the first phone conversation between Putin and Modi in which it was stated, "The President of Russia invited the Prime Minister of India to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest." During PM Modi's second term he might also go for the United Nations General Assembly in New York that starts on September 17 and ends on September 30. November: Thailand, Brazil November will see PM Modi going to Bangkok for the East Asia Summit which takes place on third of that month followed by BRICS summit in Brazil from 11-13 November. Four leaders, Japan's PM Shinzo Abe, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, Putin and Xi Jinping are scheduled to visit India.

Narendra Modi to visit a South Asian country in his first foreign tour in second term

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Saturday for Europe to push back against far-right parties, saying populist movements wanted to destroy core European values such as fighting corruption and protecting minorities.

Merkel made the remarks when asked about a scandal engulfing Austria's far-right Freedom Party, whose leader Heinz-Christian Strache quit on Saturday as government vice-chancellor after he was videoed offering state contracts in exchange for political support.

"We're having to deal with populist movements that in many areas are contemptuous of these values, who want to destroy the Europe of our values. We have to stand up to this decisively," said Merkel, who has kept a low-profile during campaigning for next week's EU parliamentary election.

"What falls under this is that minorities are not protected, that basic human rights are called into question and that corruption plays a role in politics," she added after meeting Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb.

Merkel has left the most vocal election campaigning to fellow countryman Manfred Weber, the top conservative candidate in the May 23-26 election.

Weber, also speaking in Zagreb, said the Austrian scandal vindicated his intention not to rely on votes from far-right parties in his bid for EU commission president.

"The far right and populists are ready to sell their patriotism and the values of their country for their gains", he said, referring to the affair.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Saturday for Europe to push back against far-right parties, saying populist movements wanted to destroy core European values such as fighting corruption and protecting minorities.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Saturday for Europe to push back against far-right parties, saying populist movements wanted to destroy core European values such as fighting corruption and protecting minorities. Merkel made the remarks when asked about a scandal engulfing Austria's far-right Freedom Party, whose leader Heinz-Christian Strache quit on Saturday as government vice-chancellor after he was videoed offering state contracts in exchange for political support. "We're having to deal with populist movements that in many areas are contemptuous of these values, who want to destroy the Europe of our values. We have to stand up to this decisively," said Merkel, who has kept a low-profile during campaigning for next week's EU parliamentary election. "What falls under this is that minorities are not protected, that basic human rights are called into question and that corruption plays a role in politics," she added after meeting Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb. Merkel has left the most vocal election campaigning to fellow countryman Manfred Weber, the top conservative candidate in the May 23-26 election. Weber, also speaking in Zagreb, said the Austrian scandal vindicated his intention not to rely on votes from far-right parties in his bid for EU commission president. "The far right and populists are ready to sell their patriotism and the values of their country for their gains", he said, referring to the affair.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel calls for Europe to stand up against far-right parties

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-7-voting-begins-in-chandigarh-and-7-states-219713">Live Lok Sabha polls 2019 phase 7: Voting underway in final round; UP CM Yogi, Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi among early voters</a>

EVM malfunction reported at booth no.6 in Pant Nagar of Patna Sahib, Bihar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/polls-shouldnt-be-held-over-such-a-long-duration-says-nitish-kumar-219735">Polls shouldn't be held over such a long duration, says Nitish Kumar</a>

The seven-phase long Lok Sabha elections, one of the most bitterly fought in recent memory, will come to an end today.&nbsp;

As the one and a half month-long dance of democracy ends today, former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said that there was a long gap between each phase of voting.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-may-to-make-mps-a-final-bold-offer-on-brexit-deal-219727">British Prime Minister May to make MPs a final 'bold offer' on Brexit deal</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May said Sunday she was preparing to make a "bold offer" to MPs in one final attempt to get them to back her Brexit deal.

May said that when she brings the Withdrawal Agreement Bill before parliament early next month, it will come with a new package of measures attached that she hopes can command majority support.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-calls-for-europe-to-stand-up-against-far-right-parties-219720">Merkel calls for Europe to stand up against far-right parties</a>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Saturday for Europe to push back against far-right parties, saying populist movements wanted to destroy core European values such as fighting corruption and protecting minorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-crush-watford-6-0-in-fa-cup-final-219717">Manchester City crush Watford 6-0 in FA Cup final</a>

Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick as Manchester City crushed Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday to become the first team to win the English treble of league championship and both domestic cups in spectacular style.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019 phase 7: Voting underway in final round; UP CM Yogi, Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi among early voters EVM malfunction reported at booth no.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019 phase 7: Voting underway in final round; UP CM Yogi, Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi among early voters EVM malfunction reported at booth no.6 in Pant Nagar of Patna Sahib, Bihar Polls shouldn't be held over such a long duration, says Nitish Kumar The seven-phase long Lok Sabha elections, one of the most bitterly fought in recent memory, will come to an end today. As the one and a half month-long dance of democracy ends today, former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said that there was a long gap between each phase of voting. British Prime Minister May to make MPs a final 'bold offer' on Brexit deal British Prime Minister Theresa May said Sunday she was preparing to make a "bold offer" to MPs in one final attempt to get them to back her Brexit deal. May said that when she brings the Withdrawal Agreement Bill before parliament early next month, it will come with a new package of measures attached that she hopes can command majority support. Merkel calls for Europe to stand up against far-right parties German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Saturday for Europe to push back against far-right parties, saying populist movements wanted to destroy core European values such as fighting corruption and protecting minorities. Manchester City crush Watford 6-0 in FA Cup final Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick as Manchester City crushed Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday to become the first team to win the English treble of league championship and both domestic cups in spectacular style.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Germany's parliament on Friday condemned the BDS movement that demands a boycott of Israel as anti-Semitic, warning that its actions were reminiscent of the Nazis' campaign against Jews.

The Bundestag condemnation came with Israel battling a growing chorus led by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to shun the Eurovision Song Contest which Tel Aviv will host on Saturday.

US superstar Madonna has signed a contract to perform during the interval of the high-profile event, it was finally announced on Thursday, ending uncertainty after calls for her to boycott the event.

In its rare multi-party resolution, the German lower house said Friday that the campaign run by the BDS was "reminiscent of the most terrifying phase of German history" under Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime.

"'Don't buy' stickers of the BDS movement on Israeli products remind one of the inevitable associations with the Nazi call 'Don't buy from Jews', and other corresponding graffiti on facades and shop windows," said the non-binding resolution.

"The methods" of the BDS movement "are anti-Semitic," added the resolution put forward by Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU-CSU bloc, coalition partner Social Democratic Party, plus the liberal FDP and the Greens parties.

With the vote, German MPs pledged to reject any financial support for the boycott movement.&nbsp;

The Bundestag will also refrain from allowing BDS and its partners to host events on its premises.

The BDS movement describes itself as a Palestinian-led action, and urges the boycott of Israeli goods, services and culture because of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

However, for Sebastian Brehm of the CSU, "this is an action that has nothing to do with the criticism of the Israeli government. Rather it is clearly motivated by anti-Semitism".

Germany's parliament on Friday condemned the BDS movement that demands a boycott of Israel as anti-Semitic, warning that its actions were reminiscent of the Nazis' campaign against Jews.

Germany's parliament on Friday condemned the BDS movement that demands a boycott of Israel as anti-Semitic, warning that its actions were reminiscent of the Nazis' campaign against Jews. The Bundestag condemnation came with Israel battling a growing chorus led by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to shun the Eurovision Song Contest which Tel Aviv will host on Saturday. US superstar Madonna has signed a contract to perform during the interval of the high-profile event, it was finally announced on Thursday, ending uncertainty after calls for her to boycott the event. In its rare multi-party resolution, the German lower house said Friday that the campaign run by the BDS was "reminiscent of the most terrifying phase of German history" under Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime. "'Don't buy' stickers of the BDS movement on Israeli products remind one of the inevitable associations with the Nazi call 'Don't buy from Jews', and other corresponding graffiti on facades and shop windows," said the non-binding resolution. "The methods" of the BDS movement "are anti-Semitic," added the resolution put forward by Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU-CSU bloc, coalition partner Social Democratic Party, plus the liberal FDP and the Greens parties. With the vote, German MPs pledged to reject any financial support for the boycott movement. The Bundestag will also refrain from allowing BDS and its partners to host events on its premises. The BDS movement describes itself as a Palestinian-led action, and urges the boycott of Israeli goods, services and culture because of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. However, for Sebastian Brehm of the CSU, "this is an action that has nothing to do with the criticism of the Israeli government. Rather it is clearly motivated by anti-Semitism".

German parliament slams boycott Israel movement as 'anti-Semitic'

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned Tuesday against possible military action in Libya, as the head of Tripoli's internationally recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, kicked off a European tour to drum up support against a possible attack by strongman Khalifa Haftar.

The contents of a meeting between Conte and Sarraj -- which Italian media said lasted about 90 minutes -- were not made public.

But Conte said on the sidelines of a separate event that "there is no military solution that could guarantee the stabilisation of the country".&nbsp;

"The military solution would, in any case, come at the cost of human lives and humanitarian crises," Conte said.

Sarraj, who heads the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, is seeking support against an <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-air-strikes-point-to-possible-uae-involvement-un-report-216539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjswsz9wYniAhVOk3AKHRG5CiEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2IK4v6ucD4bkCKeghspWPU">attack on Tripoli</a> by Haftar, who has urged his troops to "wipe out" government forces.

After his meeting with Conte, Sarraj was set to travel to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel later on Tuesday and then to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The visit to France, in particular, comes after the GNA repeatedly accused Paris of politically backing the assault which Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched on Tripoli on April 4.

Italy, Libya's former colonial power, is a key backer of the GNA and has echoed calls by Merkel for a "unified" European position and a political solution to resolve the crisis.

