Thousands of people marched in Brussels on Sunday against a UN&nbsp;pact aimed at fostering cooperation on migration, eclipsing a smaller demonstration in support of the deal, the signing of which brought down Belgium's government last week.

Police said some 5,500 people marched in the bigger protest, organised by Flemish right wing parties in the part of the capital where main European Union institutions are located.

A separate counter-demonstration of around 1,000 people, organised by left-wing groups and non-governmental organisations, took place in the city centre.

Belgian right-wing N-VA, which is the biggest party in parliament, pulled its ministers from the ruling coalition last week after Prime Minister Charles Michel refused its demand that he not sign the UN&nbsp;migration compact in Marrakesh.

Michel had secured a large parliamentary majority in favour of maintaining Belgium’s support of the UN&nbsp;text, with support from the opposition socialists and greens. Critics said the N-VA's move was the opening shot in a campaign before federal elections in May.

The UN&nbsp;pact was agreed in July by all 193 UN&nbsp;members except the United States, but only 164 formally signed it at the meeting last Monday.

It has run into criticism from European politicians who say it could increase immigration to Europe as the bloc has turned increasingly restrictive on accepting refugees and migrants alike since a 2015 spike in arrivals.

Ten countries, mostly in formerly Communist Eastern Europe, have pulled out of the non-binding pact.

With a record 21.3 million refugees globally, the United Nations began work on the pact after more than one million people arrived in Europe in 2015, many fleeing civil war in Syria and poverty in Africa. 
&nbsp;

Thousands of people marched in Brussels on Sunday against a UN pact aimed at fostering cooperation on migration, eclipsing a smaller demonstration in support of the deal, the signing of which brought down Belgium's government last week.

Thousands of people marched in Brussels on Sunday against a UN pact aimed at fostering cooperation on migration, eclipsing a smaller demonstration in support of the deal, the signing of which brought down Belgium's government last week. Police said some 5,500 people marched in the bigger protest, organised by Flemish right wing parties in the part of the capital where main European Union institutions are located. A separate counter-demonstration of around 1,000 people, organised by left-wing groups and non-governmental organisations, took place in the city centre. Belgian right-wing N-VA, which is the biggest party in parliament, pulled its ministers from the ruling coalition last week after Prime Minister Charles Michel refused its demand that he not sign the UN migration compact in Marrakesh. Michel had secured a large parliamentary majority in favour of maintaining Belgium’s support of the UN text, with support from the opposition socialists and greens. Critics said the N-VA's move was the opening shot in a campaign before federal elections in May. The UN pact was agreed in July by all 193 UN members except the United States, but only 164 formally signed it at the meeting last Monday. It has run into criticism from European politicians who say it could increase immigration to Europe as the bloc has turned increasingly restrictive on accepting refugees and migrants alike since a 2015 spike in arrivals. Ten countries, mostly in formerly Communist Eastern Europe, have pulled out of the non-binding pact. With a record 21.3 million refugees globally, the United Nations began work on the pact after more than one million people arrived in Europe in 2015, many fleeing civil war in Syria and poverty in Africa.

Thousands march in Brussels against UN migration pact

Belgium will meet the Netherlands in the summit clash of the &nbsp;Men's Hockey World Cup at&nbsp;Bhubaneswar on Sunday.&nbsp;

Belgium and the Netherlands marched into the final of the tournament after emerging victorious in their respective semi-final clashes today.&nbsp;

While Olympic silver medallist Belgium routed England 6-0 in the first semi-final, the Dutch defeated two times World champion Australia 4-3 in the penalty shootout.

At full time, Australia and Netherlands were tied 2-2.&nbsp;

The Dutch would now be looking to join Pakistan as the only team to win four world titles but would have to get past first-time finalist Belgium in the title clash.

Besides the summit clash, a match to determine the 3rd and 4th place will be played tomorrow between England and Australia, before the final clash.&nbsp;

Belgium will meet the Netherlands in the summit clash of the Men's Hockey World Cup at Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Belgium and the Netherlands marched into the final of the tournament after emerging victorious in their respective semi-final clashes today.

Belgium will meet the Netherlands in the summit clash of the Men's Hockey World Cup at Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Belgium and the Netherlands marched into the final of the tournament after emerging victorious in their respective semi-final clashes today. While Olympic silver medallist Belgium routed England 6-0 in the first semi-final, the Dutch defeated two times World champion Australia 4-3 in the penalty shootout. At full time, Australia and Netherlands were tied 2-2. The Dutch would now be looking to join Pakistan as the only team to win four world titles but would have to get past first-time finalist Belgium in the title clash. Besides the summit clash, a match to determine the 3rd and 4th place will be played tomorrow between England and Australia, before the final clash.

It's Netherlands vs Belgium in the Hockey World Cup final

Olympic silver medallist Belgium created history by making their maiden appearance in the men's hockey World Cup summit clash, thrashing England 6-0 in a lopsided first semi-final here Saturday.

Alexander Hendrickx (45th, 50th minutes) converted two penalty corners, while Tom Boon (8th), Simon Gougnard (19th), Cedric Charlier (42nd) and Sebastien Dockier (53rd) were the other goal scorers for the world number three at the Kalinga Stadium.

Prior to this, the Red Lions' best performance in the World Cup was a fifth-place finish in the last edition of the tournament at The Hague, Netherlands in 2014.

The Belgium players, who wore black armbands to pay respect to their teammate Gougnard whose father passed away before the match, dominated possession in the first two quarters and created a couple of promising chances, two of which resulted in goals.

It didn't take long for Belgium to take the lead as Boon deflected in Florent van Aubel's measured cross from the left in the eighth minute.

Just seconds from the end of first quarter, Boon again came close but his deflection from a long ball hit the post.

Belgium doubled their lead in the 19th minute through Gougnard, who scored from a rebound after Hendrickx's flick from their first penalty corner was saved by England captain and goalkeeper George Pinner.

The Red Lions missed a sitter three minutes from half-time when an unmarked Dockier pushed wide Van Aubel's pass, with only Pinner to beat.

Just a minute after the change of ends, England secured their first penalty corner, but the world number seven failed to capitalise on the opportunity.

Belgium extended their lead in the 42nd minute through Charlier, who scored with a fierce shot from a close range.

Minutes later, England earned another penalty corner but Belgium goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch was up to the task and thwarted the danger with a fine save.

Seconds from the end of the third quarter, Belgium made it 4-0 when Hendrickx found the back of the English net from his team's second penalty corner.

Belgium continued to toy with the English defence and pumped in two more goals in the fourth and final quarter to make the last-four contest a thoroughly one-sided affair.

Another penalty corner resulted in another goal through Hendrickx, in the 50th minute, before Dockier scored from a field effort three minutes later to complete the rout.

Towards the end of the match, England secured two more penalty corners but lack of execution let them down, as they rounded off a disappointing outing.&nbsp;

Olympic silver medallist Belgium created history by making their maiden appearance in the men's hockey World Cup summit clash, thrashing England 6-0 in a lopsided first semi-final here Saturday.

Olympic silver medallist Belgium created history by making their maiden appearance in the men's hockey World Cup summit clash, thrashing England 6-0 in a lopsided first semi-final here Saturday. Alexander Hendrickx (45th, 50th minutes) converted two penalty corners, while Tom Boon (8th), Simon Gougnard (19th), Cedric Charlier (42nd) and Sebastien Dockier (53rd) were the other goal scorers for the world number three at the Kalinga Stadium. Prior to this, the Red Lions' best performance in the World Cup was a fifth-place finish in the last edition of the tournament at The Hague, Netherlands in 2014. The Belgium players, who wore black armbands to pay respect to their teammate Gougnard whose father passed away before the match, dominated possession in the first two quarters and created a couple of promising chances, two of which resulted in goals. It didn't take long for Belgium to take the lead as Boon deflected in Florent van Aubel's measured cross from the left in the eighth minute. Just seconds from the end of first quarter, Boon again came close but his deflection from a long ball hit the post. Belgium doubled their lead in the 19th minute through Gougnard, who scored from a rebound after Hendrickx's flick from their first penalty corner was saved by England captain and goalkeeper George Pinner. The Red Lions missed a sitter three minutes from half-time when an unmarked Dockier pushed wide Van Aubel's pass, with only Pinner to beat. Just a minute after the change of ends, England secured their first penalty corner, but the world number seven failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Belgium extended their lead in the 42nd minute through Charlier, who scored with a fierce shot from a close range. Minutes later, England earned another penalty corner but Belgium goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch was up to the task and thwarted the danger with a fine save. Seconds from the end of the third quarter, Belgium made it 4-0 when Hendrickx found the back of the English net from his team's second penalty corner. Belgium continued to toy with the English defence and pumped in two more goals in the fourth and final quarter to make the last-four contest a thoroughly one-sided affair. Another penalty corner resulted in another goal through Hendrickx, in the 50th minute, before Dockier scored from a field effort three minutes later to complete the rout. Towards the end of the match, England secured two more penalty corners but lack of execution let them down, as they rounded off a disappointing outing.

Belgium maul England 6-0 to make maiden Hockey WC final

A rare history awaits two-time defending champions Australia as they chase a record hat-trick of titles, taking on the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/hockey-world-cup">men's hockey World Cup</a> at the Kalinga Stadium here on Saturday.&nbsp;

The world number one Australia is second only to four-time champions Pakistan, having won the world title thrice before, which includes back-to-back gold medals in the last two editions of the tournament in 2010 and 2014.&nbsp;

Come Saturday, the Kookaburras will be chasing their third consecutive world crown. But it would be easier said than done as in world no.4 Netherlands a tough contest awaits Australia.&nbsp;

The Dutch, who have won the title thrice before - the last time being in 1998, too would be desperate to break their 20-year-old jinx.&nbsp;

The Netherlands would be high on confidence especially after their hard-fought 2-1 win over home favourites India in the quarter-finals on Thursday.&nbsp;

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Amazing Australia takes on the formidable Netherlands in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OdishaHockeyWorldCup2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OdishaHockeyWorldCup2018</a> Semi-Final 2! Gear up for a nail-biting phenomenon on 15th December, 6:30 PM tonight! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KalingaStadium?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KalingaStadium</a> &nbsp; 
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Going by form and world ranking, it is expected to be an edge of the seat thriller between the two teams, who prefer to play a totally contrasting style of hockey.&nbsp;

While attacking hockey is the backbone of Australia, the Dutch mostly prefer to play waiting for the game with a compact defence and relying more on counters to surprise their opponents.&nbsp;

There is hardly anything to differentiate between the two sides going by recent head-to-head record.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since 2013, Australia and Netherlands have played each other 11 times with the Kookaburras winning five and losing four while two ended in draws.&nbsp;

The Australians made a slow start but grew in confidence as the tournament progressed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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After a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ireland in their opener, Australia stepped on the gas and registered convincing wins over England (3-0), China (11-0) and France (3-0).&nbsp;

The Dutch, on the other hand, started with a bang and mauled Malaysia 7-0 before losing 1-4 to Germany.&nbsp;

They defeated Pakistan 5-1 in their last pool match before beating Canada 5-0 in the cross-overs and eking out a close 2-1 win over India in the quarter-finals.&nbsp;

The Australia-Netherlands match has all the makings of a classic. In 2014 at The Hague, Australia came out on top against Netherlands 6-1 in front of home crowd to lift their second consecutive World Cup.&nbsp;

And Saturday's encounter will provide the Dutch an opportunity to avenge their loss four years ago.&nbsp;

But in the last four years since they met in the final of 2014, much has changed.&nbsp;

The likes of Jamie Dwyer, Mark Knowles and Glenn Turner have retired but the Kookaburras have rebuilt brilliantly under coach Colin Batch since the disappointment of Rio Olympics and have returned to the top of the world rankings.&nbsp;

The Dutch, on the other hand, are unquestionably much tougher under Max Caldas now than they were four years ago.&nbsp;

Australia's Daniel Beale too agreed that it would be a tough, exciting battle on Saturday for a place in Sunday's summit clash.&nbsp;

"We are into the crucial stage of the tournament. We got to watch last night's match between Holland and India. So we have learnt a lot from that. We are expecting a very tough match tomorrow," he said.&nbsp;

"We have very proud history. There is no special formula. We work hard, we train hard. We are fiercely competitive. Every tournament we go we go to win."&nbsp;

Beale said what happened four years ago will hardly have any impact in Saturday's must-win game.&nbsp;

"In 2014 Australia had great success in the final but that was a long time ago and this group has changed immensely. So we are looking to create a bit of history," Beale said.&nbsp;

"Holland are a very tough team. They have quality players. Billy (Bakker), (Robert) Kemperman, (Valentin) Verga. We wil do our homework and try to nullify them."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Olympic silver medallist Belgium too would be looking to create history by making their maiden World Cup final appearance when they take on England in the first semi-final earlier in the day.

A rare history awaits two-time defending champions Australia as they chase a record hat-trick of titles, taking on the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the men's hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here on Saturday.

