Austrian conservatives won the most seats in <a href="Austrians vote in snap election with conservatives in lead">snap elections</a> Sunday, putting their 33-year-old leader Sebastian Kurz on track to retake power but forcing him into tough coalition negotiations after a corruption scandal sent his erstwhile far-right allies preparing for the opposition.

Kurz's&nbsp;People's Party (OeVP) gained 37 per cent, up almost six percentage points from the last election two years ago, but not enough to form a government on its own, according to projections based on partial results.

Kurz's former allies, the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), were the biggest losers of the night, falling 10 percentage points to around 16 per cent following the spectacular "Ibiza-gate" corruption scandal in May.

The affair brought down the OeVP-FPOe coalition after just 18 months in government and triggered Sunday's snap poll.

The Greens were also big winners as climate change rose to the top of voters' concerns, securing around 14 per cent of the vote.

That means they will be viable coalition partners for a new government, but Green leader Werner Kogler said on Sunday evening that in order to consider working with Kurz, the party would need to see "radical change" from the right-wing policies pursued by the previous coalition.

The centre-left Social Democrats look set for their worst-ever result on around 22 per cent of the vote, with the liberal NEOS party winning around eight per cent.

A total of 6.4 million people were eligible to vote in the small Alpine country, with&nbsp;turnout estimated at 75.5 per cent.

Far-right falls

Kurz told jubilant supporters at party headquarters on Sunday evening the scale of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-acquits-austrian-student-on-terror-charge-249015">the victory</a> had left him "almost speechless", but gave few clues as to his next moves.

Before the election, Kurz -- a former law student, who has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the ranks to become the youngest-ever chancellor in 2017 --&nbsp;said he would keep all options open.

"It is a big responsibility. We accept this trust humbly and respectfully, and I promise we will do our best to honour this trust," Kurz said.

The FPOe took a bigger hit than expected from the "Ibiza-gate" scandal which brought down its long-time leader Heinz-Christian Strache, and was followed by a fresh investigation against him announced in the past week -- this time over alleged fraudulent expense claims.

FPOe leader Norbert Hofer, a former aircraft engineer who took over from Strache, told Austrian media that he believed Sunday's result meant the party would not take part in coalition talks and that it was "preparing for opposition".

Previously, a renewed coalition with the far-right -- touted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other nationalists as a model for all of Europe -- &nbsp;had looked a likely outcome.

Rebrand for Kurz?

The Greens failed to make it into parliament in the last election in 2017, in a shock result, but have staged an impressive recovery, with an especially strong showing in&nbsp;Austria's big cities.

The Greens' gains put Kurz in a tough spot if he wants to try to woo them and rebrand himself as fighting climate change rather than immigration.&nbsp;

"The Greens could be an opportunity for Kurz to jump on the environment bandwagon while also getting the green wave under control," political analyst Thibault Muzergues from the International Republican Institute told AFP, pointing out that the OeVP in the more rural Salzburg and Tyrol regions already worked with the Greens.

"For Kurz the important thing will be to know who he will be able to best control and who poses a danger for him," he added.

Forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPOe) is another option.&nbsp;

Since World War II, either the OeVP or SPOe have always been in government, and for 44 years in total the two have ruled together.

But it was Kurz who ended their last "grand coalition", leading to the 2017 election.

Kurz has also floated the idea of ruling in a minority government. But this could bring political uncertainty or even trigger another election.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/possible-scenarios-in-austrias-upcoming-snap-elections-252098">new administration</a> could take months to emerge.

On Sunday President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Greens leader, said initial discussions between the parties would take place in the coming weeks.

Van der Bellen said he would "strive to make sure... that trust is rebuilt" after "Ibiza-gate".

The OeVP-FPOe government imploded in May when two German media outlets published footage filmed secretly on the Spanish resort island of Ibiza, showing then FPOe leader Strache appearing to offer public contracts in exchange for campaign help from a fake Russian backer.

Austrian conservatives won the most seats in snap elections Sunday, putting their 33-year-old leader Sebastian Kurz on track to retake power but forcing him into tough coalition negotiations after a corruption scandal sent his erstwhile far-right allies preparing for the opposition.

Austrian conservatives won the most seats in snap elections Sunday, putting their 33-year-old leader Sebastian Kurz on track to retake power but forcing him into tough coalition negotiations after a corruption scandal sent his erstwhile far-right allies preparing for the opposition. Kurz's People's Party (OeVP) gained 37 per cent, up almost six percentage points from the last election two years ago, but not enough to form a government on its own, according to projections based on partial results. Kurz's former allies, the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), were the biggest losers of the night, falling 10 percentage points to around 16 per cent following the spectacular "Ibiza-gate" corruption scandal in May. The affair brought down the OeVP-FPOe coalition after just 18 months in government and triggered Sunday's snap poll. The Greens were also big winners as climate change rose to the top of voters' concerns, securing around 14 per cent of the vote. That means they will be viable coalition partners for a new government, but Green leader Werner Kogler said on Sunday evening that in order to consider working with Kurz, the party would need to see "radical change" from the right-wing policies pursued by the previous coalition. The centre-left Social Democrats look set for their worst-ever result on around 22 per cent of the vote, with the liberal NEOS party winning around eight per cent. A total of 6.4 million people were eligible to vote in the small Alpine country, with turnout estimated at 75.5 per cent. Far-right falls Kurz told jubilant supporters at party headquarters on Sunday evening the scale of the victory had left him "almost speechless", but gave few clues as to his next moves. Before the election, Kurz -- a former law student, who has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the ranks to become the youngest-ever chancellor in 2017 -- said he would keep all options open. "It is a big responsibility. We accept this trust humbly and respectfully, and I promise we will do our best to honour this trust," Kurz said. The FPOe took a bigger hit than expected from the "Ibiza-gate" scandal which brought down its long-time leader Heinz-Christian Strache, and was followed by a fresh investigation against him announced in the past week -- this time over alleged fraudulent expense claims. FPOe leader Norbert Hofer, a former aircraft engineer who took over from Strache, told Austrian media that he believed Sunday's result meant the party would not take part in coalition talks and that it was "preparing for opposition". Previously, a renewed coalition with the far-right -- touted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other nationalists as a model for all of Europe -- had looked a likely outcome. Rebrand for Kurz? The Greens failed to make it into parliament in the last election in 2017, in a shock result, but have staged an impressive recovery, with an especially strong showing in Austria's big cities. The Greens' gains put Kurz in a tough spot if he wants to try to woo them and rebrand himself as fighting climate change rather than immigration. "The Greens could be an opportunity for Kurz to jump on the environment bandwagon while also getting the green wave under control," political analyst Thibault Muzergues from the International Republican Institute told AFP, pointing out that the OeVP in the more rural Salzburg and Tyrol regions already worked with the Greens. "For Kurz the important thing will be to know who he will be able to best control and who poses a danger for him," he added. Forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPOe) is another option. Since World War II, either the OeVP or SPOe have always been in government, and for 44 years in total the two have ruled together. But it was Kurz who ended their last "grand coalition", leading to the 2017 election. Kurz has also floated the idea of ruling in a minority government. But this could bring political uncertainty or even trigger another election. A new administration could take months to emerge. On Sunday President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Greens leader, said initial discussions between the parties would take place in the coming weeks. Van der Bellen said he would "strive to make sure... that trust is rebuilt" after "Ibiza-gate". The OeVP-FPOe government imploded in May when two German media outlets published footage filmed secretly on the Spanish resort island of Ibiza, showing then FPOe leader Strache appearing to offer public contracts in exchange for campaign help from a fake Russian backer.

Conservatives win Austria election as far-right tumbles

Austrian conservatives won the most seats in snap elections Sunday, putting their 33-year-old leader Sebastian Kurz on track to retake power but forcing him into tough coalition negotiations after a corruption scandal sent his erstwhile far-right allies preparing for opposition.

Kurz's People's Party (OeVP) gained 37 per cent, up almost six percentage points from the last election two years ago, but not enough to form a government on its own, according to projections based on partial results.

Kurz's former allies, the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), were the biggest losers of the night, falling 10 percentage points to around 16 per cent following the spectacular "Ibiza-gate" corruption scandal in May.

The affair brought down the OeVP-FPOe coalition after just 18 months in government and triggered Sunday's snap poll.

The Greens were also big winners as climate change rose to the top of voters' concerns, securing around 14 per cent of the vote.

That means they will be viable coalition partners for a new government, but Green leader Werner Kogler said on Sunday evening that in order to consider working with Kurz, the party would need to see "radical change" from the right-wing policies pursued by the previous coalition.

The centre-left Social Democrats look set for their worst-ever result on around 22 per cent of the vote, with the liberal NEOS party winning around eight per cent.

A total of 6.4 million people were eligible to vote in the small Alpine country, with turnout estimated at 75.5 per cent.

Far-right falls&nbsp;

Kurz told jubilant supporters at party headquarters on Sunday evening the scale of the victory had left him "almost speechless", but gave few clues as to his next moves.

Before the election, Kurz -- a former law student, who has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the ranks to become the youngest-ever chancellor in 2017 -- said he would keep all options open.

"It is a big responsibility. We accept this trust humbly and respectfully, and I promise we will do our best to honour this trust," Kurz said.

The FPOe took a bigger hit than expected from the "Ibiza-gate" scandal which brought down its long-time leader Heinz-Christian Strache, and was followed by a fresh investigation against him announced in the past week -- this time over alleged fraudulent expense claims.

FPOe leader Norbert Hofer, a former aircraft engineer who took over from Strache, told Austrian media that he believed Sunday's result meant the party would not take part in coalition talks and that it was "preparing for opposition".

Previously, a renewed coalition with the far-right -- touted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other nationalists as a model for all of Europe -- &nbsp;had looked a likely outcome.

Rebrand for Kurz?

The Greens failed to make it into parliament in the last election in 2017, in a shock result, but have staged an impressive recovery, with an especially strong showing in Austria's big cities.

The Greens' gains put Kurz in a tough spot if he wants to try to woo them and rebrand himself as fighting climate change rather than immigration.&nbsp;

"The Greens could be an opportunity for Kurz to jump on the environment bandwagon while also getting the green wave under control," political analyst Thibault Muzergues from the International Republican Institute told AFP, pointing out that the OeVP in the more rural Salzburg and Tyrol regions already worked with the Greens.

"For Kurz the important thing will be to know who he will be able to best control and who poses a danger for him," he added.

Forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPOe) is another option.&nbsp;

Since World War II, either the OeVP or SPOe have always been in government, and for 44 years in total the two have ruled together.

But it was Kurz who ended their last "grand coalition", leading to the 2017 election.

Kurz has also floated the idea of ruling in a minority government. But this could bring political uncertainty or even trigger another election.

A new administration could take months to emerge.

On Sunday President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Greens leader, said initial discussions between the parties would take place in the coming weeks.

Van der Bellen said he would "strive to make sure... that trust is rebuilt" after "Ibiza-gate".

The OeVP-FPOe government imploded in May when two German media outlets published footage filmed secretly on the Spanish resort island of Ibiza, showing then FPOe leader Strache appearing to offer public contracts in exchange for campaign help from a fake Russian backer.

Austrian conservatives won the most seats in snap elections Sunday, putting their 33-year-old leader Sebastian Kurz on track to retake power but forcing him into tough coalition negotiations after a corruption scandal sent his erstwhile far-right allies preparing for opposition.

