India on Friday abstained from a United Nations General Assembly resolution on Arms Embargo on Myanmar, calling the resolution a&nbsp;'haste course of action'. India was among&nbsp;the 36 countries, including Russia and China,&nbsp;who abstained. In south Asia,&nbsp;Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan abstained.&nbsp;

India's envoy to UN, TS&nbsp;Tirumurti&nbsp;speaking at UNGA said,&nbsp;"The fact that there is lack of support from all&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;countries as well as several&nbsp;countries in the region itself should, hopefully, serve as an eye opener to those,&nbsp;who choose to pursue a hasty course of action".&nbsp;

The resolution was floated by Liechtenstein and was backed by US, France, UK, Germany with a majority of countries being&nbsp;European.&nbsp;It got the support of 119 countries with Belarus being the only country that voted against the resolution.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian envoy to UN pointed out, that "we find that our views have not been reflected in the draft being considered for the adoption" and reiterated the "consultative and constructive approach involving the&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;countries and the region remains important as the international community strives for the peaceful&nbsp;resolution of the issue."&nbsp;

Since the coup in Myanmar on February&nbsp;1, the country has seen an increased level of violence internally even&nbsp;as the issue has been discussed several times at the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the&nbsp;address by Envoy&nbsp;Tirumurti, he highlighted India's support to ASEAN initiative&nbsp;on Myanmar and called on&nbsp;'upholding&nbsp;the rule of law and release of detained&nbsp;leaders'.&nbsp;The ASEAN proposal calls cessation of violence, special envoy of ASEAN chair for mediation of dialogue process, humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

Expressing&nbsp;‘deep concern', he&nbsp;'strongly condemned the use of violence&nbsp;and urged maximum restraint'. Explaining further he said,&nbsp;"We are firm that the path to democracy in Myanmar should continue to move forward through the process of democratic transition, which India has steadfastly supported and&nbsp;there can be no turning back on this."&nbsp;

Country's charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest and is facing a court case, seen as a farce created by the military leadership.&nbsp;

Importantly, India also mentioned its views on repatriation of Rohingya&nbsp;refugees with the envoy saying, "India has the highest stakes in resolving this issue at the earliest" and commended Bangladesh&nbsp;'for hosting a million displaced persons in its territory’.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India called for "safe, speedy and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons" in Bangladesh to Rakhine state of Myanmar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India on Friday abstained from a United Nations General Assembly resolution on Arms Embargo on Myanmar, calling the resolution a 'haste course of action'. India was among the 36 countries, including Russia and China, who abstained.

India on Friday abstained from a United Nations General Assembly resolution on Arms Embargo on Myanmar, calling the resolution a 'haste course of action'. India was among the 36 countries, including Russia and China, who abstained. In south Asia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan abstained. India's envoy to UN, TS Tirumurti speaking at UNGA said, "The fact that there is lack of support from all neighbouring countries as well as several countries in the region itself should, hopefully, serve as an eye opener to those, who choose to pursue a hasty course of action". The resolution was floated by Liechtenstein and was backed by US, France, UK, Germany with a majority of countries being European. It got the support of 119 countries with Belarus being the only country that voted against the resolution. The Indian envoy to UN pointed out, that "we find that our views have not been reflected in the draft being considered for the adoption" and reiterated the "consultative and constructive approach involving the neighbouring countries and the region remains important as the international community strives for the peaceful resolution of the issue." Since the coup in Myanmar on February 1, the country has seen an increased level of violence internally even as the issue has been discussed several times at the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly. During the address by Envoy Tirumurti, he highlighted India's support to ASEAN initiative on Myanmar and called on 'upholding the rule of law and release of detained leaders'. The ASEAN proposal calls cessation of violence, special envoy of ASEAN chair for mediation of dialogue process, humanitarian assistance. Expressing ‘deep concern', he 'strongly condemned the use of violence and urged maximum restraint'. Explaining further he said, "We are firm that the path to democracy in Myanmar should continue to move forward through the process of democratic transition, which India has steadfastly supported and there can be no turning back on this." Country's charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest and is facing a court case, seen as a farce created by the military leadership. Importantly, India also mentioned its views on repatriation of Rohingya refugees with the envoy saying, "India has the highest stakes in resolving this issue at the earliest" and commended Bangladesh 'for hosting a million displaced persons in its territory’. India called for "safe, speedy and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons" in Bangladesh to Rakhine state of Myanmar.

India calls UN arms ban resolution on Myanmar as 'haste course of action' 

China is resisting bilateral talks with the United States on nuclear weapons, the US disarmament ambassador told a UN conference on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to advance efforts to reduce nuclear arms stockpiles.&nbsp;

"Despite the PRC's dramatic build-up of its nuclear arsenal, unfortunately it continues to resist discussing nuclear risk reduction bilaterally with the United States," said Robert Wood, referring to the People's Republic of China.&nbsp;

"To date, Beijing has not been willing to engage meaningfully or establish expert discussions similar to those we have with Russia. We sincerely hope that will change," he added.&nbsp;

In an apparent rebuttal, China's envoy later told the same virtual UN meeting that Beijing was prepared for dialogue.&nbsp;

"We stand ready to carry out positive dialogue and exchange with all parties to jointly explore effective measures to reduce nuclear risk and to contribute to global strategic security," Ji Zhaoyu said.&nbsp;

The exchange came at a discussion on the Prevention of Nuclear War at the 65-member UN Conference on Disarmament based in Geneva. The body, which makes decisions by consensus, has not reached a major agreement in decades but is often the theatre for tense rhetorical exchanges between superpowers.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Russia and the United States agreed to extend the New START arms control treaty for five years, preserving the last treaty limiting deployments of the world's two largest strategic nuclear arsenals.&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden are set to discuss arms control and security issues at a meeting and strategic nuclear stability will be on the agenda. Wood said on Tuesday, he hoped that such bilateral discussions may lay the groundwork for nuclear disarmament and future arms control treaties.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

China is resisting bilateral talks with the United States on nuclear weapons, the US disarmament ambassador told a UN conference on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to advance efforts to reduce nuclear arms stockpiles.

China is resisting bilateral talks with the United States on nuclear weapons, the US disarmament ambassador told a UN conference on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to advance efforts to reduce nuclear arms stockpiles. "Despite the PRC's dramatic build-up of its nuclear arsenal, unfortunately it continues to resist discussing nuclear risk reduction bilaterally with the United States," said Robert Wood, referring to the People's Republic of China. "To date, Beijing has not been willing to engage meaningfully or establish expert discussions similar to those we have with Russia. We sincerely hope that will change," he added. In an apparent rebuttal, China's envoy later told the same virtual UN meeting that Beijing was prepared for dialogue. "We stand ready to carry out positive dialogue and exchange with all parties to jointly explore effective measures to reduce nuclear risk and to contribute to global strategic security," Ji Zhaoyu said. The exchange came at a discussion on the Prevention of Nuclear War at the 65-member UN Conference on Disarmament based in Geneva. The body, which makes decisions by consensus, has not reached a major agreement in decades but is often the theatre for tense rhetorical exchanges between superpowers. Earlier this year, Russia and the United States agreed to extend the New START arms control treaty for five years, preserving the last treaty limiting deployments of the world's two largest strategic nuclear arsenals. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden are set to discuss arms control and security issues at a meeting and strategic nuclear stability will be on the agenda. Wood said on Tuesday, he hoped that such bilateral discussions may lay the groundwork for nuclear disarmament and future arms control treaties. (With inputs from agencies)

US says China is resisting nuclear arms talks 

A 193-member UN General Assembly vote on Tuesday on a draft resolution calling 'for an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all weapons and munitions' to Myanmar has been postponed, diplomats said. &nbsp;

A spokesman for the UN General Assembly president said earlier on Monday that the body was due to vote on Tuesday. It was not immediately known when a vote would be rescheduled. Some diplomats said it had been delayed in a bid to win more support. &nbsp;

The draft resolution calls on the Myanmar military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, to end a state of emergency, stop all violence against peaceful protesters and respect the will of the people as expressed in the results of a November election. &nbsp;