A rare history awaits two-time defending champions Australia as they chase a record hat-trick of titles, taking on the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the men's hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here on Saturday. The world number one Australia is second only to four-time champions Pakistan, having won the world title thrice before, which includes back-to-back gold medals in the last two editions of the tournament in 2010 and 2014. Come Saturday, the Kookaburras will be chasing their third consecutive world crown. But it would be easier said than done as in world no.4 Netherlands a tough contest awaits Australia. The Dutch, who have won the title thrice before - the last time being in 1998, too would be desperate to break their 20-year-old jinx. The Netherlands would be high on confidence especially after their hard-fought 2-1 win over home favourites India in the quarter-finals on Thursday. Amazing Australia takes on the formidable Netherlands in the #OdishaHockeyWorldCup2018 Semi-Final 2! Gear up for a nail-biting phenomenon on 15th December, 6:30 PM tonight! #Odisha2018 #HWC2018 #KalingaStadium Visit: https://t.co/YQG4YTcYvs for the latest info! pic.twitter.com/CXHJZwsFuK — Hockey World Cup 2018 - Host Partner (@sports_odisha) December 14, 2018 × Going by form and world ranking, it is expected to be an edge of the seat thriller between the two teams, who prefer to play a totally contrasting style of hockey. While attacking hockey is the backbone of Australia, the Dutch mostly prefer to play waiting for the game with a compact defence and relying more on counters to surprise their opponents. There is hardly anything to differentiate between the two sides going by recent head-to-head record. Since 2013, Australia and Netherlands have played each other 11 times with the Kookaburras winning five and losing four while two ended in draws. The Australians made a slow start but grew in confidence as the tournament progressed. The #OdishaHockeyWorldCup2018 Semi-Final 1 between England and Belgium promises an adrenaline rush like no other! Tune in tomorrow for an incredible game of hockey! #Odisha2018 #HWC2018 #KalingaStadium Visit https://t.co/YQG4YTcYvs for exclusive highlights.#HWC2018 #Odisha2018 pic.twitter.com/e31wWRfjwN — Hockey World Cup 2018 - Host Partner (@sports_odisha) December 14, 2018 × After a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ireland in their opener, Australia stepped on the gas and registered convincing wins over England (3-0), China (11-0) and France (3-0). The Dutch, on the other hand, started with a bang and mauled Malaysia 7-0 before losing 1-4 to Germany. They defeated Pakistan 5-1 in their last pool match before beating Canada 5-0 in the cross-overs and eking out a close 2-1 win over India in the quarter-finals. The Australia-Netherlands match has all the makings of a classic. In 2014 at The Hague, Australia came out on top against Netherlands 6-1 in front of home crowd to lift their second consecutive World Cup. And Saturday's encounter will provide the Dutch an opportunity to avenge their loss four years ago. But in the last four years since they met in the final of 2014, much has changed. The likes of Jamie Dwyer, Mark Knowles and Glenn Turner have retired but the Kookaburras have rebuilt brilliantly under coach Colin Batch since the disappointment of Rio Olympics and have returned to the top of the world rankings. The Dutch, on the other hand, are unquestionably much tougher under Max Caldas now than they were four years ago. Australia's Daniel Beale too agreed that it would be a tough, exciting battle on Saturday for a place in Sunday's summit clash. "We are into the crucial stage of the tournament. We got to watch last night's match between Holland and India. So we have learnt a lot from that. We are expecting a very tough match tomorrow," he said. "We have very proud history. There is no special formula. We work hard, we train hard. We are fiercely competitive. Every tournament we go we go to win." Beale said what happened four years ago will hardly have any impact in Saturday's must-win game. "In 2014 Australia had great success in the final but that was a long time ago and this group has changed immensely. So we are looking to create a bit of history," Beale said. "Holland are a very tough team. They have quality players. Billy (Bakker), (Robert) Kemperman, (Valentin) Verga. We wil do our homework and try to nullify them." Meanwhile, Olympic silver medallist Belgium too would be looking to create history by making their maiden World Cup final appearance when they take on England in the first semi-final earlier in the day.

Hockey World Cup 2018, Semi-final: Australia vs Netherlands, Belgium vs England

Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel was left leading a minority administration on Sunday after the Flemish nationalist party quit the ruling coalition over his support of a UN migration pact.

The New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), the largest of the coalition's four parties, had earlier threatened to leave if Michel backed the accord, which has become a cause celebre for European anti-immigration parties.

Belgium's King Philippe accepted the resignations of the N-VA's ministers on Sunday after meeting with Michel at the royal palace, according to a statement.

Michel also presented the king with the names of those who would replace the N-VA ministers in the interior, finance, defence and migration portfolios.

The departure of the Flemish party means Michel will lack a parliamentary majority for five months ahead of legislative elections scheduled for late May.

Interior minister and N-VA member Jan Jambon had confirmed earlier Sunday that he and the party's other ministers would step down.

"It's clear," he told national broadcaster RTBF, following hours of uncertainty.

In power for four years, the coalition has often been riven over the N-VA's anti-migration positions.

Party leader Bart De Wever issued Michel an ultimatum on Saturday night, suggesting that the N-VA would quit the coalition if the prime minister flew to a UN conference in Marrakesh on Sunday to endorse the migration pact.

"If we no longer have a voice in this government... there is no point in continuing," he said.

Michel stood firm, saying he would represent Belgium in Marrakesh as the "head of state of a responsible coalition".

A last-gasp cabinet meeting was held late Saturday, but failed to overcome the differences between the parties. &nbsp;

'Pact with the devil' 
The non-binding UN accord, which would promote a common global approach to migrant flows, was initially supported by all four parties in Belgium's coalition.

But the N-VA changed its mind in late October.

The crisis had been rumbling for several weeks before bursting into the open on Tuesday when Michel turned to parliament after failing to unite his government behind the pact.

The liberal prime minister has steadfastly defended the pact, saying the international "credibility" of Belgium was at stake.

On Thursday, a majority of parliament supported the accord, but the N-VA and the far-right Vlaams Belang party voted against.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Steve Bannon, a former advisor to US President Donald Trump, denounced the UN pact at an event hosted by Vlaams Belang in Brussels on Saturday.&nbsp;

"The country that signs the pact obviously signs a pact with the devil," Le Pen said.

The draft UN pact lays down 23 objectives to open up legal migration and better manage a global flow of 250 million people, three percent of the world population.

The United States dropped out of talks on the pact last year and countries such as Hungary, Austria, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Australia have rejected it.

The pact is expected to be ratified at the UN headquarters in New York on December 19.

Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel was left leading a minority administration on Sunday after the Flemish nationalist party quit the ruling coalition over his support of a UN migration pact.

Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel was left leading a minority administration on Sunday after the Flemish nationalist party quit the ruling coalition over his support of a UN migration pact. The New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), the largest of the coalition's four parties, had earlier threatened to leave if Michel backed the accord, which has become a cause celebre for European anti-immigration parties. Belgium's King Philippe accepted the resignations of the N-VA's ministers on Sunday after meeting with Michel at the royal palace, according to a statement. Michel also presented the king with the names of those who would replace the N-VA ministers in the interior, finance, defence and migration portfolios. The departure of the Flemish party means Michel will lack a parliamentary majority for five months ahead of legislative elections scheduled for late May. Interior minister and N-VA member Jan Jambon had confirmed earlier Sunday that he and the party's other ministers would step down. "It's clear," he told national broadcaster RTBF, following hours of uncertainty. In power for four years, the coalition has often been riven over the N-VA's anti-migration positions. Party leader Bart De Wever issued Michel an ultimatum on Saturday night, suggesting that the N-VA would quit the coalition if the prime minister flew to a UN conference in Marrakesh on Sunday to endorse the migration pact. "If we no longer have a voice in this government... there is no point in continuing," he said. Michel stood firm, saying he would represent Belgium in Marrakesh as the "head of state of a responsible coalition". A last-gasp cabinet meeting was held late Saturday, but failed to overcome the differences between the parties. 'Pact with the devil' The non-binding UN accord, which would promote a common global approach to migrant flows, was initially supported by all four parties in Belgium's coalition. But the N-VA changed its mind in late October. The crisis had been rumbling for several weeks before bursting into the open on Tuesday when Michel turned to parliament after failing to unite his government behind the pact. The liberal prime minister has steadfastly defended the pact, saying the international "credibility" of Belgium was at stake. On Thursday, a majority of parliament supported the accord, but the N-VA and the far-right Vlaams Belang party voted against. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Steve Bannon, a former advisor to US President Donald Trump, denounced the UN pact at an event hosted by Vlaams Belang in Brussels on Saturday. "The country that signs the pact obviously signs a pact with the devil," Le Pen said. The draft UN pact lays down 23 objectives to open up legal migration and better manage a global flow of 250 million people, three percent of the world population. The United States dropped out of talks on the pact last year and countries such as Hungary, Austria, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Australia have rejected it. The pact is expected to be ratified at the UN headquarters in New York on December 19.

Belgium lapses into minority government over UN migration pact row

Belgian police detained more than 400 people on Saturday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paris-on-lockdown-as-yellow-vest-protests-hit-again-182474">"yellow vest" protesters inspired by riots in France</a> threw rocks and firecrackers and damaged shops and cars as they tried to reach official buildings in Brussels.

In the second violence of its kind in the capital in eight days, a crowd which police estimated at around 1,000 faced riot squads who used water cannon and tear gas to keep people away from the European Union headquarters and the nearby Belgian government quarter. Calm was restored after about five hours.

The movement in Belgium, inspired by the "gilets jaunes", or yellow vest, protests in neighbouring France over the past month, has given voice to complaints about the cost of living and demanded the removal of Belgium's centre-right coalition government, six months before a national election is due in May.

French police said more than 30,000 people demonstrated there and more than 30 people were injured in a second successive Saturday of violence in Paris.

Belgian protesters wearing the fluorescent yellow vests carried by all motorists for emergencies also briefly blocked a motorway near Belgium's border with France.

Belgian police detained more than 400 people on Saturday after "yellow vest" protesters inspired by riots in France threw rocks and firecrackers and damaged shops and cars as they tried to reach official buildings in Brussels.

Belgian police detained more than 400 people on Saturday after "yellow vest" protesters inspired by riots in France threw rocks and firecrackers and damaged shops and cars as they tried to reach official buildings in Brussels. In the second violence of its kind in the capital in eight days, a crowd which police estimated at around 1,000 faced riot squads who used water cannon and tear gas to keep people away from the European Union headquarters and the nearby Belgian government quarter. Calm was restored after about five hours. The movement in Belgium, inspired by the "gilets jaunes", or yellow vest, protests in neighbouring France over the past month, has given voice to complaints about the cost of living and demanded the removal of Belgium's centre-right coalition government, six months before a national election is due in May. French police said more than 30,000 people demonstrated there and more than 30 people were injured in a second successive Saturday of violence in Paris. Belgian protesters wearing the fluorescent yellow vests carried by all motorists for emergencies also briefly blocked a motorway near Belgium's border with France.

Brussels Police arrest hundreds in 'Yellow Vest' riot

Belgium defeated South Africa 4-1 in their final Pool C clash on Saturday at Odisha's Kalinga Stadium in Men's Hockey World Cup 2018.

South Africa took a lead in the first quarter, as Nick Spooner scored a field goal within the opening minutes, but lost the momentum as the game progressed. 
&nbsp; 
But Belgium bounced back in the game with an immediate equaliser by Alexendar Hendricks, who converted a penalty corner in the 12th minute, and dominated the game from there.

The European giants took a lead in the first quarter itself when Arthur Van Doren and Loick Luypaert created an excellent move from their own half before a long ball found Simon Gougnard who beat South African goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse with a calm finish.

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Simon Gougnard was given the player of the match for his crucial contribution to the game.

Hendricks completed his brace off another penalty corner in the 21st minute as the Europeans tightened their grip on the match.

Luypaert scored Belgium's fourth goal a few seconds before half-time as the title contenders from Europe went into the break with a formidable advantage.

With seven points, Belgium sit atop of Pool C.

Belgium defeated South Africa 4-1 in their final Pool C clash on Saturday at Odisha's Kalinga Stadium in Men's Hockey World Cup 2018. South Africa took a lead in the first quarter, as Nick Spooner scored a field goal within the opening minutes, but lost the momentum as the game progressed.

Belgium defeated South Africa 4-1 in their final Pool C clash on Saturday at Odisha's Kalinga Stadium in Men's Hockey World Cup 2018. South Africa took a lead in the first quarter, as Nick Spooner scored a field goal within the opening minutes, but lost the momentum as the game progressed. But Belgium bounced back in the game with an immediate equaliser by Alexendar Hendricks, who converted a penalty corner in the 12th minute, and dominated the game from there. The European giants took a lead in the first quarter itself when Arthur Van Doren and Loick Luypaert created an excellent move from their own half before a long ball found Simon Gougnard who beat South African goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse with a calm finish. .@SA_Hockey gets a warm farewell with applause from the crowd at the packed Kalinga Stadium after their campaign at the OHMWC Bhubaneswar ends on 8th December. #BELvRSA #IndiaKaGame #HWC2018 #DilHockey pic.twitter.com/UkwAK4JgT7 — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) December 8, 2018 × Simon Gougnard was given the player of the match for his crucial contribution to the game. Hendricks completed his brace off another penalty corner in the 21st minute as the Europeans tightened their grip on the match. Luypaert scored Belgium's fourth goal a few seconds before half-time as the title contenders from Europe went into the break with a formidable advantage. With seven points, Belgium sit atop of Pool C.

Hockey World Cup: Belgium thrash South Africa 4-1 in last pool match

Belgium defeated Canada 2-1 in the first match of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/hockey-world-cup">Men's Hockey World Cup 2018</a> on Wednesday.

The Olympic silver medallist Belgium's created the pressure in the first quarter itself through a fine field strike by Felix Denayer in the third minute of the game.

In the second quarter, they did not only saved a penalty corner but also scored again, extending the lead to 2-0.

In the 12th minute, captain Thomas Briels found the back of the net again for Belgium but the goal was disallowed after Canada went for the referral, claiming the ball hit his hand before rolling on to the goal.&nbsp;

As it happened | <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hockey-world-cup-2018-belgium-vs-canada-180008">Belgium vs Canada</a>

However, he scored with a brilliant strike after he was set up by Arthur van Doren.&nbsp;

Doren was awarded player of the match for his overall performance during the match.