Austrian conservatives won the most seats in snap elections Sunday, putting their 33-year-old leader Sebastian Kurz on track to retake power but forcing him into tough coalition negotiations after a corruption scandal sent his erstwhile far-right allies preparing for opposition. Kurz's People's Party (OeVP) gained 37 per cent, up almost six percentage points from the last election two years ago, but not enough to form a government on its own, according to projections based on partial results. Kurz's former allies, the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), were the biggest losers of the night, falling 10 percentage points to around 16 per cent following the spectacular "Ibiza-gate" corruption scandal in May. The affair brought down the OeVP-FPOe coalition after just 18 months in government and triggered Sunday's snap poll. The Greens were also big winners as climate change rose to the top of voters' concerns, securing around 14 per cent of the vote. That means they will be viable coalition partners for a new government, but Green leader Werner Kogler said on Sunday evening that in order to consider working with Kurz, the party would need to see "radical change" from the right-wing policies pursued by the previous coalition. The centre-left Social Democrats look set for their worst-ever result on around 22 per cent of the vote, with the liberal NEOS party winning around eight per cent. A total of 6.4 million people were eligible to vote in the small Alpine country, with turnout estimated at 75.5 per cent. Far-right falls Kurz told jubilant supporters at party headquarters on Sunday evening the scale of the victory had left him "almost speechless", but gave few clues as to his next moves. Before the election, Kurz -- a former law student, who has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the ranks to become the youngest-ever chancellor in 2017 -- said he would keep all options open. "It is a big responsibility. We accept this trust humbly and respectfully, and I promise we will do our best to honour this trust," Kurz said. The FPOe took a bigger hit than expected from the "Ibiza-gate" scandal which brought down its long-time leader Heinz-Christian Strache, and was followed by a fresh investigation against him announced in the past week -- this time over alleged fraudulent expense claims. FPOe leader Norbert Hofer, a former aircraft engineer who took over from Strache, told Austrian media that he believed Sunday's result meant the party would not take part in coalition talks and that it was "preparing for opposition". Previously, a renewed coalition with the far-right -- touted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other nationalists as a model for all of Europe -- had looked a likely outcome. Rebrand for Kurz? The Greens failed to make it into parliament in the last election in 2017, in a shock result, but have staged an impressive recovery, with an especially strong showing in Austria's big cities. The Greens' gains put Kurz in a tough spot if he wants to try to woo them and rebrand himself as fighting climate change rather than immigration. "The Greens could be an opportunity for Kurz to jump on the environment bandwagon while also getting the green wave under control," political analyst Thibault Muzergues from the International Republican Institute told AFP, pointing out that the OeVP in the more rural Salzburg and Tyrol regions already worked with the Greens. "For Kurz the important thing will be to know who he will be able to best control and who poses a danger for him," he added. Forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPOe) is another option. Since World War II, either the OeVP or SPOe have always been in government, and for 44 years in total the two have ruled together. But it was Kurz who ended their last "grand coalition", leading to the 2017 election. Kurz has also floated the idea of ruling in a minority government. But this could bring political uncertainty or even trigger another election. A new administration could take months to emerge. On Sunday President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Greens leader, said initial discussions between the parties would take place in the coming weeks. Van der Bellen said he would "strive to make sure... that trust is rebuilt" after "Ibiza-gate". The OeVP-FPOe government imploded in May when two German media outlets published footage filmed secretly on the Spanish resort island of Ibiza, showing then FPOe leader Strache appearing to offer public contracts in exchange for campaign help from a fake Russian backer.

Austria will hold <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-president-calls-for-september-snap-elections-219898">snap elections</a> on Sunday after a corruption scandal caused the dramatic collapse of the previous right-wing coalition government.

The centre-right People's Party (OeVP) of former chancellor Sebastian Kurz is again expected to come out on top - but if its poll rating of around 33 per cent is matched in the vote, it will not be able to form a government by itself.

Coalition negotiations could last for months after election night -&nbsp;here are some of the scenarios:

Far-right deja-vu

With the far-right Freedom Party on around 20 per cent in the polls, observers say that a new coalition between the OeVP and the (FPOe) is a likely outcome.

The two parties formed an alliance in 2017 on their common platform of fighting immigration.

That broke apart in May when secret camera recordings showed then Vice-Vhancellor and FPOe leader Heinz-Christian Strache appearing to offer public contracts to a fake Russian backer in exchange for campaign help.

The scandal forced his resignation from all posts and the government collapsed.

Norbert Hofer, an aircraft engineer who now heads the FPOe, has openly said that he wants to work with Kurz again.

But whether the two parties can work together again may largely depend on whether Hofer insists that his deputy, Herbert Kickl, receive a ministerial position.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-chancellor-sebastian-kurz-announces-new-elections-over-corruption-scandal-219715">Kurz</a> has said he no longer wants to work with Kickl, who as the Interior Minister under the previous administration drew frequent criticism, including for a raid ordered on the domestic intelligence service.

Grand coalition

Another option for Kurz could be to work with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPOe), who currently stand at a historic low of around 22 per cent in the polls, battling with the FPOe for second place.

This would be a return to the historical norm -&nbsp;the OeVP and SPOe have governed together for a total of 44 years since 1945.

But it was Kurz who ended the last "grand coalition" when he took over the OeVP in 2017, citing paralysis and infighting between the two parties.

He and the SPOe Head Pamela Rendi-Wagner have also consistently traded barbs.&nbsp;

In a recent television debate, the SPOe's Rendi-Wagner has said that the 33-year-old Kurz was still young and therefore capable of learning from his mistakes -&nbsp;including forming a coalition with the far-right.

Turquoise, green, and pink

Another oft-cited scenario would be for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrias-chancellor-sebastian-kurz-loses-no-confidence-vote-222068">OeVP</a> - whose party colour Kurz rebranded from black to turquoise when he took over - to work with smaller parties, most likely the Greens and the liberal Neos, whose colour is pink.

Amid growing concerns over climate change, the Greens are polling at 13 per cent, a significant improvement from their shock result in 2017 when they failed to clear the four per cent threshold to get into parliament.&nbsp;Neos is on around eight per cent.

However, analysts say an alliance with these two parties would require Kurz to rebrand himself and tack to the centre, potentially dropping his hardline anti-immigration stance.

Without Kurz

Kurz himself has repeatedly warned that other parties could do better than expected and form a coalition excluding the OeVP.

However, this is still unlikely based on current polling and may be aimed more at mobilising the OeVP's base.

Alternatively, if the OeVP fails to form a coalition, there could be a minority government, potentially continuing political uncertainty or even another election.

Ultimately it will be up to President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Green leader, to approve any new government.

Van der Bellen stepped in following the May corruption scandal to appoint a government of technocrats to lead the country until this Sunday's poll.

Austria will hold snap elections on Sunday after a corruption scandal caused the dramatic collapse of the previous right-wing coalition government. The centre-right People's Party (OeVP) of former chancellor Sebastian Kurz is again expected to come out on top - but if its poll rating of around 33 per cent is matched in the vote, it will not be able to form a government by itself.

Austria will hold snap elections on Sunday after a corruption scandal caused the dramatic collapse of the previous right-wing coalition government. The centre-right People's Party (OeVP) of former chancellor Sebastian Kurz is again expected to come out on top - but if its poll rating of around 33 per cent is matched in the vote, it will not be able to form a government by itself. Coalition negotiations could last for months after election night - here are some of the scenarios: Far-right deja-vu With the far-right Freedom Party on around 20 per cent in the polls, observers say that a new coalition between the OeVP and the (FPOe) is a likely outcome. The two parties formed an alliance in 2017 on their common platform of fighting immigration. That broke apart in May when secret camera recordings showed then Vice-Vhancellor and FPOe leader Heinz-Christian Strache appearing to offer public contracts to a fake Russian backer in exchange for campaign help. The scandal forced his resignation from all posts and the government collapsed. Norbert Hofer, an aircraft engineer who now heads the FPOe, has openly said that he wants to work with Kurz again. But whether the two parties can work together again may largely depend on whether Hofer insists that his deputy, Herbert Kickl, receive a ministerial position. Kurz has said he no longer wants to work with Kickl, who as the Interior Minister under the previous administration drew frequent criticism, including for a raid ordered on the domestic intelligence service. Grand coalition Another option for Kurz could be to work with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPOe), who currently stand at a historic low of around 22 per cent in the polls, battling with the FPOe for second place. This would be a return to the historical norm - the OeVP and SPOe have governed together for a total of 44 years since 1945. But it was Kurz who ended the last "grand coalition" when he took over the OeVP in 2017, citing paralysis and infighting between the two parties. He and the SPOe Head Pamela Rendi-Wagner have also consistently traded barbs. In a recent television debate, the SPOe's Rendi-Wagner has said that the 33-year-old Kurz was still young and therefore capable of learning from his mistakes - including forming a coalition with the far-right. Turquoise, green, and pink Another oft-cited scenario would be for the OeVP - whose party colour Kurz rebranded from black to turquoise when he took over - to work with smaller parties, most likely the Greens and the liberal Neos, whose colour is pink. Amid growing concerns over climate change, the Greens are polling at 13 per cent, a significant improvement from their shock result in 2017 when they failed to clear the four per cent threshold to get into parliament. Neos is on around eight per cent. However, analysts say an alliance with these two parties would require Kurz to rebrand himself and tack to the centre, potentially dropping his hardline anti-immigration stance. Without Kurz Kurz himself has repeatedly warned that other parties could do better than expected and form a coalition excluding the OeVP. However, this is still unlikely based on current polling and may be aimed more at mobilising the OeVP's base. Alternatively, if the OeVP fails to form a coalition, there could be a minority government, potentially continuing political uncertainty or even another election. Ultimately it will be up to President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Green leader, to approve any new government. Van der Bellen stepped in following the May corruption scandal to appoint a government of technocrats to lead the country until this Sunday's poll.

Possible scenarios in Austria's upcoming snap elections

An Austrian student and journalist charged with membership of a leftist terrorist group in Turkey have been acquitted, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

Max Zirngast, who wrote for international publications including a far-left German magazine, was arrested exactly a year ago, accused of links to the outlawed Turkish Communist Party (TKP)/Kivilcim group.

The 30-year-old was also a political science master's student at Middle East Technical University in Ankara at the time of his arrest.

He had defended himself in Turkish at the last hearing in April.

"A verdict was received that Max did not take part in any illegal activity or any activity constituting a crime," his lawyer Murat Yilmaz told AFP.

He said two Turkish citizens, Mithatcan Turetken and Hatice Goz, who were arrested along with Zirngast, were also acquitted.

Zirngast had been free pending the latest hearing on Wednesday but had been barred from leaving Turkey.

He rejected the charges and denied the TKP/Kivilcim group even exists.

In an opinion piece for the Washington Post last year, Zirngast wrote that his arrest was "a perverse confirmation of the authoritarianism I've spent the past several years chronicling and opposing".

He also criticised the attempt to "silence the entire democratic opposition in Ankara".

Zirngast had also published articles on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is designated a terrorist organisation by Ankara and its Western allies.

An Austrian student and journalist charged with membership of a leftist terrorist group in Turkey have been acquitted, his lawyer said on Wednesday. Max Zirngast, who wrote for international publications including a far-left German magazine, was arrested exactly a year ago, accused of links to the outlawed Turkish Communist Party (TKP)/Kivilcim group.