General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has a veto power in the General Assembly. &nbsp;

Myanmar has been in crisis since the army ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and detained her and officials of her National League for Democracy party. The UN draft text calls for their release.&nbsp;

The military, which has set up a ruling junta of generals, complained of fraud in the November election that returned Suu Kyi to power. The election commission said the vote was fair.&nbsp;

The draft General Assembly resolution "calls upon the Myanmar armed forces to immediately stop all violence against peaceful demonstrators, members of civil society, women, youth, as well as children and others."&nbsp;

At least 788 people have been killed by the junta's security forces in crackdowns on protests against its rule, according to an advocacy group.&nbsp;

The military, which disputes that number, imposes tight restrictions on media, information and the internet. The reporter cannot independently verify arrests and casualty numbers.&nbsp;

The UN text also urges the army to stop 'attacks on, harassment of and restrictions on medical personnel, human rights defenders, labor union members, journalists and media workers ... and restrictions on the internet and social media'.&nbsp;

If adopted, the draft resolution would urge the military to allow a visit by the UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, and implement a plan by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to end the crisis.&nbsp;

The United States, Britain and Canada on Monday imposed new sanctions targeting Myanmar's junta.&nbsp;

Only the UN Security Council can impose legally binding sanctions or an arms embargo, but diplomats say Russia and China could likely use their veto to prevent such action on Myanmar. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

A 193-member UN General Assembly vote on Tuesday on a draft resolution calling 'for an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all weapons and munitions' to Myanmar has been postponed, diplomats said.

A 193-member UN General Assembly vote on Tuesday on a draft resolution calling 'for an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all weapons and munitions' to Myanmar has been postponed, diplomats said. A spokesman for the UN General Assembly president said earlier on Monday that the body was due to vote on Tuesday. It was not immediately known when a vote would be rescheduled. Some diplomats said it had been delayed in a bid to win more support. The draft resolution calls on the Myanmar military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, to end a state of emergency, stop all violence against peaceful protesters and respect the will of the people as expressed in the results of a November election. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has a veto power in the General Assembly. Myanmar has been in crisis since the army ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and detained her and officials of her National League for Democracy party. The UN draft text calls for their release. The military, which has set up a ruling junta of generals, complained of fraud in the November election that returned Suu Kyi to power. The election commission said the vote was fair. The draft General Assembly resolution "calls upon the Myanmar armed forces to immediately stop all violence against peaceful demonstrators, members of civil society, women, youth, as well as children and others." At least 788 people have been killed by the junta's security forces in crackdowns on protests against its rule, according to an advocacy group. The military, which disputes that number, imposes tight restrictions on media, information and the internet. The reporter cannot independently verify arrests and casualty numbers. The UN text also urges the army to stop 'attacks on, harassment of and restrictions on medical personnel, human rights defenders, labor union members, journalists and media workers ... and restrictions on the internet and social media'. If adopted, the draft resolution would urge the military to allow a visit by the UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, and implement a plan by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to end the crisis. The United States, Britain and Canada on Monday imposed new sanctions targeting Myanmar's junta. Only the UN Security Council can impose legally binding sanctions or an arms embargo, but diplomats say Russia and China could likely use their veto to prevent such action on Myanmar. (With inputs from agencies)

UN vote on call to stop arms supply to Myanmar postponed 

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday is set to consider a draft non-binding resolution calling for 'an immediate suspension' of the transfer of weapons to the military junta of Myanmar, a UN official said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are non-binding but carry strong political significance.&nbsp;

If an approval by consensus cannot be reached then the full General Assembly, 193 member states, will vote on the measure.&nbsp;

Introduced by Liechtenstein, with support from the European Union, Britain, and the United States, the measure will be considered at the plenary meeting set for Tuesday at 1900 GMT. &nbsp;

The draft resolution calls for "an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale, or transfer of all weapons, munitions, and other military-related equipment to Myanmar."&nbsp;

"The meeting will be in person," a UN spokesman said.&nbsp;

The draft, which has been under negotiation for weeks, is co-sponsored by 48 countries, with South Korea the sole Asian country.&nbsp;

It also calls on military to 'end the state of emergency' and immediately stop 'all violence against peaceful demonstrators’, as well as 'immediately and unconditionally release President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi' and everyone who has been 'arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested' since the February 1 coup.&nbsp;

The draft adds a call to 'swiftly implement' a five-point consensus reached with leaders from the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 24, to 'facilitate the visit' of the special UN envoy to Myanmar, and to provide 'safe and unimpeded humanitarian access’.&nbsp;

Several NGOs have long been calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar.&nbsp;

Since February 1, the Security Council has unanimously adopted four statements on Myanmar, but each time, they have been watered down in negotiations, notably by Beijing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday is set to consider a draft non-binding resolution calling for 'an immediate suspension' of the transfer of weapons to the military junta of Myanmar, a UN official said on Sunday.

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday is set to consider a draft non-binding resolution calling for 'an immediate suspension' of the transfer of weapons to the military junta of Myanmar, a UN official said on Sunday. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are non-binding but carry strong political significance. If an approval by consensus cannot be reached then the full General Assembly, 193 member states, will vote on the measure. Introduced by Liechtenstein, with support from the European Union, Britain, and the United States, the measure will be considered at the plenary meeting set for Tuesday at 1900 GMT. The draft resolution calls for "an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale, or transfer of all weapons, munitions, and other military-related equipment to Myanmar." "The meeting will be in person," a UN spokesman said. The draft, which has been under negotiation for weeks, is co-sponsored by 48 countries, with South Korea the sole Asian country. It also calls on military to 'end the state of emergency' and immediately stop 'all violence against peaceful demonstrators’, as well as 'immediately and unconditionally release President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi' and everyone who has been 'arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested' since the February 1 coup. The draft adds a call to 'swiftly implement' a five-point consensus reached with leaders from the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 24, to 'facilitate the visit' of the special UN envoy to Myanmar, and to provide 'safe and unimpeded humanitarian access’. Several NGOs have long been calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar. Since February 1, the Security Council has unanimously adopted four statements on Myanmar, but each time, they have been watered down in negotiations, notably by Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

UN General Assembly to consider call for Myanmar arms embargo 

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration has told Congress it is proceeding with more than $23 billion in weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates, including advanced F-35 aircraft, armed drones and other equipment, congressional aides said on Tuesday.

A State Department spokesperson said the administration would move forward with the proposed sales to the&nbsp;UAE, "even as we continue reviewing details and consulting with Emirati officials" related to the use of the weapons.

The Democratic president's administration had paused the deals agreed to by former Republican President Donald Trump in order to review them. The sales to the Gulf nation were finalised right before Trump left office.

The Trump administration told Congress in November it had approved the U.S. sale to the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;as a side deal to the Abraham Accords, a US-brokered agreement in September in which the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;agreed to normalise relations with Israel.

In the last months of the Trump administration, Israel reached deals with the&nbsp;UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco as part of the accords.

The $23.37 billion package contained products from General Atomics, Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp, including 50 F-35 Lighting II aircraft, up to 18 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Systems and a package of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.

YEMEN CONFLICT

Some US&nbsp;lawmakers have criticised the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;for its involvement in the war in Yemen, a conflict considered one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters, and worried that the weapons transfers might violate US&nbsp;guarantees that Israel will retain a military advantage in the region.

Israel said it did not object to the sales.

A legislative effort to stop the sales failed in December, as Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress backed his plans.

The Trump administration then finalised the massive sale to the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;on Jan. 20, about an hour before Biden was sworn in as president.

The Biden administration announced the review in late January and the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;said then it had anticipated the review and welcomed joint efforts to de-escalate tensions and for renewed regional dialogue.

The State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday the estimated delivery dates on the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;sales, if implemented, were for after 2025 or later.

The government anticipated "a robust and sustained dialogue with the&nbsp;UAE" to ensure a stronger security partnership, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

"We will also continue to reinforce with the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;and all recipients of US&nbsp;defence articles and services that US-origin defence equipment must be adequately secured and used in a manner that respects human rights and fully complies with the laws of armed conflict," the statement said.