In a slip of the tongue, Conte said he had spoken "with president Haftar," but immediately corrected himself to say,&nbsp;"I've spoken with president Sarraj. I am confident I will be able to meet General Haftar soon. We are seeking to establish how and when."&nbsp;

Sarraj may also possibly travel to London as part of his tour.&nbsp;

Britain has pushed for a resolution at the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-says-nearly-400-killed-by-libya-fighting-50000-displaced-215774&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjswsz9wYniAhVOk3AKHRG5CiEQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qYtucIJuRerjFShtQ1I7a">UN Security Council</a> demanding a ceasefire in Libya but its efforts have foundered amid divisions at the world body.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned Tuesday against possible military action in Libya, as the head of Tripoli's internationally recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, kicked off a European tour to drum up support against a possible attack by strongman Khalifa Haftar.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned Tuesday against possible military action in Libya, as the head of Tripoli's internationally recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, kicked off a European tour to drum up support against a possible attack by strongman Khalifa Haftar. The contents of a meeting between Conte and Sarraj -- which Italian media said lasted about 90 minutes -- were not made public. But Conte said on the sidelines of a separate event that "there is no military solution that could guarantee the stabilisation of the country". "The military solution would, in any case, come at the cost of human lives and humanitarian crises," Conte said. Sarraj, who heads the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, is seeking support against an attack on Tripoli by Haftar, who has urged his troops to "wipe out" government forces. After his meeting with Conte, Sarraj was set to travel to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel later on Tuesday and then to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday. The visit to France, in particular, comes after the GNA repeatedly accused Paris of politically backing the assault which Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched on Tripoli on April 4. Italy, Libya's former colonial power, is a key backer of the GNA and has echoed calls by Merkel for a "unified" European position and a political solution to resolve the crisis. In a slip of the tongue, Conte said he had spoken "with president Haftar," but immediately corrected himself to say, "I've spoken with president Sarraj. I am confident I will be able to meet General Haftar soon. We are seeking to establish how and when." Sarraj may also possibly travel to London as part of his tour. Britain has pushed for a resolution at the UN Security Council demanding a ceasefire in Libya but its efforts have foundered amid divisions at the world body.

Italy warns against military action in Libya

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pattern-of-aggressive-behaviour-elsewhere-informs-how-it-treats-the-arctic-pompeo-216537">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> abruptly cancelled a visit to Germany on Tuesday hours before he was due to arrive in Berlin, with his spokeswoman citing "pressing issues".

"We look forward to rescheduling this important set of meetings," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.

"The Secretary looks forward to being in Berlin soon."

She gave no further details or explanation for the sudden change of plans.

Pompeo had been due to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas later Tuesday.

It was not immediately clear whether he would still travel to Britain on Wednesday, when he was to meet with Prime Minister Theresa May, or on Thursday to Greenland, where he was to complete his European tour.

Pompeo started the trip attending a meeting of ministers of the Arctic Council in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi.

Merkel's office referred all queries about the reasons for the cancellation to the US embassy in Berlin, which could not immediately be reached for comment.

The embassy had earlier tweeted the Ortagus remarks.

Merkel has not hidden her differences with US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly taken the unusual step of criticising the close ally, especially over what he has repeatedly called German's insufficient NATO spending.

Berlin and Washington are also at odds over a range of trade issues and the Nord Stream 2 project to build a new gas pipeline between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo abruptly cancelled a visit to Germany on Tuesday hours before he was due to arrive in Berlin, with his spokeswoman citing "pressing issues".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo abruptly cancelled a visit to Germany on Tuesday hours before he was due to arrive in Berlin, with his spokeswoman citing "pressing issues". "We look forward to rescheduling this important set of meetings," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. "The Secretary looks forward to being in Berlin soon." She gave no further details or explanation for the sudden change of plans. Pompeo had been due to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear whether he would still travel to Britain on Wednesday, when he was to meet with Prime Minister Theresa May, or on Thursday to Greenland, where he was to complete his European tour. Pompeo started the trip attending a meeting of ministers of the Arctic Council in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi. Merkel's office referred all queries about the reasons for the cancellation to the US embassy in Berlin, which could not immediately be reached for comment. The embassy had earlier tweeted the Ortagus remarks. Merkel has not hidden her differences with US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly taken the unusual step of criticising the close ally, especially over what he has repeatedly called German's insufficient NATO spending. Berlin and Washington are also at odds over a range of trade issues and the Nord Stream 2 project to build a new gas pipeline between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea.

Pompeo cancels Germany visit due to 'pressing issues': US

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday congratulated comedian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-comic-to-commander-in-chief-challenges-for-new-ukraine-leader-212488">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> on his landslide victory in Ukraine's presidential election, saying she hopes the vote will help stabilise the troubled country.

"I congratulate you on your election," Merkel said.

"The stabilisation of Ukraine and a peaceful conflict resolution are as close to my heart as the implementation of central reforms of the judiciary, decentralisation and the fight against corruption," her statement said.

"The Federal government will continue to actively assist Ukraine in its right to sovereignty and territorial integrity in the future."

Merkel, who met incumbent Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko earlier this month in Berlin, added that she would welcome receiving Zelensky soon.&nbsp;

Germany has been a key broker in the conflict between Kiev and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014, negotiating with France the now moribund Minsk peace accords.

The war in eastern Ukraine between government forces and rebels backed by Moscow has claimed some 13,000 lives and rumbles on despite a series of periodic truce deals.

The EU also has sanctions in force against Russia over its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas praised Poroshenko for his "great contribution to his country over the last five years" and echoed Merkel's offer of support to Zelensky.

"Volodymyr Zelensky became known during the election campaign for further reforms and the fight against corruption," said Maas in a statement.

"Germany will continue to stand at the side of Ukraine and offer support on this path."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday congratulated comedian Volodymyr Zelensky on his landslide victory in Ukraine's presidential election, saying she hopes the vote will help stabilise the troubled country.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday congratulated comedian Volodymyr Zelensky on his landslide victory in Ukraine's presidential election, saying she hopes the vote will help stabilise the troubled country. "I congratulate you on your election," Merkel said. "The stabilisation of Ukraine and a peaceful conflict resolution are as close to my heart as the implementation of central reforms of the judiciary, decentralisation and the fight against corruption," her statement said. "The Federal government will continue to actively assist Ukraine in its right to sovereignty and territorial integrity in the future." Merkel, who met incumbent Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko earlier this month in Berlin, added that she would welcome receiving Zelensky soon. Germany has been a key broker in the conflict between Kiev and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014, negotiating with France the now moribund Minsk peace accords. The war in eastern Ukraine between government forces and rebels backed by Moscow has claimed some 13,000 lives and rumbles on despite a series of periodic truce deals. The EU also has sanctions in force against Russia over its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas praised Poroshenko for his "great contribution to his country over the last five years" and echoed Merkel's offer of support to Zelensky. "Volodymyr Zelensky became known during the election campaign for further reforms and the fight against corruption," said Maas in a statement. "Germany will continue to stand at the side of Ukraine and offer support on this path."

Angela Merkel pledges support to Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelensky win

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday condemned a series of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eighth-blast-hits-sri-lankan-capital-city-colombo-death-toll-crosses-160-212267">coordinated bomb attacks which rocked Sri Lanka</a> and killed over 160 people.

"We strongly condemn these odious acts," Macron wrote on Twitter. "Full solidarity with the Sri Lanka people and our thoughts for all those close to the victims this Easter."

"It is shocking that people who gathered to celebrate Easter together were consciously targeted in this malicious attack," Merkel said in a condolence telegram published by a spokeswoman on Twitter.

Sri Lanka on Sunday afternoon was rocked by eight blasts targeting luxury hotels and churches in the capital city Colombo.

The blasts occurred at around 8.45 am (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress in churches.

So far, over 200 are reportedly dead and around 400 people are severely injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the explosions.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday condemned a series of coordinated bomb attacks which rocked Sri Lanka and killed over 160 people.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday condemned a series of coordinated bomb attacks which rocked Sri Lanka and killed over 160 people. "We strongly condemn these odious acts," Macron wrote on Twitter. "Full solidarity with the Sri Lanka people and our thoughts for all those close to the victims this Easter." "It is shocking that people who gathered to celebrate Easter together were consciously targeted in this malicious attack," Merkel said in a condolence telegram published by a spokeswoman on Twitter. Sri Lanka on Sunday afternoon was rocked by eight blasts targeting luxury hotels and churches in the capital city Colombo. The blasts occurred at around 8.45 am (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress in churches. So far, over 200 are reportedly dead and around 400 people are severely injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the explosions.

Macron, Merkel condemn Sri Lanka attacks as odious acts

Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky, a political novice and favourite to win <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-poroshenko-agrees-to-debate-with-frontrunner-zelensky-207896">Kiev's presidential vote</a>, will head to Paris Friday to meet French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

While many dismissed as a joke his bid to lead Ukraine -- a country at war with Moscow-backed rebels -- Zelensky defeated President Petro Poroshenko in the presidential vote's first round. Polls predict he will also win the election's run-off next Sunday.&nbsp;

The actor, whose only political experience is playing the president in a TV show, is due to meet Macron at the Elysee Palace.&nbsp;

Poroshenko, meanwhile, will head to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, before also meeting Macron in Paris later the same day.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian leader said the pre-election talks in France and Germany are crucial for "the fate of the Ukrainian state and of European security".&nbsp;

They were "especially important", he said, in the face of "attempts" to lift Western sanctions against Russia, imposed on Moscow after its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.&nbsp;

France and Germany are part of the so-called Normandy peace talks with Ukraine and Russia that aim to end a conflict between Kiev and the Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. The war has killed 13,000 people over the past five years.&nbsp;

Kiev and its Western allies accuse Russia of supporting the rebels militarily. Moscow denies that.&nbsp;

Poroshenko, a 53-year-old former foreign minister, has positioned himself as the only candidate able to stand up to the Kremlin.

He is eager to make up lost ground before the run-off vote by showing off his experience and oratory.&nbsp;

Zelensky has said he will only debate Poroshenko in Kiev's Olympic Stadium, which seats over 70,000 people. The Ukrainian president has agreed, but the pair have so far given different dates for the event.&nbsp;

'Strange situation'&nbsp;

Zelensky, 41, has shunned traditional rallies, instead of performing satirical shows and capitalising on frustration over corruption and economic trouble.

By welcoming him, Paris has caused some annoyance in Kiev.&nbsp;

"This is a very unpleasant and strange situation," a high-ranking Ukrainian diplomatic source told AFP.&nbsp;

Analysts say the decision to host the comedian is explained by his success in the March 31 first round when he won 30 per cent of the vote. Poroshenko took almost 16 per cent.&nbsp;

A new poll released Thursday showed 61 per cent of Ukrainians intends to vote for Zelensky in the second round on Sunday. It found only 24 per cent would back Poroshenko.