An Austrian student and journalist charged with membership of a leftist terrorist group in Turkey have been acquitted, his lawyer said on Wednesday. Max Zirngast, who wrote for international publications including a far-left German magazine, was arrested exactly a year ago, accused of links to the outlawed Turkish Communist Party (TKP)/Kivilcim group. The 30-year-old was also a political science master's student at Middle East Technical University in Ankara at the time of his arrest. He had defended himself in Turkish at the last hearing in April. "A verdict was received that Max did not take part in any illegal activity or any activity constituting a crime," his lawyer Murat Yilmaz told AFP. He said two Turkish citizens, Mithatcan Turetken and Hatice Goz, who were arrested along with Zirngast, were also acquitted. Zirngast had been free pending the latest hearing on Wednesday but had been barred from leaving Turkey. He rejected the charges and denied the TKP/Kivilcim group even exists. In an opinion piece for the Washington Post last year, Zirngast wrote that his arrest was "a perverse confirmation of the authoritarianism I've spent the past several years chronicling and opposing". He also criticised the attempt to "silence the entire democratic opposition in Ankara". Zirngast had also published articles on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is designated a terrorist organisation by Ankara and its Western allies.

Turkey acquits Austrian student over terror charge

The acting head of the UN's nuclear watchdog will meet officials in Iran this weekend, the organisation said Friday, as Tehran prepares to detail its latest scale-back to commitments under a 2015 deal to curb its nuclear programme.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement that it is Acting Director-General Cornel Feruta "will travel to Tehran on Saturday for meetings with high-level Iranian officials on Sunday, 8 September".

"The visit is part of ongoing interactions between the IAEA and Iran," the statement said.

These also included "the IAEA's verification and monitoring in Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," the name for the 2015 deal with world powers over Iran's nuclear activities.

On Saturday, Iranian officials are expected to announce details of the third round of cuts in nuclear commitments under the JCPOA, which Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said will affect "the field of research and development".

Tehran has already twice breached limits laid down in the deal in response to the US withdrawal from the accord in May 2018.

On July 1, Iran said it had increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to beyond the limit set by the agreement.

A week later, it announced it had exceeded the deal's uranium enrichment limit of 3.67 per cent.

Earlier on Friday, the European Commission in Brussels emphasised its reliance on the UN's nuclear watchdog is able to monitor Iran's activities as it voiced "great concern" at Tehran's shrinking back from the nuclear accord.

The IAEA had a "key role in monitoring and verifying the implementation by Iran of the nuclear commitments", Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told a media briefing.

"Our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran," she said, adding that the EU based its assessment of that "on the reports done by the International Atomic Energy Agency".

European Union members France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have been scrambling to find ways to save the deal in recent months by offsetting the effects of US sanctions, but so far without success.

The acting head of the UN's nuclear watchdog will meet officials in Iran this weekend, the organisation said Friday, as Tehran prepares to detail its latest scale-back to commitments under a 2015 deal to curb its nuclear programme.

The acting head of the UN's nuclear watchdog will meet officials in Iran this weekend, the organisation said Friday, as Tehran prepares to detail its latest scale-back to commitments under a 2015 deal to curb its nuclear programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement that it is Acting Director-General Cornel Feruta "will travel to Tehran on Saturday for meetings with high-level Iranian officials on Sunday, 8 September". "The visit is part of ongoing interactions between the IAEA and Iran," the statement said. These also included "the IAEA's verification and monitoring in Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," the name for the 2015 deal with world powers over Iran's nuclear activities. On Saturday, Iranian officials are expected to announce details of the third round of cuts in nuclear commitments under the JCPOA, which Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said will affect "the field of research and development". Tehran has already twice breached limits laid down in the deal in response to the US withdrawal from the accord in May 2018. On July 1, Iran said it had increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to beyond the limit set by the agreement. A week later, it announced it had exceeded the deal's uranium enrichment limit of 3.67 per cent. Earlier on Friday, the European Commission in Brussels emphasised its reliance on the UN's nuclear watchdog is able to monitor Iran's activities as it voiced "great concern" at Tehran's shrinking back from the nuclear accord. The IAEA had a "key role in monitoring and verifying the implementation by Iran of the nuclear commitments", Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told a media briefing. "Our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran," she said, adding that the EU based its assessment of that "on the reports done by the International Atomic Energy Agency". European Union members France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have been scrambling to find ways to save the deal in recent months by offsetting the effects of US sanctions, but so far without success.

Acting United Nations nuclear watchdog head to meet Iranian officials

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 28th 2019

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has beaten rival Prabowo Subianto to win a second term in office, the country's elections commission has said, in an announcement that came hours before opposition protesters were set to protest against the final results of last month's vote.

Indonesia election: Joko Widodo re-elected as Indonesian President

Members of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) announced Monday that they will leave the coalition government in protest against the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior.

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced that he would request the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-far-right-leader-resigns-over-ibiza-affair-219615">dismissal of Herbert Kickl</a> to ensure a transparent investigation into a corruption scandal against the former party's leader.

Vice chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resigned on Saturday after a video emerged showing him engaged in acts of corruption.

His party has been in government with Kurz’s centre-right People's Party (OVP) since December 2017.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-president-calls-for-september-snap-elections-219898">Kurz announced a snap election in the wake of the scandal</a>, due to take place in September.

He said Kickl needed to go because he was general secretary and responsible for the finances of the FPO when the clandestine video of Strache was recorded.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/austrian-far-right-leader-resigns-after-ibiza-video-emerges-219829/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

He added that Kickl should have followed Strache's example and resigned, to clear up any doubts about possible interference in the investigation.

Interim FPO leader Norbert Hofer announced on Monday that an external investigation of the party's finances will be opened.

He said that his party continued to support Kickl and warned that if he is dismissed then the other FPO ministers would resign.

The FPO had five ministries in the current government in office: Interior, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Transport and Health.

These portfolios will be assumed by experts or senior officials, which Kurz had predicted before the resignation of the ministers became official.

The controversial footage, recorded with hidden cameras in July 2017 on a farm on the Spanish island of Ibiza, shows Strache saying he is willing to commit acts of corruption and take steps to control the national press.

FPO politician Johann Gudenus, who appears in the video translating from Russian, has also resigned from all political positions.

The clip was published on Friday by German media and sees Strache meeting with an alleged Russian investor.

He promises public contracts and to help the woman buy the Kronenzeitung, the most influential newspaper in the country, in exchange for millions of donations for his party.

Strache and Gudenus, visibly drunk, described journalists as "whores" and expressed an ambition to muzzle the press.

The Kremlin has denied any connection to the scandal and said it was nothing to do with Russia.

"We can not value the appearance of that video in any way, because it has nothing to do with Russia, neither with the president, nor with the government," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said Monday.

He added that it is unknown "who that woman is, whether she is Russian or not," and that it is "a story that has no relationship with us."

The European Commission said it has followed the unfolding events "with disbelief."

"Indeed, we followed in disbelief as a leader of a political party was seen negotiating access to media and institutions in exchange for funds from external benefactors who clearly do not have Europeans' best interests at heart," chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters at a press conference on Monday.&nbsp;

Members of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) announced Monday that they will leave the coalition government in protest against the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior.

Members of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) announced Monday that they will leave the coalition government in protest against the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced that he would request the dismissal of Herbert Kickl to ensure a transparent investigation into a corruption scandal against the former party's leader. Vice chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resigned on Saturday after a video emerged showing him engaged in acts of corruption. His party has been in government with Kurz’s centre-right People's Party (OVP) since December 2017. Kurz announced a snap election in the wake of the scandal, due to take place in September. He said Kickl needed to go because he was general secretary and responsible for the finances of the FPO when the clandestine video of Strache was recorded. He added that Kickl should have followed Strache's example and resigned, to clear up any doubts about possible interference in the investigation. Interim FPO leader Norbert Hofer announced on Monday that an external investigation of the party's finances will be opened. He said that his party continued to support Kickl and warned that if he is dismissed then the other FPO ministers would resign. The FPO had five ministries in the current government in office: Interior, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Transport and Health. These portfolios will be assumed by experts or senior officials, which Kurz had predicted before the resignation of the ministers became official. The controversial footage, recorded with hidden cameras in July 2017 on a farm on the Spanish island of Ibiza, shows Strache saying he is willing to commit acts of corruption and take steps to control the national press. FPO politician Johann Gudenus, who appears in the video translating from Russian, has also resigned from all political positions. The clip was published on Friday by German media and sees Strache meeting with an alleged Russian investor. He promises public contracts and to help the woman buy the Kronenzeitung, the most influential newspaper in the country, in exchange for millions of donations for his party. Strache and Gudenus, visibly drunk, described journalists as "whores" and expressed an ambition to muzzle the press. The Kremlin has denied any connection to the scandal and said it was nothing to do with Russia. "We can not value the appearance of that video in any way, because it has nothing to do with Russia, neither with the president, nor with the government," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said Monday. He added that it is unknown "who that woman is, whether she is Russian or not," and that it is "a story that has no relationship with us." The European Commission said it has followed the unfolding events "with disbelief." "Indeed, we followed in disbelief as a leader of a political party was seen negotiating access to media and institutions in exchange for funds from external benefactors who clearly do not have Europeans' best interests at heart," chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

Members of Austrian far-right party quit coalition government

All remaining ministers from Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) are to resign from the government after their party colleague Herbert Kickl was fired as interior minister, a party spokesman said Monday.

The ministers would make good on their threat to resign en masse if Kickl was forced out, the spokesman confirmed to the Austrian APA agency.

It comes shortly after Kickl was fired by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in order not to prejudice any possible enquiry into the corruption scandal which forced the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache and the collapse of the country's coalition government.

Resignation of Strache over the scandal also caused the collapse of the coalition government and the calling of early elections.

Kurz said that Kickl should have resigned in order to ensure a "complete, transparent investigation" into the affair but that he had refused to do so.

Therefore Kurz said he had "to propose the interior minister's firing to the president".

The rest of the FPOe's ministers have threatened to resign in the event of Kickl's being forced out.

"I assume that this will be the case," Kurz said, and added that if this happens, "until the election... the vacant posts will be filled by experts or senior civil servants".

All remaining ministers from Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) are to resign from the government after their party colleague Herbert Kickl was fired as interior minister, a party spokesman said Monday.

All remaining ministers from Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) are to resign from the government after their party colleague Herbert Kickl was fired as interior minister, a party spokesman said Monday. The ministers would make good on their threat to resign en masse if Kickl was forced out, the spokesman confirmed to the Austrian APA agency. It comes shortly after Kickl was fired by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in order not to prejudice any possible enquiry into the corruption scandal which forced the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache and the collapse of the country's coalition government. Resignation of Strache over the scandal also caused the collapse of the coalition government and the calling of early elections. Kurz said that Kickl should have resigned in order to ensure a "complete, transparent investigation" into the affair but that he had refused to do so. Therefore Kurz said he had "to propose the interior minister's firing to the president". The rest of the FPOe's ministers have threatened to resign in the event of Kickl's being forced out. "I assume that this will be the case," Kurz said, and added that if this happens, "until the election... the vacant posts will be filled by experts or senior civil servants".

All Austrian far-right ministers to resign: Party spokesman

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Saturday announced fresh elections after his coalition collapsed following a video sting that forced his deputy, far-right leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-far-right-leader-resigns-over-ibiza-affair-219615">Heinz-Christian Strache, to resign</a>.

"I have suggested to the president of the republic that new elections be carried out, at the earliest possible date," said Kurz.

Media reports emerged on Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met on the Spanish island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria.

"After yesterday's video, I must say quite honestly: Enough is enough," said Kurz.

"The serious part of this (video) was the attitude towards abuse of power, towards dealing with taxpayers' money, towards the media in this country," Kurz said, adding that he had been personally insulted in the footage.

The latest scandal appears to have been the last straw after a string of controversies over extremist sympathies among officials from Strache's Freedom Party (FPOe).