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Belgium completely dominated the first two quarters as Canada hardly managed to get a shot at the opposition goal.&nbsp;

But they failed to keep up the momentum as after the halftime, Canada started to find their grip on the match. &nbsp;

They fought brilliantly to pull a goal back through Mark Pearson's penalty corner conversion in the 48th minute.&nbsp;

It was far from an ideal start for Belgium as they wasted as many as four penalty corners in the match, a fact which their captain Thomas Briels accepted.&nbsp;

"We played a very good first half. We started positively and dominated but Canada came back strongly after halftime to give us some tough time," Briels said.&nbsp;

Belgium will next face hosts India on December 2 while Canada will be up against South Africa.&nbsp;

Belgium defeated Canada 2-1 in the first match of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 on Wednesday. The Olympic silver medallist Belgium's created the pressure in the first quarter itself through a fine field strike by Felix Denayer in the third minute of the game.

Belgium defeated Canada 2-1 in the first match of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 on Wednesday. The Olympic silver medallist Belgium's created the pressure in the first quarter itself through a fine field strike by Felix Denayer in the third minute of the game. In the second quarter, they did not only saved a penalty corner but also scored again, extending the lead to 2-0. In the 12th minute, captain Thomas Briels found the back of the net again for Belgium but the goal was disallowed after Canada went for the referral, claiming the ball hit his hand before rolling on to the goal. As it happened | Belgium vs Canada However, he scored with a brilliant strike after he was set up by Arthur van Doren. Doren was awarded player of the match for his overall performance during the match. 🏑 | POTM | @ArthurVDoren | @BELRedLions#HWC2018 #Odisha2018 🇧🇪 #BELvCAN 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/Iv4tTPkdX4 — Hockey World Cup 2018 - Host Partner (@sports_odisha) 28 November 2018 × Belgium completely dominated the first two quarters as Canada hardly managed to get a shot at the opposition goal. But they failed to keep up the momentum as after the halftime, Canada started to find their grip on the match. They fought brilliantly to pull a goal back through Mark Pearson's penalty corner conversion in the 48th minute. It was far from an ideal start for Belgium as they wasted as many as four penalty corners in the match, a fact which their captain Thomas Briels accepted. "We played a very good first half. We started positively and dominated but Canada came back strongly after halftime to give us some tough time," Briels said. Belgium will next face hosts India on December 2 while Canada will be up against South Africa.

Belgium cruise past Canada 2-1 in hockey World Cup opener

Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list

The Brussels appeals court has ordered the retired king of Belgium to take a DNA paternity test, overturning an earlier ruling in a suit brought by 50-year-old artist Delphine Boel.

Under the judgment, reported by Boel's lawyers on Monday, King Albert II must take the test within three months or risk being presumed to be her father -- although his lawyers could seek to challenge the court's legal argument.

The 84-year-old monarch, who in 2013 abdicated in favour of his son Philippe after 20 years on the throne, has contested Boel's claim for more than a decade. Court-ordered DNA tests have proved that she is not the daughter of Jacques Boel, scion of one of Belgium's richest industrial dynasties.

The court could not be reached, and there was no immediate comment from the royal house. Boel's lawyers said in their statement that they were pleased with the "strong affirmation of the principle of acting in the interests of the child" as she seeks legal confirmation of her true identity.

That identity became a topic of public debate after the publication in 1999 of a biography of Queen Paola, Albert's Italian wife, which alleged that he had had a long extra-marital relationship from which a daughter was born in the 1960s.

Albert, who has no formal public role, has acknowledged that he and Paola had marital difficulties. Their three children are all older than Boel. Next in line to the throne is 17-year-old Princess Elisabeth, daughter of Philippe and Queen Mathilde.

The Brussels appeals court has ordered the retired king of Belgium to take a DNA paternity test, overturning an earlier ruling in a suit brought by 50-year-old artist Delphine Boel.

The Brussels appeals court has ordered the retired king of Belgium to take a DNA paternity test, overturning an earlier ruling in a suit brought by 50-year-old artist Delphine Boel. Under the judgment, reported by Boel's lawyers on Monday, King Albert II must take the test within three months or risk being presumed to be her father -- although his lawyers could seek to challenge the court's legal argument. The 84-year-old monarch, who in 2013 abdicated in favour of his son Philippe after 20 years on the throne, has contested Boel's claim for more than a decade. Court-ordered DNA tests have proved that she is not the daughter of Jacques Boel, scion of one of Belgium's richest industrial dynasties. The court could not be reached, and there was no immediate comment from the royal house. Boel's lawyers said in their statement that they were pleased with the "strong affirmation of the principle of acting in the interests of the child" as she seeks legal confirmation of her true identity. That identity became a topic of public debate after the publication in 1999 of a biography of Queen Paola, Albert's Italian wife, which alleged that he had had a long extra-marital relationship from which a daughter was born in the 1960s. Albert, who has no formal public role, has acknowledged that he and Paola had marital difficulties. Their three children are all older than Boel. Next in line to the throne is 17-year-old Princess Elisabeth, daughter of Philippe and Queen Mathilde.

Court orders Belgian ex-king Albert II to take paternity test

Kevin De Bruyne has been ruled out of Manchester City squad for up to six weeks due to a&nbsp;knee ligament damage that he suffered in Thursday's League Cup win against Fulham.

"Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suffered knee ligament damage in his left knee during Thursday night's Carabao Cup fourth-round win over Fulham," a statement on City's website said.

The incident happened in the&nbsp;closing minutes of City's 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium after falling awkwardly in a clash with Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

De Bruyne&nbsp;had scans on Friday that revealed the left knee&nbsp;injury is serious enough that he is unlikely to be back in action until mid-December, although he does not require surgery.

"The Belgian underwent scans on Friday at the CFA. No surgery is needed but he is expected to be out for between 5-6 weeks," the statement added.

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PEP: <a href="https://twitter.com/DeBruyneKev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeBruyneKev</a> is out and we are sad for him, nobody likes to have injured players but he will come back to the player he is and he will be fine. It is what it is but fortunately it is not surgery and he will be back. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mancity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mancity</a>
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PEP: Yesterday <a href="https://twitter.com/DeBruyneKev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeBruyneKev</a> was so sad, but he can spend this time with his new boy and his family. But after the international break he will be back stronger to help us achieve our targets. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mancity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mancity</a>
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His absence during a busy period is a major blow for Premier League leaders City, who face crucial Champions League fixtures, the Manchester derby and a trip to Chelsea before De Bruyne is likely to be fit.

Kevin De Bruyne has been ruled out of Manchester City squad for up to six weeks due to a knee ligament damage that he suffered in Thursday's League Cup win against Fulham.

Kevin De Bruyne has been ruled out of Manchester City squad for up to six weeks due to a knee ligament damage that he suffered in Thursday's League Cup win against Fulham. "Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suffered knee ligament damage in his left knee during Thursday night's Carabao Cup fourth-round win over Fulham," a statement on City's website said. The incident happened in the closing minutes of City's 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium after falling awkwardly in a clash with Timothy Fosu-Mensah. De Bruyne had scans on Friday that revealed the left knee injury is serious enough that he is unlikely to be back in action until mid-December, although he does not require surgery. "The Belgian underwent scans on Friday at the CFA. No surgery is needed but he is expected to be out for between 5-6 weeks," the statement added. PEP: @DeBruyneKev is out and we are sad for him, nobody likes to have injured players but he will come back to the player he is and he will be fine. It is what it is but fortunately it is not surgery and he will be back. #mancity — Manchester City (@ManCity) November 2, 2018 × PEP: Yesterday @DeBruyneKev was so sad, but he can spend this time with his new boy and his family. But after the international break he will be back stronger to help us achieve our targets. #mancity — Manchester City (@ManCity) November 2, 2018 × His absence during a busy period is a major blow for Premier League leaders City, who face crucial Champions League fixtures, the Manchester derby and a trip to Chelsea before De Bruyne is likely to be fit.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne ruled out for six weeks due to knee injury

Belgium said on Thursday it had chosen Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth jets over the Eurofighter Typhoon to replace its ageing F-16s in a 4 billion euro ($4.55 billion) deal, saying the decision came down to price.

After months of deliberation, the decision to buy 34 of the planes was announced at a government news conference.

Belgium joins a list of other European NATO allies, including Britain, the Netherlands, Italy and Turkey, to take the American-made plane, which is also set to be the US military's main fighter aircraft for decades to come.

"We have landed! This government is investing heavily in defence. With the purchase of F-35A fighter planes ... we ensure your safety and that of our military," Belgian Defence Minister Steven Vandeput said on Twitter during the news conference.

"The offer from the Americans was the best in all our seven evaluation criteria," he later told reporters.

The jets, which can avoid detection and tracking by enemy radars or heat sensors, aim to offer NATO allies technological superiority with additional capabilities such as the ability to disrupt enemy communications networks and navigation signals.

The pick makes Belgium the 12th country to choose the F-35, which comes in three variants - the F-35A conventional take-off and landing model, the F-35B, a short take-off or vertical landing version, and the F-35C, used aboard aircraft carriers.

Belgium has chosen the conventional version of the plane, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2023.

Vice Admiral Mat Winter, US F-35 programme chief, said the decision would further strengthen ties between the United States and Belgium and make it easier for the two countries' air forces to work together on future missions.

The decision is a setback for Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain, who are behind the Eurofighter programme, and also means the rejection of an informal French offer to sell Belgium the Rafale fighter built by Dassault Aviation.

However, Britain's BAE Systems is also a partner on the F-35 project.

Belgium's decision raises the stakes for Eurofighter in Germany, Switzerland and Finland, which also plan to buy new warplanes, industry executives said.

Eurofighter also sees good prospects in Canada, which was part of the initial F-35 partnership, but has not made a decision to buy the U.S. aircraft. Exact terms of the Canadian competition are due to be released next year.

Cheaper than projected

Prime Minister Charles Michel's government said despite a strong desire to support European allies, the F-35 was cheaper for Belgium over the long term, coming in 600 million euros ($684 million) under what the government budgeted for.

The total price of the deal, including the jets, pilot training, hangars and upkeep until 2030 was worth 4 billion euros, Vandeput said, compared with the original budget of 4.6 billion euros.

Over the 40-year life of the aircraft, the deal will cost Belgium 12.4 billion euros, rather than the 15 billion euros first projected, he said.

Belgium looks to have benefited from Lockheed Martin's strategy to reduce the cost of the jets as production has increased. US President Donald Trump and other US officials have criticised the F-35 programme for delays and cost overruns.

Each plane is likely to cost Belgium around 76 million euros, slightly less than the amount paid by the Netherlands and Italy, according to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, citing a closed-door briefing by Belgian air force personnel to lawmakers on Wednesday, when the final decision was taken.

Michel also defended the decision to choose a US company over European neighbours as a way to balance loyalties to the American-led NATO alliance and defence spending in Europe.

"We are choosing cooperation with NATO and for European defence," Michel told the news conference. He said money saved on the F-35 would be used for other defence projects.

With defence spending just under 0.9 per cent of economic output on defence in 2017, Belgium is one of the worst performers in trying to meet a NATO target of 2 per cent by 2024, which Trump says is already too low and should be at least 3 per cent.

Deputy Prime Minister Kris Peeters said 30 per cent of the components for the F-35 will also come from Europe.

Belgium said on Thursday it had chosen Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth jets over the Eurofighter Typhoon to replace its ageing F-16s in a 4 billion euro ($4.55 billion) deal, saying the decision came down to price.

Belgium said on Thursday it had chosen Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth jets over the Eurofighter Typhoon to replace its ageing F-16s in a 4 billion euro ($4.55 billion) deal, saying the decision came down to price. After months of deliberation, the decision to buy 34 of the planes was announced at a government news conference. Belgium joins a list of other European NATO allies, including Britain, the Netherlands, Italy and Turkey, to take the American-made plane, which is also set to be the US military's main fighter aircraft for decades to come. "We have landed! This government is investing heavily in defence. With the purchase of F-35A fighter planes ... we ensure your safety and that of our military," Belgian Defence Minister Steven Vandeput said on Twitter during the news conference. "The offer from the Americans was the best in all our seven evaluation criteria," he later told reporters. The jets, which can avoid detection and tracking by enemy radars or heat sensors, aim to offer NATO allies technological superiority with additional capabilities such as the ability to disrupt enemy communications networks and navigation signals. The pick makes Belgium the 12th country to choose the F-35, which comes in three variants - the F-35A conventional take-off and landing model, the F-35B, a short take-off or vertical landing version, and the F-35C, used aboard aircraft carriers. Belgium has chosen the conventional version of the plane, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2023. Vice Admiral Mat Winter, US F-35 programme chief, said the decision would further strengthen ties between the United States and Belgium and make it easier for the two countries' air forces to work together on future missions. The decision is a setback for Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain, who are behind the Eurofighter programme, and also means the rejection of an informal French offer to sell Belgium the Rafale fighter built by Dassault Aviation. However, Britain's BAE Systems is also a partner on the F-35 project. Belgium's decision raises the stakes for Eurofighter in Germany, Switzerland and Finland, which also plan to buy new warplanes, industry executives said. Eurofighter also sees good prospects in Canada, which was part of the initial F-35 partnership, but has not made a decision to buy the U.S. aircraft. Exact terms of the Canadian competition are due to be released next year. Cheaper than projected Prime Minister Charles Michel's government said despite a strong desire to support European allies, the F-35 was cheaper for Belgium over the long term, coming in 600 million euros ($684 million) under what the government budgeted for. The total price of the deal, including the jets, pilot training, hangars and upkeep until 2030 was worth 4 billion euros, Vandeput said, compared with the original budget of 4.6 billion euros. Over the 40-year life of the aircraft, the deal will cost Belgium 12.4 billion euros, rather than the 15 billion euros first projected, he said. Belgium looks to have benefited from Lockheed Martin's strategy to reduce the cost of the jets as production has increased. US President Donald Trump and other US officials have criticised the F-35 programme for delays and cost overruns. Each plane is likely to cost Belgium around 76 million euros, slightly less than the amount paid by the Netherlands and Italy, according to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, citing a closed-door briefing by Belgian air force personnel to lawmakers on Wednesday, when the final decision was taken. Michel also defended the decision to choose a US company over European neighbours as a way to balance loyalties to the American-led NATO alliance and defence spending in Europe. "We are choosing cooperation with NATO and for European defence," Michel told the news conference. He said money saved on the F-35 would be used for other defence projects. With defence spending just under 0.9 per cent of economic output on defence in 2017, Belgium is one of the worst performers in trying to meet a NATO target of 2 per cent by 2024, which Trump says is already too low and should be at least 3 per cent. Deputy Prime Minister Kris Peeters said 30 per cent of the components for the F-35 will also come from Europe.