"France is showing that it knows what the direction the Ukrainian electorate is heading in towards and that it has to make contact," said Leonid Litra, an analyst at the Kiev-based New Europe Center.&nbsp;

Meeting Macron would allow the actor to make clear his vision of the peace process in eastern Ukraine that has currently stalled, Litra said.&nbsp;

Zelensky has suggested including the UK and the US in peace talks. &nbsp;

Despite Zelensky's inexperience, Litra said there is little risk of the frontrunner committing a serious faux-pas in Paris. &nbsp;

"It is not complicated to exchange courtesies. He knows how to do that," he said.&nbsp;

Despite the flamboyant media spectacle, the stakes are high for Ukraine, a country of 45 million seen as the biggest frontier between the European Union and Russia.&nbsp;

In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and war erupted in eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;

Before the conflict with separatists began, Zelensky had struck a conciliatory tone, saying he was ready to "kneel" in front of Putin to avoid a military conflict.&nbsp;

After the first round of the vote, he said he would ask the Kremlin for compensation for the war and for taking Crimea.&nbsp;

Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky, a political novice and favourite to win Kiev's presidential vote, will head to Paris Friday to meet French President Emmanuel Macron.

Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky, a political novice and favourite to win Kiev's presidential vote, will head to Paris Friday to meet French President Emmanuel Macron. While many dismissed as a joke his bid to lead Ukraine -- a country at war with Moscow-backed rebels -- Zelensky defeated President Petro Poroshenko in the presidential vote's first round. Polls predict he will also win the election's run-off next Sunday. The actor, whose only political experience is playing the president in a TV show, is due to meet Macron at the Elysee Palace. Poroshenko, meanwhile, will head to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, before also meeting Macron in Paris later the same day. The Ukrainian leader said the pre-election talks in France and Germany are crucial for "the fate of the Ukrainian state and of European security". They were "especially important", he said, in the face of "attempts" to lift Western sanctions against Russia, imposed on Moscow after its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula. France and Germany are part of the so-called Normandy peace talks with Ukraine and Russia that aim to end a conflict between Kiev and the Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. The war has killed 13,000 people over the past five years. Kiev and its Western allies accuse Russia of supporting the rebels militarily. Moscow denies that. Poroshenko, a 53-year-old former foreign minister, has positioned himself as the only candidate able to stand up to the Kremlin. He is eager to make up lost ground before the run-off vote by showing off his experience and oratory. Zelensky has said he will only debate Poroshenko in Kiev's Olympic Stadium, which seats over 70,000 people. The Ukrainian president has agreed, but the pair have so far given different dates for the event. 'Strange situation' Zelensky, 41, has shunned traditional rallies, instead of performing satirical shows and capitalising on frustration over corruption and economic trouble. By welcoming him, Paris has caused some annoyance in Kiev. "This is a very unpleasant and strange situation," a high-ranking Ukrainian diplomatic source told AFP. Analysts say the decision to host the comedian is explained by his success in the March 31 first round when he won 30 per cent of the vote. Poroshenko took almost 16 per cent. A new poll released Thursday showed 61 per cent of Ukrainians intends to vote for Zelensky in the second round on Sunday. It found only 24 per cent would back Poroshenko. "France is showing that it knows what the direction the Ukrainian electorate is heading in towards and that it has to make contact," said Leonid Litra, an analyst at the Kiev-based New Europe Center. Meeting Macron would allow the actor to make clear his vision of the peace process in eastern Ukraine that has currently stalled, Litra said. Zelensky has suggested including the UK and the US in peace talks. Despite Zelensky's inexperience, Litra said there is little risk of the frontrunner committing a serious faux-pas in Paris. "It is not complicated to exchange courtesies. He knows how to do that," he said. Despite the flamboyant media spectacle, the stakes are high for Ukraine, a country of 45 million seen as the biggest frontier between the European Union and Russia. In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and war erupted in eastern Ukraine. Before the conflict with separatists began, Zelensky had struck a conciliatory tone, saying he was ready to "kneel" in front of Putin to avoid a military conflict. After the first round of the vote, he said he would ask the Kremlin for compensation for the war and for taking Crimea.

Ukraine comedian Zelensky to meet French President Emmanuel Macron before presidential run-off

As the UK takes center stage with the impending Brexit looming large, the world sees a very determined Theresa May shuttling between Brussels and London, dismissing her naysayers, fighting hard to avoid a ‘no-deal Brexit’. And every time she rises to make a speech in the parliament she exudes grit and determination. She is a fighter and it is out there for the world to see.

Yet, people can't seem to get past staring at Theresa May's leopard print shoes, her pencil skirts or her statement neck pieces.

Clothes are excellent means of self-expression for people, gender irrespective. Clothes, shoes, accessories go a long way in sending intended messages across without actually speaking out loud. We often let our clothes do the talking when it comes to leaving a strong impact.

Who would know that better than our women leaders whose every move is under the constant public scanner?

And it is not always easy for the lady bosses who run countries and rule people’s heart with the same panache to live under scrutiny round the clock, more so in an era dominated by social media designed etiquette.

It is sad but true that more often than not fashion choices of our powerhouse woman politicians go on to make bigger headlines than the job they passionately work at.

UK's Theresa May could tell you how tough it is to be a ruling PM who likes to keep it fashionable.

When it comes to fashion, women in politics “are held to a different standard across the board” than men, said Senator Moseley Braun, who represented Illinois, in the US Senate from 1993 to 1999.

Sadly, the sentiment hasn’t changed much since Moseley was in office.

This obsession with what the powerful women of the world wear is not a recent phenomenon. Republican Katherine Langley, who represented Kentucky back in the 1920s and early 1930s was a victim too. “She offends the squeamish by her unstinted display of gipsy colours on the floor and the conspicuousness with which she dresses her bushy blue-black hair,” a reporter had written.

Why should politicians who talk openly and positively about fashion be judged?

PM May has admitted that footwears are her “greatest love”. "I like clothes and I like shoes," she told the crowd at the 2015 Women in the World summit.

Media has always been too eager to pick on her. BBC had once while reporting Brexit focussed primarily on PM May’s shoes. However, thanks to some who wish to look beyond fashion statements, this reportage was rightly and thoroughly criticised. One viewer had pointed out that the shot "sends all the wrong messages, deflects from what she was saying, shows no respect for her position, and reinforces gender stereotypes." 
 
<img alt="Theresa May and Angela Merkel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="893282b8-8936-4603-a227-a55860382a6c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/may.jpg" />

German Chancellor Angela wardrobe choices have prompted "letter-writing” at times. She laments her male colleagues have never had to face similar criticism about their fashion choices. In a candid interview to Die Zeit she attempted to draw the attention to this very sexist glare of the world- "It's no problem at all for a man to wear a dark blue suit for a hundred days in a row, but if I wear the same blazer four times in two weeks, that leads to letter-writing from citizens,"

Hillary Clinton must have by now learnt not to be upset for being criticised for wearing pantsuits. Remember Project Runway’s Tim Gunn who back in 2011 had said shamelessly exclaimed, “Why must she dress that way? I think she’s confused about her gender.”

PM May herself offered to break the myth that working women of substance cannot have a nose for fashion when she went on record to say, "One of the challenges for women in the workplace is to be ourselves, and I say you can be clever and like clothes. You can have a career and like clothes.". “I also think it's important to be able to show that a woman can do a job like this and still be interested in clothes," she rightly claimed.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the newly sworn-in New York City Democrat, who is otherwise a hit among colleagues and media, could not escape unwelcome and distasteful comments on her style.

Washington Examiner's Eddie Scarry tweeted a photograph of AOC as a miss. Alexandria is popularly known as, with the caption, “that jacket and coat don’t look like a girl who struggles.” His tweet was intended to cast doubts on her working-class background, she claims she comes from.

Again, why should it be difficult to fathom that women politicians like other working professionals can be very well put together as they go about their everyday business?

Harsh criticisms have often come UK PM’s way and these were not always because she could not manage to strike a timely Brexit deal with the European Union.

On several occasions, she found herself in the eye of a storm for something as regular as the choice of the colour of her dress or the slit of her skirt. When Theresa May stepped out for the Pride of Britain Awards in an attire that stopped above the knee, netizens called her out. "Put your knees away," one Twitter user wrote.

When Melania Trump wore a pith helmet during a trip to Africa in July 2018 she managed to draw a lot of flak. An understandably angry Trump told reporters, “I wish people would focus on what I do, not what I wear.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's low-cut dress at an opera event in Oslo in 2008 caused quite a stir in the media. Die Welt’s headline read "How much cleavage should a chancellor show?" Internet never forgets to keep a count of the number of times an attire was repeated by the Chancellor and is quick to point out how she had worn the “dark blue dress to an annual music event in 2012 as she did in 2008”

Former US first lady Michelle Obama could have moved out of the White House in 2016 but by no means has people’s interest in her fashion choices diminished. Her style has often surpassed her work in the race to make headlines. Obama wrote in her memoir how a reporter had shown more interest in who designed her dress than her speaking engagement. To keep up the fashion pace felt like a task. “Optics governed more or less everything in the political world, and I factored this into every outfit," she wrote. "It required time, though, and money – more money that I’d spent on clothing ever before." 
 
<img alt="Michelle Obama" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fb0fae4-514d-469f-8f76-02d1fe9a4a63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/michelle.jpg" />

Fortunately for us womankind these women have never let the cruelty take them down. These are ladies who like to live with no regrets and honestly, there isn’t any reason why they should.

Merkel said. "You can only carry out this profession when you aren't affected by things so quickly. You have to concentrate on the objective tasks."

"I have no regrets [about being famous for my shoes]," PM May once told a journalist. Politicians are like any other people and “not some different species”, she said sending out a message that she is approachable.

May is painfully aware that she will have to make peace with people judging her endlessly but she refuses to kill the fun. "Look, throughout my political career, people have commented on what I wear. That's just something that happens, and you accept that. But it doesn't stop me from going out and enjoying fashion." 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As the UK takes center stage with the impending Brexit looming large, the world sees a very determined Theresa May shuttling between Brussels and London, dismissing her naysayers, fighting hard to avoid a ‘no-deal Brexit’.