US President Joe Biden's administration has told Congress it is proceeding with more than $23 billion in weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates, including advanced F-35 aircraft, armed drones and other equipment, congressional aides said on Tuesday.

US President Joe Biden's administration has told Congress it is proceeding with more than $23 billion in weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates, including advanced F-35 aircraft, armed drones and other equipment, congressional aides said on Tuesday. A State Department spokesperson said the administration would move forward with the proposed sales to the UAE, "even as we continue reviewing details and consulting with Emirati officials" related to the use of the weapons. The Democratic president's administration had paused the deals agreed to by former Republican President Donald Trump in order to review them. The sales to the Gulf nation were finalised right before Trump left office. The Trump administration told Congress in November it had approved the U.S. sale to the UAE as a side deal to the Abraham Accords, a US-brokered agreement in September in which the UAE agreed to normalise relations with Israel. In the last months of the Trump administration, Israel reached deals with the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco as part of the accords. The $23.37 billion package contained products from General Atomics, Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp, including 50 F-35 Lighting II aircraft, up to 18 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Systems and a package of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. YEMEN CONFLICT Some US lawmakers have criticised the UAE for its involvement in the war in Yemen, a conflict considered one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters, and worried that the weapons transfers might violate US guarantees that Israel will retain a military advantage in the region. Israel said it did not object to the sales. A legislative effort to stop the sales failed in December, as Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress backed his plans. The Trump administration then finalised the massive sale to the UAE on Jan. 20, about an hour before Biden was sworn in as president. The Biden administration announced the review in late January and the UAE said then it had anticipated the review and welcomed joint efforts to de-escalate tensions and for renewed regional dialogue. The State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday the estimated delivery dates on the UAE sales, if implemented, were for after 2025 or later. The government anticipated "a robust and sustained dialogue with the UAE" to ensure a stronger security partnership, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "We will also continue to reinforce with the UAE and all recipients of US defence articles and services that US-origin defence equipment must be adequately secured and used in a manner that respects human rights and fully complies with the laws of armed conflict," the statement said.

Biden administration to proceed with $23 billion weapon sales to UAE

Russia's ambassador to Britain has accused the UK government of breaking its international treaty commitments with a plan to increase the country's nuclear arsenal and said the political relationship between Moscow and London is 'nearly dead'.&nbsp;

In a foreign and defence policy review published on Tuesday and endorsed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Britain said it needed to increase its nuclear arsenal in the face of evolving global security threats.&nbsp;

Britain said it would raise the upper limit on its nuclear warhead stock to 260 from 180. The same report also classified Russia as 'the most acute threat to our security' in the Euro-Atlantic region.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said at the time that it regretted the British nuclear decision, which it suggested would harm international stability, while the Russian foreign ministry described the move as a serious blow to international arms control.&nbsp;

Andrei Kelin, Russia's ambassador to Britain, went further in an interview due to be broadcast on the London-based LBC radio station on Sunday, saying the plan looked illegal.&nbsp;

"You are increasing the number of warheads by 40%. This is a violation of the treaty of non-proliferation and many, many other agreements that are saying only a decline or a reduction in the number of nukes," Kelin told LBC, according to a partial transcript on the radio station's website.&nbsp;

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which Britain has ratified, came into force in 1970. The UK government has said its plans do not violate the pact.&nbsp;

Russian news agencies cited Kelin as saying that political relations between London and Moscow, which have become strained from events from Russia's jailing of opposition politician Alexei Navalny to the poisoning in 2018 of a Russian double agent and his daughter, were 'nearly dead'.&nbsp;

They cited Kelin as saying that only cultural and economic ties remained, while LBC cited him as saying that the last time, he had spoken to British foreign minister Dominic Raab was in December 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia's ambassador to Britain has accused the UK government of breaking its international treaty commitments with a plan to increase the country's nuclear arsenal and said the political relationship between Moscow and London is 'nearly dead'.

Russia's ambassador to Britain has accused the UK government of breaking its international treaty commitments with a plan to increase the country's nuclear arsenal and said the political relationship between Moscow and London is 'nearly dead'. In a foreign and defence policy review published on Tuesday and endorsed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Britain said it needed to increase its nuclear arsenal in the face of evolving global security threats. Britain said it would raise the upper limit on its nuclear warhead stock to 260 from 180. The same report also classified Russia as 'the most acute threat to our security' in the Euro-Atlantic region. The Kremlin said at the time that it regretted the British nuclear decision, which it suggested would harm international stability, while the Russian foreign ministry described the move as a serious blow to international arms control. Andrei Kelin, Russia's ambassador to Britain, went further in an interview due to be broadcast on the London-based LBC radio station on Sunday, saying the plan looked illegal. "You are increasing the number of warheads by 40%. This is a violation of the treaty of non-proliferation and many, many other agreements that are saying only a decline or a reduction in the number of nukes," Kelin told LBC, according to a partial transcript on the radio station's website. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which Britain has ratified, came into force in 1970. The UK government has said its plans do not violate the pact. Russian news agencies cited Kelin as saying that political relations between London and Moscow, which have become strained from events from Russia's jailing of opposition politician Alexei Navalny to the poisoning in 2018 of a Russian double agent and his daughter, were 'nearly dead'. They cited Kelin as saying that only cultural and economic ties remained, while LBC cited him as saying that the last time, he had spoken to British foreign minister Dominic Raab was in December 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy  

The United States has imposed a temporary freeze on two big arms deals with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates which were approved in the final weeks of the Trump administration, a State Department official said.

The nearly week-old administration has already signaled it plans to end support for the Saudi-led, UAE-backed offensive in Yemen, which is facing a humanitarian catastrophe. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-warns-china-over-expansionism-in-asia-359774">Also read | US President Joe Biden warns China over expansionism in Asia</a> 
 
A State Department spokesperson said the administration is "temporarily pausing the implementation" of a number of defense sales "to allow incoming leadership an opportunity to review."

"This is a routine administrative action typical to most any transition, and demonstrates the administration's commitment to transparency and good governance," the spokesperson said. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-suga-vow-to-strengthen-us-japan-alliance-359772" hreflang="en">Biden and Suga vow to strengthen US-Japan alliance</a>

The move is also aimed at "ensuring US arms sales meet our strategic objectives of building stronger, interoperable and more capable security partners."

The most high-profile sale is a $23 billion package of top-of-the-line F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates.

Former president Donald Trump's administration agreed to the sale -- the first of the stealth-capable planes to an Arab nation -- after the United Arab Emirates agreed to recognize Israel.

A potential halt to the sale could raise questions about whether the United Arab Emirates will continue its normalization with Israel, which Trump saw as a key foreign policy achievement.

Lawmakers of Biden's Democratic Party had voiced misgivings over the deal, fearing it would set off an arms race, but failed in the Senate to block the sale while Trump was in office.

The package to the United Arab Emirates also included unarmed drones, while the United States has been preparing major sales of munitions to Saudi Arabia.

Trump had explicitly backed arms sales on commercial grounds, saying that the Saudis were creating US jobs by buying from US manufacturers.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during his confirmation hearing that the Saudi offensive against Yemen's Huthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, has contributed to the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has imposed a temporary freeze on two big arms deals with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates which were approved in the final weeks of the Trump administration, a State Department official said.