Belgium picks Lockheed's F-35 over Eurofighter

Belgium surpassed France to acquire the top spot in FIFA's world rankings released on Thursday.&nbsp;

Belgium and France had been tied at the top last month and while both sides won one game and drew another in October, the Belgians, with 1,733 points, moved ahead by a single point under the formula for calculating the rankings.

Belgium defeated Switzerland in the Nations League and drew with the Netherlands in a friendly.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, world champions France beat Germany in the Nations League and were held by Iceland in a friendly.

Brazil, one of only two non-European sides in the top 10 along with Uruguay, remain third, followed by Croatia and England.

Gibraltar, who only became FIFA members in 2016, rose eight places to their best ranking of 190th, thanks to their Nations League wins in Armenia and at home Liechtenstein.

Belgium surpassed France to acquire the top spot in FIFA's world rankings released on Thursday. Belgium and France had been tied at the top last month and while both sides won one game and drew another in October, the Belgians, with 1,733 points, moved ahead by a single point under the formula for calculating the rankings.

Belgium surpassed France to acquire the top spot in FIFA's world rankings released on Thursday. Belgium and France had been tied at the top last month and while both sides won one game and drew another in October, the Belgians, with 1,733 points, moved ahead by a single point under the formula for calculating the rankings. Belgium defeated Switzerland in the Nations League and drew with the Netherlands in a friendly. Meanwhile, world champions France beat Germany in the Nations League and were held by Iceland in a friendly. Brazil, one of only two non-European sides in the top 10 along with Uruguay, remain third, followed by Croatia and England. Gibraltar, who only became FIFA members in 2016, rose eight places to their best ranking of 190th, thanks to their Nations League wins in Armenia and at home Liechtenstein.

FIFA world rankings: Belgium becomes new no. 1

Romelu Lukaku scored twice to earn Belgium a 2-1 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League on Friday, lifting the mood in the country after a week marred by match-fixing allegations.

Belgium's second win in the group means they have won 11 of their last 12 matches, the only blemish being the World Cup semi-final defeat by France in July.

Lukaku broke the deadlock just before the hour mark, finding himself unmarked on the right as Thomas Meunier set him up for a left-foot shot that squeezed under the body of Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

But the Belgian defence were caught ball watching with about 15 minutes left as Xherdan Shaqiri’s free kick was headed back into the danger zone by Nico Elvedi and finished off from close range by substitute Mario Gavranovic.

Belgium defender Vincent Kompany went close with a headed opportunity from a corner and Lukaku blasted over from close range after being set up by substitute Nacer Chadli.

But the Manchester United striker made amends with the 84th- minute winner at the end of a flowing move which involved captain Eden Hazard and a deft pass from Dries Mertens to set Lukaku up for another left-foot finish.

Lukaku’s double, which lifted him to 45 goals in 78 internationals, ensured a bright end to a bad week for Belgian football in which 19 people, including two referees, soccer agents and the coach of champions Club Bruges, were charged on Friday with fraud or match-fixing.

Belgium play the Netherlands in a friendly in Brussels on Tuesday while the Swiss go to Iceland for their next Nations League game on Monday.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice to earn Belgium a 2-1 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League on Friday, lifting the mood in the country after a week marred by match-fixing allegations.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice to earn Belgium a 2-1 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League on Friday, lifting the mood in the country after a week marred by match-fixing allegations. Belgium's second win in the group means they have won 11 of their last 12 matches, the only blemish being the World Cup semi-final defeat by France in July. Lukaku broke the deadlock just before the hour mark, finding himself unmarked on the right as Thomas Meunier set him up for a left-foot shot that squeezed under the body of Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer. But the Belgian defence were caught ball watching with about 15 minutes left as Xherdan Shaqiri’s free kick was headed back into the danger zone by Nico Elvedi and finished off from close range by substitute Mario Gavranovic. Belgium defender Vincent Kompany went close with a headed opportunity from a corner and Lukaku blasted over from close range after being set up by substitute Nacer Chadli. But the Manchester United striker made amends with the 84th- minute winner at the end of a flowing move which involved captain Eden Hazard and a deft pass from Dries Mertens to set Lukaku up for another left-foot finish. Lukaku’s double, which lifted him to 45 goals in 78 internationals, ensured a bright end to a bad week for Belgian football in which 19 people, including two referees, soccer agents and the coach of champions Club Bruges, were charged on Friday with fraud or match-fixing. Belgium play the Netherlands in a friendly in Brussels on Tuesday while the Swiss go to Iceland for their next Nations League game on Monday.

Romelu Lukaku scores twice as Belgium beat Switzerland 2-1

Chelsea's star footballer Eden Hazard said that "Real Madrid is the best club in the world. It is my dream since I was a kid".

Hazard, whose deal expires in 2020, has long been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/belgium-forward-eden-hazard-mulls-over-leaving-chelsea-151852">linked with a move to European champions Real Madrid</a> after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the Spanish side to Juventus.

"I spoke after the World Cup and I said that I think it is time to change because I played a great World Cup," Hazard told the British media after scoring in Sunday's 3-0 victory at Southampton.

"I am really in the game, I am playing good football at the moment.

"Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I don't want to lie today. It is my dream since I was a kid. I was dreaming about this club.

"We will see. I don't want to talk about this every day. I don't have time but we will talk about my future soon."

Previously, he said, "I can decide if I want to stay or go, but Chelsea will make the final decision. For my career, certainly after this World Cup, I'm at a moment where I might change. I will go on holiday and ask myself the right questions."

"I think Real Madrid is everyone's dream. Zidane or no Zidane, the white shirt is special," spoke of his admiration for the Spanish giants in an interview.

Hazard has been instrumental in Chelsea's unbeaten start under Maurizio Sarri, scoring eight goals in all competitions, as the Blues sit joint top of the Premier League alongside Manchester City and Liverpool.

Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri recently&nbsp;confirmed that his star player <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-coach-maurizio-sarri-confirms-eden-hazard-not-for-sale-161418">Eden Hazard is not for sale</a>.

"We cannot sell such an important player without the possibility of buying another player at the same level, so I hope Eden will stay for this season," said Sarri.

Chelsea's star footballer Eden Hazard said that "Real Madrid is the best club in the world. It is my dream since I was a kid". Hazard, whose deal expires in 2020, has long been linked with a move to European champions Real Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the Spanish side to Juventus.

Chelsea's star footballer Eden Hazard said that "Real Madrid is the best club in the world. It is my dream since I was a kid". Hazard, whose deal expires in 2020, has long been linked with a move to European champions Real Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the Spanish side to Juventus. "I spoke after the World Cup and I said that I think it is time to change because I played a great World Cup," Hazard told the British media after scoring in Sunday's 3-0 victory at Southampton. "I am really in the game, I am playing good football at the moment. "Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I don't want to lie today. It is my dream since I was a kid. I was dreaming about this club. "We will see. I don't want to talk about this every day. I don't have time but we will talk about my future soon." Previously, he said, "I can decide if I want to stay or go, but Chelsea will make the final decision. For my career, certainly after this World Cup, I'm at a moment where I might change. I will go on holiday and ask myself the right questions." "I think Real Madrid is everyone's dream. Zidane or no Zidane, the white shirt is special," spoke of his admiration for the Spanish giants in an interview. Hazard has been instrumental in Chelsea's unbeaten start under Maurizio Sarri, scoring eight goals in all competitions, as the Blues sit joint top of the Premier League alongside Manchester City and Liverpool. Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri recently confirmed that his star player Eden Hazard is not for sale. "We cannot sell such an important player without the possibility of buying another player at the same level, so I hope Eden will stay for this season," said Sarri.

Real Madrid is my childhood dream, says Chelsea's Eden Hazard

Costa Rica got the first goal here Monday against Belgium only to end up losing 4-1 in the final friendly for both teams ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The potent Belgian attack was in evidence from the start and the first of what would turn out to be numerous tests for Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas came in the 5th minute on a strike by Eden Hazard.

At the other end of the pitch, Belgian keeper Thibault Courtois had nothing to do until the 13th minute, when he easily turned aside an effort by Marco Ureña.

Yet the visitors drew first blood, on a play that began with yet another great stop by Navas and ended with Bryan Ruiz's pouncing on a loose ball and knocking it past Courtois to make it 1-0 for Costa Rica in the 24th minute.

The advantage lasted just seven minutes, as Hazard exploited a defensive error to set up a one-touch strike by Dries Mertens just after the half-hour mark.

Energized by the goal, the hosts turned up the intensity and Navas was called upon for further heroics, including the use of his face to make a stop.

With three minutes left in the half, Romelu Lukaku took a pass from Mertens and let loose a volley that beat Navas to put Belgium up 2-1.

After the break, the hosts picked up where they left off and Lukaku needed just five minutes to get his second of the night, a thunderous header that increased the advantage to 3-1.

Michy Batshuayi added a fourth goal in the 64th minute, with help from both Hazard and Lukaku.

The Costa Ricans, who reached the quarterfinals in 2014, will begin their 2018 World Cup campaign on June 17 against Serbia in a group whose other members are Switzerland and five-time champions Brazil.

Belgium, meanwhile, are looking forward to their June 18 opener against Panama, to be followed by contests with England and Tunisia.

Costa Rica got the first goal against Belgium only to end up losing 4-1 in the final friendly for both teams ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia

Costa Rica got the first goal here Monday against Belgium only to end up losing 4-1 in the final friendly for both teams ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The potent Belgian attack was in evidence from the start and the first of what would turn out to be numerous tests for Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas came in the 5th minute on a strike by Eden Hazard. At the other end of the pitch, Belgian keeper Thibault Courtois had nothing to do until the 13th minute, when he easily turned aside an effort by Marco Ureña. Yet the visitors drew first blood, on a play that began with yet another great stop by Navas and ended with Bryan Ruiz's pouncing on a loose ball and knocking it past Courtois to make it 1-0 for Costa Rica in the 24th minute. The advantage lasted just seven minutes, as Hazard exploited a defensive error to set up a one-touch strike by Dries Mertens just after the half-hour mark. Energized by the goal, the hosts turned up the intensity and Navas was called upon for further heroics, including the use of his face to make a stop. With three minutes left in the half, Romelu Lukaku took a pass from Mertens and let loose a volley that beat Navas to put Belgium up 2-1. After the break, the hosts picked up where they left off and Lukaku needed just five minutes to get his second of the night, a thunderous header that increased the advantage to 3-1. Michy Batshuayi added a fourth goal in the 64th minute, with help from both Hazard and Lukaku. The Costa Ricans, who reached the quarterfinals in 2014, will begin their 2018 World Cup campaign on June 17 against Serbia in a group whose other members are Switzerland and five-time champions Brazil. Belgium, meanwhile, are looking forward to their June 18 opener against Panama, to be followed by contests with England and Tunisia.

Costa Rica fall 4-1 to Belgium in World Cup warm-up

Belgium have appeared in 12 World Cups, with their qualification for the 2014 edition in Brazil coming after a gap of 12 years. The Red Devils lost to Argentina in the quarter-finals in Brazil and their best performance remains their semi-final appearance in 1986 when they fell to the eventual champions, also Argentina.

<hr />
Coach: Roberto Martinez:&nbsp

The 44-year-old Spaniard was a surprise successor to Marc Wilmots, who was dismissed after Belgium lost to Wales in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals. Martinez was then himself out of work after being sacked by Everton following a frustrating season in which they finished 11th in the Premier League. The former Swansea City manager, however, led unfancied Wigan Athletic to their only FA Cup victory in 2013 when the club beat Manchester City in the final. Under him Belgium cruised to the top of their qualifying group for Russia with an unbeaten record, becoming the first European nation to secure their spot for the 2018 finals.

<hr />
Key players:

Kevin de Bruyne: The 26-year-old Manchester City midfielder has been the driving force in Pep Guardiola's record-breaking side. De Bruyne's work rate and ability to produce a procession of pinpoint passes took City to a new level, leaving all other title aspirants lagging way behind.

Eden Hazard: The Chelsea playmaker had a similar impact in Chelsea's Premier League-winning campaign a year ago, much like De Bruyne's this time around. Hazard's dribbling and movement, on and off the ball, constantly pose questions for defenders and the 27-year-old can carve through the toughest of defences when in form.

Romelu Lukaku:&nbspThe 24-year-old striker, who joined Manchester United at the beginning of the season, is a proven goalscorer with more than 100 strikes in the Premier League and is already Belgium's all-time top scorer with 33. With a dazzling midfield featuring De Bruyne and Hazard, Belgium will depend heavily on Lukaku to find the net.