As the UK takes center stage with the impending Brexit looming large, the world sees a very determined Theresa May shuttling between Brussels and London, dismissing her naysayers, fighting hard to avoid a ‘no-deal Brexit’. And every time she rises to make a speech in the parliament she exudes grit and determination. She is a fighter and it is out there for the world to see. Yet, people can't seem to get past staring at Theresa May's leopard print shoes, her pencil skirts or her statement neck pieces. Clothes are excellent means of self-expression for people, gender irrespective. Clothes, shoes, accessories go a long way in sending intended messages across without actually speaking out loud. We often let our clothes do the talking when it comes to leaving a strong impact. Who would know that better than our women leaders whose every move is under the constant public scanner? And it is not always easy for the lady bosses who run countries and rule people’s heart with the same panache to live under scrutiny round the clock, more so in an era dominated by social media designed etiquette. It is sad but true that more often than not fashion choices of our powerhouse woman politicians go on to make bigger headlines than the job they passionately work at. UK's Theresa May could tell you how tough it is to be a ruling PM who likes to keep it fashionable. When it comes to fashion, women in politics “are held to a different standard across the board” than men, said Senator Moseley Braun, who represented Illinois, in the US Senate from 1993 to 1999. Sadly, the sentiment hasn’t changed much since Moseley was in office. This obsession with what the powerful women of the world wear is not a recent phenomenon. Republican Katherine Langley, who represented Kentucky back in the 1920s and early 1930s was a victim too. “She offends the squeamish by her unstinted display of gipsy colours on the floor and the conspicuousness with which she dresses her bushy blue-black hair,” a reporter had written. Why should politicians who talk openly and positively about fashion be judged? PM May has admitted that footwears are her “greatest love”. "I like clothes and I like shoes," she told the crowd at the 2015 Women in the World summit. Media has always been too eager to pick on her. BBC had once while reporting Brexit focussed primarily on PM May’s shoes. However, thanks to some who wish to look beyond fashion statements, this reportage was rightly and thoroughly criticised. One viewer had pointed out that the shot "sends all the wrong messages, deflects from what she was saying, shows no respect for her position, and reinforces gender stereotypes." German Chancellor Angela wardrobe choices have prompted "letter-writing” at times. She laments her male colleagues have never had to face similar criticism about their fashion choices. In a candid interview to Die Zeit she attempted to draw the attention to this very sexist glare of the world- "It's no problem at all for a man to wear a dark blue suit for a hundred days in a row, but if I wear the same blazer four times in two weeks, that leads to letter-writing from citizens," Hillary Clinton must have by now learnt not to be upset for being criticised for wearing pantsuits. Remember Project Runway’s Tim Gunn who back in 2011 had said shamelessly exclaimed, “Why must she dress that way? I think she’s confused about her gender.” PM May herself offered to break the myth that working women of substance cannot have a nose for fashion when she went on record to say, "One of the challenges for women in the workplace is to be ourselves, and I say you can be clever and like clothes. You can have a career and like clothes.". “I also think it's important to be able to show that a woman can do a job like this and still be interested in clothes," she rightly claimed. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the newly sworn-in New York City Democrat, who is otherwise a hit among colleagues and media, could not escape unwelcome and distasteful comments on her style. Washington Examiner's Eddie Scarry tweeted a photograph of AOC as a miss. Alexandria is popularly known as, with the caption, “that jacket and coat don’t look like a girl who struggles.” His tweet was intended to cast doubts on her working-class background, she claims she comes from. Again, why should it be difficult to fathom that women politicians like other working professionals can be very well put together as they go about their everyday business? Harsh criticisms have often come UK PM’s way and these were not always because she could not manage to strike a timely Brexit deal with the European Union. On several occasions, she found herself in the eye of a storm for something as regular as the choice of the colour of her dress or the slit of her skirt. When Theresa May stepped out for the Pride of Britain Awards in an attire that stopped above the knee, netizens called her out. "Put your knees away," one Twitter user wrote. When Melania Trump wore a pith helmet during a trip to Africa in July 2018 she managed to draw a lot of flak. An understandably angry Trump told reporters, “I wish people would focus on what I do, not what I wear.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel's low-cut dress at an opera event in Oslo in 2008 caused quite a stir in the media. Die Welt’s headline read "How much cleavage should a chancellor show?" Internet never forgets to keep a count of the number of times an attire was repeated by the Chancellor and is quick to point out how she had worn the “dark blue dress to an annual music event in 2012 as she did in 2008” Former US first lady Michelle Obama could have moved out of the White House in 2016 but by no means has people’s interest in her fashion choices diminished. Her style has often surpassed her work in the race to make headlines. Obama wrote in her memoir how a reporter had shown more interest in who designed her dress than her speaking engagement. To keep up the fashion pace felt like a task. “Optics governed more or less everything in the political world, and I factored this into every outfit," she wrote. "It required time, though, and money – more money that I’d spent on clothing ever before." Fortunately for us womankind these women have never let the cruelty take them down. These are ladies who like to live with no regrets and honestly, there isn’t any reason why they should. Merkel said. "You can only carry out this profession when you aren't affected by things so quickly. You have to concentrate on the objective tasks." "I have no regrets [about being famous for my shoes]," PM May once told a journalist. Politicians are like any other people and “not some different species”, she said sending out a message that she is approachable. May is painfully aware that she will have to make peace with people judging her endlessly but she refuses to kill the fun. "Look, throughout my political career, people have commented on what I wear. That's just something that happens, and you accept that. But it doesn't stop me from going out and enjoying fashion." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Why should Theresa May, Angela Merkel, Michelle Obama be judged for what they wear?

European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-says-view-on-second-brexit-referendum-has-not-changed-209308">Brexit</a> by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-meet-to-decide-another-brexit-delay-209279">chaotic no-deal departure</a> at the end of the week.

The deal struck during late night talks in Brussels means that if London remains in the EU after May 22, British voters will have to take part in European elections.

Prime Minister Theresa May and the other 27 EU leaders "have agreed to a flexible extension until 31 October", European Council president Donald Tusk said in a tweet.&nbsp;

"This means additional six months for the UK to find the best possible solution."

France's President Emmanuel Macron was the strongest voice opposing a long extension, but most leaders backed it and the French had to settle for a promise that the delay will be reviewed at an EU summit on June 21.

Most of the leaders gathered for the emergency summit, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, had backed a plan for Brexit to be postponed for up to a year.

But as the talks went into Thursday morning, Macron -- with backing from Belgium, Austria and some smaller EU states -- held out for a short delay of only a few weeks and demanded solid guarantees that London would not interfere in EU business during that time.

May has already said that if Britain is still an EU member when the European parliamentary election begins on May 23, UK voters will take part. But some EU leaders are unconvinced that she is sincere, despite one official telling reporters her presentation had been "solid".

Without a postponement, Britain would have ended its 46-year membership of the EU at midnight (2200 GMT) on Friday with no deal, risking economic chaos on both sides of the Channel.&nbsp;

May agreed to a divorce deal with the EU last November but MPs in London have rejected it three times, forcing her to turn to the main opposition Labour party in a bid to find a way through.

'As soon as possible'

But these talks are moving slowly, and the prime minister is under intense pressure from hardline Brexit supporters in her Conservative party not to compromise.

As she arrived, May said she wanted to leave the EU "as soon as possible".

"I've asked for an extension to June 30 but what is important is that any extension enables us to leave at the point at which we ratify the withdrawal agreement," she said.

She said she still hoped to leave the EU on May 22, the last day before Britain must hold European Parliament elections.

For as long as Britain is in the EU, it must take part in bloc elections for them to be valid.

EU leaders have already agreed one delay to Brexit, from March 29 to April 12, and Tusk has warned there is "little reason to believe" the British parliament can ratify May's deal by June 30.

A draft copy of the summit conclusions seen by AFP before the leaders sat down to finalise it said, "an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than."

"If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft stated.

EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget.

May's ministers have begun cross-party talks with Labour on a compromise to get the withdrawal agreement through the House of Commons.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wants Britain to commit to remaining within the EU customs union, an idea that many in Europe would be keen to accommodate.

"We would be generous in negotiating that, understanding that the UK couldn't be a silent partner in such an arrangement -- it would have to have a say in decisions being made," Irish premier Leo Varadkar said as he arrived at the summit.

European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay Brexit by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a chaotic no-deal departure at the end of the week.

European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay Brexit by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a chaotic no-deal departure at the end of the week. The deal struck during late night talks in Brussels means that if London remains in the EU after May 22, British voters will have to take part in European elections. Prime Minister Theresa May and the other 27 EU leaders "have agreed to a flexible extension until 31 October", European Council president Donald Tusk said in a tweet. "This means additional six months for the UK to find the best possible solution." France's President Emmanuel Macron was the strongest voice opposing a long extension, but most leaders backed it and the French had to settle for a promise that the delay will be reviewed at an EU summit on June 21. Most of the leaders gathered for the emergency summit, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, had backed a plan for Brexit to be postponed for up to a year. But as the talks went into Thursday morning, Macron -- with backing from Belgium, Austria and some smaller EU states -- held out for a short delay of only a few weeks and demanded solid guarantees that London would not interfere in EU business during that time. May has already said that if Britain is still an EU member when the European parliamentary election begins on May 23, UK voters will take part. But some EU leaders are unconvinced that she is sincere, despite one official telling reporters her presentation had been "solid". Without a postponement, Britain would have ended its 46-year membership of the EU at midnight (2200 GMT) on Friday with no deal, risking economic chaos on both sides of the Channel. May agreed to a divorce deal with the EU last November but MPs in London have rejected it three times, forcing her to turn to the main opposition Labour party in a bid to find a way through. 'As soon as possible' But these talks are moving slowly, and the prime minister is under intense pressure from hardline Brexit supporters in her Conservative party not to compromise. As she arrived, May said she wanted to leave the EU "as soon as possible". "I've asked for an extension to June 30 but what is important is that any extension enables us to leave at the point at which we ratify the withdrawal agreement," she said. She said she still hoped to leave the EU on May 22, the last day before Britain must hold European Parliament elections. For as long as Britain is in the EU, it must take part in bloc elections for them to be valid. EU leaders have already agreed one delay to Brexit, from March 29 to April 12, and Tusk has warned there is "little reason to believe" the British parliament can ratify May's deal by June 30. A draft copy of the summit conclusions seen by AFP before the leaders sat down to finalise it said, "an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than." "If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft stated. EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget. May's ministers have begun cross-party talks with Labour on a compromise to get the withdrawal agreement through the House of Commons. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wants Britain to commit to remaining within the EU customs union, an idea that many in Europe would be keen to accommodate. "We would be generous in negotiating that, understanding that the UK couldn't be a silent partner in such an arrangement -- it would have to have a say in decisions being made," Irish premier Leo Varadkar said as he arrived at the summit.