The United States has imposed a temporary freeze on two big arms deals with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates which were approved in the final weeks of the Trump administration, a State Department official said. The nearly week-old administration has already signaled it plans to end support for the Saudi-led, UAE-backed offensive in Yemen, which is facing a humanitarian catastrophe. Also read | US President Joe Biden warns China over expansionism in Asia A State Department spokesperson said the administration is "temporarily pausing the implementation" of a number of defense sales "to allow incoming leadership an opportunity to review." "This is a routine administrative action typical to most any transition, and demonstrates the administration's commitment to transparency and good governance," the spokesperson said. Also read: Biden and Suga vow to strengthen US-Japan alliance The move is also aimed at "ensuring US arms sales meet our strategic objectives of building stronger, interoperable and more capable security partners." The most high-profile sale is a $23 billion package of top-of-the-line F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates. Former president Donald Trump's administration agreed to the sale -- the first of the stealth-capable planes to an Arab nation -- after the United Arab Emirates agreed to recognize Israel. A potential halt to the sale could raise questions about whether the United Arab Emirates will continue its normalization with Israel, which Trump saw as a key foreign policy achievement. Lawmakers of Biden's Democratic Party had voiced misgivings over the deal, fearing it would set off an arms race, but failed in the Senate to block the sale while Trump was in office. The package to the United Arab Emirates also included unarmed drones, while the United States has been preparing major sales of munitions to Saudi Arabia. Trump had explicitly backed arms sales on commercial grounds, saying that the Saudis were creating US jobs by buying from US manufacturers. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during his confirmation hearing that the Saudi offensive against Yemen's Huthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, has contributed to the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden freezes controversial arms deals with Saudi Arabia and UAE

Three decades after their gesture of defiance against the Soviet Union, Baltic residents are linking arms once again on Sunday in solidarity with protesters in Belarus.

On August 23, 1989 millions formed a human chain through the three Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to express their desire for independence.

On Sunday, thousands are expected to join a human chain stretching some 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the Lithuanian capital Vilnius to the border with Belarus.

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the opposition figurehead who fled from Belarus to Lithuania after a disputed presidential election, has said she may attend.

"It means a lot not only for me but all Belarusian people and they feel this support... It's very beautiful," she told AFP in an interview on Saturday.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, who took part in the original Baltic Way human chain, is also expected to attend the demonstration starting at 1600 GMT.

"Today is the time for our Belarusian brothers to express their desire for freedom. The Freedom Way is our extended hand for them," he told AFP.

Organisers say some 50,000 people are expected.

In Latvia, hundreds of campaigners marched along the border with Belarus and then formed a human chain in the village of Piedruja as Belarusian border guards looked on from the other side of the Daugava River.

"This is our Baltic way to express solidarity with all the people in Belarus," Inese Vaivare, the main organiser, told the cheering crowd in Piedruja.

Peteris Vasks, a Latvian composer who attended the event, said: "We don't have to live in a cowardly egoism, we can support people of other countries if they want to enjoy basic civic liberties like we do!"

More human chains are planned in the Estonian capital Tallinn and along the iconic Charles Bridge in Prague.

The Baltic Way human chain of 1989 has inspired similar initiatives by freedom-seekers the world over even in recent years -- from Hong Kong to Catalonia to Taiwan.

The original was 600 kilometres long and sent the strongest signal to date that the Soviet-occupied Baltic states were on the road towards restored independence, which they all won two years later.

All three are now EU and NATO members.

The Lithuanian human chain will start in Cathedral Square in Vilnius and end at the Medininkai border post -- the site of clashes with Soviet law enforcement in 1991 after Lithuania declared its independence.

Kiryl Krivicki, a 20-year-old Belarusian student living in Vilnius said the event "could become the same metaphor of freedom" as the one in 1989.

Tatsiana Chulitskaia, 44, a Belarusian researcher at Vytautas Magnus University, said: "It is important, even if it is a symbolic support.

"It is essential for Belarusians not to feel alone."

Three decades after their gesture of defiance against the Soviet Union, Baltic residents are linking arms once again on Sunday in solidarity with protesters in Belarus.

Three decades after their gesture of defiance against the Soviet Union, Baltic residents are linking arms once again on Sunday in solidarity with protesters in Belarus. On August 23, 1989 millions formed a human chain through the three Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to express their desire for independence. On Sunday, thousands are expected to join a human chain stretching some 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the Lithuanian capital Vilnius to the border with Belarus. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the opposition figurehead who fled from Belarus to Lithuania after a disputed presidential election, has said she may attend. "It means a lot not only for me but all Belarusian people and they feel this support... It's very beautiful," she told AFP in an interview on Saturday. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, who took part in the original Baltic Way human chain, is also expected to attend the demonstration starting at 1600 GMT. "Today is the time for our Belarusian brothers to express their desire for freedom. The Freedom Way is our extended hand for them," he told AFP. Organisers say some 50,000 people are expected. In Latvia, hundreds of campaigners marched along the border with Belarus and then formed a human chain in the village of Piedruja as Belarusian border guards looked on from the other side of the Daugava River. "This is our Baltic way to express solidarity with all the people in Belarus," Inese Vaivare, the main organiser, told the cheering crowd in Piedruja. Peteris Vasks, a Latvian composer who attended the event, said: "We don't have to live in a cowardly egoism, we can support people of other countries if they want to enjoy basic civic liberties like we do!" More human chains are planned in the Estonian capital Tallinn and along the iconic Charles Bridge in Prague. The Baltic Way human chain of 1989 has inspired similar initiatives by freedom-seekers the world over even in recent years -- from Hong Kong to Catalonia to Taiwan. The original was 600 kilometres long and sent the strongest signal to date that the Soviet-occupied Baltic states were on the road towards restored independence, which they all won two years later. All three are now EU and NATO members. The Lithuanian human chain will start in Cathedral Square in Vilnius and end at the Medininkai border post -- the site of clashes with Soviet law enforcement in 1991 after Lithuania declared its independence. Kiryl Krivicki, a 20-year-old Belarusian student living in Vilnius said the event "could become the same metaphor of freedom" as the one in 1989. Tatsiana Chulitskaia, 44, a Belarusian researcher at Vytautas Magnus University, said: "It is important, even if it is a symbolic support. "It is essential for Belarusians not to feel alone."

Baltics link arms again in solidarity with Belarus

In order to tackle rising criminal activities amid COVID-19, police in Peru seized a huge cache of arms during a crackdown. The police have made over 100,000 arrests during the lockdown period.

Peru police seize huge cache of arms

The Parliament today passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to increase the punishment for illegally procuring, making, and selling prohibited arms and ammunition in the country.

The Rajya Sabha passed the bill one day after it was cleared in the Lok Sabha.

According to the bill, a prison sentence of seven years extending to life imprisonment will now be possible. The sentence will be given for possession of illegal weapons while perpetrators may face life imprisonment for snatching the weapons of police personnel.

The bill serves as an amendment to the Arms Act of 1959 ''to effectively curb crimes committed using illegal firearms''.

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha have been adjourned till 11 am Wednesday.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Parliament today passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to increase the punishment for illegally procuring, making, and selling prohibited arms and ammunition in the country.

The Parliament today passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to increase the punishment for illegally procuring, making, and selling prohibited arms and ammunition in the country. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill one day after it was cleared in the Lok Sabha. According to the bill, a prison sentence of seven years extending to life imprisonment will now be possible. The sentence will be given for possession of illegal weapons while perpetrators may face life imprisonment for snatching the weapons of police personnel. The bill serves as an amendment to the Arms Act of 1959 ''to effectively curb crimes committed using illegal firearms''. Proceedings in the Lok Sabha have been adjourned till 11 am Wednesday. (With inputs from ANI)

Parliament passes Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019

Fueling conflicts to create a weapons market

Gravitas: Wion Edit: Conflicts- weapons sales conundrum

China, Russia & the U.S. fight for dominance in arms bazaar

Gravitas: The major players of global arms bazaar

$420 billion worth of arms sold in 2018: SIPRI Report

Gravitas: U.S. dominates global arms bazaar: Weapons sales at an all-time high

Arms&nbsp;sales rose by nearly five per cent worldwide in 2018 in a market dominated by the United States, according to a new report published Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The turnover of the 100 biggest&nbsp;arms&nbsp;manufacturers came to $420 billion, thanks in large part to the US market, said the report.

US manufacturers alone accounted for 59 per cent of the market, or a turnover of $246 billion, up 7.2 per cent on the previous year.

"This is a significant increase over one year considering the already high levels of US combined&nbsp;arms&nbsp;sales," Aude Fleurant, the director of SIPRI's&nbsp;arms&nbsp;transfers and military expenditure programme, told AFP.

US firms were benefitting from the Trump administration's decision to modernise its armed services to reinforce its position against China and Russia.

Russia was second in the rankings for&nbsp;arms&nbsp;production, with 8.6 per cent of the market, just ahead of the United Kingdom on 8.4 per cent and France on 5.5 percent.