<hr />
Form guide:

After drawing 3-3 against Mexico in Brussels last November, Roberto Martinez's side went on to beat Japan 1-0 four days later and then picked up a confidence-boosting 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia towards the end of March. They will play three more warm-up matches in June before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18.

How they qualified: The Red Devils cruised through their qualification group, becoming the first European nation to secure their spot for the finals in Russia. Belgium finished as Group H winners, with nine wins and a draw, scoring 43 goals in the process.

<hr />
Prospects:

Like four years ago in Brazil, Belgium will once again arrive on the world stage in Russia replete with talent who ply their trade in top leagues across Europe. They showed what they are capable of during World Cup qualification. While few doubt their attacking prowess, the jury is still out on their defensive organisation. They will be expected to top Group G which includes England, Panama and Tunisia, but will need a solid backline to ensure the campaign does not end up as another missed opportunity.

<hr />
Belgium's fixture:

June 18

08:30 PM | Belgium vs Panama | Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi

June 23

05:30 PM | Belgium vs Tunisia | Otkrytiye Arena, Moscow

June 28

11:30 PM | England vs Belgium | Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad

<hr />
Provisional 28-man World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea/ENG), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool/ENG), Matz Sels (Anderlecht), Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg/GER)

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen (both Tottenham Hotspurs/ENG), Dedryck Boyata (Celtic/SCO), Laurent Ciman (Los Angeles FC/USA), Christian Kabasele (Watford/ENG), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City/ENG), Jordan Lukaku (Lazio/ITA), Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona/ESP)

Midfielders: Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Yannick Carrasco (Dalian Yifang/CHN), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/ENG), Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion/ENG), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United/ENG), Eden Hazard (Chelsea/ENG), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Monchengladbach/GER), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad/ESP), Youri Tielemans (Monaco/FRA), Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian/CHN)

Forwards: Dries Mertens (Napoli/ITA), Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea/ENG), Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace/ENG), Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United/ENG)

<img alt="fifa 2018 Russia_9.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/fifa%202018%20Russia_9.jpg" width="770" />

&nbsp

&nbsp

Belgium have appeared in 12 World Cups, with their qualification for the 2014 edition in Brazil coming after a gap of 12 years

Belgium have appeared in 12 World Cups, with their qualification for the 2014 edition in Brazil coming after a gap of 12 years. The Red Devils lost to Argentina in the quarter-finals in Brazil and their best performance remains their semi-final appearance in 1986 when they fell to the eventual champions, also Argentina. Coach: Roberto Martinez: The 44-year-old Spaniard was a surprise successor to Marc Wilmots, who was dismissed after Belgium lost to Wales in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals. Martinez was then himself out of work after being sacked by Everton following a frustrating season in which they finished 11th in the Premier League. The former Swansea City manager, however, led unfancied Wigan Athletic to their only FA Cup victory in 2013 when the club beat Manchester City in the final. Under him Belgium cruised to the top of their qualifying group for Russia with an unbeaten record, becoming the first European nation to secure their spot for the 2018 finals. Key players: Kevin de Bruyne: The 26-year-old Manchester City midfielder has been the driving force in Pep Guardiola's record-breaking side. De Bruyne's work rate and ability to produce a procession of pinpoint passes took City to a new level, leaving all other title aspirants lagging way behind. Eden Hazard: The Chelsea playmaker had a similar impact in Chelsea's Premier League-winning campaign a year ago, much like De Bruyne's this time around. Hazard's dribbling and movement, on and off the ball, constantly pose questions for defenders and the 27-year-old can carve through the toughest of defences when in form. Romelu Lukaku: The 24-year-old striker, who joined Manchester United at the beginning of the season, is a proven goalscorer with more than 100 strikes in the Premier League and is already Belgium's all-time top scorer with 33. With a dazzling midfield featuring De Bruyne and Hazard, Belgium will depend heavily on Lukaku to find the net. Form guide: After drawing 3-3 against Mexico in Brussels last November, Roberto Martinez's side went on to beat Japan 1-0 four days later and then picked up a confidence-boosting 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia towards the end of March. They will play three more warm-up matches in June before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18. How they qualified: The Red Devils cruised through their qualification group, becoming the first European nation to secure their spot for the finals in Russia. Belgium finished as Group H winners, with nine wins and a draw, scoring 43 goals in the process. Prospects: Like four years ago in Brazil, Belgium will once again arrive on the world stage in Russia replete with talent who ply their trade in top leagues across Europe. They showed what they are capable of during World Cup qualification. While few doubt their attacking prowess, the jury is still out on their defensive organisation. They will be expected to top Group G which includes England, Panama and Tunisia, but will need a solid backline to ensure the campaign does not end up as another missed opportunity. Belgium's fixture: June 18 08:30 PM | Belgium vs Panama | Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi June 23 05:30 PM | Belgium vs Tunisia | Otkrytiye Arena, Moscow June 28 11:30 PM | England vs Belgium | Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad Provisional 28-man World Cup squad: Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea/ENG), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool/ENG), Matz Sels (Anderlecht), Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg/GER) Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen (both Tottenham Hotspurs/ENG), Dedryck Boyata (Celtic/SCO), Laurent Ciman (Los Angeles FC/USA), Christian Kabasele (Watford/ENG), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City/ENG), Jordan Lukaku (Lazio/ITA), Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona/ESP) Midfielders: Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Yannick Carrasco (Dalian Yifang/CHN), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/ENG), Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion/ENG), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United/ENG), Eden Hazard (Chelsea/ENG), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Monchengladbach/GER), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad/ESP), Youri Tielemans (Monaco/FRA), Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian/CHN) Forwards: Dries Mertens (Napoli/ITA), Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea/ENG), Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace/ENG), Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United/ENG)

FIFA World Cup 2018: A complete profile of Belgium

India’s largest travelling film festival - Jagran Film Festival, which is in its 9th&nbsp;edition this year,&nbsp;has received movie entries across 116 countries.

The festival has received a total of 3,080 movie entries so far, wherein 967 are from India, 249 from Iran, 243 from the United States, 123 from Spain, 118 from Brazil, 118 from France and 107 from Turkey.&nbsp;

Besides these countries, other participating countries include - Pakistan, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Poland, Malaysia and many more.

Scheduled to be inaugurated in New Delhi from&nbsp;June 29th, 2018, the festival invites film entries from filmmakers across several categories.&nbsp;

All the films in the competition sections would be previewed by the pre-selection panels comprising of filmmakers and film critics.&nbsp;

This panel includes names like Shivani Pandey, Sujata Shiven, Vinod Kapoor, Manjula Shirodkar, Sanjay Dattani and Sharad Dutt.

The festival will begin in New Delhi in June this year and will continue to tour in Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gorakhpur, Agra, Ludhiana, Hissar, Meerut, Raipur before concluding in Mumbai in&nbsp;September 2018.

9th edition Jagran Film Festival has incessantly carried the ‘Cinematic Culture’ from metro cities to smaller cities thereby spreading and promoting the appreciation of the cinematic art at the grass root level.&nbsp;

<img alt="ko.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/ko.jpg" width="770" />

<img alt="Untitled design_4.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Untitled%20design_4.jpg" width="770" />

<img alt="ju_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/ju_0.jpg" width="770" />

The festival has already received a total of 3,080 movie entries from around the world

India’s largest travelling film festival - Jagran Film Festival, which is in its 9th edition this year, has received movie entries across 116 countries. The festival has received a total of 3,080 movie entries so far, wherein 967 are from India, 249 from Iran, 243 from the United States, 123 from Spain, 118 from Brazil, 118 from France and 107 from Turkey. Besides these countries, other participating countries include - Pakistan, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Poland, Malaysia and many more. Scheduled to be inaugurated in New Delhi from June 29th, 2018, the festival invites film entries from filmmakers across several categories. All the films in the competition sections would be previewed by the pre-selection panels comprising of filmmakers and film critics. This panel includes names like Shivani Pandey, Sujata Shiven, Vinod Kapoor, Manjula Shirodkar, Sanjay Dattani and Sharad Dutt. The festival will begin in New Delhi in June this year and will continue to tour in Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gorakhpur, Agra, Ludhiana, Hissar, Meerut, Raipur before concluding in Mumbai in September 2018. 9th edition Jagran Film Festival has incessantly carried the ‘Cinematic Culture’ from metro cities to smaller cities thereby spreading and promoting the appreciation of the cinematic art at the grass root level.

India’s largest travelling film festival, Jagran to kickstart in June this year

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/terrorist-attacker-kills-three-in-belgiums-liege-gunman-dead-140693">'Terrorist' attacker kills three in Belgium's Liege, gunman dead</a>

A man killed two policewomen and a bystander in the Belgian city of Liege on Tuesday before being shot dead in a gunbattle at a school in what prosecutors are treating as a terrorist attack.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/what-is-the-s-400-missile-defence-system-that-india-is-eyeing-to-buy-140653">What is the S-400 missile defence system that India is eyeing to buy</a>

India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the Indian Air Force. S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/gaza-militants-launch-heavy-barrage-into-israel-israel-responds-with-air-strikes-140675">Gaza militants launch heavy barrage into Israel, Israel responds with air strikes</a>

Palestinian militants on Tuesday launched their heaviest mortar bomb barrage against Israel since a 2014 Gaza war and Israeli aircraft struck Islamic Jihad camps in the enclave in response.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-says-meetings-taking-place-on-us-north-korea-summit-140683">Trump says meetings taking place on US-North Korea summit</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that several meetings were being carried out between the US and North Korea ahead of the historic summit and confirmed that a top North Korean official was en route to New York.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/up-bypolls-re-polling-to-take-place-at-73-booths-in-kairana-140707">UP </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/up-bypolls-re-polling-to-take-place-at-73-booths-in-kairana-140707">bypolls</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/up-bypolls-re-polling-to-take-place-at-73-booths-in-kairana-140707">: Re-polling to take place at 73 booths in Kairana</a>

73 polling stations in Uttar Pradesh's Kairana Lok Sabha constituency will see repolling on Wednesday, the Election Commission has said.

&nbsp

&nbsp

'Terrorist' attacker kills three in Belgium's Liege, gunman dead A man killed two policewomen and a bystander in the Belgian city of Liege on Tuesday before being shot dead in a gunbattle at a school in what prosecutors are treating as a terrorist attack. What is the S-400 missile defence system that India is eyeing to buy India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the Indian Air Force. S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. Gaza militants launch heavy barrage into Israel, Israel responds with air strikes Palestinian militants on Tuesday launched their heaviest mortar bomb barrage against Israel since a 2014 Gaza war and Israeli aircraft struck Islamic Jihad camps in the enclave in response. Trump says meetings taking place on US-North Korea summit US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that several meetings were being carried out between the US and North Korea ahead of the historic summit and confirmed that a top North Korean official was en route to New York. UP bypolls: Re-polling to take place at 73 booths in Kairana 73 polling stations in Uttar Pradesh's Kairana Lok Sabha constituency will see repolling on Wednesday, the Election Commission has said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Eden Hazard fully expects to be at Chelsea next season but says he is in no hurry to sign a new contract as he wants the club to prove their ambition by bringing in players capable of winning the Premier League.&nbsp;

The 27-year-old's current deal expires in 2020 and Chelsea have been keen to tie him to the club amid persistent speculation about a move to Spain.

Chelsea finished fifth in the league, and while they have the chance to end the season on a high with Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United, Hazard said the club must look to improve the squad for a title challenge.

"I'm waiting for new players next season. I want good players because I want to win the Premier League next season," Hazard told British media.

Belgium forward said that his next contract might be the last one he signs while he is in the prime of his career.

"That's why I' m taking my time. It's something big, so I need to think about a lot of things. But one thing is for sure: I'm happy here," he added.

"... I think the FA Cup final is not my last game for Chelsea. It's the last game of the season, that's it... "

 
&nbsp;

The 27-year-old's current deal expires in 2020 and Chelsea have been keen to tie him to the club amid persistent speculation about a move to Spain

Eden Hazard fully expects to be at Chelsea next season but says he is in no hurry to sign a new contract as he wants the club to prove their ambition by bringing in players capable of winning the Premier League. The 27-year-old's current deal expires in 2020 and Chelsea have been keen to tie him to the club amid persistent speculation about a move to Spain. Chelsea finished fifth in the league, and while they have the chance to end the season on a high with Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United, Hazard said the club must look to improve the squad for a title challenge. "I'm waiting for new players next season. I want good players because I want to win the Premier League next season," Hazard told British media. Belgium forward said that his next contract might be the last one he signs while he is in the prime of his career. "That's why I' m taking my time. It's something big, so I need to think about a lot of things. But one thing is for sure: I'm happy here," he added. "... I think the FA Cup final is not my last game for Chelsea. It's the last game of the season, that's it... "

Chelsea must show ambition with new signings: Eden Hazard

The mega event hosted by Russia will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world

FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup

Police closed down a street in southern Brussels in a major security operation involving specialist armed units on Thursday after a report of a possible murder.

A police spokeswoman denied media reports that an armed gunman was hiding in the area. She said that the special units of the federal police had been deployed after a Polish man reported that someone had been murdered in the morning.

Brussels is still on alert after suicide bombers killed 32 people at the airport and on the metro in March 2016.

Brussels is still on alert after suicide bombers killed 32 people at the airport and on the metro in March 2016

Police closed down a street in southern Brussels in a major security operation involving specialist armed units on Thursday after a report of a possible murder. A police spokeswoman denied media reports that an armed gunman was hiding in the area. She said that the special units of the federal police had been deployed after a Polish man reported that someone had been murdered in the morning. Brussels is still on alert after suicide bombers killed 32 people at the airport and on the metro in March 2016.