"Even if I didn't express myself publicly at the time, there were many situations that I found difficult to swallow," Kurz said of his time in government with the FPOe since December 2017.

He said that the FPOe was damaging Austria's reputation abroad and that meetings with FPOe representatives on Saturday had left him with the impression that it was not prepared to make the changes necessary to stay in government.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Saturday announced fresh elections after his coalition collapsed following a video sting that forced his deputy, far-right leader Heinz-Christian Strache, to resign.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Saturday announced fresh elections after his coalition collapsed following a video sting that forced his deputy, far-right leader Heinz-Christian Strache, to resign. "I have suggested to the president of the republic that new elections be carried out, at the earliest possible date," said Kurz. Media reports emerged on Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met on the Spanish island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria. "After yesterday's video, I must say quite honestly: Enough is enough," said Kurz. "The serious part of this (video) was the attitude towards abuse of power, towards dealing with taxpayers' money, towards the media in this country," Kurz said, adding that he had been personally insulted in the footage. The latest scandal appears to have been the last straw after a string of controversies over extremist sympathies among officials from Strache's Freedom Party (FPOe). "Even if I didn't express myself publicly at the time, there were many situations that I found difficult to swallow," Kurz said of his time in government with the FPOe since December 2017. He said that the FPOe was damaging Austria's reputation abroad and that meetings with FPOe representatives on Saturday had left him with the impression that it was not prepared to make the changes necessary to stay in government.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announces new elections over corruption scandal

Austrian vice chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resigned Saturday after two German newspapers published footage of him apparently offering lucrative government contracts to a potential Russian benefactor.

Austrian far-right leader resigns after Ibiza video emerges

American citizens traveling in Austria who find themselves in distress and can enter as of May 15, 2019 in any McDonald's in Austria, and staff will assist them in making contact with the U.S. Embassy for consular services. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: U.S. Embassy signs agreement with McD Austria

Austrian MPs on Wednesday approved a law aimed at banning the headscarf in primary schools, a measure proposed by the ruling right-wing government.

So as to avoid charges that the law discriminates against Muslims, the text refers to any "ideologically or religiously influenced clothing which is associated with the covering of the head".

However, representatives of both parts of the governing coalition, the centre-right People's Party (OeVP) and the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), have made it clear that the law is targeted at the Islamic headscarf.

FPOe education spokesman Wendelin Moelzer said the law was "a signal against political Islam" while OeVP MP Rudolf Taschner said the measure was necessary to free girls from "subjugation".

The government says the patka head covering worn by Sikh boys or the Jewish kippa would not be affected.

Austria's official Muslim community organisation IGGOe has previously condemned the proposals as "shameless" and a "diversionary tactic".

The IGGOe says that in any case only a "miniscule number" of girls would be affected.

Opposition MPs almost all voted against the measure, with some accusing the government of focusing on garnering positive headlines rather than child welfare.

The government admits that the law is likely to be challenged at Austria's constitutional court, either on grounds of religious discrimination or because similar legislation affecting schools is normally passed with a two-thirds majority of MPs.

The OeVP and FPOe formed a coalition in late 2017 after elections in which both parties took a tough anti-immigration stance and warned of the dangers of so-called "parallel societies".&nbsp;

Austrian MPs on Wednesday approved a law aimed at banning the headscarf in primary schools, a measure proposed by the ruling right-wing government. So as to avoid charges that the law discriminates against Muslims, the text refers to any "ideologically or religiously influenced clothing which is associated with the covering of the head".

Austrian MPs on Wednesday approved a law aimed at banning the headscarf in primary schools, a measure proposed by the ruling right-wing government. So as to avoid charges that the law discriminates against Muslims, the text refers to any "ideologically or religiously influenced clothing which is associated with the covering of the head". However, representatives of both parts of the governing coalition, the centre-right People's Party (OeVP) and the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), have made it clear that the law is targeted at the Islamic headscarf. FPOe education spokesman Wendelin Moelzer said the law was "a signal against political Islam" while OeVP MP Rudolf Taschner said the measure was necessary to free girls from "subjugation". The government says the patka head covering worn by Sikh boys or the Jewish kippa would not be affected. Austria's official Muslim community organisation IGGOe has previously condemned the proposals as "shameless" and a "diversionary tactic". The IGGOe says that in any case only a "miniscule number" of girls would be affected. Opposition MPs almost all voted against the measure, with some accusing the government of focusing on garnering positive headlines rather than child welfare. The government admits that the law is likely to be challenged at Austria's constitutional court, either on grounds of religious discrimination or because similar legislation affecting schools is normally passed with a two-thirds majority of MPs. The OeVP and FPOe formed a coalition in late 2017 after elections in which both parties took a tough anti-immigration stance and warned of the dangers of so-called "parallel societies".

Austrian MPs approve headscarf ban in primary schools

The leader of an <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/austria-far-right-figure-probed-over-new-zealand-attacker-link-206037&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL38D20p3iAhUVSo8KHY32AMIQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tGFIgcFsVUf3tVPE7XVz4">Austrian far-right group</a> has confirmed a media report that he had more extensive contact with the suspect behind deadly mosque attacks in New Zealand than previously admitted.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/three-dead-bodies-with-crossbow-bolts-found-in-germanys-hotel-218170&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwims9-m053iAhVJnY8KHfGWDCkQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ZQ1qePEbxtWeM-Td5iE2P">Austrian </a>investigators have been probing the Identitarian Movement Austria (IBOe) after it emerged that its figurehead Martin Sellner received a donation from alleged Christchurch gunman Brenton Tarrant.

So far, Sellner -- whose group is known for its anti-immigration stunts -- had publicly denied having had contact with Tarrant other than sending him a "thank you" email for the 1,500-euro ($1,700) donation received in January 2018.

But public broadcaster ORF reported late Tuesday that the men had, in fact, exchanged several emails, the last one dating back to July 2018, showing that their contact was "longer and more intensive".

In reply to Sellner's "thank you" message, Tarrant said it had only been a small contribution in comparison to the work that Sellner was doing.

In a further exchange, Sellner invited Tarrant for a beer or coffee if he was ever in Vienna. Tarrant returned the invitation for New Zealand, adding that sympathisers would also be happy to host him in Australia.

Sellner confirmed the authenticity of the emails to ORF but continues to deny he met Tarrant when the latter travelled to Austria.

Sellner also says he did not know of the plans for the attack.

Austrian investigators are probing whether there was any further contact between the two men.

Sellner admitted deleting the messages before a March raid on his home in Vienna, saying on Twitter late Tuesday that he did not want them in his inbox but took screenshots to show the police.

The probe has caused a headache for Austria's far-right Freedom Party, which rules the country in a coalition government since 2017 and has had to distance itself from reported links to the IBOe.

The leader of an Austrian far-right group has confirmed a media report that he had more extensive contact with the suspect behind deadly mosque attacks in New Zealand than previously admitted.

The leader of an Austrian far-right group has confirmed a media report that he had more extensive contact with the suspect behind deadly mosque attacks in New Zealand than previously admitted. Austrian investigators have been probing the Identitarian Movement Austria (IBOe) after it emerged that its figurehead Martin Sellner received a donation from alleged Christchurch gunman Brenton Tarrant. So far, Sellner -- whose group is known for its anti-immigration stunts -- had publicly denied having had contact with Tarrant other than sending him a "thank you" email for the 1,500-euro ($1,700) donation received in January 2018. But public broadcaster ORF reported late Tuesday that the men had, in fact, exchanged several emails, the last one dating back to July 2018, showing that their contact was "longer and more intensive". In reply to Sellner's "thank you" message, Tarrant said it had only been a small contribution in comparison to the work that Sellner was doing. In a further exchange, Sellner invited Tarrant for a beer or coffee if he was ever in Vienna. Tarrant returned the invitation for New Zealand, adding that sympathisers would also be happy to host him in Australia. Sellner confirmed the authenticity of the emails to ORF but continues to deny he met Tarrant when the latter travelled to Austria. Sellner also says he did not know of the plans for the attack. Austrian investigators are probing whether there was any further contact between the two men. Sellner admitted deleting the messages before a March raid on his home in Vienna, saying on Twitter late Tuesday that he did not want them in his inbox but took screenshots to show the police. The probe has caused a headache for Austria's far-right Freedom Party, which rules the country in a coalition government since 2017 and has had to distance itself from reported links to the IBOe.

Austria far-right figure admits e-mails with New Zealand attack suspect

Austrian investigators have raided the apartment of a far-right group leader over possible links to the man behind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-man-dies-in-standoff-with-officers-police-probe-link-to-mosque-massacres-205921">deadly attacks on two mosques in New Zealand</a>, officials said Tuesday.

Martin Sellner of the Identitarian Movement Austria (IBOe) said in a video uploaded online late Monday that he had received a donation, possibly from Christchurch gunman Brenton Tarrant.

But he denied having any connection to the March 15 assault, which claimed 50 lives, and instead blamed Tarrant for seeking to involve him by making the donation.

"I have nothing to do with this terror attack," Sellner said in the video, adding his group's was a peaceful anti-immigration movement.

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who governs Austria in a coalition with a far-right party, on Tuesday called for a "complete and unsparing" investigation of any links.

Sellner said he had had no contact with Tarrant, but had found an email with a "disproportionally large" donation with the name "Tarrant" in the email address.

Sellner said he had sent a "thank you" reply prior to the New Zealand attack as he did with other donation emails.

The far-right leader added that authorities had seized his computer and phone during Monday's raid on his apartment in Vienna.&nbsp;

The prosecutor's office in the southern city of Graz said authorities had noticed the suspicious email address while probing the donation of around 1,500 euros ($1,700), which exceeded the usual sums given to IBOe.

Officials confirmed last week that Tarrant, who travelled extensively in Europe, also visited Austria. According to media reports, he arrived in Vienna on November 26 and visited several other places within Austria, including Salzburg and Innsbruck.

The 28-year-old was arrested minutes after the attack on the mosques and has been charged with murder. The Australian white supremacist streamed his shooting rampage online.

Last March, Sellner was prevented from entering the UK, with authorities saying his presence would not have been "conducive to the public good".

Austrian investigators have raided the apartment of a far-right group leader over possible links to the man behind deadly attacks on two mosques in New Zealand, officials said Tuesday.

Austrian investigators have raided the apartment of a far-right group leader over possible links to the man behind deadly attacks on two mosques in New Zealand, officials said Tuesday. Martin Sellner of the Identitarian Movement Austria (IBOe) said in a video uploaded online late Monday that he had received a donation, possibly from Christchurch gunman Brenton Tarrant. But he denied having any connection to the March 15 assault, which claimed 50 lives, and instead blamed Tarrant for seeking to involve him by making the donation. "I have nothing to do with this terror attack," Sellner said in the video, adding his group's was a peaceful anti-immigration movement. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who governs Austria in a coalition with a far-right party, on Tuesday called for a "complete and unsparing" investigation of any links. Sellner said he had had no contact with Tarrant, but had found an email with a "disproportionally large" donation with the name "Tarrant" in the email address. Sellner said he had sent a "thank you" reply prior to the New Zealand attack as he did with other donation emails. The far-right leader added that authorities had seized his computer and phone during Monday's raid on his apartment in Vienna. The prosecutor's office in the southern city of Graz said authorities had noticed the suspicious email address while probing the donation of around 1,500 euros ($1,700), which exceeded the usual sums given to IBOe. Officials confirmed last week that Tarrant, who travelled extensively in Europe, also visited Austria. According to media reports, he arrived in Vienna on November 26 and visited several other places within Austria, including Salzburg and Innsbruck. The 28-year-old was arrested minutes after the attack on the mosques and has been charged with murder. The Australian white supremacist streamed his shooting rampage online. Last March, Sellner was prevented from entering the UK, with authorities saying his presence would not have been "conducive to the public good".