The study did not include China, for which there was insufficient data, but SIPRI's research estimated that there were between three and seven Chinese businesses in the top 100&nbsp;arms&nbsp;manufacturers.

Two major European companies, Airbus and MBDA were also responding to "demand due to ongoing armed conflicts and severe tensions in several regions", Fleurant added.

China has spent 1.9 per cent of its gross domestic product on defence every year since 2013.

The top-ranked Russian firm, Almaz-Antei, jumped to ninth on the list with turnover of $9.6 billion,&nbsp;18 per cent up on the previous year.

"This increase was based not only on strong domestic demand, but also on continuing growth in&nbsp;arms&nbsp;sales to other countries, in particular exports of the S-400 air defence system," said the report.

One of the buyers of this system is NATO member Turkey, which took the deal despite a US threat of sanctions.

Turkey's&nbsp;arms&nbsp;industry had two businesses in the top 100 and turnover of $2.8 billion, up 22 per cent on the previous year.

Turkey was "driven by the goal of being self-sufficient in&nbsp;arms&nbsp;supply and therefore develop&nbsp;arms&nbsp;production capabilities in all segments (land systems, air systems, naval systems, missiles, etc.)," said Fleurant.

"Turkey is also involved with an enduring armed conflict with the Kurds, which also tends to increase demand for&nbsp;arms," she added.

The world's largest&nbsp;arms&nbsp;maker remains the US firm Lockheed Martin, as it has been since 2009, this last year with turnover of $47.3 billion.&nbsp;

Its sales alone account for 11 per cent of the world market.

Arms sales rose by nearly five per cent worldwide in 2018 in a market dominated by the United States, according to a new report published Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Arms sales rose by nearly five per cent worldwide in 2018 in a market dominated by the United States, according to a new report published Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The turnover of the 100 biggest arms manufacturers came to $420 billion, thanks in large part to the US market, said the report. US manufacturers alone accounted for 59 per cent of the market, or a turnover of $246 billion, up 7.2 per cent on the previous year. "This is a significant increase over one year considering the already high levels of US combined arms sales," Aude Fleurant, the director of SIPRI's arms transfers and military expenditure programme, told AFP. US firms were benefitting from the Trump administration's decision to modernise its armed services to reinforce its position against China and Russia. Russia was second in the rankings for arms production, with 8.6 per cent of the market, just ahead of the United Kingdom on 8.4 per cent and France on 5.5 percent. The study did not include China, for which there was insufficient data, but SIPRI's research estimated that there were between three and seven Chinese businesses in the top 100 arms manufacturers. Two major European companies, Airbus and MBDA were also responding to "demand due to ongoing armed conflicts and severe tensions in several regions", Fleurant added. China has spent 1.9 per cent of its gross domestic product on defence every year since 2013. The top-ranked Russian firm, Almaz-Antei, jumped to ninth on the list with turnover of $9.6 billion, 18 per cent up on the previous year. "This increase was based not only on strong domestic demand, but also on continuing growth in arms sales to other countries, in particular exports of the S-400 air defence system," said the report. One of the buyers of this system is NATO member Turkey, which took the deal despite a US threat of sanctions. Turkey's arms industry had two businesses in the top 100 and turnover of $2.8 billion, up 22 per cent on the previous year. Turkey was "driven by the goal of being self-sufficient in arms supply and therefore develop arms production capabilities in all segments (land systems, air systems, naval systems, missiles, etc.)," said Fleurant. "Turkey is also involved with an enduring armed conflict with the Kurds, which also tends to increase demand for arms," she added. The world's largest arms maker remains the US firm Lockheed Martin, as it has been since 2009, this last year with turnover of $47.3 billion. Its sales alone account for 11 per cent of the world market.

In a United States dominated market, arms sales worldwide up by nearly 5%: Report

India's Foreign Minister on Monday defended his country's right to buy a missile defence system from Russia despite the threat of sanctions from the United States.

On a visit to Washington, Foreign Minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar said India was discussing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-vows-to-retaliate-over-new-anti-russian-united-states-sanctions-252913">US concerns</a> but declined to forecast the ultimate decision on the fate of the S-400 purchase from Russia.

"We have always maintained that what we buy -- the sourcing of military equipment -- is very much a sovereign right," he told reporters ahead of a meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"We would not like any state to tell us what to buy or not to buy from Russia any more than we would like any state to tell us to buy or not buy from America," he said.

"That freedom of choice is ours and we think it's in everybody's interest to recognize that," he said.

India, a Cold War ally of the Soviet Union, last year agreed to buy five S-400 systems for $5.2 billion, and Russia has said that delivery is on track.

Under a 2017 law, the U<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-russians-over-2018-elections-interference-252904">nited States imposes sanctions against countries over "major" arms purchases from Russia</a> due to Moscow's military involvement in Ukraine and Syria and alleged meddling in US elections.

Turkey, a NATO ally, in June angered the United States by also going ahead with an S-400 purchase.

President Donald Trump responded by ending Turkey's involvement in the F-35 fighter jet program but has yet to announce other sanctions.

Jaishankar hailed warm relations overall with the United States but underlined India's differences with Trump's hawkish stance on Iran.

The United States has threatened sanctions to force all countries to stop buying oil from Iran as it seeks to curb the clerical regime's influence in the Middle East.

In May, the Trump administration ended waivers for countries including India, formerly a leading customer for Iranian oil&nbsp;

"We view Iran from the east, and from east Iran has been a very stable, status quo power," Jaishankar said.

For India, "we've been repeatedly assured that the affordable and predictable access to energy will not change," he said, declining to comment further on discussions on Iran.

India has been teaming up to expand Iran's Chabahar port, a way to ensure a supply route to Afghanistan that bypasses Pakistan, New Delhi's rival and historical ally&nbsp;of the Taliban.

India's Foreign Minister on Monday defended his country's right to buy a missile defence system from Russia despite the threat of sanctions from the United States.

India's Foreign Minister on Monday defended his country's right to buy a missile defence system from Russia despite the threat of sanctions from the United States. On a visit to Washington, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said India was discussing the US concerns but declined to forecast the ultimate decision on the fate of the S-400 purchase from Russia. "We have always maintained that what we buy -- the sourcing of military equipment -- is very much a sovereign right," he told reporters ahead of a meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "We would not like any state to tell us what to buy or not to buy from Russia any more than we would like any state to tell us to buy or not buy from America," he said. "That freedom of choice is ours and we think it's in everybody's interest to recognize that," he said. India, a Cold War ally of the Soviet Union, last year agreed to buy five S-400 systems for $5.2 billion, and Russia has said that delivery is on track. Under a 2017 law, the United States imposes sanctions against countries over "major" arms purchases from Russia due to Moscow's military involvement in Ukraine and Syria and alleged meddling in US elections. Turkey, a NATO ally, in June angered the United States by also going ahead with an S-400 purchase. President Donald Trump responded by ending Turkey's involvement in the F-35 fighter jet program but has yet to announce other sanctions. Jaishankar hailed warm relations overall with the United States but underlined India's differences with Trump's hawkish stance on Iran. The United States has threatened sanctions to force all countries to stop buying oil from Iran as it seeks to curb the clerical regime's influence in the Middle East. In May, the Trump administration ended waivers for countries including India, formerly a leading customer for Iranian oil "We view Iran from the east, and from east Iran has been a very stable, status quo power," Jaishankar said. For India, "we've been repeatedly assured that the affordable and predictable access to energy will not change," he said, declining to comment further on discussions on Iran. India has been teaming up to expand Iran's Chabahar port, a way to ensure a supply route to Afghanistan that bypasses Pakistan, New Delhi's rival and historical ally of the Taliban.

India defends right to buy Russian arms on United States trip

A former senior commander of the dissolved FARC rebel army in Colombia announced Thursday he is taking up arms again along with other guerrillas who have distanced themselves from a historic peace accord signed with the government.

"We are announcing to the world that the second Marquetalia has begun," Ivan Marquez, dressed in green military fatigues, said in a video posted on YouTube, referring to a rural enclave considered a birthplace of the FARC in the 1960s.