Belgian police set up security cordon after murder report

At least one armed man is holed up inside a building in Brussels, media reports said.

The building is reportedly in the forest area in Brussels. There are no reports of any injuries so far.

Reports said police have surrounded the area which is situated in&nbsp;Saint-Denis Square.

Armed officers blocked traffic while a helicopter hovered over the scene of the incident in the Forest district, an AFP journalist said.

&quot;At this stage it seems to be a private dispute. There is absolutely no link with terrorism,&quot; police said.

There are no reports of any injuries so far.

At least one armed man is holed up inside a building in Brussels, media reports said. The building is reportedly in the forest area in Brussels. There are no reports of any injuries so far. Reports said police have surrounded the area which is situated in Saint-Denis Square. Armed officers blocked traffic while a helicopter hovered over the scene of the incident in the Forest district, an AFP journalist said. "At this stage it seems to be a private dispute. There is absolutely no link with terrorism," police said.

1 armed man holed up in Brussels building; no terror link, says police

A Belgian court has asked Facebook to stop tracking internet users in the country without their consent. According to a report, the social media giant may face a fine up to 100 million euros if it fails to adhere to the directive.

The US firm must &quot;stop following and recording internet use by people surfing in Belgium until it complies with Belgian privacy laws,&quot; the Brussels court said in a statement.&nbsp;

The Mark Zuckerberg-led company may also face a daily penalty of 250,000 euros. According to the court, the social media site was found guilty of breaching Belgium`s privacy laws.&nbsp;

Social media platforms track their users and their activities with the help of &#39;social-plugins&#39;, &#39;cookies&#39; and &#39;pixels&#39;.

Facebook is likely to appeal against the verdict.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Facebook is likely to appeal against the verdict

A Belgian court has asked Facebook to stop tracking internet users in the country without their consent. According to a report, the social media giant may face a fine up to 100 million euros if it fails to adhere to the directive. The US firm must "stop following and recording internet use by people surfing in Belgium until it complies with Belgian privacy laws," the Brussels court said in a statement. The Mark Zuckerberg-led company may also face a daily penalty of 250,000 euros. According to the court, the social media site was found guilty of breaching Belgium`s privacy laws. Social media platforms track their users and their activities with the help of 'social-plugins', 'cookies' and 'pixels'. Facebook is likely to appeal against the verdict. (With inputs from agencies)

Belgium: Facebook has been asked to stop tracking internet users

The European Commission said Thursday that US social media giants have made an effort to comply with EU consumer protection rules, but that Facebook and Twitter have not made all the required changes.

&quot;While Google&#39;s latest proposals appear to be in line with the requests made by consumer authorities, Facebook and, more significantly, Twitter, have only partially addressed important issues about their liability and about how users are informed of possible content removal or contract termination,&quot; the Commission, the EU&#39;s executive arm, said in a statement.

The three major internet companies had published on Thursday the changes they are making to comply with the demands of European regulators, which must be implemented in all languages &nbsp;by spring.

Some of those changes include having the right to withdraw from an online purchase; being able to lodge complaints in Europe rather than in California where the companies are based; and the platforms being responsible towards EU consumers in the same way as off-line services.

&quot;I am pleased that the enforcement of EU rules to protect consumers by national authorities is bearing fruit, as some companies are now making their platforms safer for consumers; however, it is unacceptable that this is still not complete and it is taking so much time,&quot; said Vera Jourova, European commissioner for justice, consumers and gender equality.

The European Union&#39;s demands to the US internet giants were made in November 2016 following numerous complaints by consumers in Europe about being hit with fraud and scams when using their websites.

There were also concerns by consumer protection authorities about requesting the removal of illegal content.

The Commission said unlike Google, Facebook and Twitter have not set up deadlines to deal with the requests of national authorities.

Monique Goyens, director general of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), said the situation with the social media companies showed that the EU needs to update consumer law to strengthen sanction powers.

&quot;What this shows is that there is a need for real sanction powers when a company does not respect EU law,&quot; she said in a statement.

&quot;The incentive for companies to comply with the law is rather low. These fines should not be symbolic but a real deterrent, going up to a percentage of the company&rsquo;s annual worldwide turnover,&rdquo; she added.

The three major internet companies had published on Thursday the changes they are making to comply with the demands of European regulators, which must be implemented in all languages by spring

The European Commission said Thursday that US social media giants have made an effort to comply with EU consumer protection rules, but that Facebook and Twitter have not made all the required changes. "While Google's latest proposals appear to be in line with the requests made by consumer authorities, Facebook and, more significantly, Twitter, have only partially addressed important issues about their liability and about how users are informed of possible content removal or contract termination," the Commission, the EU's executive arm, said in a statement. The three major internet companies had published on Thursday the changes they are making to comply with the demands of European regulators, which must be implemented in all languages by spring. Some of those changes include having the right to withdraw from an online purchase; being able to lodge complaints in Europe rather than in California where the companies are based; and the platforms being responsible towards EU consumers in the same way as off-line services. "I am pleased that the enforcement of EU rules to protect consumers by national authorities is bearing fruit, as some companies are now making their platforms safer for consumers; however, it is unacceptable that this is still not complete and it is taking so much time," said Vera Jourova, European commissioner for justice, consumers and gender equality. The European Union's demands to the US internet giants were made in November 2016 following numerous complaints by consumers in Europe about being hit with fraud and scams when using their websites. There were also concerns by consumer protection authorities about requesting the removal of illegal content. The Commission said unlike Google, Facebook and Twitter have not set up deadlines to deal with the requests of national authorities. Monique Goyens, director general of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), said the situation with the social media companies showed that the EU needs to update consumer law to strengthen sanction powers. "What this shows is that there is a need for real sanction powers when a company does not respect EU law," she said in a statement. "The incentive for companies to comply with the law is rather low. These fines should not be symbolic but a real deterrent, going up to a percentage of the company’s annual worldwide turnover,” she added.

Facebook, Twitter not fully complying with consumer rules: European Commission

The Indian men&#39;s hockey team produced a spirited perfomance to upstage world No.3 Belgium 5-4 in its second match of the Four Nations Invitational Tournament&#39;s second leg here today.

India had earlier lost 1-2 to Belgium in the final of the first leg but held their nerve till the final hooter to come up with a winner in this high-tempo, high-speed match.

Rupinder Pal Singh (4&#39;, 42&#39;), Harmanpreet Singh (46&#39;), Lalit Upadhyay (53&#39;) and Dilpreet Singh (59&#39;) scored in India&#39;s win while John-John Dohmen (17&#39;), Felix Denayer (37&#39;), Alexander Hendrickx (45&#39;) and Tom Boon (56&#39;) scored for Belgium.

Sjoerd Marijne-coached India began the match with disciplined structure, playing two-touch hockey to rotate the ball swiftly and accurately to pave their way into Belgium&#39;s striking circle.

The effort paid off early when Vivek Sagar Prasad made a quick penetration from the left flank forcing Belgian defender to foul which resulted in the first penalty corner of the match.

It was in-form Rupinder Pal Singh, who stepped up for the drag flick, improvising on Lalit Upadhyay&#39;s injection to fiercely put the ball into the top net. The early 1-0 lead undoubtedly put the Belgians on the backfoot.

But the European side came back in the second quarter with a potent attack that put pressure on the Indian defence. A top of the circle penetration by John-John Dohmen caught the Indian defender Varun Kumar off-guard, as he positioned himself comfortably to take a successful reverse hit leveling the score 1-1.

A PC won by Belgium in the 24th minute saw dangerous Tom Boon take the flick but was brilliantly saved by Sreejesh who plunged to his left to snuff it away.

With seconds remaining for the second hooter, India won a PC but Rupinder&#39;s flick this time went wide ending the second quarter in a stalemate.

The match took a dramatic turn in the third quarter, with both teams displaying top quality skills to take the lead. It was Belgium who forced a foul in the Indian circle to win a PC in the 37th minute.

With a runner missing on the baseline, as they broke too early before the flick, Belgium tried a variation that worked with Felix nudging the ball into the post that put Belgium in 2-1 lead.

Minutes later, a defensive error in their circle saw Belgium give away a PC which was superbly struck by Rupinder in the similar fashion that he scored earlier fetching India the much-needed 2-2 equalizer in the 42nd minute.

Though India were resilient in their defence, an attempt to stop the Belgian forward in the baseline saw India concede a PC with just 43 seconds remaining for the third hooter.

Despite the drag flick being effectively saved by Sreejesh, Belgium kept the ball with Dohmen nudging it to Alexander Hendrickx who found the gap only to win Belgium the 3-2 lead.

With both teams unrelenting in their efforts, the final quarter was nerve-wracking as India came back from the break pressing Belgium high up.

India won a PC on the counter attack, and this time though Rupinder&#39;s drag flick was saved by the Belgian goal keeper Vincent Vanasch, the rebound landed with Harmanpreet Singh who made no mistake in whipping it past Vanasch leveling the score 3-3.

India were awarded yet another PC in the following minute but was well-saved, however, Belgium defence was punished when Vivek Prasad came up with brilliant stick work to dribble past Belgian defenders only to find Lalit unmanned in front of the post.

A perfectly timed deflection by Lalit put India in 4-3 lead in the 53rd minute.

Under pressure to keep the lead, India fumbled in the circle to concede a PC with less than five minutes for the final hooter and the error was punished by Belgian drag flicker Tom Boon who was fierce in his attempt to fetch his team a 4-4 equaliser.

With clock ticking away, both teams hunted for a winner, and despite Belgium holding the ball for most part could not break Indian defence. It was Sreejesh who made a brilliant save yet again to contain Cedric Charlier from scoring.

Seconds later, Indian forward Ramandeep Singh found himself making an ambitious circle entry from the top, turning around to beat Belgian defender, striking the ball towards the post. 
With Dilpreet Singh lurking around unmanned, it was another perfectly timed deflection by him that registered the win for India.

On January 27, India will take on Japan in their third match.

India had earlier lost 1-2 to Belgium in the final of the first leg but held their nerve till the final hooter to come up with a winner in this high-tempo, high-speed match.

The Indian men's hockey team produced a spirited perfomance to upstage world No.3 Belgium 5-4 in its second match of the Four Nations Invitational Tournament's second leg here today. India had earlier lost 1-2 to Belgium in the final of the first leg but held their nerve till the final hooter to come up with a winner in this high-tempo, high-speed match. Rupinder Pal Singh (4', 42'), Harmanpreet Singh (46'), Lalit Upadhyay (53') and Dilpreet Singh (59') scored in India's win while John-John Dohmen (17'), Felix Denayer (37'), Alexander Hendrickx (45') and Tom Boon (56') scored for Belgium. Sjoerd Marijne-coached India began the match with disciplined structure, playing two-touch hockey to rotate the ball swiftly and accurately to pave their way into Belgium's striking circle. The effort paid off early when Vivek Sagar Prasad made a quick penetration from the left flank forcing Belgian defender to foul which resulted in the first penalty corner of the match. It was in-form Rupinder Pal Singh, who stepped up for the drag flick, improvising on Lalit Upadhyay's injection to fiercely put the ball into the top net. The early 1-0 lead undoubtedly put the Belgians on the backfoot. But the European side came back in the second quarter with a potent attack that put pressure on the Indian defence. A top of the circle penetration by John-John Dohmen caught the Indian defender Varun Kumar off-guard, as he positioned himself comfortably to take a successful reverse hit leveling the score 1-1. A PC won by Belgium in the 24th minute saw dangerous Tom Boon take the flick but was brilliantly saved by Sreejesh who plunged to his left to snuff it away. With seconds remaining for the second hooter, India won a PC but Rupinder's flick this time went wide ending the second quarter in a stalemate. The match took a dramatic turn in the third quarter, with both teams displaying top quality skills to take the lead. It was Belgium who forced a foul in the Indian circle to win a PC in the 37th minute. With a runner missing on the baseline, as they broke too early before the flick, Belgium tried a variation that worked with Felix nudging the ball into the post that put Belgium in 2-1 lead. Minutes later, a defensive error in their circle saw Belgium give away a PC which was superbly struck by Rupinder in the similar fashion that he scored earlier fetching India the much-needed 2-2 equalizer in the 42nd minute. Though India were resilient in their defence, an attempt to stop the Belgian forward in the baseline saw India concede a PC with just 43 seconds remaining for the third hooter. Despite the drag flick being effectively saved by Sreejesh, Belgium kept the ball with Dohmen nudging it to Alexander Hendrickx who found the gap only to win Belgium the 3-2 lead. With both teams unrelenting in their efforts, the final quarter was nerve-wracking as India came back from the break pressing Belgium high up. India won a PC on the counter attack, and this time though Rupinder's drag flick was saved by the Belgian goal keeper Vincent Vanasch, the rebound landed with Harmanpreet Singh who made no mistake in whipping it past Vanasch leveling the score 3-3. India were awarded yet another PC in the following minute but was well-saved, however, Belgium defence was punished when Vivek Prasad came up with brilliant stick work to dribble past Belgian defenders only to find Lalit unmanned in front of the post. A perfectly timed deflection by Lalit put India in 4-3 lead in the 53rd minute. Under pressure to keep the lead, India fumbled in the circle to concede a PC with less than five minutes for the final hooter and the error was punished by Belgian drag flicker Tom Boon who was fierce in his attempt to fetch his team a 4-4 equaliser. With clock ticking away, both teams hunted for a winner, and despite Belgium holding the ball for most part could not break Indian defence. It was Sreejesh who made a brilliant save yet again to contain Cedric Charlier from scoring. Seconds later, Indian forward Ramandeep Singh found himself making an ambitious circle entry from the top, turning around to beat Belgian defender, striking the ball towards the post. With Dilpreet Singh lurking around unmanned, it was another perfectly timed deflection by him that registered the win for India. On January 27, India will take on Japan in their third match.