Austria far-right figure probed over New Zealand attacker link

The Austrian government's controversial new welfare reforms target migrant workers - including those from neighboring European Union nations - and refugees, once again setting the Alpine nation on a collision course with Brussels, which has branded the move unjust and has begun legal proceedings against it.

The European Commission opened a case against Vienna on January 24 but Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, head of the conservative People's Party (OVP) that governs in coalition with the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), has plowed ahead with the reforms targeting benefit payments to migrants and refugees.

A key pillar of the social reform is to cut child benefits allocated to EU migrant workers whose children remain in their country of origin, a decision the executive defends by citing lower living costs in other member states like Slovakia and Hungary, where much of Austria's foreign workforce hails from.

Kurz has said he thought it was unfair that a Romanian worker in Austria could send home roughly 300 euros ($340) a month to children living in Romania, which he added almost matched the average monthly wage. Under the new legislation, a Romanian resident child between the age of three and nine whose parents work in Austria would go from receiving 121.9 euros per month to 60.1 euros.

The overhaul sparked anger in Slovenia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland, whose governments brought their protest to the Commission, which agreed and launched proceedings for Vienna's alleged infringements of EU norms.

"When mobile workers contribute in the same way to a social security system as local workers, they should receive the same benefits, also when their children live abroad," Marianne Thyssen, the European commissioner for employment, said when launching the legal action. "There are no second-class children in the EU," she added.

The reforms, which were a key element of Kurz's election campaign, will also single out refugees, stripping those deemed unable to work of some 300 euros worth of monthly benefits if they are not declared "fit to work."

This means the average refugee will see their payment capped at 563 euros, down from 863 euros, unless they can pass a test proving they have business-level German or proficient English, a move that NGOs have lambasted.

Austrian government sources told EFE Thursday that the new laws were not designed to castigate anyone, but rather encourage people to work. Kurz had argued that a worker with several children earned less on average than a refugee who received minimum benefit payments, which were established in 2010 to provide those without means to work with a basic living wage.

Some 332,000 people benefited from such government aid in 2017 for an average period of about eight months; about half the beneficiaries were foreign, 7 percent of those being from the EU and a third of them refugees.

The United Nations refugee agency said the language-proficiency requisite in the new laws were unachievable in such a short period of time.

The Austrian government's controversial new welfare reforms target migrant workers - including those from neighboring European Union nations - and refugees, once again setting the Alpine nation on a collision course with Brussels, which has branded the move unjust and has begun legal proceedings against it.

The Austrian government's controversial new welfare reforms target migrant workers - including those from neighboring European Union nations - and refugees, once again setting the Alpine nation on a collision course with Brussels, which has branded the move unjust and has begun legal proceedings against it. The European Commission opened a case against Vienna on January 24 but Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, head of the conservative People's Party (OVP) that governs in coalition with the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), has plowed ahead with the reforms targeting benefit payments to migrants and refugees. A key pillar of the social reform is to cut child benefits allocated to EU migrant workers whose children remain in their country of origin, a decision the executive defends by citing lower living costs in other member states like Slovakia and Hungary, where much of Austria's foreign workforce hails from. Kurz has said he thought it was unfair that a Romanian worker in Austria could send home roughly 300 euros ($340) a month to children living in Romania, which he added almost matched the average monthly wage. Under the new legislation, a Romanian resident child between the age of three and nine whose parents work in Austria would go from receiving 121.9 euros per month to 60.1 euros. The overhaul sparked anger in Slovenia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland, whose governments brought their protest to the Commission, which agreed and launched proceedings for Vienna's alleged infringements of EU norms. "When mobile workers contribute in the same way to a social security system as local workers, they should receive the same benefits, also when their children live abroad," Marianne Thyssen, the European commissioner for employment, said when launching the legal action. "There are no second-class children in the EU," she added. The reforms, which were a key element of Kurz's election campaign, will also single out refugees, stripping those deemed unable to work of some 300 euros worth of monthly benefits if they are not declared "fit to work." This means the average refugee will see their payment capped at 563 euros, down from 863 euros, unless they can pass a test proving they have business-level German or proficient English, a move that NGOs have lambasted. Austrian government sources told EFE Thursday that the new laws were not designed to castigate anyone, but rather encourage people to work. Kurz had argued that a worker with several children earned less on average than a refugee who received minimum benefit payments, which were established in 2010 to provide those without means to work with a basic living wage. Some 332,000 people benefited from such government aid in 2017 for an average period of about eight months; about half the beneficiaries were foreign, 7 percent of those being from the EU and a third of them refugees. The United Nations refugee agency said the language-proficiency requisite in the new laws were unachievable in such a short period of time.

Migrants, refugees to suffer under Austria's controversial welfare cuts

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Russia said on Saturday that Austria's "unfounded accusations" in a spy scandal were unacceptable while Vienna expressed hope the affair would not hurt bilateral ties.

On Friday, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said his country had launched a probe into a colonel suspected of spying for Russia for several decades.

The spy row risks hurting Russia's ties with one of its rare European allies.&nbsp;

It is the latest in a string of cases where Moscow has been accused of espionage in EU states and elsewhere.

Moscow said that Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl called her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to explain her country's motives.

She "expressed hope that the steps will not affect the further development of bilateral cooperation," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Lavrov for his part reiterated Moscow's displeasure that Vienna chose to air its grievances in public.

He said the practice of voicing "unfounded accusations" publicly was unacceptable, the foreign ministry said.

"Any possible mutual concerns should be discussed through established channels of dialogue and be based on facts," the statement said.

In August, Kneissl sparked a row in Austria and beyond after she waltzed with Russian President Vladimir Putin and bowed to him at her wedding, with critics saying her behaviour hurt the country's image.

Austria suspects a 70-year-old army official of working with Russian intelligence for several decades and is investigating him for allegedly revealing state secrets.

Austria is not a member of NATO and sets great store by its status as a neutral country.&nbsp;

It was one of the few European countries not to expel Russian diplomats following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in March. 
&nbsp;

Russia said on Saturday that Austria's "unfounded accusations" in a spy scandal were unacceptable while Vienna expressed hope the affair would not hurt bilateral ties.

Russia said on Saturday that Austria's "unfounded accusations" in a spy scandal were unacceptable while Vienna expressed hope the affair would not hurt bilateral ties. On Friday, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said his country had launched a probe into a colonel suspected of spying for Russia for several decades. The spy row risks hurting Russia's ties with one of its rare European allies. It is the latest in a string of cases where Moscow has been accused of espionage in EU states and elsewhere. Moscow said that Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl called her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to explain her country's motives. She "expressed hope that the steps will not affect the further development of bilateral cooperation," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. Lavrov for his part reiterated Moscow's displeasure that Vienna chose to air its grievances in public. He said the practice of voicing "unfounded accusations" publicly was unacceptable, the foreign ministry said. "Any possible mutual concerns should be discussed through established channels of dialogue and be based on facts," the statement said. In August, Kneissl sparked a row in Austria and beyond after she waltzed with Russian President Vladimir Putin and bowed to him at her wedding, with critics saying her behaviour hurt the country's image. Austria suspects a 70-year-old army official of working with Russian intelligence for several decades and is investigating him for allegedly revealing state secrets. Austria is not a member of NATO and sets great store by its status as a neutral country. It was one of the few European countries not to expel Russian diplomats following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in March.

Russia slams Austria for 'unfounded accusations' in spy row

Austria has a launched a probe into a colonel suspected of spying for Russia for several decades, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Friday, the latest in a string of cases where Moscow has been accused of espionage in EU states.

Kurz told a press conference that the 70-year-old army official, now retired, is suspected to have begun working with Russian intelligence in the 1990s and carried on until 2018.

The public prosecutor's office in Salzburg province confirmed the colonel was being investigated for the crime of revealing state secrets.

Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has summoned the Russian charge d'affaires over the matter and cancelled an upcoming trip to Russia.

Russia's foreign ministry meanwhile said it was calling in the Austrian ambassador to discuss the issue.

"Of course if such cases are confirmed, whether it be in the Netherlands or in Austria, it can't improve the relationship between the EU and Russia," Kurz told reporters in Vienna.&nbsp;

He was referring to the expulsion of four Russian agents by the Netherlands in April for allegedly planning a cyber-attack on the world's chemical weapons watchdog in The Hague.

"Russian spying in Europe is unacceptable and to be condemned," the chancellor added.

He said that Austria was "demanding transparent information from the Russian side" and that it would consult its European partners on further steps.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had been "unpleasantly surprised" by the news from Vienna.

"Recently our Western partners have made it a rule not to use traditional diplomacy, but instead so-called 'megaphone diplomacy' by publicly accusing us and for explanations about matters we know nothing about," he told a press conference.

"We will call (the Austrian ambassador's) attention to the methods that must be used if you have questions to put to Russia," Lavrov added.

Equipment handed over

Austrian Defence Minister Mario Kunasek said the case came to light "a few weeks ago" as a result of information from another European intelligence agency.&nbsp;

"We can't say for the moment whether this is an isolated incident or not," Kunasek said.

He said that the colonel had handed over "technical equipment" including his laptop which was now being examined.

Kunasek said that under questioning, the colonel said the Russians had been interested "in weapons systems, in the migration situation here in Austria in recent years".

"Profiles of certain people were also created and passed on," Kunasek said.

The case indicated that "even after the end of the Cold War, spying has continued and shows us the need to tighten our security network, within Austria and within the defence ministry," Kunasek said.

According to Austrian press reports, the colonel was paid 300,000 euros ($340,000) for his services.

Russian links&nbsp;

Austria is not a member of NATO and sets great store by its status as a neutral country.&nbsp;

As such it was one of the few European countries not to expel Russian diplomats following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in March.

Austria's relationship with Russia has come under particular scrutiny since the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) entered government in coalition last December.

The FPOe -- which nominated Kneissl and of which Kunasek is also a member -- has had a "cooperation pact" with Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party since 2016.

In August, Kneissl caused controversy by inviting Putin as a guest of honour to her wedding.

In addition, the FPOe Interior Minister Herbert Kickl admitted in September that Austria had been asked to take "trust-building measures" to retain cooperation with allied secret services.

It followed reports that Western secret services were increasingly wary of sharing information with Austria over concerns it could be passed to Moscow.

Earlier this week the Austrian Falter weekly published what it said was a document from the Finnish domestic intelligence agency in which it asked for information from partner countries but specifically excluded Vienna's BVT agency.

Austria has a launched a probe into a colonel suspected of spying for Russia for several decades, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Friday, the latest in a string of cases where Moscow has been accused of espionage in EU states.