Colombia's conservative President Ivan Duque responded by saying he would send a special army unit to hunt down Marquez and other holdouts, who he said were backed by Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), a court tasked with judging crimes committed during Colombia's half-century of armed conflict, later announced that arrest warrants for Marquez and others -- which were suspended as part of the peace process -- were now back in effect.

Marquez accused the government of betraying the hard-fought accord under which most of the FARC's 7,000 fighters had laid down their weapons after half a century of armed conflict.

The whereabouts of Marquez, the Marxist FARC's number two leader and chief negotiator of the 2016 peace agreement, had been unknown for more than a year.&nbsp;

"It's a very worrying announcement," the Colombian government's peace commissioner Miguel Ceballos said.

"There is no surprise for the national government. Unfortunately, these people had already made clear, by their behavior, that they turned their backs on the peace accord," Ceballos told Colombia's Blu Radio.

In the 32-minute video, Marquez appears in the Colombian jungle flanked by 17 men and women holding rifles. Behind them is a yellow FARC banner.

Marquez said the government had cheated in the implementation of the accord, unilaterally changed its wording and failed to provide legal guarantees for former fighters, among other offenses.

All this, he said, "forced us to return to the field," Marquez said.

"We were never defeated ideologically. Therefore, the fight continues," said Marquez.

The FARC will coordinate with Colombia's last active rebel group, the National Liberation Army, "and those comrades who have not folded up their flags," he said.

- 'Special unit' -

Duque said he had ordered a special military unit "with reinforced intelligence, investigation and mobility capabilities" be set up to track down the group.

"Colombians must be clear that we are not facing a new guerrilla, but facing the criminal threats of a gang of narco-terrorists who have the shelter and support of the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro," the Colombian president said.

Duque's comments were backed by Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, who accused Marquez of using Venezuelan territory and Maduro's protection "to threaten our sovereignty", following a phone conversation with the Colombian leader.

Caracas pushed back against the allegations, with Maduro's right-hand man Diosdado Cabello saying: "What does Venezuela have to do with it?"

Marquez and a fugitive rebel colleague, Jesus Santrich, have distanced themselves from the 2016 peace agreement.

Santrich, who went underground earlier this year after the United States sought to have him extradited on drug charges, also appeared in the video.&nbsp;

Although most of the FARC fighters laid down weapons to return to civilian life, around 2,300 have refused to do so.&nbsp;

These rebels get by mainly through drug trafficking and illegal mining, according to Colombian military intelligence.

Duque said Thursday the group was cloaking its criminal activity with "false ideological clothing."

With United Nations support, the peace accord ended the insurrection by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and turned it into a political party called the Common Alternative Revolutionary Force, which uses the same FARC acronym.

- 'Low blow' -

While it hasn't ended violence in the country -- other left-wing rebels, right-wing paramilitaries and drug traffickers are still waging their battles -- it has helped to reduce it.

Duque was elected last year with a promise to modify the accord, which he considers too lenient on ex-fighters guilty of serious crimes.

The FARC political party, meanwhile, has denounced delays in the application of the accord as well as a lack of legal guarantees and security for its members.

It has pointed to what it says are the murders of 140 former guerrillas, and 31 of their family members, since the agreement was signed.

The new FARC political party that arose from the rebel army under the peace accord said it regretted the announcement from Marquez.

Party president Rodrigo Londono, who used to go by the nom de guerre Timochenko during the war, called it a "low blow."

He said most former FARC soldiers still believe in the peace accord. But others are wavering and might buy into what Marquez is doing, Londono said.

"It could hurt us," he said on Colombian radio.

Former president Juan Manuel Santos, who won the Nobel peace prize for bringing about the accord, defended it and insisted most former FARC members still believe in it.

"We must come down hard on deserters. The battle for peace does not stop," Santos tweeted.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A former senior commander of the dissolved FARC rebel army in Colombia announced Thursday he is taking up arms again along with other guerrillas who have distanced themselves from a historic peace accord signed with the government.

A former senior commander of the dissolved FARC rebel army in Colombia announced Thursday he is taking up arms again along with other guerrillas who have distanced themselves from a historic peace accord signed with the government. "We are announcing to the world that the second Marquetalia has begun," Ivan Marquez, dressed in green military fatigues, said in a video posted on YouTube, referring to a rural enclave considered a birthplace of the FARC in the 1960s. Colombia's conservative President Ivan Duque responded by saying he would send a special army unit to hunt down Marquez and other holdouts, who he said were backed by Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), a court tasked with judging crimes committed during Colombia's half-century of armed conflict, later announced that arrest warrants for Marquez and others -- which were suspended as part of the peace process -- were now back in effect. Marquez accused the government of betraying the hard-fought accord under which most of the FARC's 7,000 fighters had laid down their weapons after half a century of armed conflict. The whereabouts of Marquez, the Marxist FARC's number two leader and chief negotiator of the 2016 peace agreement, had been unknown for more than a year. "It's a very worrying announcement," the Colombian government's peace commissioner Miguel Ceballos said. "There is no surprise for the national government. Unfortunately, these people had already made clear, by their behavior, that they turned their backs on the peace accord," Ceballos told Colombia's Blu Radio. In the 32-minute video, Marquez appears in the Colombian jungle flanked by 17 men and women holding rifles. Behind them is a yellow FARC banner. Marquez said the government had cheated in the implementation of the accord, unilaterally changed its wording and failed to provide legal guarantees for former fighters, among other offenses. All this, he said, "forced us to return to the field," Marquez said. "We were never defeated ideologically. Therefore, the fight continues," said Marquez. The FARC will coordinate with Colombia's last active rebel group, the National Liberation Army, "and those comrades who have not folded up their flags," he said. - 'Special unit' - Duque said he had ordered a special military unit "with reinforced intelligence, investigation and mobility capabilities" be set up to track down the group. "Colombians must be clear that we are not facing a new guerrilla, but facing the criminal threats of a gang of narco-terrorists who have the shelter and support of the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro," the Colombian president said. Duque's comments were backed by Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, who accused Marquez of using Venezuelan territory and Maduro's protection "to threaten our sovereignty", following a phone conversation with the Colombian leader. Caracas pushed back against the allegations, with Maduro's right-hand man Diosdado Cabello saying: "What does Venezuela have to do with it?" Marquez and a fugitive rebel colleague, Jesus Santrich, have distanced themselves from the 2016 peace agreement. Santrich, who went underground earlier this year after the United States sought to have him extradited on drug charges, also appeared in the video. Although most of the FARC fighters laid down weapons to return to civilian life, around 2,300 have refused to do so. These rebels get by mainly through drug trafficking and illegal mining, according to Colombian military intelligence. Duque said Thursday the group was cloaking its criminal activity with "false ideological clothing." With United Nations support, the peace accord ended the insurrection by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and turned it into a political party called the Common Alternative Revolutionary Force, which uses the same FARC acronym. - 'Low blow' - While it hasn't ended violence in the country -- other left-wing rebels, right-wing paramilitaries and drug traffickers are still waging their battles -- it has helped to reduce it. Duque was elected last year with a promise to modify the accord, which he considers too lenient on ex-fighters guilty of serious crimes. The FARC political party, meanwhile, has denounced delays in the application of the accord as well as a lack of legal guarantees and security for its members. It has pointed to what it says are the murders of 140 former guerrillas, and 31 of their family members, since the agreement was signed. The new FARC political party that arose from the rebel army under the peace accord said it regretted the announcement from Marquez. Party president Rodrigo Londono, who used to go by the nom de guerre Timochenko during the war, called it a "low blow." He said most former FARC soldiers still believe in the peace accord. But others are wavering and might buy into what Marquez is doing, Londono said. "It could hurt us," he said on Colombian radio. Former president Juan Manuel Santos, who won the Nobel peace prize for bringing about the accord, defended it and insisted most former FARC members still believe in it. "We must come down hard on deserters. The battle for peace does not stop," Santos tweeted.

Former Colombian rebel leader announces return to arms

Up to eight people were injured and thousands were evacuated Monday because of a fire at a Siberian ammunition depot that set off explosions, authorities said.

The fire of unknown origin at the depot near the town of Achinsk in the Krasnoyarsk region was the latest accident to hit Russia's military.