Four Nations hockey: India beat Belgium 5-4

After registering a stunning performance against the Olympic silver medallist Belgium in the quarter-finals hosts India will now lock horns with Olympic Champion and World No 1 Argentina in the semis of the Hockey World League Final on Friday.

During the entire tournament, predicting India&#39;s performance was next to impossible as inconsistency had been haunting the team so far. &nbsp;

And it would not be wrong to say that after such a spirited performance against Belgians, India has surely overcome its failure and are using it to their advantage.

But, India&#39;s next match with Argentina will definitely not be an easy ride. They have to come up with a different plan to and have to display a much-improved show to win the big game today.

India and Argentina have so far played 46 games against each other, out of which India have won 26, lost 16 and four ended in a tie.

If seen the previous matches, India was the only team that defeated Argentina on their way to gold medal triumph in 2016 Olympics. In Rio also, the Indians defeated Argentina 2-1 in the pool stages.

However, it still remains to be seen how Indian will handle the big match pressure against Argentina, which too had a relatively poor pool campaign before they registered their first win here in the quarterfinal.

Predicting India's performance in this tournament was next to impossible as inconsistency had been haunting the team.

After registering a stunning performance against the Olympic silver medallist Belgium in the quarter-finals hosts India will now lock horns with Olympic Champion and World No 1 Argentina in the semis of the Hockey World League Final on Friday. During the entire tournament, predicting India's performance was next to impossible as inconsistency had been haunting the team so far. And it would not be wrong to say that after such a spirited performance against Belgians, India has surely overcome its failure and are using it to their advantage. But, India's next match with Argentina will definitely not be an easy ride. They have to come up with a different plan to and have to display a much-improved show to win the big game today. India and Argentina have so far played 46 games against each other, out of which India have won 26, lost 16 and four ended in a tie. If seen the previous matches, India was the only team that defeated Argentina on their way to gold medal triumph in 2016 Olympics. In Rio also, the Indians defeated Argentina 2-1 in the pool stages. However, it still remains to be seen how Indian will handle the big match pressure against Argentina, which too had a relatively poor pool campaign before they registered their first win here in the quarterfinal.

HWL 2017: India to lock horns with World No-1 Argentina in semi-finals today

At a time when New Delhi and other parts of India are struggling to keep its noise and air pollution under permissible limits and extreme temperatures at bay, Belgium based, Deceuninck is eyeing a significant growth in India.

A 100 per cent subsidiary of Deceuninck Belgium, Deceuninck India looks to capitalise on the Government&#39;s housing sector push, has opened its first experiential store in Delhi.

The estimated market for the total door and window sector is around Rs. 15000 crores in India out of which uPVC has about 10 per cent share or roughly around Rs. 1600 crore.

&quot;We have made a significant investment in setting up 35,000 sqft warehouse in Chennai for stocking close to 400 tonnes of UPVC profile with more than 100 tonnes in the foiled finish since we commissioned the facility in 2013. The introduction of GST is a huge benefit to us as our tax costs reduced from earlier slab of 28 percent to 10.3 percent,&quot; said Global CEO Francis VanEeckhout.

&quot;Currently we are at around five per cent of the quality European and Domestic players which is around 30,000 tonnes. In the coming years, this 30,000 tonnes will grow substantially and we look forward to being in the top two. Considering the potential in India market, we expect to achieve multifold growth in next three years,&quot; added VanEeckhout.

&quot;India has a very high potential considering the growth of housing sector in India, implementation of new policies like RERA, GST, lower interest rates, higher disposable income in the mid-high end segment, affordable home sector growing at a fast pace given its infrastructure status and of course better informed, internet-savvy customers of today. Indian consumers gradually understand the necessity of high-quality windows behind the glamorous curtains,&quot; said country manager Deceuninck, Satish Kumar.

Deceuninck, however, plans to be in both the projects and a retail segment in India. the brand has huge experience from our Turkish subsidiary in the renovation and individual homeowner market.

It offers the widest range of products on both platforms - 60mm and 70mm. In addition Lift, n Slide systems and Bi-fold doors systems are also offered ready stock. Currently, Deceuninck has opened their first experiential store in Saket, Delhi and plan to start next in Bengaluru followed by Mumbai or Pune and Hyderabad.

The company aims to roll out a slew of marketing and promotional initiatives for next couples of years. In the next phase, similar experiential stores will be opened up in Bengaluru followed by Mumbai or Pune and Hyderabad.

A 100 per cent subsidiary of Deceuninck Belgium, Deceuninck India looks to capitalize on the Government's housing sector push, has opened its first experiential store in Delhi.

At a time when New Delhi and other parts of India are struggling to keep its noise and air pollution under permissible limits and extreme temperatures at bay, Belgium based, Deceuninck is eyeing a significant growth in India. A 100 per cent subsidiary of Deceuninck Belgium, Deceuninck India looks to capitalise on the Government's housing sector push, has opened its first experiential store in Delhi. The estimated market for the total door and window sector is around Rs. 15000 crores in India out of which uPVC has about 10 per cent share or roughly around Rs. 1600 crore. "We have made a significant investment in setting up 35,000 sqft warehouse in Chennai for stocking close to 400 tonnes of UPVC profile with more than 100 tonnes in the foiled finish since we commissioned the facility in 2013. The introduction of GST is a huge benefit to us as our tax costs reduced from earlier slab of 28 percent to 10.3 percent," said Global CEO Francis VanEeckhout. "Currently we are at around five per cent of the quality European and Domestic players which is around 30,000 tonnes. In the coming years, this 30,000 tonnes will grow substantially and we look forward to being in the top two. Considering the potential in India market, we expect to achieve multifold growth in next three years," added VanEeckhout. "India has a very high potential considering the growth of housing sector in India, implementation of new policies like RERA, GST, lower interest rates, higher disposable income in the mid-high end segment, affordable home sector growing at a fast pace given its infrastructure status and of course better informed, internet-savvy customers of today. Indian consumers gradually understand the necessity of high-quality windows behind the glamorous curtains," said country manager Deceuninck, Satish Kumar. Deceuninck, however, plans to be in both the projects and a retail segment in India. the brand has huge experience from our Turkish subsidiary in the renovation and individual homeowner market. It offers the widest range of products on both platforms - 60mm and 70mm. In addition Lift, n Slide systems and Bi-fold doors systems are also offered ready stock. Currently, Deceuninck has opened their first experiential store in Saket, Delhi and plan to start next in Bengaluru followed by Mumbai or Pune and Hyderabad. The company aims to roll out a slew of marketing and promotional initiatives for next couples of years. In the next phase, similar experiential stores will be opened up in Bengaluru followed by Mumbai or Pune and Hyderabad.

GST has been a big relief for the Indian market: Deceuninck

Catalonia&#39;s sacked separatist leader Carles Puigdemont and four of his former ministers were released with conditions in Belgium on Sunday after turning themselves in to face a Spanish warrant for their arrest.

A judge ordered the five, who fled Spain earlier this week after being accused of rebellion and sedition, not to leave Belgium until their extradition case is heard.

It is the latest twist in the crisis unleashed by the Catalan separatists&#39; push to break away from Spain, sending shock waves across Europe.

&#39;Fair and impartial&#39; process&nbsp;

Puigdemont and his allies escaped to Belgium last Monday after Spain dismissed the Catalan executive and imposed direct rule on the semi-autonomous region following the declaration of independence by the parliament there last month.

&quot;They were taken into custody at 9:17 am (0817 GMT),&quot; said Gilles Dejemeppe, a spokesman for Belgian prosecutors.

A white van believed to be carrying Puigdemont raced out of the Belgian prosecutor&#39;s office around 15 hours later,&nbsp;reporters witnessed.

&quot;The request made this afternoon by the Brussels&rsquo; Prosecutor&rsquo;s Office for the provisional release of all persons sought has been granted by the investigative judge,&quot; said the statement by the prosecutor&#39;s office shortly afterward.

The next court hearing will be in the following 15 days. Belgium has up to 60 days to decide whether to send the Catalans back to Spain.

Puigdemont&#39;s PDeCAT party said Sunday that he had turned himself in to show his &quot;willingness not to flee from the judicial process but to defend himself in a fair and impartial process, which is possible in Belgium, and highly doubtful in Spain&quot;.

Puigdemont wrote on Twitter on Saturday that he and his colleagues -- Meritxell Serret, Antoni Comin, Lluis Puig and Clara Ponsati -- would cooperate with the Belgian authorities.

Spain issued European arrest warrants on Friday after Puigdemont and his allies ignored a summons to appear before a judge on allegations linked to the move to declare Catalonia an independent republic.

The judge in Madrid had on Thursday put Puigdemont&#39;s deputy and seven other deposed regional ministers behind bars because of a risk they would flee.

&#39;Political influence&#39;&nbsp;

Puigdemont, 54, insists that Catalonia earned the right to declare independence following a banned referendum last month and has described his detained colleagues as &quot;political prisoners&quot;.

On Sunday, protesters in Catalan cities took to the streets to demand their release.

In Barcelona, city police said about 350 people gathered on the central University Square, shouting &quot;Freedom&quot; and carrying posters that read &quot;Freedom for political prisoners&quot;.

Others stuck posters demanding their release on walls throughout the city.

Puigdemont said he was not convinced by guarantees of a fair trial back home, denouncing the &quot;enormous pressure and political influence on judicial power in Spain.&quot;

The judge could &quot;refuse to hand over Puigdemont if there is a proven serious risk to his fundamental rights,&quot; said Anne Weyembergh, president of the Institute of European Studies at the Free University of Brussels.

She said the court would need to see evidence of criminal offences before executing the warrant.

But cases of refusal are rare, according to several lawyers interviewed by AFP.

&nbsp;Election candidate&nbsp;

Puigdemont, who still describes himself as Catalonia&#39;s &quot;president,&quot; has also said he is willing to run as a candidate in the December 21 regional election called by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to &quot;restore normality&quot; to Catalonia.

&quot;We want president Puigdemont to be the person who leads the big offensive we will carry out on the 21st at the polls,&quot; said Marta Pascal, a PDeCAT spokeswoman.

She said the conservative, pro-independence party was looking to put together a &quot;big united list&quot;, a day after Puigdemont himself called for separatists to unite in the election.

During the last regional election in September 2015, Puigdemont&#39;s PDeCAT and the leftwing ERC party joined for a &quot;Together for Yes&quot; coalition in Catalonia, a region of 7.5 million people.

With the help of the separatist far-left CUP party, they held an absolute majority in the 135-seat Catalan parliament, which was swiftly dissolved by Madrid under a never-used constitutional move after the October 27 independence proclamation.

But there have been growing tensions between the two allies over strategy and it is not clear if they will stand together again.

ERC leader Oriol Junqueras has been in custody since Thursday along with other members of Puigdemont&#39;s dismissed government who did not flee to Belgium.

Opinion polls published in several newspapers Sunday indicated that the ERC would come first in the December election, but that the independence coalition as a whole could lose its absolute majority.

But Puigdemont&#39;s party, which has been in power in the wealthy northeastern region for much of Spain&#39;s modern democratic era, would come fourth, the surveys&nbsp;

Carles Puigdemont and four of his former ministers were released with conditions in Belgium on Sunday

Catalonia's sacked separatist leader Carles Puigdemont and four of his former ministers were released with conditions in Belgium on Sunday after turning themselves in to face a Spanish warrant for their arrest. A judge ordered the five, who fled Spain earlier this week after being accused of rebellion and sedition, not to leave Belgium until their extradition case is heard. It is the latest twist in the crisis unleashed by the Catalan separatists' push to break away from Spain, sending shock waves across Europe. 'Fair and impartial' process Puigdemont and his allies escaped to Belgium last Monday after Spain dismissed the Catalan executive and imposed direct rule on the semi-autonomous region following the declaration of independence by the parliament there last month. "They were taken into custody at 9:17 am (0817 GMT)," said Gilles Dejemeppe, a spokesman for Belgian prosecutors. A white van believed to be carrying Puigdemont raced out of the Belgian prosecutor's office around 15 hours later, reporters witnessed. "The request made this afternoon by the Brussels’ Prosecutor’s Office for the provisional release of all persons sought has been granted by the investigative judge," said the statement by the prosecutor's office shortly afterward. The next court hearing will be in the following 15 days. Belgium has up to 60 days to decide whether to send the Catalans back to Spain. Puigdemont's PDeCAT party said Sunday that he had turned himself in to show his "willingness not to flee from the judicial process but to defend himself in a fair and impartial process, which is possible in Belgium, and highly doubtful in Spain". Puigdemont wrote on Twitter on Saturday that he and his colleagues -- Meritxell Serret, Antoni Comin, Lluis Puig and Clara Ponsati -- would cooperate with the Belgian authorities. Spain issued European arrest warrants on Friday after Puigdemont and his allies ignored a summons to appear before a judge on allegations linked to the move to declare Catalonia an independent republic. The judge in Madrid had on Thursday put Puigdemont's deputy and seven other deposed regional ministers behind bars because of a risk they would flee. 'Political influence' Puigdemont, 54, insists that Catalonia earned the right to declare independence following a banned referendum last month and has described his detained colleagues as "political prisoners". On Sunday, protesters in Catalan cities took to the streets to demand their release. In Barcelona, city police said about 350 people gathered on the central University Square, shouting "Freedom" and carrying posters that read "Freedom for political prisoners". Others stuck posters demanding their release on walls throughout the city. Puigdemont said he was not convinced by guarantees of a fair trial back home, denouncing the "enormous pressure and political influence on judicial power in Spain." The judge could "refuse to hand over Puigdemont if there is a proven serious risk to his fundamental rights," said Anne Weyembergh, president of the Institute of European Studies at the Free University of Brussels. She said the court would need to see evidence of criminal offences before executing the warrant. But cases of refusal are rare, according to several lawyers interviewed by AFP. Election candidate Puigdemont, who still describes himself as Catalonia's "president," has also said he is willing to run as a candidate in the December 21 regional election called by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to "restore normality" to Catalonia. "We want president Puigdemont to be the person who leads the big offensive we will carry out on the 21st at the polls," said Marta Pascal, a PDeCAT spokeswoman. She said the conservative, pro-independence party was looking to put together a "big united list", a day after Puigdemont himself called for separatists to unite in the election. During the last regional election in September 2015, Puigdemont's PDeCAT and the leftwing ERC party joined for a "Together for Yes" coalition in Catalonia, a region of 7.5 million people. With the help of the separatist far-left CUP party, they held an absolute majority in the 135-seat Catalan parliament, which was swiftly dissolved by Madrid under a never-used constitutional move after the October 27 independence proclamation. But there have been growing tensions between the two allies over strategy and it is not clear if they will stand together again. ERC leader Oriol Junqueras has been in custody since Thursday along with other members of Puigdemont's dismissed government who did not flee to Belgium. Opinion polls published in several newspapers Sunday indicated that the ERC would come first in the December election, but that the independence coalition as a whole could lose its absolute majority. But Puigdemont's party, which has been in power in the wealthy northeastern region for much of Spain's modern democratic era, would come fourth, the surveys

Sacked Catalan leader Puigdemont freed on bail in Belgium

Catalonia&#39;s deposed separatist leader Carles Puigdemont&nbsp;fled to&nbsp;Belgium on Monday and sought legal advice from&nbsp;a lawyer who has worked on asylum cases, as prosecutors in Spain demanded he be charged with rebellion.