Austria has a launched a probe into a colonel suspected of spying for Russia for several decades, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Friday, the latest in a string of cases where Moscow has been accused of espionage in EU states. Kurz told a press conference that the 70-year-old army official, now retired, is suspected to have begun working with Russian intelligence in the 1990s and carried on until 2018. The public prosecutor's office in Salzburg province confirmed the colonel was being investigated for the crime of revealing state secrets. Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has summoned the Russian charge d'affaires over the matter and cancelled an upcoming trip to Russia. Russia's foreign ministry meanwhile said it was calling in the Austrian ambassador to discuss the issue. "Of course if such cases are confirmed, whether it be in the Netherlands or in Austria, it can't improve the relationship between the EU and Russia," Kurz told reporters in Vienna. He was referring to the expulsion of four Russian agents by the Netherlands in April for allegedly planning a cyber-attack on the world's chemical weapons watchdog in The Hague. "Russian spying in Europe is unacceptable and to be condemned," the chancellor added. He said that Austria was "demanding transparent information from the Russian side" and that it would consult its European partners on further steps. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had been "unpleasantly surprised" by the news from Vienna. "Recently our Western partners have made it a rule not to use traditional diplomacy, but instead so-called 'megaphone diplomacy' by publicly accusing us and for explanations about matters we know nothing about," he told a press conference. "We will call (the Austrian ambassador's) attention to the methods that must be used if you have questions to put to Russia," Lavrov added. Equipment handed over Austrian Defence Minister Mario Kunasek said the case came to light "a few weeks ago" as a result of information from another European intelligence agency. "We can't say for the moment whether this is an isolated incident or not," Kunasek said. He said that the colonel had handed over "technical equipment" including his laptop which was now being examined. Kunasek said that under questioning, the colonel said the Russians had been interested "in weapons systems, in the migration situation here in Austria in recent years". "Profiles of certain people were also created and passed on," Kunasek said. The case indicated that "even after the end of the Cold War, spying has continued and shows us the need to tighten our security network, within Austria and within the defence ministry," Kunasek said. According to Austrian press reports, the colonel was paid 300,000 euros ($340,000) for his services. Russian links Austria is not a member of NATO and sets great store by its status as a neutral country. As such it was one of the few European countries not to expel Russian diplomats following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in March. Austria's relationship with Russia has come under particular scrutiny since the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) entered government in coalition last December. The FPOe -- which nominated Kneissl and of which Kunasek is also a member -- has had a "cooperation pact" with Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party since 2016. In August, Kneissl caused controversy by inviting Putin as a guest of honour to her wedding. In addition, the FPOe Interior Minister Herbert Kickl admitted in September that Austria had been asked to take "trust-building measures" to retain cooperation with allied secret services. It followed reports that Western secret services were increasingly wary of sharing information with Austria over concerns it could be passed to Moscow. Earlier this week the Austrian Falter weekly published what it said was a document from the Finnish domestic intelligence agency in which it asked for information from partner countries but specifically excluded Vienna's BVT agency.

Austria accuses colonel of spying for Russia for decades

Germany said Friday it was extending by another half year border controls with Austria, which were reintroduced in several places in the passport-free Schengen zone in response to the migrant influx.

German interior ministry spokeswoman Eleonore Petermann said the new measure would begin on November 12 and apply for six months.&nbsp;

"It is important to say in this context that it is still our aim to return to a Schengen without borders, without border controls," Petermann told reporters.

"Travel without border controls is one of the greatest achievements (of the European Union). But we still see problems with the protection of the EU's external borders and we still have high numbers for illegal secondary migration" between member states.

Since 2015, several countries in the 26-nation Schengen zone have reintroduced border controls due to the largest migrant crisis since World War II -- effectively suspending its principle of open-borders travel.

EU rules say countries in exceptional circumstances can reintroduce border controls for up to two years, in periods of up to six months at a time.

Petermann said more than 7,000 people crossed the German-Austrian border illegally this year until August, of whom nearly 4,000 were turned back.

The decision was ordered by Germany's hardline Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, whose conservative party is facing a tough election in the border state of Bavaria on Sunday.

Seehofer nearly toppled Chancellor Angela Merkel's shaky coalition government over the summer with a threat to unilaterally turn back migrants at the border with Austria. Arrivals there have dropped off steeply since 2015-2016.

The dispute was resolved with a more moderate compromise plan involving bilateral agreements between Germany and EU member states.

Merkel's spokesman said Friday that Seehofer's decision on the border checks had been agreed with the rest of the government.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Germany said Friday it was extending by another half year border controls with Austria, which were reintroduced in several places in the passport-free Schengen zone in response to the migrant influx.

Germany said Friday it was extending by another half year border controls with Austria, which were reintroduced in several places in the passport-free Schengen zone in response to the migrant influx. German interior ministry spokeswoman Eleonore Petermann said the new measure would begin on November 12 and apply for six months. "It is important to say in this context that it is still our aim to return to a Schengen without borders, without border controls," Petermann told reporters. "Travel without border controls is one of the greatest achievements (of the European Union). But we still see problems with the protection of the EU's external borders and we still have high numbers for illegal secondary migration" between member states. Since 2015, several countries in the 26-nation Schengen zone have reintroduced border controls due to the largest migrant crisis since World War II -- effectively suspending its principle of open-borders travel. EU rules say countries in exceptional circumstances can reintroduce border controls for up to two years, in periods of up to six months at a time. Petermann said more than 7,000 people crossed the German-Austrian border illegally this year until August, of whom nearly 4,000 were turned back. The decision was ordered by Germany's hardline Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, whose conservative party is facing a tough election in the border state of Bavaria on Sunday. Seehofer nearly toppled Chancellor Angela Merkel's shaky coalition government over the summer with a threat to unilaterally turn back migrants at the border with Austria. Arrivals there have dropped off steeply since 2015-2016. The dispute was resolved with a more moderate compromise plan involving bilateral agreements between Germany and EU member states. Merkel's spokesman said Friday that Seehofer's decision on the border checks had been agreed with the rest of the government.

Germany extends Austria border controls over migrants

Migrants protest against European Uinion Summit in Salisburg 

Neymar on Sunday started and led Brazil to a 3-0 win over Austria in the Seleçao's final pre-World Cup friendly. 
 
During the final test ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in Russia on June 14, Brazilian national team coach Tite relied on two defensive midfielders, Barcelona's Paulinho and Real Madrid's Casemiro, with Philippe Coutinho as playmaker. 
 
The Brazilian national team exerted its main pressure on the left side, as the duo of Neymar and Coutinho proved once again to be the key to the team's playmaking. 
 
Eight minutes into the game, Casemiro threatened goaltender Heinz Lindner by firing a powerful shot that went just slightly wide shortly before Neymar unsuccessfully tried his luck with a shot from long range. 
 
The hosts, however, reacted with David Alaba several times moving the ball in behind the Brazilian defense, which clearly displayed some weaknesses. 
 
Posing a danger for the first time, Austria's Alessandro Schopf collected a rebound ball but then sent it off target, while Marko Arnautovic fired high minutes later. 
 
After a few good minutes for Austria, Brazil made an effort to seize full control of the game during the last third of the first half. 
 
Thiago Silva squandered a golden scoring chance with a header on a Neymar corner. 
 
And finally, Brazil got onto the scoreboard as Gabriel Jesus collected a rebound ball, sending it home in the 36th minute. 
 
After the intermission, Brazil's momentum continued as it took advantage of the physical ebb experienced by the Austrians. 
 
The European squad, which had won its previous seven matches, seemed to take the game too seriously for a friendly. 
 
Brazil managed to create for itself the space in which it thrives and doubled the score as Willian assisted Neymar, who dribbled past a defender before putting the ball between Lindner's legs. 
 
Six minutes later, Coutinho took advantage of the space he was offered during a left side counterattack to run with the ball, firing his team's third goal.

Neymar started and led Brazil to a 3-0 win over Austria in the Selecao's final pre-World Cup friendly

Neymar on Sunday started and led Brazil to a 3-0 win over Austria in the Seleçao's final pre-World Cup friendly. During the final test ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in Russia on June 14, Brazilian national team coach Tite relied on two defensive midfielders, Barcelona's Paulinho and Real Madrid's Casemiro, with Philippe Coutinho as playmaker. The Brazilian national team exerted its main pressure on the left side, as the duo of Neymar and Coutinho proved once again to be the key to the team's playmaking. Eight minutes into the game, Casemiro threatened goaltender Heinz Lindner by firing a powerful shot that went just slightly wide shortly before Neymar unsuccessfully tried his luck with a shot from long range. The hosts, however, reacted with David Alaba several times moving the ball in behind the Brazilian defense, which clearly displayed some weaknesses. Posing a danger for the first time, Austria's Alessandro Schopf collected a rebound ball but then sent it off target, while Marko Arnautovic fired high minutes later. After a few good minutes for Austria, Brazil made an effort to seize full control of the game during the last third of the first half. Thiago Silva squandered a golden scoring chance with a header on a Neymar corner. And finally, Brazil got onto the scoreboard as Gabriel Jesus collected a rebound ball, sending it home in the 36th minute. After the intermission, Brazil's momentum continued as it took advantage of the physical ebb experienced by the Austrians. The European squad, which had won its previous seven matches, seemed to take the game too seriously for a friendly. Brazil managed to create for itself the space in which it thrives and doubled the score as Willian assisted Neymar, who dribbled past a defender before putting the ball between Lindner's legs. Six minutes later, Coutinho took advantage of the space he was offered during a left side counterattack to run with the ball, firing his team's third goal.

Neymar, Jesus, Coutinho lead Brazil to 3-0 win over Austria in friendly

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before.

Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses.

The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era.

It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one.

He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt.

True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final.

That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash.

"Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters.

Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener.

If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis.

"The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said.

"If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win.

"Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand."

Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat.

"Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!"

Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995.

Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem at Philippe-Chatrier

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier. Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before. Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses. The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era. It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one. He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt. True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final. That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash. "Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters. Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener. If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis. "The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said. "If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win. "Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand." Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat. "Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!" Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995. Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

French Open: Dominic Thiem or Rafael Nadal? Who will win the men's singles final

Austria will expel "several" foreign-funded imams and shut seven mosques in a crackdown on "political Islam", Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced on Friday.

Kurz said the moves came after an investigation by the religious affairs authority into images which emerged in April of children in Turkish-backed mosques playing dead and re-enacting the World War I battle of Gallipoli.

"Parallel societies, political Islam and radicalisation have no place in our country," Kurz said.

The photos, published by the Falter weekly, showed the young boys in camouflage uniforms marching, saluting, waving Turkish flags and then playing dead.&nbsp

Their "corpses" were then lined up and draped in the flags.

The mosque in question was run by the Turkish-Islamic Cultural Associations (ATIB) organisation, based in the German city of Cologne, and a branch of Turkey's religious affairs agency Diyanet.

ATIB itself condemned the photos at the time, calling the "highly regrettable" event and said that "called off before it had even ended".

The mosque in question was run by the Turkish-Islamic Cultural Associations organisation.

Austria will expel "several" foreign-funded imams and shut seven mosques in a crackdown on "political Islam", Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced on Friday. Kurz said the moves came after an investigation by the religious affairs authority into images which emerged in April of children in Turkish-backed mosques playing dead and re-enacting the World War I battle of Gallipoli. "Parallel societies, political Islam and radicalisation have no place in our country," Kurz said. The photos, published by the Falter weekly, showed the young boys in camouflage uniforms marching, saluting, waving Turkish flags and then playing dead. Their "corpses" were then lined up and draped in the flags. The mosque in question was run by the Turkish-Islamic Cultural Associations (ATIB) organisation, based in the German city of Cologne, and a branch of Turkey's religious affairs agency Diyanet. ATIB itself condemned the photos at the time, calling the "highly regrettable" event and said that "called off before it had even ended".

Austria to shut seven mosques in crackdown over political Islam: Chancellor Kurz

Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open and also ended Nadal's 21-match unbeaten run on clay.&nbsp

Recently Nadal broke&nbspJohn McEnroe's 34-year record by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay.

31-year-old Rafael Nadal had set a new record of 50 consecutive set wins on a single surface on Thursday after defeating Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-4 in the previous round.

Defending champion had not dropped a set on clay since losing to Thiem in 2017 and now after 357 days, it is no one other than Dominic Thiem who finally ended Nadal's winning streak.