European Union gives Britain six-month delay to Brexit date

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will host Britain Prime Minister Theresa May Tuesday, on the eve of a crucial EU summit when the British premier is hoping to convince the bloc to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/both-sides-must-compromise-in-cross-party-brexit-talks-british-pm-may-208641">grant her a new Brexit extension to June 30</a>.

Macron and May will are scheduled to meet at 6:00 pm on Tuesday. Then May will be travelling to Berlin to meet Merkel.

"The chancellor and the British prime minister will have an exchange of views on Britain's exit from the EU as well as on Wednesday's special summit of the European Council," said Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert.

Steffen Seibert also said that the final decisions for Brexit extensions will be made by all remaining 27 members of the European Union.

But there are "always good reasons in such difficult and highly charged situations in Britain and the EU 27 to first talk to each other before the first deadline," Seibert said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will host Britain Prime Minister Theresa May Tuesday, on the eve of a crucial EU summit when the British premier is hoping to convince the bloc to grant her a new Brexit extension to June 30.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will host Britain Prime Minister Theresa May Tuesday, on the eve of a crucial EU summit when the British premier is hoping to convince the bloc to grant her a new Brexit extension to June 30. Macron and May will are scheduled to meet at 6:00 pm on Tuesday. Then May will be travelling to Berlin to meet Merkel. "The chancellor and the British prime minister will have an exchange of views on Britain's exit from the EU as well as on Wednesday's special summit of the European Council," said Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert. Steffen Seibert also said that the final decisions for Brexit extensions will be made by all remaining 27 members of the European Union. But there are "always good reasons in such difficult and highly charged situations in Britain and the EU 27 to first talk to each other before the first deadline," Seibert said.

Macron, Merkel to host Theresa May for Brexit talks on Tuesday

Germany is prepared to agree to Britain's request for a postponement of Brexit if the parliament in London backs British Prime Minister Theresa May's exit deal, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday (March 21).

The European Union requires unanimous agreement from all member states to grant an extension to the so-called "Article 50" process that currently envisages a British exit from the European Union on March 29.

"I believe we can say, as Germany, we can meet that request," Merkel told German legislators ahead of Thursday's European Council meeting.

Merkel warned that an extension of the Brexit deadline to June 30, as requested by May, would be complicated because of the question of Britain's possible participation in the European Parliament elections.

Germany is prepared to agree to Britain's request for a postponement of Brexit if the parliament in London backs British Prime Minister Theresa May's exit deal, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday (March 21).

Germany is prepared to agree to Britain's request for a postponement of Brexit if the parliament in London backs British Prime Minister Theresa May's exit deal, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday (March 21). The European Union requires unanimous agreement from all member states to grant an extension to the so-called "Article 50" process that currently envisages a British exit from the European Union on March 29. "I believe we can say, as Germany, we can meet that request," Merkel told German legislators ahead of Thursday's European Council meeting. Merkel warned that an extension of the Brexit deadline to June 30, as requested by May, would be complicated because of the question of Britain's possible participation in the European Parliament elections.

Berlin can agree to Brexit delay if British Parliament backs May's deal: Merkel

=German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday she would struggle until the last possible moment to achieve an orderly Brexit, saying the interests of Germany, Britain and the EU were at stake.

"I will fight to the last hour of the deadline on March 29 for an orderly exit (of Britain from the European Union)," she told a conference in Berlin.

"We don't have a lot of time for it but still have a few days."

Merkel admitted she had been surprised by the bombshell announcement on Monday by House of Commons speaker John Bercow that he could not put Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan to another vote in its current form.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-warns-it-could-vote-against-brexit-extension-204598"> France warns it could vote against Brexit extension</a>

"I must confess that I was not familiar with the rules of order of the British parliament from the 17th century," she said with a wry smile.

And she stressed ahead of a crunch EU summit in Brussels Thursday and Friday at which Brexit is to take centre stage that the ball remained in London's court to plot the way forward.

"I am as of now unable to say what my position will be on Thursday because it depends on what Theresa May presents, what the situation looks like, (and) what may still happen in parliament," she said.

Merkel stressed that avoiding Britain crashing out of the EU without an exit deal was in the fundamental interest of all sides.

"We, together as the other 27 (EU member states), will react in an adequate manner and the less people play guessing games, the easier it will be," she said.

May is still hoping she can get the divorce agreement she struck with the European Union through parliament before March 29, despite MPs having rejected it twice.

But weeks of chaotic political deadlock in parliament have already forced May to concede that Brexit must be delayed, amid fears of an economic shock if Britain ends its 46-year membership of the EU with no new arrangements in place.

She had been hoping to ask EU leaders for only a short delay when they meet at the Brussels summit, warning that without a deal, any extension would be lengthy.

=German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday she would struggle until the last possible moment to achieve an orderly Brexit, saying the interests of Germany, Britain and the EU were at stake.

=German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday she would struggle until the last possible moment to achieve an orderly Brexit, saying the interests of Germany, Britain and the EU were at stake. "I will fight to the last hour of the deadline on March 29 for an orderly exit (of Britain from the European Union)," she told a conference in Berlin. "We don't have a lot of time for it but still have a few days." Merkel admitted she had been surprised by the bombshell announcement on Monday by House of Commons speaker John Bercow that he could not put Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan to another vote in its current form. Also read: France warns it could vote against Brexit extension "I must confess that I was not familiar with the rules of order of the British parliament from the 17th century," she said with a wry smile. And she stressed ahead of a crunch EU summit in Brussels Thursday and Friday at which Brexit is to take centre stage that the ball remained in London's court to plot the way forward. "I am as of now unable to say what my position will be on Thursday because it depends on what Theresa May presents, what the situation looks like, (and) what may still happen in parliament," she said. Merkel stressed that avoiding Britain crashing out of the EU without an exit deal was in the fundamental interest of all sides. "We, together as the other 27 (EU member states), will react in an adequate manner and the less people play guessing games, the easier it will be," she said. May is still hoping she can get the divorce agreement she struck with the European Union through parliament before March 29, despite MPs having rejected it twice. But weeks of chaotic political deadlock in parliament have already forced May to concede that Brexit must be delayed, amid fears of an economic shock if Britain ends its 46-year membership of the EU with no new arrangements in place. She had been hoping to ask EU leaders for only a short delay when they meet at the Brussels summit, warning that without a deal, any extension would be lengthy.

Angela Merkel says will 'fight to last hour' for orderly Brexit

Angela Merkel's chief of staff on Monday joined the growing chorus of criticism of Arsenal's German midfielder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Mesut+Ozil">Mesut Ozil</a> for reportedly inviting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to his wedding this summer as his witness.

The 30-year-old Ozil, who has Turkish family roots, sparked controversy last May when he was photographed with Erdogan, raising questions about the footballer's loyalty to Germany on the eve of their disastrous World Cup campaign.

After 92 appearances for Germany, including a key role in the 2014 World Cup victory, Ozil suddenly quit the national squad last July, accusing German football officials of racism.

On Sunday, Germany's top-selling tabloid Bild reported that Ozil, 30, and his model fiancee Amine Gulse, 25, a former Miss Turkey, personally presented Erdogan in Istanbul with an invitation to their wedding this summer, asking the Turkish leader to appear as the footballer's witness.

The invite immediately drew sharp criticism in Germany, whose government has been sharply at odds with Ankara over a range of human rights questions in recent years.

Helge Braun, a CDU politician and chief of staff to German Chancellor Merkel, told Bild it "makes one sad" that Ozil would make a such a move despite having already been sharply criticised by the German public over his first meeting with Erdogan.&nbsp;

"The fact that this has continued will have disappointed a lot of football fans - me too!" said Braun.

The politician accepted Ozil's was "a private decison" which one must respect, but appealed to the footballer as a role model, especially for young Turks in Germany.

"Footballers are symbolic figures in our society, with whom people identify with much more than ministers," added Braun.

"And so the question is raised: how much does someone wearing the German national jersey stand for Germany?"

'It's a pity'

Braun's comments come after German politician Cem Ozdemir, whose parents are Turkish, said on Sunday that he found it "inappropriate" for Ozil to invite the Turkish leader.

Ozil -- one of the world's most popular footballers on social media with 31 million followers on his official Facebook account, 19.1 million on Instagram account and 23.9 million on Twitter -- has an obligation as a role model, added Ozdemir.

Another lawmaker, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, was equally unimpressed by his invitation to Erdogan.

"The wedding is the private matter of Mesut Ozil, but he is a world star, who people look up to, so of course it's a pity from a political point of view," Lambsdorff told newspaper Welt.

Ozil has dated Gulse since 2017 and the couple announced their engagement in June 2018.

The Arsenal midfielder, a third-generation German, whipped up a political storm when he was pictured alongside Erdogan last May.

Criticism intensified after the red-faced defending champions crashed out of the first round of the World Cup in Russia.

In the wake of the World Cup fiasco, Ozil announced his resignation from the national squad, saying: "I am German when we win, an immigrant when we lose".

Angela Merkel's chief of staff on Monday joined the growing chorus of criticism of Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil for reportedly inviting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to his wedding this summer as his witness.