Witnesses posted footage on the internet showing a huge column of black smoke rising over a forest.

Krasnoyarsk governor Alexander Uss said that between five and eight people may have been hurt.

"There is no threat to their lives," he added in televised remarks.

Regional authorities said the ammunition depot lies just outside the village of Kamenka.

The depot has been cordoned off and servicemen have taken refuge in a bomb-proof shelter.

Authorities plan to evacuate around 11,000 people, Russia 24 news channel reported.

Some 105,000 people live in the town of Achinsk.

Up to eight people were injured and thousands were evacuated Monday because of a fire at a Siberian ammunition depot that set off explosions, authorities said. The fire of unknown origin at the depot near the town of Achinsk in the Krasnoyarsk region was the latest accident to hit Russia's military.

Up to eight people were injured and thousands were evacuated Monday because of a fire at a Siberian ammunition depot that set off explosions, authorities said. The fire of unknown origin at the depot near the town of Achinsk in the Krasnoyarsk region was the latest accident to hit Russia's military. Witnesses posted footage on the internet showing a huge column of black smoke rising over a forest. Krasnoyarsk governor Alexander Uss said that between five and eight people may have been hurt. "There is no threat to their lives," he added in televised remarks. Regional authorities said the ammunition depot lies just outside the village of Kamenka. The depot has been cordoned off and servicemen have taken refuge in a bomb-proof shelter. Authorities plan to evacuate around 11,000 people, Russia 24 news channel reported. Some 105,000 people live in the town of Achinsk.

Up to eight hurt in Russia arms depot blasts

Russia stated that it is open to discussing solutions aimed at preventing an arms race with the United States, batting for the extension of the new START treaty, due to expire in 2021.

This comes in the wake of both USA and Russia formally suspending their obligations under the Cold War-era <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-accuses-moscow-of-violating-inf-treaty-195498">Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty</a>, which has led to mounting fears of an arms race between the two nations.

"This fully applies to any potential agreements in the nuclear missile sphere," Xinhua quoted the Russian foreign ministry as saying.

The new START or Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty was signed between Moscow and Washington in 2010 and came into force in 2011.

It is a nuclear arms reduction treaty, which replaced the Treaty of Moscow.

It established a new inspection and verification regime, replacing the previous mechanism, along with reducing the number of strategic nuclear missile launchers by half in both the United States and Russia.

Moscow outlined that the extension of the treaty would be in the interest of the entire world community and that the nation is interested in avoiding a new missile crisis in Europe and other regions.&nbsp;

Russia stated that it is open to discussing solutions aimed at preventing an arms race with the United States, batting for the extension of the new START treaty, due to expire in 2021.

Russia stated that it is open to discussing solutions aimed at preventing an arms race with the United States, batting for the extension of the new START treaty, due to expire in 2021. This comes in the wake of both USA and Russia formally suspending their obligations under the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which has led to mounting fears of an arms race between the two nations. "This fully applies to any potential agreements in the nuclear missile sphere," Xinhua quoted the Russian foreign ministry as saying. The new START or Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty was signed between Moscow and Washington in 2010 and came into force in 2011. It is a nuclear arms reduction treaty, which replaced the Treaty of Moscow. It established a new inspection and verification regime, replacing the previous mechanism, along with reducing the number of strategic nuclear missile launchers by half in both the United States and Russia. Moscow outlined that the extension of the treaty would be in the interest of the entire world community and that the nation is interested in avoiding a new missile crisis in Europe and other regions.

Russia bats for extension of arms reduction treaty with US

India no longer top weapon importer

A Syrian rebel alliance has not pulled any heavy arms from the country's north, its spokesman told AFP Sunday, denying reports it had begun implementing a demilitarisation deal there.

Moscow and Ankara reached a deal earlier this month to create a buffer zone around the opposition stronghold of Idlib that would be free of both jihadists and heavy arms.

The National Liberation Front, a pro-Turkey rebel alliance, welcomed the deal, but said Sunday it had not yet moved any heavy arms from the planned zone.

"There have been no withdrawals of heavy weapons from any area or any front. This report is denied, completely denied," NLF spokesman Naji Mustafa told AFP.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor had earlier said one faction of the NLF began withdrawing its heavy weapons under a Turkish-Russian agreement to create a buffer zone in the area.

It said Faylaq al-Rahman, whose fighters number between 8,500 and 10,000, were leaving areas in the planned zone on Sunday "with heavy weapons, including tanks and cannons".

A spokesman for Faylaq al-Rahman also told AFP on Sunday it had not moved any forces or arms.

"There have been no changes in the location of weapons or redistribution of fighters, even as we remain committed to the agreement reached in (the Russian resort of) Sochi," said Sayf al-Raad.

On September 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to set up a demilitarised zone about 15 to 20 kilometres wide ringing around Idlib.

All factions in the planned buffer zone must hand over their heavy weapons by October 10, and radical groups must withdraw by October 15, according to the agreement. 
&nbsp;

A Syrian rebel alliance has not pulled any heavy arms from the country's north, its spokesman told AFP Sunday, denying reports it had begun implementing a demilitarisation deal there.

A Syrian rebel alliance has not pulled any heavy arms from the country's north, its spokesman told AFP Sunday, denying reports it had begun implementing a demilitarisation deal there. Moscow and Ankara reached a deal earlier this month to create a buffer zone around the opposition stronghold of Idlib that would be free of both jihadists and heavy arms. The National Liberation Front, a pro-Turkey rebel alliance, welcomed the deal, but said Sunday it had not yet moved any heavy arms from the planned zone. "There have been no withdrawals of heavy weapons from any area or any front. This report is denied, completely denied," NLF spokesman Naji Mustafa told AFP. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor had earlier said one faction of the NLF began withdrawing its heavy weapons under a Turkish-Russian agreement to create a buffer zone in the area. It said Faylaq al-Rahman, whose fighters number between 8,500 and 10,000, were leaving areas in the planned zone on Sunday "with heavy weapons, including tanks and cannons". A spokesman for Faylaq al-Rahman also told AFP on Sunday it had not moved any forces or arms. "There have been no changes in the location of weapons or redistribution of fighters, even as we remain committed to the agreement reached in (the Russian resort of) Sochi," said Sayf al-Raad. On September 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to set up a demilitarised zone about 15 to 20 kilometres wide ringing around Idlib. All factions in the planned buffer zone must hand over their heavy weapons by October 10, and radical groups must withdraw by October 15, according to the agreement.

Syria rebels deny pulling arms under Turkey-Russia deal

Two rights groups campaigning for the French government to halt weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they were taking their case to France's highest legal authority.

Pressure has been mounting on Macron to scale back arms support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are leading the coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi group that controls most of northern Yemen and the capital Sanaa.

The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced more than 3 million, with no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough to ease the crisis.

Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn. They gave Prime Minister Edouard Philippe a two-month ultimatum.

They have had no response, so the groups said they would present a legal challenge on Monday to the Conseil d'Etat, France's highest legal authority, which advises the government on legislative matters and arbitrates on public policy issues.

"It will be up to (Council of State) to decide on the legality of the export licence authorisations issued by the prime minister," ASER et Droit Solidarite said in a statement.

The two argue that France is violating national and international law by selling arms that are being used in the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations and rights groups accuse the coalition of targeting civilians, which amounts to a war crime, a charge the coalition denies.

Previouslt, Macron defended French weapons sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but said he was concerned by the humanitarian situation and would host a conference on the issue before the summer.

Seventy-five percent of French people want Macron to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a YouGov poll found. Several rights groups also have warned of possible legal action if the government does not halt its sales.

“Since the start of the conflict in Yemen, France has adopted a very specific process whereby all sales of military equipment are analysed on a case-by-case basis and on the basis of reinforced criteria that reflect respect for international humanitarian law and the risk of harm to civilian populations,” Macron said at a news conference alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

France is the world’s third biggest arms exporter and counts the two countries among its biggest purchasers.

Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn

Two rights groups campaigning for the French government to halt weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they were taking their case to France's highest legal authority. Pressure has been mounting on Macron to scale back arms support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are leading the coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi group that controls most of northern Yemen and the capital Sanaa. The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced more than 3 million, with no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough to ease the crisis. Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn. They gave Prime Minister Edouard Philippe a two-month ultimatum. They have had no response, so the groups said they would present a legal challenge on Monday to the Conseil d'Etat, France's highest legal authority, which advises the government on legislative matters and arbitrates on public policy issues. "It will be up to (Council of State) to decide on the legality of the export licence authorisations issued by the prime minister," ASER et Droit Solidarite said in a statement. The two argue that France is violating national and international law by selling arms that are being used in the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations and rights groups accuse the coalition of targeting civilians, which amounts to a war crime, a charge the coalition denies. Previouslt, Macron defended French weapons sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but said he was concerned by the humanitarian situation and would host a conference on the issue before the summer. Seventy-five percent of French people want Macron to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a YouGov poll found. Several rights groups also have warned of possible legal action if the government does not halt its sales. “Since the start of the conflict in Yemen, France has adopted a very specific process whereby all sales of military equipment are analysed on a case-by-case basis and on the basis of reinforced criteria that reflect respect for international humanitarian law and the risk of harm to civilian populations,” Macron said at a news conference alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. France is the world’s third biggest arms exporter and counts the two countries among its biggest purchasers.

French government faces legal pressure over arms sales to Saudi, UAE

Asserting that the relations between India and Pakistan were at its best during the regime of former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, north Indian state Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today said encouraging the youngsters to take up arms in Kashmir reflected &#39;hypocrisy&#39; on the part of Islamabad. 
 
Mehbooba, who met Indian interior minister Minister Rajnath Singh today, thanked the doctors and other personnel working round the clock to bring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir back to normal. 
 
&quot;Today India as well as Pakistan has an opportunity to talk and discuss. But they shouldn&#39;t tell their children that if you take up guns and die, we will salute you. I think this is hypocrisy. They torture those who take up guns and teach some other lesson to our children. I believe this is wrong and this shouldn&#39;t happen,&quot; Mufti told ANI. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thankful to the doctors and others who r&nbsp;trying round-the-clock to bring back normalcy in the state: J&amp;K CM <a href="https://t.co/b1Z5ouhFqp">pic.twitter.com/b1Z5ouhFqp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757157683699060736">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Hypocrisy. Country (Pak) that punishes children who take up gun in their country but glorifies youth taking up gun in Kashmir: J&amp;K CM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757156924945231872">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: J&amp;K CM Mehbooba Mufti expresses her displeasure over glorification of Kashmiri youth who take up guns by Pak<a href="https://t.co/G9R9ltVJhS">https://t.co/G9R9ltVJhS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757169035016441856">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
She said everybody takes the problem of Jammu and Kashmir seriously only when the situation is bad. 
 
&quot;When the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is bad, we think about finding a solution. But when the situation becomes normal, we forget about it. This is the reason why Mufti ji (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed) took two months to form the government with the BJP. He created an agenda of alliance that this is the way if you have to take out Jammu and Kashmir from the problem,&quot; she said. 
 
Expressing grief over loss of lives in Kashmir violence in the aftermath of terrorist Burhan Wani`s killing, Mehbooba said the confident building measures must continue. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
Pak needs to change this policy of theirs.Imp to start dialogue,confident building measures b/w the 2 nations-J&amp;K CM <a href="https://t.co/9UOW92dend">pic.twitter.com/9UOW92dend</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757151455967141888">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
&quot;It is unfortunately not for the first time that there is such an atmosphere here. Many civilians and police personnel have died. Confidence building measures started, but later it stopped. The best period was 2002 when Mufti Government was formed here and Vajpayee Government was formed in New Delhi,&quot; she said. 
 
Mufti further said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met&nbsp;Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by visiting Lahore &#39;but unfortunately the dialogue process got stalled after Pathankot&#39;. 
 
Authorities today lifted the ongoing curfew from four districts of Ganderbal, Badgam, Bandipora and Baramulla in the Kashmir valley as the law and order situation showed marginal improvement. 
 
(ANI)&nbsp;

Mufti said Pakistan punishes its children who take up guns in their country, but hypocritically glorifies Kashmiri youth taking up arms

Asserting that the relations between India and Pakistan were at its best during the regime of former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, north Indian state Jammu and Kashmir's chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today said encouraging the youngsters to take up arms in Kashmir reflected 'hypocrisy' on the part of Islamabad. Mehbooba, who met Indian interior minister Minister Rajnath Singh today, thanked the doctors and other personnel working round the clock to bring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir back to normal. "Today India as well as Pakistan has an opportunity to talk and discuss. But they shouldn't tell their children that if you take up guns and die, we will salute you. I think this is hypocrisy. They torture those who take up guns and teach some other lesson to our children. I believe this is wrong and this shouldn't happen," Mufti told ANI. Thankful to the doctors and others who r trying round-the-clock to bring back normalcy in the state: J&K CM pic.twitter.com/b1Z5ouhFqp — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 Hypocrisy. Country (Pak) that punishes children who take up gun in their country but glorifies youth taking up gun in Kashmir: J&K CM — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 #WATCH: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti expresses her displeasure over glorification of Kashmiri youth who take up guns by Pakhttps://t.co/G9R9ltVJhS — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 She said everybody takes the problem of Jammu and Kashmir seriously only when the situation is bad. "When the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is bad, we think about finding a solution. But when the situation becomes normal, we forget about it. This is the reason why Mufti ji (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed) took two months to form the government with the BJP. He created an agenda of alliance that this is the way if you have to take out Jammu and Kashmir from the problem," she said. Expressing grief over loss of lives in Kashmir violence in the aftermath of terrorist Burhan Wani`s killing, Mehbooba said the confident building measures must continue. Pak needs to change this policy of theirs.Imp to start dialogue,confident building measures b/w the 2 nations-J&K CM pic.twitter.com/9UOW92dend — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 "It is unfortunately not for the first time that there is such an atmosphere here. Many civilians and police personnel have died. Confidence building measures started, but later it stopped. The best period was 2002 when Mufti Government was formed here and Vajpayee Government was formed in New Delhi," she said. Mufti further said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by visiting Lahore 'but unfortunately the dialogue process got stalled after Pathankot'. Authorities today lifted the ongoing curfew from four districts of Ganderbal, Badgam, Bandipora and Baramulla in the Kashmir valley as the law and order situation showed marginal improvement. (ANI)

Encouraging Kashmiri youth to take up arms reflects Pakistan's 'hypocrisy': Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti

Sixteen girls of a government-run school were allegedly beaten up by the warden of their hostel at Rajbagh for &quot;refusing to clean her room&quot;, following which the authorities put her under suspension. 
 
&quot;The students, belonging to Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, were on Thursday roughed up by their hostel&#39;s warden for refusing to clean her room. The girls sustained injuries in the assault and two of them suffered fractures in their arms,&quot; a police official said. 
 
&quot;Sixteen girls were beaten up and injured by the warden. All of them were discharged after necessary treatment,&quot; the official said. 
The warden has been suspended by the authorities concerned and an FIR registered against her, he said. 
 
Taking strong note of the incident, Director School Education Kashmir Shah Faesal placed the warden under suspension. She has been attached with Chief Education Office, Ganderbal, an official of the Education department said. 
(PTI)

The girls sustained injuries, and two suffered fractured arms

Sixteen girls of a government-run school were allegedly beaten up by the warden of their hostel at Rajbagh for "refusing to clean her room", following which the authorities put her under suspension. "The students, belonging to Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, were on Thursday roughed up by their hostel's warden for refusing to clean her room. The girls sustained injuries in the assault and two of them suffered fractures in their arms," a police official said. "Sixteen girls were beaten up and injured by the warden. All of them were discharged after necessary treatment," the official said. The warden has been suspended by the authorities concerned and an FIR registered against her, he said. Taking strong note of the incident, Director School Education Kashmir Shah Faesal placed the warden under suspension. She has been attached with Chief Education Office, Ganderbal, an official of the Education department said. (PTI)

Hostel warden in government-run school thrashes 16 girls for not cleaning her room

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