<img alt="000_14S9QL.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/000_14S9QL.jpg" width="770" />

<h6>Rafael Nadal congratulates Austria's Dominic Thiem (L)&nbsp</h6>

Fifth-seeded Thiem outplayed Nadal as the later was playing below his best and hit 29 unforced errors in the two sets and also failed to convert break points.

Five-time Madrid champion Nadal came into the tournament having won his 11th titles at Monte Carlo and at Barcelona.

The shock result also means that Roger Federer will reclaim the world number one ranking on Monday.

Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open

Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open and also ended Nadal's 21-match unbeaten run on clay. Recently Nadal broke&nbspJohn McEnroe's 34-year record by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay. 31-year-old Rafael Nadal had set a new record of 50 consecutive set wins on a single surface on Thursday after defeating Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-4 in the previous round. Defending champion had not dropped a set on clay since losing to Thiem in 2017 and now after 357 days, it is no one other than Dominic Thiem who finally ended Nadal's winning streak. Rafael Nadal congratulates Austria's Dominic Thiem (L) Fifth-seeded Thiem outplayed Nadal as the later was playing below his best and hit 29 unforced errors in the two sets and also failed to convert break points. Five-time Madrid champion Nadal came into the tournament having won his 11th titles at Monte Carlo and at Barcelona. The shock result also means that Roger Federer will reclaim the world number one ranking on Monday.

Rafael Nadal's unbeaten run ends as Dominic Thiem knocks him out of Madrid Open

With business sentiment at the "weakest" in four years, India slipped to the 6th position globally in the business optimism index for the first quarter of this year, says a survey.

Business optimism is however at an "all-time high" globally with the index at net 61 per cent, the highest figure recorded in 15 years of research, as per Grant Thornton's quarterly global business survey released today.

Noting that business sentiment in India has been the weakest since 2014 in the first quarter, the advisory firm said the confidence has been shaken since the third quarter of 2017 with weakening currency and a surge in oil prices.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ease-of-doing-business-indias-rankings-zooms-to-100-in-world-bank-report-up-30-places-23243">India's ranking&nbsp;zooms to 100 in Ease of Doing&nbsp;Business index, up 30 places</a>

"While entering the last year of the current regime, the business optimism in India has deteriorated with the country ranking 6th globally on the optimism index in the first quarter of 2018... India has been topping the chart since the new government came into power in 2014," Grant Thornton's International Business Report said.

With a score of 89, India is at the sixth place in the index. The top five nations are Austria, Finland, Indonesia, the Netherlands and the US.

The conclusions are based on a quarterly global business survey of 2,500 businesses in 37 economies.

With regard to India, Grant Thornton said the underlying pessimism is reflected in other parameters as well including revenue, selling prices, profitability, employment and exports expectations.

Indian businesses have been citing regulations and red tape, availability of skilled workforce, lack of ICT infrastructure and shortage of finance as the biggest growth constraints.

Even after India's significant jump in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business ranking, the country still continues to rank 1st or 2nd in quoting these reasons as the key hurdles for growth, it noted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government came to power in May 2014.

Grant Thornton India LLP CEO Vishesh C Chandiok said the reversal in sentiment amongst mid- sized business in India in the last three quarters is startling and hoped that policy makers would sit up and take note.

"With oil climbing, and India firmly in an election year, we ought to brace for a volatile economic environment in the days ahead. Export oriented businesses should see better days, finally," he added. PTI

Business optimism however is at an 'all-time high' globally. The index is at a net 61 per cent, the highest figure recorded in 15 years of research.

With business sentiment at the "weakest" in four years, India slipped to the 6th position globally in the business optimism index for the first quarter of this year, says a survey. Business optimism is however at an "all-time high" globally with the index at net 61 per cent, the highest figure recorded in 15 years of research, as per Grant Thornton's quarterly global business survey released today. Noting that business sentiment in India has been the weakest since 2014 in the first quarter, the advisory firm said the confidence has been shaken since the third quarter of 2017 with weakening currency and a surge in oil prices. Also read: India's ranking zooms to 100 in Ease of Doing Business index, up 30 places "While entering the last year of the current regime, the business optimism in India has deteriorated with the country ranking 6th globally on the optimism index in the first quarter of 2018... India has been topping the chart since the new government came into power in 2014," Grant Thornton's International Business Report said. With a score of 89, India is at the sixth place in the index. The top five nations are Austria, Finland, Indonesia, the Netherlands and the US. The conclusions are based on a quarterly global business survey of 2,500 businesses in 37 economies. With regard to India, Grant Thornton said the underlying pessimism is reflected in other parameters as well including revenue, selling prices, profitability, employment and exports expectations. Indian businesses have been citing regulations and red tape, availability of skilled workforce, lack of ICT infrastructure and shortage of finance as the biggest growth constraints. Even after India's significant jump in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business ranking, the country still continues to rank 1st or 2nd in quoting these reasons as the key hurdles for growth, it noted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government came to power in May 2014. Grant Thornton India LLP CEO Vishesh C Chandiok said the reversal in sentiment amongst mid- sized business in India in the last three quarters is startling and hoped that policy makers would sit up and take note. "With oil climbing, and India firmly in an election year, we ought to brace for a volatile economic environment in the days ahead. Export oriented businesses should see better days, finally," he added. PTI

India slips to 6th spot on business optimism index, sentiment weakest since 2014

Austria on Monday marks the 80th anniversary of its annexation by Nazi Germany, with the country&#39;s President Alexander Van der Bellen urging young people not to be &quot;taken in&quot; by neo-fascist and far-right ideologies.

On March 12, 1938, Adolf Hitler ordered 200,000 soldiers, SS officers and police to invade Austria, his native country, subsequently declaring its &quot;Anschluss&quot; or annexation by the Third Reich.&nbsp;

A &quot;Day of Commemoration&quot; will be held on Monday to mark the events of 1938 that changed the course of Austrian history and served as a prelude to World War II.&nbsp;Asked in an interview with the Kurier daily what future generations could learn from the Anschluss, van der Bellen replied: &quot;Not to be taken in.&quot;

People should not take &quot;peaceful cohabitation, co-determination and stable political conditions for granted,&quot; he warned. &quot;These things can change.&quot;&nbsp;

Van der Bellen -- a former leader of the environmentalist Greens who in late 2016 beat an anti-immigration candidate in a polarising and nail-biting presidential election -- said minorities enjoy better protection today.&nbsp;

&quot;They can&#39;t be outlawed at the stroke of a pen as they could then by a majority. If that weren&#39;t the case, the state could be immediately turned into a tyranny of the majority, as happened back then.&quot;&nbsp;

Van der Bellen has repeatedly called for vigilance and for tolerance since a coalition government took power in December, headed by the 31-year-old conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, with the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), Heinz-Christian Strache, as his deputy.&nbsp;

The FPOe, which counts former Nazis among its founders, is the oldest of the major right-wing nationalist and anti-immigration groupings currently on the rise in the European Union.

FPOe politicians have repeatedly rejected neo-Nazism, racism and anti-Semitism since the party joined the ruling coalition.&nbsp;The party has also expressed its gratitude to &quot;the Republic of Austria, democracy, parliamentarism and the rule of law&quot;.

But the FPOe&#39;s position regarding the status of the Austrian state has long been ambiguous, with a strong current within the party -- particularly among student fraternities -- viewing Austria as part of a wider pan-German or &quot;Greater German&quot; identity.&nbsp;

Appearing on Austrian television alongside other leading politicians for the Anschluss commemorations, Strache said it was everyone&#39;s individual responsibility to remember &quot;the National Socialist (Nazi) terror regime that murdered people on a large scale because of their religion, their origin and their political opinions.&quot;&nbsp;

 
But since it joined the ruling coalition, the FPOe has found itself embroiled in a string of embarrassing controversies regarding its relationship to Austria&#39;s history.&nbsp;In January, for example, a leading FPOe candidate in regional elections quit the party because of a scandal over song lyrics praising the Holocaust.&nbsp;

While Strache has been keen to clean up his party&#39;s image, other incidents have tarnished it, such as one FPOe member of parliament who declared in 2006 on television that &quot;National Socialism also had its good sides&quot;.&nbsp;Many events marking the Anchluss anniversary feature eyewitnesses of the time, while public debates will focus on the responsibility of Austria and everyday Austrians in Hitler&#39;s seizure of power.&nbsp;

Talking about such issues in public was almost unheard of until the late 1980s, as Austria preferred to hide behind the status of Nazi victim that the Allies had officially conferred on it.&nbsp;Such denial has prevented Austria from embarking on the very painful &quot;Vergangenheitsbewaeltigung&quot; or self-examination and coming to terms with the past that Germany has undertaken.

Austrian conservatives began paving the way for Nazism as early as 1933 when they put an end to parliamentary democracy, then crushed the Social Democrats in 1934 and set up a one-party regime.&nbsp;In a country in the throes of an identity crisis following the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and in full economic slump, anti-Semitism flourished as early as the 1920s.

&quot;Everything had already long been ready by the time the Nazis arrived,&quot; Kitty Suschny -- who was just 13 in 1938 -- told a conference, recalling that a ban on &quot;dogs and Jews&quot; was imposed overnight in the grounds of Vienna&#39;s Schoenbrunn Palace.&nbsp;

The persecution of Jews began in the early hours of the Anschluss.&nbsp;And on March 15, a euphoric crowd greeted Hitler in Vienna.&nbsp;An artistic installation will be unveiled Monday at the site where the dictator made his first speech after the annexation of the country.

On Wednesday, Chancellor Kurz will ask his cabinet to approve a proposal for a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust to be erected in the centre of Vienna.&nbsp;

On March 12, 1938, Adolf Hitler ordered 200,000 soldiers, SS officers and police to invade Austria, his native country, subsequently declaring its "Anschluss" or annexation by the Third Reich.