Angela Merkel's chief of staff on Monday joined the growing chorus of criticism of Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil for reportedly inviting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to his wedding this summer as his witness. The 30-year-old Ozil, who has Turkish family roots, sparked controversy last May when he was photographed with Erdogan, raising questions about the footballer's loyalty to Germany on the eve of their disastrous World Cup campaign. After 92 appearances for Germany, including a key role in the 2014 World Cup victory, Ozil suddenly quit the national squad last July, accusing German football officials of racism. On Sunday, Germany's top-selling tabloid Bild reported that Ozil, 30, and his model fiancee Amine Gulse, 25, a former Miss Turkey, personally presented Erdogan in Istanbul with an invitation to their wedding this summer, asking the Turkish leader to appear as the footballer's witness. The invite immediately drew sharp criticism in Germany, whose government has been sharply at odds with Ankara over a range of human rights questions in recent years. Helge Braun, a CDU politician and chief of staff to German Chancellor Merkel, told Bild it "makes one sad" that Ozil would make a such a move despite having already been sharply criticised by the German public over his first meeting with Erdogan. "The fact that this has continued will have disappointed a lot of football fans - me too!" said Braun. The politician accepted Ozil's was "a private decison" which one must respect, but appealed to the footballer as a role model, especially for young Turks in Germany. "Footballers are symbolic figures in our society, with whom people identify with much more than ministers," added Braun. "And so the question is raised: how much does someone wearing the German national jersey stand for Germany?" 'It's a pity' Braun's comments come after German politician Cem Ozdemir, whose parents are Turkish, said on Sunday that he found it "inappropriate" for Ozil to invite the Turkish leader. Ozil -- one of the world's most popular footballers on social media with 31 million followers on his official Facebook account, 19.1 million on Instagram account and 23.9 million on Twitter -- has an obligation as a role model, added Ozdemir. Another lawmaker, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, was equally unimpressed by his invitation to Erdogan. "The wedding is the private matter of Mesut Ozil, but he is a world star, who people look up to, so of course it's a pity from a political point of view," Lambsdorff told newspaper Welt. Ozil has dated Gulse since 2017 and the couple announced their engagement in June 2018. The Arsenal midfielder, a third-generation German, whipped up a political storm when he was pictured alongside Erdogan last May. Criticism intensified after the red-faced defending champions crashed out of the first round of the World Cup in Russia. In the wake of the World Cup fiasco, Ozil announced his resignation from the national squad, saying: "I am German when we win, an immigrant when we lose".

Angela Merkel's chief of staff 'disappointed' with Mesut Ozil's wedding invite to Erdogan

Delaying Britain's exit from the European Union could present an opportunity to rework the bloc's approach to negotiating with London, an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday.

A possible delay to the March 29 exit date, which British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to seek, will top the agenda when EU leaders meet in Brussels late next week.

While German conservatives would prefer Britain to stay in the EU or else adopt Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal, senior conservative lawmaker Detlef Seif said that failing those scenarios he would back a delay until end-2020.

In the event of a such delay, Seif told Reuters: "I am of the view that we should change the EU`s guidelines."

After Britain voted to leave in 2016, European negotiators stuck firmly to a two-stage approach, refusing to discuss anything about future trading ties until London settled its financial obligations, agreed mutually acceptable rules for expatriate citizens, and found a way to avoid trouble on the EU`s only land border with the United Kingdom – with the British province of Northern Ireland.

However, the difficulties of negotiating the divorce deal without opening up negotiations on future trading terms have led to problems over EU insistence on a "backstop" insurance policy for the border that has caused British lawmakers to refuse to ratify the deal.

Seif said shifting beyond the two-stage approach could assuage the concerns of Brexiteer members of parliament, including the European Research Group (ERG), who fear the backstop could leave Britain trapped in the customs union forever against its will.

"Psychologically, it is important that we change this, because the European Research Group thinks this is a trick," Seif said.

FUTURE RELATIONSHIP

In the event of a Brexit delay to end-2020, EU leaders could instruct their officials to negotiate with Britain on their future relationship: "In these 21 months to the end of 2020, we could say that we really want to negotiate straight away on the future relationship."

The development of new technology during this period could allow for `light touch` checks at the Irish border.

"Reasonable grounds for this (extension), would be to try to get these technical developments to make the backstop superfluous," Seif added, stressing that Britain would have to say what it wanted from an extension for it to be granted.

He believed Merkel`s conservative bloc in the German lower house could back the idea: "I expect that could find a majority."

Any suggestion from EU powerhouse Germany that Brussels should abandon its "sequencing" and switch to a form of talks more agreeable to London is likely to be seized on by May`s opponents in Britain as an indication a better deal is possible if they hold out.

However, it could also prompt other EU governments, keen to see an end to the uncertainty, to be wary of extending the Brexit deadline.

Merkel wants an orderly Brexit. The leader of her Christian Democratic Union said on Friday the EU should agree to a delay of Britain`s departure from the bloc if it would prevent a disorderly exit.

A German government spokesman said the next move on how to proceed with Brexit must come from London.

Delaying Britain's exit from the European Union could present an opportunity to rework the bloc's approach to negotiating with London, an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday.

Delaying Britain's exit from the European Union could present an opportunity to rework the bloc's approach to negotiating with London, an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday. A possible delay to the March 29 exit date, which British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to seek, will top the agenda when EU leaders meet in Brussels late next week. While German conservatives would prefer Britain to stay in the EU or else adopt Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal, senior conservative lawmaker Detlef Seif said that failing those scenarios he would back a delay until end-2020. In the event of a such delay, Seif told Reuters: "I am of the view that we should change the EU`s guidelines." After Britain voted to leave in 2016, European negotiators stuck firmly to a two-stage approach, refusing to discuss anything about future trading ties until London settled its financial obligations, agreed mutually acceptable rules for expatriate citizens, and found a way to avoid trouble on the EU`s only land border with the United Kingdom – with the British province of Northern Ireland. However, the difficulties of negotiating the divorce deal without opening up negotiations on future trading terms have led to problems over EU insistence on a "backstop" insurance policy for the border that has caused British lawmakers to refuse to ratify the deal. Seif said shifting beyond the two-stage approach could assuage the concerns of Brexiteer members of parliament, including the European Research Group (ERG), who fear the backstop could leave Britain trapped in the customs union forever against its will. "Psychologically, it is important that we change this, because the European Research Group thinks this is a trick," Seif said. FUTURE RELATIONSHIP In the event of a Brexit delay to end-2020, EU leaders could instruct their officials to negotiate with Britain on their future relationship: "In these 21 months to the end of 2020, we could say that we really want to negotiate straight away on the future relationship." The development of new technology during this period could allow for `light touch` checks at the Irish border. "Reasonable grounds for this (extension), would be to try to get these technical developments to make the backstop superfluous," Seif added, stressing that Britain would have to say what it wanted from an extension for it to be granted. He believed Merkel`s conservative bloc in the German lower house could back the idea: "I expect that could find a majority." Any suggestion from EU powerhouse Germany that Brussels should abandon its "sequencing" and switch to a form of talks more agreeable to London is likely to be seized on by May`s opponents in Britain as an indication a better deal is possible if they hold out. However, it could also prompt other EU governments, keen to see an end to the uncertainty, to be wary of extending the Brexit deadline. Merkel wants an orderly Brexit. The leader of her Christian Democratic Union said on Friday the EU should agree to a delay of Britain`s departure from the bloc if it would prevent a disorderly exit. A German government spokesman said the next move on how to proceed with Brexit must come from London.

Merkel ally floats idea of broader talks with UK if Brexit delayed

German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged British MPs to reject Wednesday a potentially chaotic no-deal exit from the EU, saying that an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-to-vote-today-on-whether-they-want-no-deal-brexit-203112">"orderly" Brexit</a> was in both sides' interest.

"Achieving an orderly exit together, and I particularly want to repeat this today, remains in our mutual interest," Merkel said, expressing "regret" that Britain's parliament on Tuesday had rejected for a second time the withdrawal deal agreed between Brussels and Prime Minister Theresa May.

"That remains our objective."

Merkel said it was up to the British parliament to provide clarity about how it wants to proceed with the divorce agreement.

She praised the "unity" of the 27 remaining member states during the Brexit negotiations.

"And because we 27 are working for each other and with each other, it is also important to reach a sensible result," she told reporters after talks with her counterpart from Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith.

"But we can't make it happen on our own. Rather, we are dependent on finding common solutions."

The House of Commons is expected later Wednesday to vote against leaving the bloc without a deal, although it remains the default option come March 29 unless an alternative can be secured.

A further vote is scheduled for Thursday on delaying Britain's departure date but there is no agreement on how long an extension should be and no certainty the EU will agree to it.

Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, said Brussels had done "everything it can" and must now brace for the possibility of a messy divorce.

Asked whether she would be open to a delay, Merkel said she would wait for the outcome of the votes in the British parliament before deciding on the next steps.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged British MPs to reject Wednesday a potentially chaotic no-deal exit from the EU, saying that an "orderly" Brexit was in both sides' interest.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged British MPs to reject Wednesday a potentially chaotic no-deal exit from the EU, saying that an "orderly" Brexit was in both sides' interest. "Achieving an orderly exit together, and I particularly want to repeat this today, remains in our mutual interest," Merkel said, expressing "regret" that Britain's parliament on Tuesday had rejected for a second time the withdrawal deal agreed between Brussels and Prime Minister Theresa May. "That remains our objective." Merkel said it was up to the British parliament to provide clarity about how it wants to proceed with the divorce agreement. She praised the "unity" of the 27 remaining member states during the Brexit negotiations. "And because we 27 are working for each other and with each other, it is also important to reach a sensible result," she told reporters after talks with her counterpart from Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith. "But we can't make it happen on our own. Rather, we are dependent on finding common solutions." The House of Commons is expected later Wednesday to vote against leaving the bloc without a deal, although it remains the default option come March 29 unless an alternative can be secured. A further vote is scheduled for Thursday on delaying Britain's departure date but there is no agreement on how long an extension should be and no certainty the EU will agree to it. Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, said Brussels had done "everything it can" and must now brace for the possibility of a messy divorce. Asked whether she would be open to a delay, Merkel said she would wait for the outcome of the votes in the British parliament before deciding on the next steps.

'Orderly' Brexit in everyone's interest: Merkel

An Iraqi man confessed in a German court Tuesday to the murder of a teenage girl but denied raping her in a case that inflamed anti-immigrant tensions last year.

"My vision went black and then it happened," Ali Bashar, 22, testified through an interpreter. "I don't know how it could have happened."