The fresh twist in the secessionist crisis came as Catalans went to work for the first time since the central government imposed direct rule on the region after its parliament declared independence on Friday, with no major disruptions reported.

But as workers went about their daily business despite uncertainty generated by the declaration, a big question mark remained over Puigdemont&#39;s whereabouts.

He appeared on television on Saturday urging &quot;democratic opposition&quot; to Madrid&#39;s move to take power in the semi-autonomous northeastern region but has not been heard of since.

It eventually emerged he had travelled to Belgium, where he contacted Paul Bekaert, a lawyer who has in the past worked on asylum cases involving Spaniards in the Basque Country, once hit by decades of violence waged by armed separatist group ETA.

Speaking to Flemish television VRT on Monday, Bekaert said &quot;Mr. Puigdemont is not in Belgium to request asylum.&quot;

&quot;On this matter, nothing has yet been decided,&quot; he said, adding however that Puigdemont had appointed him as his lawyer.

Belgium&#39;s immigration minister, a member of the Flemish separatist N-VA party, suggested on Saturday that Puigdemont could receive asylum but Prime Minister Charles Michel later poured cold water on the idea.

In an interview with Catalonia&#39;s TV3 television, the region&#39;s axed vice president Oriol Junqueras said Puigdemont would explain Tuesday what he was doing in Belgium.

Rebellion, sedition accusations&nbsp;

Upping the ante in the standoff, Spain&#39;s chief prosecutor said he was seeking charges including rebellion -- punishable by up to 30 years in prison -- and sedition against the Catalan leaders who were sacked by the central government.

Jose Manuel Maza said they had &quot;caused an institutional crisis that led to the unilateral declaration of independence carried out on October 27 with total contempt for our constitution&quot;. A court now has to decide whether to bring charges.

Puigdemont maintains that the result of an independence referendum that took place on October 1 despite a court ban gave the region&#39;s parliament a mandate to declare it was breaking away from Spain.

Following this declaration, Madrid took control of the region under a previously unused &quot;nuclear option&quot; in the constitution.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called snap elections for December 21 to replace the Catalan parliament in a drastic bid to stop the secessionist drive.

Clear your desks&nbsp;

With its own language and distinct culture, Catalonia accounts for a fifth of the eurozone country&#39;s economy and had a high degree of autonomy over key sectors such as education, healthcare and the police.

On Sunday there was speculation that Catalan leaders and civil servants might seek to disrupt Madrid&#39;s move to impose direct rule once people returned to work on Monday.

Catalan police, now under orders from Madrid, were told they could allow the dismissed leaders to enter the government headquarters in Barcelona, but only to clear their desks.

But in the end, apart from one regional minister who tweeted a photo of himself at his desk, there was no major resistance.

&quot;For now everything is very quiet. People have returned to work as normal,&quot; said Joan Escanilla from the CSIF civil servants union.

Separatist parties to stand&nbsp;

Analyst Sandra Leon from York University in England told AFP that Rajoy&#39;s move to call snap elections appeared to have wrong-footed the separatist camp.

&quot;This isn&#39;t the framework they (the independence camp) had imagined of passive resistance, of mobilisation, that&#39;s changed completely,&quot; she said.

A member of Puigdemont&#39;s PDeCAT, which together with other separatist parties has a narrow majority in the Catalan parliament, said Monday that it would stand in the December election, against expectations of a possible boycott.

Junqueras said that his ERC party would also take part in the vote, which would be &quot;one more opportunity to make ourselves heard.&quot;

Whether the small far-left CUP party, an ally of Puigdemont, will also stand remains to be seen.

The international community including the European Union, struggling with Brexit and other challenges, has largely spurned the independence declaration and has united behind Madrid.

Catalonia's deposed separatist leader Carles Puigdemont sought legal advice in Belgium on Monday where he spoke to a lawyer who has worked on asylum cases, as prosecutors in Spain demanded he be charged with rebellion.

Catalonia's deposed separatist leader Carles Puigdemont fled to Belgium on Monday and sought legal advice from a lawyer who has worked on asylum cases, as prosecutors in Spain demanded he be charged with rebellion. The fresh twist in the secessionist crisis came as Catalans went to work for the first time since the central government imposed direct rule on the region after its parliament declared independence on Friday, with no major disruptions reported. But as workers went about their daily business despite uncertainty generated by the declaration, a big question mark remained over Puigdemont's whereabouts. He appeared on television on Saturday urging "democratic opposition" to Madrid's move to take power in the semi-autonomous northeastern region but has not been heard of since. It eventually emerged he had travelled to Belgium, where he contacted Paul Bekaert, a lawyer who has in the past worked on asylum cases involving Spaniards in the Basque Country, once hit by decades of violence waged by armed separatist group ETA. Speaking to Flemish television VRT on Monday, Bekaert said "Mr. Puigdemont is not in Belgium to request asylum." "On this matter, nothing has yet been decided," he said, adding however that Puigdemont had appointed him as his lawyer. Belgium's immigration minister, a member of the Flemish separatist N-VA party, suggested on Saturday that Puigdemont could receive asylum but Prime Minister Charles Michel later poured cold water on the idea. In an interview with Catalonia's TV3 television, the region's axed vice president Oriol Junqueras said Puigdemont would explain Tuesday what he was doing in Belgium. Rebellion, sedition accusations Upping the ante in the standoff, Spain's chief prosecutor said he was seeking charges including rebellion -- punishable by up to 30 years in prison -- and sedition against the Catalan leaders who were sacked by the central government. Jose Manuel Maza said they had "caused an institutional crisis that led to the unilateral declaration of independence carried out on October 27 with total contempt for our constitution". A court now has to decide whether to bring charges. Puigdemont maintains that the result of an independence referendum that took place on October 1 despite a court ban gave the region's parliament a mandate to declare it was breaking away from Spain. Following this declaration, Madrid took control of the region under a previously unused "nuclear option" in the constitution. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called snap elections for December 21 to replace the Catalan parliament in a drastic bid to stop the secessionist drive. Clear your desks With its own language and distinct culture, Catalonia accounts for a fifth of the eurozone country's economy and had a high degree of autonomy over key sectors such as education, healthcare and the police. On Sunday there was speculation that Catalan leaders and civil servants might seek to disrupt Madrid's move to impose direct rule once people returned to work on Monday. Catalan police, now under orders from Madrid, were told they could allow the dismissed leaders to enter the government headquarters in Barcelona, but only to clear their desks. But in the end, apart from one regional minister who tweeted a photo of himself at his desk, there was no major resistance. "For now everything is very quiet. People have returned to work as normal," said Joan Escanilla from the CSIF civil servants union. Separatist parties to stand Analyst Sandra Leon from York University in England told AFP that Rajoy's move to call snap elections appeared to have wrong-footed the separatist camp. "This isn't the framework they (the independence camp) had imagined of passive resistance, of mobilisation, that's changed completely," she said. A member of Puigdemont's PDeCAT, which together with other separatist parties has a narrow majority in the Catalan parliament, said Monday that it would stand in the December election, against expectations of a possible boycott. Junqueras said that his ERC party would also take part in the vote, which would be "one more opportunity to make ourselves heard." Whether the small far-left CUP party, an ally of Puigdemont, will also stand remains to be seen. The international community including the European Union, struggling with Brexit and other challenges, has largely spurned the independence declaration and has united behind Madrid.

Accused of rebellion Catalon leader 'flees to Belgium'

Three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will start his 200th Grand Prix in Belgium this weekend, seeking to match German legend Michael Schumacher&#39;s record of 68 pole positions.

With the summer break out of the way, the British driver will be chasing his fifth win of the season as he bids to claw back points on title-race leader, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.

Back in Europe after spending F1&#39;s now-traditional European summer break in the Caribbean, Hamilton, who gave up third for his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in Hungary, lies 14 points behind Vettel.

Hamilton won at Spa in 2015, but was beaten by team-mate and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg last year and has had mixed results at the famous old sprawling and high-speed circuit.

In 2008, when he won his first title, he was relegated from first to third for cutting a chicane, and he has suffered in other incidents including a collision with Rosberg, that left him with a puncture, in 2014.

Seeking his third Belgian win, Hamilton will be the pre-race favourite to win again but knows that Ferrari have regained the momentum in the title race following their dominant one-two finish led by Vettel in Hungary.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff has already warned his squad not to take anything for granted.

&quot;Assumptions are dangerous,&quot; he said. &quot;We have seen too many times already this season that the form book can be rewritten from one weekend to the next.

&quot;So we will be making no assumptions.&quot;

The race may also be affected &ndash;- as often in the past -&ndash; by the capricious micro-climate of the region, which can mean parts of the track are under water in rainfall while others remain dry.

That, for Max Verstappen, may be a bonus as he bids to put a mixed season to date back on the road.&nbsp;

&quot;I just love the track and it&#39;ll be nice seeing so many orange fans in the stands,&quot; said Red Bull&#39;s Belgium-born Dutch driver.

&quot;Spa is my favourite track -- you have to get everything right, but when you get a good lap, it&#39;s very rewarding.&quot;

That could also be said of Ferrari&#39;s second driver Kimi Raikkonen, a four-time Spa winner, who has been confirmed on the team&#39;s roster next year.

&quot;It will not be easy for us, as Mercedes has the horsepower, but we will do what we can and who knows? Let&#39;s see what happens.&quot;

A big crowd is expected to camp out and herald Formula One&#39;s &quot;return to work&quot; from the beach at this weekend&#39;s Belgian Grand Prix where Stoffel Vandoorne will hope to mark his retention by McLaren with a strong showing in front of his home fans.

With the summer break out of the way, the British driver will be chasing his fifth win of the season as he bids to claw back points on title-race leader, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari

Three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will start his 200th Grand Prix in Belgium this weekend, seeking to match German legend Michael Schumacher's record of 68 pole positions. With the summer break out of the way, the British driver will be chasing his fifth win of the season as he bids to claw back points on title-race leader, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. Back in Europe after spending F1's now-traditional European summer break in the Caribbean, Hamilton, who gave up third for his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in Hungary, lies 14 points behind Vettel. Hamilton won at Spa in 2015, but was beaten by team-mate and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg last year and has had mixed results at the famous old sprawling and high-speed circuit. In 2008, when he won his first title, he was relegated from first to third for cutting a chicane, and he has suffered in other incidents including a collision with Rosberg, that left him with a puncture, in 2014. Seeking his third Belgian win, Hamilton will be the pre-race favourite to win again but knows that Ferrari have regained the momentum in the title race following their dominant one-two finish led by Vettel in Hungary. Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff has already warned his squad not to take anything for granted. "Assumptions are dangerous," he said. "We have seen too many times already this season that the form book can be rewritten from one weekend to the next. "So we will be making no assumptions." The race may also be affected –- as often in the past -– by the capricious micro-climate of the region, which can mean parts of the track are under water in rainfall while others remain dry. That, for Max Verstappen, may be a bonus as he bids to put a mixed season to date back on the road. "I just love the track and it'll be nice seeing so many orange fans in the stands," said Red Bull's Belgium-born Dutch driver. "Spa is my favourite track -- you have to get everything right, but when you get a good lap, it's very rewarding." That could also be said of Ferrari's second driver Kimi Raikkonen, a four-time Spa winner, who has been confirmed on the team's roster next year. "It will not be easy for us, as Mercedes has the horsepower, but we will do what we can and who knows? Let's see what happens." A big crowd is expected to camp out and herald Formula One's "return to work" from the beach at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix where Stoffel Vandoorne will hope to mark his retention by McLaren with a strong showing in front of his home fans.

Formula One: Hamilton eyes Schumacher record in 200th race

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