Austria on Monday marks the 80th anniversary of its annexation by Nazi Germany, with the country's President Alexander Van der Bellen urging young people not to be "taken in" by neo-fascist and far-right ideologies. On March 12, 1938, Adolf Hitler ordered 200,000 soldiers, SS officers and police to invade Austria, his native country, subsequently declaring its "Anschluss" or annexation by the Third Reich. A "Day of Commemoration" will be held on Monday to mark the events of 1938 that changed the course of Austrian history and served as a prelude to World War II. Asked in an interview with the Kurier daily what future generations could learn from the Anschluss, van der Bellen replied: "Not to be taken in." People should not take "peaceful cohabitation, co-determination and stable political conditions for granted," he warned. "These things can change." Van der Bellen -- a former leader of the environmentalist Greens who in late 2016 beat an anti-immigration candidate in a polarising and nail-biting presidential election -- said minorities enjoy better protection today. "They can't be outlawed at the stroke of a pen as they could then by a majority. If that weren't the case, the state could be immediately turned into a tyranny of the majority, as happened back then." Van der Bellen has repeatedly called for vigilance and for tolerance since a coalition government took power in December, headed by the 31-year-old conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, with the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), Heinz-Christian Strache, as his deputy. The FPOe, which counts former Nazis among its founders, is the oldest of the major right-wing nationalist and anti-immigration groupings currently on the rise in the European Union. FPOe politicians have repeatedly rejected neo-Nazism, racism and anti-Semitism since the party joined the ruling coalition. The party has also expressed its gratitude to "the Republic of Austria, democracy, parliamentarism and the rule of law". But the FPOe's position regarding the status of the Austrian state has long been ambiguous, with a strong current within the party -- particularly among student fraternities -- viewing Austria as part of a wider pan-German or "Greater German" identity. Appearing on Austrian television alongside other leading politicians for the Anschluss commemorations, Strache said it was everyone's individual responsibility to remember "the National Socialist (Nazi) terror regime that murdered people on a large scale because of their religion, their origin and their political opinions." But since it joined the ruling coalition, the FPOe has found itself embroiled in a string of embarrassing controversies regarding its relationship to Austria's history. In January, for example, a leading FPOe candidate in regional elections quit the party because of a scandal over song lyrics praising the Holocaust. While Strache has been keen to clean up his party's image, other incidents have tarnished it, such as one FPOe member of parliament who declared in 2006 on television that "National Socialism also had its good sides". Many events marking the Anchluss anniversary feature eyewitnesses of the time, while public debates will focus on the responsibility of Austria and everyday Austrians in Hitler's seizure of power. Talking about such issues in public was almost unheard of until the late 1980s, as Austria preferred to hide behind the status of Nazi victim that the Allies had officially conferred on it. Such denial has prevented Austria from embarking on the very painful "Vergangenheitsbewaeltigung" or self-examination and coming to terms with the past that Germany has undertaken. Austrian conservatives began paving the way for Nazism as early as 1933 when they put an end to parliamentary democracy, then crushed the Social Democrats in 1934 and set up a one-party regime. In a country in the throes of an identity crisis following the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and in full economic slump, anti-Semitism flourished as early as the 1920s. "Everything had already long been ready by the time the Nazis arrived," Kitty Suschny -- who was just 13 in 1938 -- told a conference, recalling that a ban on "dogs and Jews" was imposed overnight in the grounds of Vienna's Schoenbrunn Palace. The persecution of Jews began in the early hours of the Anschluss. And on March 15, a euphoric crowd greeted Hitler in Vienna. An artistic installation will be unveiled Monday at the site where the dictator made his first speech after the annexation of the country. On Wednesday, Chancellor Kurz will ask his cabinet to approve a proposal for a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust to be erected in the centre of Vienna.

'Don't get taken in', says Austrian President on 80th anniversary of annexation by Nazi Germany

Austrian star Marcel Hirscher finally bagged Olympic gold when he produced a brilliant slalom run to storm to a dominant victory in the men&#39;s alpine combined on Tuesday.

Alexis Pinturault claimed silver for France with his team-mate Victor Muffat-Jeandet taking an astonishing bronze after finishing 29th fastest in the opening downhill.

Hirscher, 28, has been the outstanding skier in the World Cup in recent years, his 55 career wins the bedrock of a startling six consecutive overall crystal globes.

Already guaranteed to go down in alpine history as one of the best skiers of all time, Hirscher had said he was after an &quot;amazing&quot; Olympic gold to cap his career, his previous best a slalom silver from Sochi four years ago.

But he had also played down his expectations in the combined following a couple of mediocre downhill training runs.

There was to be no messing on a downhill course shortened because of blustery winds, however, and the canny Austrian took full advantage of the abbreviated run to finish an impressive 12th fastest, 1.32sec off German Thomas Dressen&#39;s lead time.

Come to the slalom, a discipline in which he has won six times this season on the World Cup circuit, Austria&#39;s favourite sporting son stepped up to the gate and promptly delivered the fastest time of 45.96sec.

It was an aggressive yet measured piece of skiing that gave him a combined time of 2min 06.52sec, 0.23sec ahead of Pinturault, with Muffat-Jeandet at 1.02sec.

&quot;I was the favourite after the downhill,&quot; said Pinturault, who was 10th fastest in the speed event and started his slalom with a 0.28sec lead over Hirscher.

&quot;But after what Marcel has shown since the start of the season, especially in slalom, it was very tough for me to be able to come close.

&quot;I&#39;m just very happy,&quot; said Pinturault, winner of Bormio&#39;s World Cup combined in December. &quot;He was just stronger than me today.&quot;

Muffat-Jeandet laid down a slalom run just one-hundredth of a second slower than Hirscher, paying the price for a big mistake on the top third of the downhill.

&quot;I was so annoyed by the downhill,&quot; he said.

&quot;But at the end of the day I stayed very focused. I always believed in it.&quot;

Austrian slalom specialist Marco Schwarz was fourth, one place ahead of American Ted Ligety, who was seeking a third Olympic gold medal having won the combined back in Torino in 2006.

The Norwegian threat petered out disappointingly despite two-time former world combined champion Aksel Lund Svindal finishing second fastest in the downhill.

Svindal, 35, was a non-starter in the slalom, while team-mate Kjetil Jansrud, fourth fastest in the downhill, eventually came in seventh, 2.15sec off the pace and one place behind a third Frenchman, Thomas Mermillod Blondin.

Among the top eight, Austrian pair Vincent Kriechmayr and reigning Olympic downhill champion Matthias Mayer, along with Italian duo Dominik Paris and Peter Fill, all failed to finish the slalom course.

&nbsp;

Alexis Pinturault claimed silver for France with his team-mate Victor Muffat-Jeandet taking an astonishing bronze after finishing 29th fastest in the opening downhill

Austrian star Marcel Hirscher finally bagged Olympic gold when he produced a brilliant slalom run to storm to a dominant victory in the men's alpine combined on Tuesday. Alexis Pinturault claimed silver for France with his team-mate Victor Muffat-Jeandet taking an astonishing bronze after finishing 29th fastest in the opening downhill. Hirscher, 28, has been the outstanding skier in the World Cup in recent years, his 55 career wins the bedrock of a startling six consecutive overall crystal globes. Already guaranteed to go down in alpine history as one of the best skiers of all time, Hirscher had said he was after an "amazing" Olympic gold to cap his career, his previous best a slalom silver from Sochi four years ago. But he had also played down his expectations in the combined following a couple of mediocre downhill training runs. There was to be no messing on a downhill course shortened because of blustery winds, however, and the canny Austrian took full advantage of the abbreviated run to finish an impressive 12th fastest, 1.32sec off German Thomas Dressen's lead time. Come to the slalom, a discipline in which he has won six times this season on the World Cup circuit, Austria's favourite sporting son stepped up to the gate and promptly delivered the fastest time of 45.96sec. It was an aggressive yet measured piece of skiing that gave him a combined time of 2min 06.52sec, 0.23sec ahead of Pinturault, with Muffat-Jeandet at 1.02sec. "I was the favourite after the downhill," said Pinturault, who was 10th fastest in the speed event and started his slalom with a 0.28sec lead over Hirscher. "But after what Marcel has shown since the start of the season, especially in slalom, it was very tough for me to be able to come close. "I'm just very happy," said Pinturault, winner of Bormio's World Cup combined in December. "He was just stronger than me today." Muffat-Jeandet laid down a slalom run just one-hundredth of a second slower than Hirscher, paying the price for a big mistake on the top third of the downhill. "I was so annoyed by the downhill," he said. "But at the end of the day I stayed very focused. I always believed in it." Austrian slalom specialist Marco Schwarz was fourth, one place ahead of American Ted Ligety, who was seeking a third Olympic gold medal having won the combined back in Torino in 2006. The Norwegian threat petered out disappointingly despite two-time former world combined champion Aksel Lund Svindal finishing second fastest in the downhill. Svindal, 35, was a non-starter in the slalom, while team-mate Kjetil Jansrud, fourth fastest in the downhill, eventually came in seventh, 2.15sec off the pace and one place behind a third Frenchman, Thomas Mermillod Blondin. Among the top eight, Austrian pair Vincent Kriechmayr and reigning Olympic downhill champion Matthias Mayer, along with Italian duo Dominik Paris and Peter Fill, all failed to finish the slalom course.

Austria grabs first Gold as Marcel Hirscher wins men's alpine combined title

Austria&#39;s Matthias Walkner wrapped up his maiden Dakar Rally bikes title on Saturday by finishing safely in eighth place on the final day in Cordoba, as home favourite Kevin Benavides won stage 14.

KTM rider Walkner took a 20-minute lead into the last day in Argentina and had little trouble in negotiating the 286-kilometre ride to go one better than when he finished second to team-mate Sam Sunderland 12 months ago.

Argentinian Benavides had to settle for second overall, 16 minutes and 53 seconds adrift.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Salute <a href="https://twitter.com/MatthiasWalkner?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MatthiasWalkner</a>, 1st ???????? winner of the Dakar // &iexcl;Enhorabuena por la primera victoria ???????? en el Dakar! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dakar2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dakar2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z7rJOz6UPl">pic.twitter.com/Z7rJOz6UPl</a>
&mdash; DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) <a href="https://twitter.com/dakar/status/954760543667093504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Australian Toby Price, the 2016 winner, completed the final podium after following his penultimate-stage victory with a second-place finish to Benavides.

Austrian team KTM has now won 17 consecutive Dakars, but Walkner is the first Austrian to win the race.

&nbsp;

Austrian team KTM has now won 17 consecutive Dakars, but Walkner is the first Austrian to win the race

Austria's Matthias Walkner wrapped up his maiden Dakar Rally bikes title on Saturday by finishing safely in eighth place on the final day in Cordoba, as home favourite Kevin Benavides won stage 14. KTM rider Walkner took a 20-minute lead into the last day in Argentina and had little trouble in negotiating the 286-kilometre ride to go one better than when he finished second to team-mate Sam Sunderland 12 months ago. Argentinian Benavides had to settle for second overall, 16 minutes and 53 seconds adrift. Salute @MatthiasWalkner, 1st ???????? winner of the Dakar // ¡Enhorabuena por la primera victoria ???????? en el Dakar! #Dakar2018 pic.twitter.com/Z7rJOz6UPl — DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 20, 2018 × Australian Toby Price, the 2016 winner, completed the final podium after following his penultimate-stage victory with a second-place finish to Benavides. Austrian team KTM has now won 17 consecutive Dakars, but Walkner is the first Austrian to win the race.

Dakar rally: Austrian Walkner seals bike title

A Pakistan embassy official has been reported missing in Austria along with some sensitive documents, reports said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Pakistan&nbsp;Army official, resident of Sara-i-Kharboza, was appointed as a clerk at the Pakistan Embassy in Austria about five months back and was handed some sensitive documents by the defence ministry.&nbsp;

Media reports say that he was made an official in charge of some important and sensitive national affairs there, adding that &quot;it was very important duty, besides sensitive for country&#39;s sovereignty.&quot;

A case has been registered against him under Sections 109 &nbsp;(abetment) and 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The official went missing on January 2, the First Investigation Report (FIR) stated. His wife has said that her husband left the embassy out of his free will and will &quot;return after five years.&quot;

The FIR further reads that it is highly likely that the missing official had &quot;become a tool in the hands of the enemy of the country.&quot;&nbsp;

He went missing on January 2, the FIR states. The wife of the missing official has said that her husband left the embassy out of his free will and will 'return after five years'

A Pakistan embassy official has been reported missing in Austria along with some sensitive documents, reports said on Wednesday. The Pakistan Army official, resident of Sara-i-Kharboza, was appointed as a clerk at the Pakistan Embassy in Austria about five months back and was handed some sensitive documents by the defence ministry. Media reports say that he was made an official in charge of some important and sensitive national affairs there, adding that "it was very important duty, besides sensitive for country's sovereignty." A case has been registered against him under Sections 109 (abetment) and 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The official went missing on January 2, the First Investigation Report (FIR) stated. His wife has said that her husband left the embassy out of his free will and will "return after five years." The FIR further reads that it is highly likely that the missing official had "become a tool in the hands of the enemy of the country."

Pakistan official goes missing in Austria with sensitive documents

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