His trial for the rape and murder of 14-year-old schoolgirl Susanna Maria Feldman started Tuesday under tight security in Wiesbaden, the city where the killing took place.&nbsp;

Bashar denied the rape charge, claiming that he and the girl, who had known each other for several months, had consensual sex before she fell, got angry and threatened to call the police.

For the murder alone, Bashar faces a likely life prison term, which in Germany usually translates to 15 years behind bars.

To Germany's far right, Bashar, who is also accused of twice raping an 11-year-old girl, has become a symbol of the threat allegedly posed by a wave of mostly Middle Eastern newcomers.

Several dozen protesters outside the court displayed a sign reading "No Leniency for Muslims" and a washing line with articles listing violent crimes allegedly committed by immigrants.

One of the activists, Robert Emil Vogelmann, told AFP that the group had collated more than 250 articles and police reports over the past year and charged that this was "just the tip of the iceberg".

Right-wing fury

Before the trial, the anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD) party again blamed Chancellor Angela Merkel's grand coalition or "GroKo" government for Susanna's death.

"The problem isn't 'the right' but the knife-man immigration caused by the GroKo that has caused ever more bloody crimes," the party wrote in a Facebook post.

Several regional AfD lawmakers tried to attend the court hearing but were denied entry because there were no open seats left.&nbsp;

The AfD became the biggest opposition party when it entered parliament in 2017, riding a wave of public anger over sexual assaults and other violent crimes committed by some recent migrants.

In another case last year, the fatal stabbing of a German man in the eastern city of Chemnitz, allegedly by immigrants, sparked outbursts of mob violence in which far-right extremists hunted people of foreign appearance through the streets.

Bashar, along with his parents and five siblings, first arrived in Germany in 2015, the peak year of the influx which would bring more than one million people to Europe's biggest economy.

His request for asylum was rejected in December 2016, but -- in a case critics label as symptomatic of an overwhelmed system -- he obtained a temporary residence permit pending his appeal.

Merkel later conceded that "the case shows how important it is that people who don't have residency rights quickly face a court and can be speedily sent back home".

Shallow grave&nbsp;

In May last year, Bashar allegedly beat, raped and strangled Susanna to death in a wooded area near his refugee shelter.

Her body was then buried in a shallow grave covered with leaves, twigs and soil, near railway tracks.

Prosecutors said Bashar then sent false messages from Susanna's smartphone to her parents, indicating she had left for an impromptu trip to Paris.

When her remains were found two weeks later, Bashar and his family had left Germany for Arbil, northern Iraq.

He was however arrested by Kurdish security forces and, despite the absence of a formal extradition treaty between Baghdad and Berlin, taken back to Germany.

In a controversial operation personally joined by federal police chief Dieter Romann, Bashar was put on a flight back to Germany, with pictures of him disembarking under heavy police guard making front pages.

Bashar also faces charges for a park robbery in which he allegedly beat and strangled a man and threatened him with a knife.

He faces a separate trial from March 19, accused of having twice raped an 11-year-old girl, who was believed to have also been sexually assaulted by an Afghan youth as well as Bashar's younger brother.

An Iraqi man confessed in a German court Tuesday to the murder of a teenage girl but denied raping her in a case that inflamed anti-immigrant tensions last year.

An Iraqi man confessed in a German court Tuesday to the murder of a teenage girl but denied raping her in a case that inflamed anti-immigrant tensions last year. "My vision went black and then it happened," Ali Bashar, 22, testified through an interpreter. "I don't know how it could have happened." His trial for the rape and murder of 14-year-old schoolgirl Susanna Maria Feldman started Tuesday under tight security in Wiesbaden, the city where the killing took place. Bashar denied the rape charge, claiming that he and the girl, who had known each other for several months, had consensual sex before she fell, got angry and threatened to call the police. For the murder alone, Bashar faces a likely life prison term, which in Germany usually translates to 15 years behind bars. To Germany's far right, Bashar, who is also accused of twice raping an 11-year-old girl, has become a symbol of the threat allegedly posed by a wave of mostly Middle Eastern newcomers. Several dozen protesters outside the court displayed a sign reading "No Leniency for Muslims" and a washing line with articles listing violent crimes allegedly committed by immigrants. One of the activists, Robert Emil Vogelmann, told AFP that the group had collated more than 250 articles and police reports over the past year and charged that this was "just the tip of the iceberg". Right-wing fury Before the trial, the anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD) party again blamed Chancellor Angela Merkel's grand coalition or "GroKo" government for Susanna's death. "The problem isn't 'the right' but the knife-man immigration caused by the GroKo that has caused ever more bloody crimes," the party wrote in a Facebook post. Several regional AfD lawmakers tried to attend the court hearing but were denied entry because there were no open seats left. The AfD became the biggest opposition party when it entered parliament in 2017, riding a wave of public anger over sexual assaults and other violent crimes committed by some recent migrants. In another case last year, the fatal stabbing of a German man in the eastern city of Chemnitz, allegedly by immigrants, sparked outbursts of mob violence in which far-right extremists hunted people of foreign appearance through the streets. Bashar, along with his parents and five siblings, first arrived in Germany in 2015, the peak year of the influx which would bring more than one million people to Europe's biggest economy. His request for asylum was rejected in December 2016, but -- in a case critics label as symptomatic of an overwhelmed system -- he obtained a temporary residence permit pending his appeal. Merkel later conceded that "the case shows how important it is that people who don't have residency rights quickly face a court and can be speedily sent back home". Shallow grave In May last year, Bashar allegedly beat, raped and strangled Susanna to death in a wooded area near his refugee shelter. Her body was then buried in a shallow grave covered with leaves, twigs and soil, near railway tracks. Prosecutors said Bashar then sent false messages from Susanna's smartphone to her parents, indicating she had left for an impromptu trip to Paris. When her remains were found two weeks later, Bashar and his family had left Germany for Arbil, northern Iraq. He was however arrested by Kurdish security forces and, despite the absence of a formal extradition treaty between Baghdad and Berlin, taken back to Germany. In a controversial operation personally joined by federal police chief Dieter Romann, Bashar was put on a flight back to Germany, with pictures of him disembarking under heavy police guard making front pages. Bashar also faces charges for a park robbery in which he allegedly beat and strangled a man and threatened him with a knife. He faces a separate trial from March 19, accused of having twice raped an 11-year-old girl, who was believed to have also been sexually assaulted by an Afghan youth as well as Bashar's younger brother.

Iraqi admits killing 14-year-old German girl but denies rape

Talks between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-solution-for-now-to-break-brexit-deadlock-201582">British and EU officials</a> to break the Brexit deadlock will "almost certainly" last into the weekend, Britain's attorney general said on Thursday, ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote in London next week.

With just three weeks to go until the scheduled departure date of March 29, the concern is growing about the possibility of Britain crashing out of the bloc after 46 years of membership with no deal in place.

Ahead of Tuesday's vote, the British government of Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking legally-binding changes to the agreement it struck with the EU in November but which was resoundingly rejected by parliament in January.

"These discussions are running, they're going to be resuming very shortly, they're going to be continuing almost certainly throughout the weekend," Geoffrey Cox, who is leading the talks, told British MPs.

Talks have focused on the current deal's so-called "backstop" solution, designed to keep the Irish border open but which critics say could lock Britain into a customs union with the EU indefinitely.

'Still waiting for proposal'

On a visit to Britain, France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau urged British politicians to "live up to the moment" as they prepared for the vote.

"So far, we are still waiting for a proposal from London, it's really a British initiative which has to come," she said.

But she later insisted on BBC radio the EU "cannot reopen" the withdrawal agreement "because it is balanced."

"The solution is on the table. The withdrawal agreement is the best possible solution."

Cox rejected criticism that Britain had not presented viable plans to the EU, telling MPs the proposals were "detailed, coherent, careful" and "as clear as day".

No-deal risks 'bitterness'&nbsp;

European Commission secretary general Martin Selmayr said progress was still possible, despite the failure of talks in Brussels so far.

"These things often happen at the very last minute," he told a Brookings Institution event in Washington.

"We have to wait for the next couple of days and weeks. We have to be very patient."

Loiseau said the EU did not want to activate the backstop either but rejected Britain's calls for an escape mechanism to be built into it, saying "what is not possible is that one of the parties decide unilaterally to leave".

If May loses Tuesday's vote, MPs will then vote on Wednesday on whether to proceed without a deal.

If MPs reject that outcome, they would then vote on Thursday on whether to ask the EU for a delay.

The request for a delay would have to be accepted unanimously by all member states and Britain would have to leave the EU on March 29 if it is rejected.

Loiseau said France had been "preparing for all scenarios" and that no deal "will not be a disaster for France or the European Union", although was concerned it could trigger cross-Channel animosity.

"I'm worried that... there would be bitterness between nations and there would be British-bashing in France and French-bashing or European-bashing in London," she told the Guardian newspaper.

"Why would be there be an extension without a reason?" Loiseau said.

"We have been in discussions for quite a long time now. There needs to be something specific to justify an extension," she added, pointing out that was the position of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Talks between British and EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock will "almost certainly" last into the weekend, Britain's attorney general said on Thursday, ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote in London next week.

Talks between British and EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock will "almost certainly" last into the weekend, Britain's attorney general said on Thursday, ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote in London next week. With just three weeks to go until the scheduled departure date of March 29, the concern is growing about the possibility of Britain crashing out of the bloc after 46 years of membership with no deal in place. Ahead of Tuesday's vote, the British government of Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking legally-binding changes to the agreement it struck with the EU in November but which was resoundingly rejected by parliament in January. "These discussions are running, they're going to be resuming very shortly, they're going to be continuing almost certainly throughout the weekend," Geoffrey Cox, who is leading the talks, told British MPs. Talks have focused on the current deal's so-called "backstop" solution, designed to keep the Irish border open but which critics say could lock Britain into a customs union with the EU indefinitely. 'Still waiting for proposal' On a visit to Britain, France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau urged British politicians to "live up to the moment" as they prepared for the vote. "So far, we are still waiting for a proposal from London, it's really a British initiative which has to come," she said. But she later insisted on BBC radio the EU "cannot reopen" the withdrawal agreement "because it is balanced." "The solution is on the table. The withdrawal agreement is the best possible solution." Cox rejected criticism that Britain had not presented viable plans to the EU, telling MPs the proposals were "detailed, coherent, careful" and "as clear as day". No-deal risks 'bitterness' European Commission secretary general Martin Selmayr said progress was still possible, despite the failure of talks in Brussels so far. "These things often happen at the very last minute," he told a Brookings Institution event in Washington. "We have to wait for the next couple of days and weeks. We have to be very patient." Loiseau said the EU did not want to activate the backstop either but rejected Britain's calls for an escape mechanism to be built into it, saying "what is not possible is that one of the parties decide unilaterally to leave". If May loses Tuesday's vote, MPs will then vote on Wednesday on whether to proceed without a deal. If MPs reject that outcome, they would then vote on Thursday on whether to ask the EU for a delay. The request for a delay would have to be accepted unanimously by all member states and Britain would have to leave the EU on March 29 if it is rejected. Loiseau said France had been "preparing for all scenarios" and that no deal "will not be a disaster for France or the European Union", although was concerned it could trigger cross-Channel animosity. "I'm worried that... there would be bitterness between nations and there would be British-bashing in France and French-bashing or European-bashing in London," she told the Guardian newspaper. "Why would be there be an extension without a reason?" Loiseau said. "We have been in discussions for quite a long time now. There needs to be something specific to justify an extension," she added, pointing out that was the position of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

UK eyes weekend talks to break Brexit deadlock

Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and their Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners have agreed a plan to strip some Germans who fight for the Islamic State militant group of their citizenship, an Interior Ministry spokeswoman said on Monday.

More than 1,000 Germans have left their country for war zones in the Middle East since 2013 and the government has been debating how to deal with them as US-backed forces are poised to take the last patch of territory from Islamic State in Syria.

About a third have returned to Germany, another third are believed to have died and the rest are believed to be still in Iraq and Syria, including some detained by Iraqi forces and US-backed fighters in Syria.

An Interior Ministry spokeswoman told a news conference that three criteria must be met to allow the government to denaturalise Germans who take up arms for the Islamist group.

Such individuals must have second citizenship and be adults. They would be stripped of their citizenship should they fight for Islamic State after the new rules come into effect.

The compromise ended a dispute over the issue between conservative Interior Minister Horst Seehofer and SPD Justice Minister Katarina Barley.

US President Donald Trump last month urged Britain, France and Germany to take back more than 800 captured Islamic State fighters and put them on trial.

Germany said it would take back fighters only if the suspects have consular access.

Britain last month revoked the citizenship of a teenager who had left London when she was aged 15 to join Islamic State in Syria.

The case of Shamima Begum highlighted the security, legal and ethical dilemmas facing European governments dealing with citizens who had sworn allegiance to a group determined to destroy the West.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and their Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners have agreed a plan to strip some Germans who fight for the Islamic State militant group of their citizenship, an Interior Ministry spokeswoman said on Monday.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and their Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners have agreed a plan to strip some Germans who fight for the Islamic State militant group of their citizenship, an Interior Ministry spokeswoman said on Monday. More than 1,000 Germans have left their country for war zones in the Middle East since 2013 and the government has been debating how to deal with them as US-backed forces are poised to take the last patch of territory from Islamic State in Syria. About a third have returned to Germany, another third are believed to have died and the rest are believed to be still in Iraq and Syria, including some detained by Iraqi forces and US-backed fighters in Syria. An Interior Ministry spokeswoman told a news conference that three criteria must be met to allow the government to denaturalise Germans who take up arms for the Islamist group. Such individuals must have second citizenship and be adults. They would be stripped of their citizenship should they fight for Islamic State after the new rules come into effect. The compromise ended a dispute over the issue between conservative Interior Minister Horst Seehofer and SPD Justice Minister Katarina Barley. US President Donald Trump last month urged Britain, France and Germany to take back more than 800 captured Islamic State fighters and put them on trial. Germany said it would take back fighters only if the suspects have consular access. Britain last month revoked the citizenship of a teenager who had left London when she was aged 15 to join Islamic State in Syria. The case of Shamima Begum highlighted the security, legal and ethical dilemmas facing European governments dealing with citizens who had sworn allegiance to a group determined to destroy the West.

Germany to strip Islamic State fighters of citizenship

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Saturday that Washington's plan to swiftly pull its soldiers out of Syria risks allowing Russia and Iran to boost their role in the region.

Islamic State group fighters have been boxed into a scrap of land in the battle for their last remaining territory in northeastern Syria and their final defeat is expected imminently.

Once they are defeated, US forces are set to soon withdraw after President Donald Trump in December announced the pullout of around 2,000 troops.

But Washington is struggling to convince allies to stay on in Syria after it leaves and Merkel warned of the risks of leaving a vacuum in the region.

"Is it a good idea for the Americans to suddenly and quickly withdraw from Syria? Or will it once more strengthen the capacity of Iran and Russia to exert their influence?" Merkel said at the Munich Security Conference.

Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan on Friday pledged ongoing backing for the fight against IS -- but kept allies guessing as to how that would be achieved once US forces pull out, and won no solid pledges of support.

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said the US had told partners in the global anti-IS coalition that its soldiers would leave in "weeks rather than months".

The decision has stunned allies including France, which contributes artillery and about 1,200 forces in the region, including soldiers who train Iraqi troops.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian asked why the US would create a vacuum in Syria that could benefit its enemy Iran, calling the approach a "mystery".

A French government source told AFP it was "totally out of the question" to have French troops on the ground without US forces.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Saturday that Washington's plan to swiftly pull its soldiers out of Syria risks allowing Russia and Iran to boost their role in the region.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Saturday that Washington's plan to swiftly pull its soldiers out of Syria risks allowing Russia and Iran to boost their role in the region. Islamic State group fighters have been boxed into a scrap of land in the battle for their last remaining territory in northeastern Syria and their final defeat is expected imminently. Once they are defeated, US forces are set to soon withdraw after President Donald Trump in December announced the pullout of around 2,000 troops. But Washington is struggling to convince allies to stay on in Syria after it leaves and Merkel warned of the risks of leaving a vacuum in the region. "Is it a good idea for the Americans to suddenly and quickly withdraw from Syria? Or will it once more strengthen the capacity of Iran and Russia to exert their influence?" Merkel said at the Munich Security Conference. Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan on Friday pledged ongoing backing for the fight against IS -- but kept allies guessing as to how that would be achieved once US forces pull out, and won no solid pledges of support. Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said the US had told partners in the global anti-IS coalition that its soldiers would leave in "weeks rather than months". The decision has stunned allies including France, which contributes artillery and about 1,200 forces in the region, including soldiers who train Iraqi troops. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian asked why the US would create a vacuum in Syria that could benefit its enemy Iran, calling the approach a "mystery". A French government source told AFP it was "totally out of the question" to have French troops on the ground without US forces.

US pullout from Syria risks boosting Russia, Iran influence: Angela Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday labelled as "frightening" tough US trade rhetoric planning to declare European car imports a national security threat.

"If these cars... suddenly spell a threat to US national security, than that is frightening to us," she said.&nbsp;

Merkel pointed out that the biggest car plant of German luxury brand BMW was not in Bavaria but in South Carolina, from where it exports vehicles to China.

"All I can say is it would be good if we could resume proper talks with one another," she said at the Munich Security Conference.

"Then we will find a solution."

A US Commerce Department report has concluded that auto imports threaten national security, setting the stage for possible tariffs by the White House, two people familiar with the matter said Thursday.

The investigation, ordered by President Donald Trump in May, is "positive" with respect to the central question of whether the imports "impair" US national security, said a European auto industry source.

"It's going to say that auto imports are a threat to national security," said an official with another auto company.

The report, which is expected to be delivered to the White House by a Sunday deadline, has been seen as a major risk for foreign automakers.&nbsp;

Trump has threatened to slap 25 per cent duties on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry.

After receiving the report, the US president will have 90 days to decide whether to move ahead with tariffs.

Trump in July reached a trade truce with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, with the two pledging no new tariffs while the negotiations continued.

Brussels has already drawn up a list of 20 billion euros ($22.6 billion) in US exports for retaliatory tariffs should Washington press ahead, the Commission's Director-General for Trade Jean-Luc Demarty told the European Parliament last month.

The White House has used the national security argument -- saying that undermining the American manufacturing base impairs military readiness, among other claims -- to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, drawing instant retaliation from the EU, Canada, Mexico and China.

Trading partners have sometimes reacted with outrage at the suggestion their exports posed a threat to US national security.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday labelled as "frightening" tough US trade rhetoric planning to declare European car imports a national security threat.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday labelled as "frightening" tough US trade rhetoric planning to declare European car imports a national security threat. "If these cars... suddenly spell a threat to US national security, than that is frightening to us," she said. Merkel pointed out that the biggest car plant of German luxury brand BMW was not in Bavaria but in South Carolina, from where it exports vehicles to China. "All I can say is it would be good if we could resume proper talks with one another," she said at the Munich Security Conference. "Then we will find a solution." A US Commerce Department report has concluded that auto imports threaten national security, setting the stage for possible tariffs by the White House, two people familiar with the matter said Thursday. The investigation, ordered by President Donald Trump in May, is "positive" with respect to the central question of whether the imports "impair" US national security, said a European auto industry source. "It's going to say that auto imports are a threat to national security," said an official with another auto company. The report, which is expected to be delivered to the White House by a Sunday deadline, has been seen as a major risk for foreign automakers. Trump has threatened to slap 25 per cent duties on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry. After receiving the report, the US president will have 90 days to decide whether to move ahead with tariffs. Trump in July reached a trade truce with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, with the two pledging no new tariffs while the negotiations continued. Brussels has already drawn up a list of 20 billion euros ($22.6 billion) in US exports for retaliatory tariffs should Washington press ahead, the Commission's Director-General for Trade Jean-Luc Demarty told the European Parliament last month. The White House has used the national security argument -- saying that undermining the American manufacturing base impairs military readiness, among other claims -- to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, drawing instant retaliation from the EU, Canada, Mexico and China. Trading partners have sometimes reacted with outrage at the suggestion their exports posed a threat to US national security.

Merkel says US calling European cars a threat is 'frightening'

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